Having just swapped from a pre-superlight Heckler to an Uzzi SL, my view would be that suspension performance wise the Uzzi beats the SC hands down. It climbs as well, but in a different way, but DH it's amazing, being more supple and without the braking induced stiffening of swing arm bikes.

If SC have managed to build a bike that works as well as the Intense, that doesn't bob, but is only 1/2 lb heavier than a superlight, then they've got a winner.

Maintenance of bearings is not a huge issue. It took me a bout 3 hrs to change all the bearings on the Intense (bought it s/h) Cost £35. The S/C took less time, but the bearings (2 rather than 8) cost me £28 - some weird american size. Friends with Uzzis reckon bearings last 18mths + (same as the SC).

Cost isn't that unreasonable either compared to Intense, Ellsworth, Titus etc, particulary given its cutting edge technology.

If I hadn't picked up the Uzzi cheap, I'd probably have one on order...

Youch! I could imagine a lot of cursing was done that day...

Breaking swingarms I mean, not changing bearings.

Talking of bikes weighing more than they should, have you seen the review of the Titus in the new MBR? Apparently the boss of Titus was 'surprised' that the test bike weighed in at 27.5lbs, he said it should be nearer 24 with the quoted spec. How's that then?

Witchcraft?

So has anyone ridden a Blur yet?

I am constantly amazed at the way components are actually heavier than their quoted weight. Calibrated balances really aren't that hard to come by (although calibrated marketing departments may be ;-)

If the blur is only half a pound heavier than the SL then it should be possible to build a 25.5/26lb version without serious compromise for under £3K. However if you want things like Forx etc. then it will be harder to keep the weight down. But then the whole point is about ride, rather than weight, isn't it? Back in a circle again.

The Blur is one or several on my list of possibles for 2003... but, I think I'm gonna wait for the Intense "Spider" VPP. Apperently they will be showcasing it at Interbike, with bikes ready early 2003. It looks soooo much better than the Blur & according to the blurb on it.. it's a lighter frame than the SC offering.

Well I just bought a Spec Enduro, and yes I'd love a Blur/Spider, but for £599, you can't really argue.
I just hope it doesn't break, and if it does, take it back and get a 2003 one!

Oh, and I'm swapping it for my element, as I want true 4bar linkage design.

Just been chatting to my friendly LBS. Managed to get a ride on one of the new VPP marins and was blown away so SC certainly have competition, especially given that the marins'll be half the price