[Blur 90 Trail 2026
– Santa Cruz Bicycles](https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/products/blur-90-tr-2026?utm_source=openai)**Santa Cruz Blur 5: The Cross-Country Bike for Adventurers**Santa Cruz has unveiled the fifth generation of its Blur model, a cross-country (XC) bike designed for riders seeking both performance and versatility. While the Blur 5 retains the sleek lines and overall concept of its predecessor, it introduces several refinements to enhance the riding experience.
Suspension: 120mm Travel and Refined Kinematics
The Blur 5 standardizes its suspension with 120mm of travel front and rear, moving away from the previous choice between the 100mm XC and 115/120mm Trail versions. This unified approach simplifies the lineup and offers a balanced ride suitable for various terrains. The frame maintains the Superlight monocoque design with flexible seatstays, but the linkage has been updated, and the suspension curve has been significantly reworked. The result is a more progressive suspension that provides better mid-stroke support and improved pedaling efficiency under power, while still offering excellent sensitivity to small bumps and a progressive end-stroke to absorb larger impacts.
Geometry: Extended for Enhanced Stability
The Blur 5’s geometry evolves to offer greater stability without sacrificing agility. The head angle is slackened to 66°, a 2° decrease from its predecessor, enhancing descending confidence. The seat angle is steepened to 75° to optimize climbing posture on steep ascents. The reach is notably increased (475mm in size Large), paired with shorter 50mm or 60mm stems, positioning the rider “in” the bike for better control. Additionally, the seat tube is lowered, allowing for longer dropper posts, which are becoming increasingly popular in XC.
Premium Carbon Frame with Practical Features
Santa Cruz opts for the high-end CC carbon frame for the Blur 5, utilizing advanced tube shaping and carbon layup to reduce weight without compromising stiffness or durability. The frame comes with a lifetime warranty, covering the frame and bearings, with no rider weight limit. Practical features include the Glovebox V2, an integrated storage compartment in the downtube, providing space for essentials like tubes, tools, and nutrition, all protected in two small bags included with the bike. Internal cable routing is guided end-to-end, ensuring compatibility with mechanical cable-driven drivetrains without routing through the head tube. The frame also includes a OneUp integrated chain guide, a protective guard under the downtube, and an anti-rattle chainstay protector. Two bottle mounts are available on the front triangle, even on models equipped with the electronic Flight Attendant suspension system, which has a larger external housing. Additionally, two bolts under the top tube allow for the attachment of a multi-tool or quick-access tubeless kit.
Two Build Philosophies: Standard & Race
Santa Cruz offers the Blur 5 in two distinct build approaches to cater to different riding styles:
-
Standard Builds: Designed for versatile riding and light trail use, these builds feature a 20mm rise handlebar with a 50mm stem, Fox suspension, and Maxxis Aspen AT 2.4″ tires.
-
Race Builds: Tailored for competitive XC racing, these builds come with a flat handlebar and a 60mm stem, suspension lockouts on the handlebar, RockShox suspension, and faster-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ tires.
Pricing and Availability
The Santa Cruz Blur 5 will be available in stores starting in August. The pricing for the various models is as follows:
-
Blur 5 CC XX FA Race RSV (Flight Attendant / 11.2 kg): €12,499
-
Blur 5 CC XTR Di2 RSV (11.4 kg): €10,999
-
Blur 5 CC X0 AXS RSV (11.6 kg): €9,499
-
Blur 5 CC GX AXS Race RSV (12.0 kg): €7,999
-
Blur 5 CC SRAM 90 (12.5 kg): €5,999
-
Blur 5 CC Deore 7200 (13.2 kg): €4,999
-
Frame Kit Blur CC: €3,899
On-Trail Impressions
Our initial rides on the Blur 5 have been promising. The bike feels more composed, offering increased stability and comfort over rough sections. It maintains its agility, allowing for quick direction changes and providing a fun riding experience. The updated suspension kinematics deliver better mid-stroke support and improved pedaling efficiency under power, while still offering excellent sensitivity to small bumps and a progressive end-stroke to absorb larger impacts. The geometry adjustments enhance descending confidence without compromising climbing performance. The practical features, such as the Glovebox V2, add convenience for long rides. Overall, the Blur 5 appears to be a well-rounded XC bike suitable for both competitive racing and adventurous trail riding.
For more information, visit Santa Cruz Bicycles’ official website.