It’s hard not to look at my new Santa Cruz TRc without a twinge of buyers remorse after receiving a text with the news of the new 650b trail bike release today from Santa Cruz Bicycles. Dubbed the Solo, it’s the logical successor to the recent release of the Bronson with it’s tweener sized 650b wheels. With the news of the Juliana Line, there were hints this was coming, and less than a week later, Santa Cruz goes all in on 650b.
Essentially a Blur TRc with the 27.5″/ 650b wheels, the Solo features similar specs to the Blur Trail with a 142mm through axle rear end, 125mm of VPP suspension travel, low bottom bracket height and short chainstays. Besides the checklist of features that made the TRc so well received, it also adds the internal routing for a Reverb Stealth seatpost, and ISCG tabs. It also resolves one of the biggest gripes we have with the TRc in regards to sizing: the large frame now features an 18.5″ center to top measurement on the seat tube. Since the reach runs short on Santa Cruz Bikes in general, this is a long over due feature that riders with long torsos and short inseams will find of great value, as running a 5″ dropper post becomes a more likely possibility, as opposed to being stuck with a 4″ model.
santa cruz solo from santa cruz bikes on Vimeo.
Frame weight is 2295g (5.06lbs) for size medium. That’s about a 1/4″ lb. heavier than the TRc, with complete bikes weights likely to be a bit more as well, unless you’re up for mortgaging a kidney for the no-holds barred Carbon Enve wheel spec. (I find it interesting that complete weights aren’t available yet)
I’ll have to admit, I’m feeling a bit sore at the moment, as I’m still paying off my new TRc, as price reductions on it are likely to follow with the mania over 650b taking hold. It’s also available in a less wallet busting alloy version for those who aren’t feeling carbon.
If you’re in the market for a new ride and ready to purge yourself of all your 26″ gear, the Solo comes in Black and Orange. Check it out at Santa Cruz Bicycles
