Santa Cruz Launch the new Blur 5

Already one of our all time favourite bikes, the Santa Cruz Blur just got even better with a new version launching today that adds a load of functionality and downhill capability to their XC bike, while keeping it every bit as racy uphill as ever. For those looking for just the headlines, they are:

New Santa Cruz Blur 5 Updates

• Increase in rear travel to 120mm
• Substantial geometry changes, with a much longer reach per size, lower BB and slacker head angle
• In-frame storage and accessory mounts added
• Suspension made more progressive for better small bump performance
• Cables and Brake hose now ‘tube in tube’ routed. 
• Frame weight stays the same as Blur 4 at 1.98kg

The New Blur 5 and the Evolution of XC Bikes 

Not so very long ago, XC race bikes were really only for XC racing with super steep head angles and short wheelbases which made them at best ‘exciting’ to descend on. Over the last few years however things have really changed as world cup courses have become more and more technical. Re-designed with technical descending in mind, the bikes have become more like mini-trail bikes than the XC bikes of old and as a result have also become an absolute hoot to ride. 

Moving around the hill with a speed that will blow the mind of anyone who’s never ridden one, they’re also a riot on the right descents, with modern geometry and just enough suspension making for an ultra fast and engaging ride. The new Blur leans right into that trend, with the V5 looking like easily the most trail capable and hard hitting Bur ever, while remaining every bit as light and raceable as it ever was. 

The biggest changes in that direction come from geometry tuning, with the new bike substantially adjusted from the already trail capable Blur 4. In a size Large for example, the Reach jumps from 458mm to 475mm, Head Angle (with a 120mm fork) slackens more than a degree from 67.’1 to 66’ and the BB sits 6mm lower at 334mm. At the same time, the seat angle steepens a full degree to 75’ and both rear centre and wheelbase are increased. Those still aren’t quite the numbers from a big enduro bike, but for a short travel race bike intended for fast singletrack riding, they look pretty much ideal for flat out descending. 

Just the geometry tweaks alone would be significant, but at the same time, Santa Cruz have also bumped the Blur 5 up to 120mm rear travel (5mm more than the TR version of the Blur 4) and adjusted the suspension curve, adding some extra progression at the start of the stroke to improve small bump performance along with more support in what Santa Cruz are calling the pedalling zone. There’s also now a tiny drop in leverage rate at the very end of the suspension, helping to overcome the ramp up at the bottom caused by air shocks to let the bike actually use all its travel.

That together with the updated geometry is going to result in a more comfortable, confidence inspiring and easier bike to ride everywhere, so no matter whether viewed through the lens of XC racing, distance events or just trail riding for fun, everyone is going to get a bike that not just moves faster, but also one that saves both mental and physical energy. 

Alongside the changes to the ride of the Blur, there are also a number of frame refinements included with the update.

Anyone familiar with Santa Cruz Bikes will know what their Glovebox is and now it makes its way to the Blur for the first time, adding useful storage for those using the Blur for long races or rides. Additionally, there is now an accessory mounting point under the top tube for tools or CO2 where fast access might be needed, even further enhancing on-bike storage options.

Another Santa Cruz staple formerly missing from the Blur but now present, is their moulded tube in tube cable routing. It adds a tiny amount of weight to a frame, but makes cable changes a breeze as well as eliminating any chance for rattle. 

Offsetting what would otherwise have been weight gain from the above changes is a whole new frame shape and carbon layup. All Blur frames are now only made in their higher grade CC carbon and between refined and slimmer tube shapes and some stiffer carbon sections, the new frame manages to maintain the same weight as the previous Blur, coming in at 1.98kg despite the added functionality. That makes very light overall builds entirely possible, with stock bikes coming in between 11.4kg and 12.5kg with 2.4’ tires and solid wheels. There’s no weight limit on the Blur, and as with all Santa Cruz bikes there is a lifetime warranty on the frame with replacement frame bearings also supplied free of charge for life. 

Here in the UK, the choice for a new Blur is between their excellent value CC 90 build or a frame only option. The CC 90 bikes are £5299 and frame only is £3299 and there are two colours to pick from, either the subdued Matte Charcoal, or the standout Gloss Cherry Tart. Numbers will be quite limited, so if you’re after one, then it'll be worth getting a pre-order in if you don’t want to miss out.

Bikes arriving from August 2026. Call 01896 831429 or email shop@tweedvalleybikes.co.uk to reserve yours.