looking for opinions

[shockwave]

background info....

Was in Boston on Saturday June 26th registering for a race at REI when some p.o.s. stole my custom NRS out of the back of my truck..... >:(

Homeowners covered it and I am in the market for a new bike. I really liked the NRS, but I am curious about the new Cake and also Santa Cruz - specifically the Blur. Anybody have anything good/bad/otherwise to say about them? Any help would be appreciated. I have read up at mtbreview.com but the reviews there seem pretty superficial, and I am looking for more in-depth and long term.
Thanks!

[p_coutermarsh]

That sucks! :'(

The Cake and Blur are totally different feeling bikes. The Blur handles, descends, and climbs better than the Cake. The Cake is a great bike but when put against ,arguably one of the best all around bikes, it's not even close. Though, if money is part of the equation then you will find the Blur will cost you a bit more (it's worth it!). You'll find the Blur is a much better handler than the NRS, it's travel is smooth as butter, and the VPP does work wonders (though I still noticed a small amount of bob). Get the 5th Element or upgrade to a Fox Float AVA.

Get the Blur!

[tmorash]

I currently have an NRS and my buddy has a Blur. Both are great bikes, but very different. Being a "racing bike", the NRS is not as plush as the Blur, but is noticeably lighter. The Blur is a great handler and is extremely smooth. I suppose that your decision will have a lot to do with your riding style. All things equal, I think the Blur is the better bike.

[ArmOnFire]

I went thru the same scenario at the beginning of the year.

Cake 2 dlx vs. Blur

If my bank account had $1000 more I would have boughten the Blur, but I am SUPER happy with my Cake.

PM me if you want any more details on my Cake experience.

[shockwave]

Thanks for all the input -

I am planning on doing mostly recreational XC riding (2-3 times a week) with a few novice races thrown in. I don't see myself going too far racing, and I would like a bike that doesn't shudder if I happened to drop a foot or two. I will have to find a LBS that carries Santa Cruz and check them out....

[Quo Fan]

Just bought a Cake 3 DLX. Love it to death. I'm still figuring out the stable platform stuff. The cake is a capable climber, and eventhough all the mags say it rides high, I haven't noticed. The 2.1 tires that come with the bike don't inspire confidence, so I put 2.3 Kujo's on it. Because I used downhill tires, it is now noticibly heavier, but it handles much better on the downhills. My riding partners haven't been able to keep up since I got my cake.