Santa Cruz

There are just some things that you don't do. One of them is talking about the history of mountain bikes without mentioning the efforts a little company named Santa Cruz.

Peruse their line and you'll notice that everything they do is 100% dirt. You won't find any road bikes, triathlon bikes, kids' bikes, or hybrids. Nope, every one of their bikes is designed to be ridden on dirt, and ridden hard.

2010 Santa Cruz Blur XC CarbonPerhaps no bike embodies this commitment more than their revolutionary 2010 Blur XC Carbon. Carbon is the key to this brand new race-focused frame that is a full pound lighter than its predecessor. It exudes sexiness, and retains the legendary stiffness and climbing prowess that is synonymous with the Blur line. With a taut 105mm of VPP travel, it's the perfect weapon to crush your enemies and see them driven before you.

2010 Santa Cruz Blur LT CarbonFor a more versatile rig, try the 2010 Blur LT Carbon. That's right, you all-mountain riders need not be feel left out of the carbon party. This trailbike benefits from the same goodness of the above model, but has 140mm of VPP suspension to soak up the choppy terrain. This much fun shouldn't be legal.

2010 Santa Cruz TallboyTrue story: When I was a wee lad growing up in the suburban jungles, all I wanted was a Big Wheel. There was just something about that huge wheel that oozed FUN. (And all the cool kids had one.) Now, some number of decades later, a new "big wheel" has captivated my attention: the 2010 Tallboy. A svelte carbon fiber frame, 100mm of travel, and those mammoth 29" wheels all contribute to a ride that will make any mountain a mole hill.