Superlight
Mountain Bike Rider
March 2003
Frame
The most obvious change to the 2003 Superlight is that the kinked top tube is now present on all sizes. Santa Cruz says "Although the bent top tube only offers fractionally better standover clearance it makes the frame look better" and we'd have to agree. Aesthetics aside, the frame material has changed from 6000 series aluminium to custom-butted 6069, allowing Santa Cruz to produce a stiffer frame with no increase in weight. The swingarm has also been modified with the addition of a gusset just above the main pivot in an attempt to curb the fish-tailing. Gone is the ugly bolt that joined both halves of the frame; in its place is the new flush-fitting Allen key version, which is retrofittable to earlier models - see the Quick Fix in the Nov '02 MBR. Sadly the swingarm is still not available in a disc only version, maybe for '04.
Suspension
Since its introduction in 1997 the Superlight has been a popular design, so popular infact it's one of the most copied. Simplicity has been the key to its success. A single pivot placed slightly above the middle ring at approximately two o'clock offers a good compromise in the battle of suspension performance versus pedalling efficiency. Mounting the shock under the top tube reduces the leverage ratio, and subsequent stress on the shock and frame, while maintaining a conventional front triangle - perfect for water bottle placement and seatpost adjustment.
The new Fox AVA (Air Volume Adjuster) shock nestling under the top tube gives unprecedented control over the characteristics of the spring rate ie: whether it is linear or rising rate. It's not an on-the-fly adjustment, more a case of matching the air volume to your riding style or the characteristics of the frame and forget it. Thankfully the AVA air sleeve isn't there at the expense of other featues, the shock still has rebound adjustment and the lockout is there if you need it.
Performance
Neutral handling and timeless geometry are what make the Superlight a great bike. The front end is low enough to get a full-on racer stretch if need be, but you can just as easily pop a couple of spacers under a shorter stem and transform the bike into a trail king. Its uninterrupted seat tube lets you get the saddle out of harm's way on steep descents but more importantly it protects the shock from debris flung from the rear wheel. Granted the Superlight is not without its weaknesses. It's not as active on technical ups as a four-bike bike, and it's also debatable if it's any stiffer, but full-suspension bikes are all about compromise. Thankfully the Superlight is one we'd be happy to live with.
Conclusion
Whether you're a first time buyer or a full-suspension aficionado the Superlight won't disappoint. Race or rally it, this bike can deal with all but the most extreme situations. Riding the Superlight on rocky trails in Spain we had to continually pinch ourselves as a reminder that we were piloting which is essentially a short-travel UK trail bike. So, if you're reading this with a view to taking the full-suspension plunge, or you merely feel it's time for a change and are thinking of a 100mm travel trail bike, the Superlight has got to be in your top three bikes to consider. The classic trail bike just got better.
Verdict
5/5 What can we say? It's the fourth time we've tested this bike and on every occasion it has scored top marks - testament to the original design introduced six years previously. Granted the Superlight is not without its shortcomings, but there is nothing that really stands out as a fault. This bike is light without being unacceptably flexible, delivers a full 100mm of travel and can be adapted to suit riding styles and budget with careful selection of components. The Superlight is simply one of the best all-round trail bikes on the market.