[ctm_md]

I am interested in getting a Heckler or Bullit but haven't been able to decide between the two of them. I currently ride a Giant AC2. About 40% of the time is spent climbing moderate to steep inclines on an average trail ride. I have begun to do some urban riding and plan on doing more in the future. Any recommendations on which bike to get? If so any recommendations on components to put on the bike? I've heard that there is 8-10wk wait for a new bike from SantaCruz is this true?

 

[Echo]

I think the wait is more for Hecklers but maybe Bullits too. Not sure.

A lot depends on how hard you are on a bike, and how big you are gonna go. Probably can't go wrong with either, but I don't think I've ever seen a Heckler riding urban, and I've seen quite a few Bullits. The Bullit can climb.

 

[VTinCT]

I love those Hecklers! If I had the duckets, I'd have one. As fas as the urban thing goes, Echo is right on with asking how big you really think you are going to go. To me 5" is the sweet spot for a good all round (trail) bike...but then again, I ride a HT for urban. Either one is a killer. Lets us know where you go.

 

[mrbigisbudgood]

Originally posted by ctm_md
I am interested in getting a Heckler or Bullit but haven't been able to decide between the two of them. I currently ride a Giant AC2. About 40% of the time is spent climbing moderate to steep inclines on an average trail ride. I have begun to do some urban riding and plan on doing more in the future. Any recommendations on which bike to get? If so any recommendations on components to put on the bike? I've heard that there is 8-10wk wait for a new bike from SantaCruz is this true?

I guess my question to you would be what travel mode do you spend most of your time in on the AC2 and does that fit your riding style well?

Ya know. If your spending your time in 5.15" and are happy with it, you'll be happy on a Heckler. If your in 6" all the time and wishing you had more travel, obviously you'd be happier on a Bullit.

 

[DHS]

now wait a min, whats wrong with the AC2? it'd be cheaper just to get the 5th element for your AC2. and that thing rides fine. i've ridden all 3. and yea the bullit does climb pretty well for that it is. but i think the heckler would be a sweet bike for everything. but the AC2 is almost the same as they are. why get a new frame?

 

[Tweek]

If you decide on the Heckler, make sure you get the 5th Ele. The Heckler's beefy enough for urban, just not doing HUGE urban.
I have a buddy who's getting a Heckler with both a 5th for light freeriding and an airshock to swap out for lightweight XC mode.

 

[mrbigisbudgood]

Originally posted by DHS
now wait a min, whats wrong with the AC2? it'd be cheaper just to get the 5th element for your AC2. and that thing rides fine. i've ridden all 3. and yea the bullit does climb pretty well for that it is. but i think the heckler would be a sweet bike for everything. but the AC2 is almost the same as they are. why get a new frame?

The big bonus with the AC2 is the adjustability. Mine rarely sees 4.5", unless we're climbing more than 500ft. The Bullit or Heckler don't have that adjustability.

 

[Echo]

Originally posted by DHS
but the AC2 is almost the same as they are. why get a new frame?

Come on now, you know new bike lust

 

[DHS]

yea sorry, i got myself a Giant VT. best thing i rode at the show. though the Heckler with the Maverick fork was SAweeet

 

[dhmtbj]

I would say Heckler. The frame is beefy and light enough for almost any riding and with the 5th it will pedal very well. Go with the Heckler

 

[Slug]

here is my new project that I just completed. Only 2 rides on it.
Well here are the list of specs:
-2000 santa cruz heckler frame
-2002 vanilla rlc fork
-2000 vanilla r rear shock(POS)
-singletrack/xt wheels
-michelin 2.8 fr/2.5 rr tires
-raceface ns dh cranks w/ fr evolve bb
-stompbox platforms/eggbeater pedals
-xtr shifters, fr der., rr der. and chain
-2003 hayes hfx hydros
-azonic shorty, thomson post, intense lock-ons, ird cassette, san marco saddle and of course a chris king headset
I am going upgrade to a wtb lazer v stealth saddle, easton carbon post, a new rear shock, and dual ring chainguide of some sort.
http://www.pinkbike.com/modules/photo/?op=view&image=62416
http://www.pinkbike.com/modules/photo/?op=view&image=62415
You can do urban with a heckler as long as you have the right build. I was doing 4 ft drops to flat of a roof just a few hours ago. I know that not big but that was the 2nd ride out and I suck. It was super easy on that bike. I can't wait till I get a 5th element on the rear I am going to tear it up.(hopefully) I say heckler for sure mine is built all highend and if I slap some smaller tires on it I could rip up any hill like a superlight.

 

[Skookum]

Your Giant AC2 should suffice as a trail bike. If you want a bike to get more aggressive with get the Bullit. Tried and true. If your still sold on the Heckler, go to a bike store and take a hard long look at the shock attachment on the top tube of the bike. And ask yourself if it looks healthy enough for you. Also swing that single crown fork around it hit's the frame, bad, bad, bad...

 

[ctm_md]

Thanks for all the valuable information. I think I am going to get the Bullit w/ the 5th element. I enjoy my AC2.... but I want to get something a little bit beefier with more travel. My AC2 hasn't seen anything but 6" of travel. Plus you can never have too many bikes.

 

[Eddie420]

get a heckler just to be different, every Joe Schmo has a Bullit. That is saying something though...

 

[LOOnatic]

My Bulit with 5th climbs well for sporting 7".

I thought it would bob and stuff but its not bad at all.

If you like bigger stuff than get the Bulit.

If you are more xc-ish, get the Heckler.

Ma .000000001 cents worth.