Is Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Worth Buying? [Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review]

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Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review

• Price: $14,249
• Category: Electric Full Suspension Bicycle
• Frame: Carbon
• Gears: 1 x 12
• Tires: 29 “x2.5”

What we like about it: Ultra-light carbon frame with Shimano drive unit DU-EP800 motor with 170mm travel and hybrid tires for the ultimate long trail ride.

What we don’t like about it: The slightly heavier body.

Rating (4.8/5.0)

Introduction

We all know that electric bikes are more energy efficient than other bikes, and although they are heavier, they are still becoming more and more sought after. Because, compared to the disadvantages, its advantages can bring more benefits to the riders.

As we all know, Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil is an electric full-suspension bike with super high-end components, and the full CC carbon fiber frame is one of its boastful capitals. Moreover, the drivetrain and braking system it is paired with are hardcore products as well.

But will the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil also perform beyond expectations on the ride? Next, we break down its climbing and descending measurements, key features, component specifications, and comparisons. If you’re interested, you can follow us!

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil Climbing Review

So far, we’ve taken this Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil on repeated rides through mountainous singletrack and rocky terrain. The goal was to see if this $14,249 electric full-suspension bike could withstand the risks. But, it showed me in action that it’s pretty handy for adventure.

First of all, it has a very clean cockpit with no extra wiring to interfere with my controls. This is thanks to its internal wiring cables.

Secondly, its controllers are all adjustable. I could adjust them to my liking and set them to what I thought was right. This made my ride much smoother with no operational hassles at all.

On top of that, it seemed to understand my difficulties when I encountered some uphill slopes that were not at a friendly angle.

I don’t have to lean my entire body towards the front of the bike because its 449mm rear dropout fork with 1297mm wheelbase allows my weight to be better concentrated on the bike.

And that’s why I don’t have to be distracted by controlling the front tire, I can focus on getting a firmer grip from the rear and balancing the line.

Speaking of the rear tire, the side knobs from the Minion DHF were continued on the tire and widened to provide more support. The paddle knob on its center tread embeds when I dial in the brake and helps me control the bike when I brake hard.

Not only that, it is very confident in front of sharp rocks and branches, which makes me wonder about its intensive weaving process and puncture prevention technology.

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil Descending Review

These days, the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil gives me a very enjoyable downhill experience, and it gives me a whole new feeling about downhill.

We arrived at a dense natural mountain forest, covered by tall and thick trees, where there has been no road construction and the forest trails are still dirt, gravel, and low grass. We took the cable bike directly to the top of the mountain and prepared to descend for the evaluation.

First of all, the bike’s soft suspension helped me very skillfully through the rough trails. I finally stopped panicking about the dense gravel and spreading roots in the mountains and forests.

Second, it has a motor with a maximum torque of 85Nm and 250w of power, which drastically reduces drag. And as I descend, I will get the power to propel more easily than ever.

Also, it is equipped with the Eagle AXS chain toggle which is very sensitive. When I crash, the motor gearbox disengages, allowing the chain paddle to move freely and return to its original position immediately. As a result, I can barely feel the change in its speed.

This is mainly due to the flexible overload clutch it is set up with. This is great because it means I can fear no mud splashes on the road.

In addition, the Fox 38 fork did a great job of controlling the weight transfer, allowing me to face downhill corners without any burden and just focus on directional control.

I have to say that I was really happy with the experience it gave me in terms of descending.

Main Features

Frame Group

When our team first got this Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil, we were amazed by its smooth, linear appearance.

Its silky smooth curves with full CC carbon give it a noble feel. Few other bikes in this category can do it with a full carbon design. But the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil does. This is due to the company’s own carbon manufacturing and design process.

Moreover, there is a water bottle holder at the top of its downtube and the area of the front triangle is equipped with anti-vibration fenders, thus protecting the shock absorber piston from debris.

In addition to this, it also has a protective rear lower fork that fits tightly as a way to help reduce the noise generated by the chainring.

It’s worth noting that Santa Cruz offers a lifetime warranty on Bullit’s carbon frames, bearings, and linkages. This is a friendly reminder that the frame warranty only covers the original owner for defective materials and workmanship.

Geometry

I was impressed by the modern and unexaggerated geometry of the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil.

First of all, the 64° head tube angle is relatively slack. It is agile enough to steer even while maintaining a steady speed, allowing us to judge the road in front of us without distractions.

Secondly, the 77° seat tube angle is also just right to provide a boost to our efficient climbing.

Finally, its rear lower fork length is 449mm, a moderate length that is stable enough without compromising flexibility. And, it also allows the rider to achieve better acceleration without losing too much energy.

Components and Specifications

SRAM NX Eagle Drivetrain

For its drivetrain, I think it’s up to the task of handling all kinds of rough terrain. This is mainly because the X01 Eagle AXS is powered by the tried and true SRAM 1x backbone.

And, the newly designed chainstay has 10mm more ground clearance. It also features GAGE LOCK technology, which makes our tire removal and installation and chain installation faster and easier. In addition, it has a roller-bearing clutch that does a great job of eliminating chain slap.

Not only that, the 12-speed cassette provides us with an optimal gear range of 520%. And with SRAM’s proprietary CARBON TUNED stack technology, the X01 EAGLE DUB crankset is even stronger and more durable, fully capable of handling aggressive strikes.

Shimano Drive Units DU-EP800 Motor

This bike is paired with a SHIMANO STEPS EP8 – drive unit. It’s quiet and sturdy and has the same frame mount as the DU-E8000. And its output is up to 85N-m, reducing pedaling resistance for the rider.

And, with continuous improvements, it now also offers riders 20% more cruising range.

On top of that, it is compatible with various mechanical and DI2 shift options, so you can choose the shift that works best for you.

SRAM Code RSC Braking System

The SRAM Code RSC adds 15% additional piston power and 30% more capacity to the lever tank to ensure optimal performance output during operation.

Thanks to SwingLink™ and lever pivot bearing technology, the lever remains smooth under any amount of tension.

Moreover, there is a stainless steel heat shield between the brake pads and the caliper body, which reduces the caliper fluid temperature by about 20% even in very high temperatures.

Another thing worth noting is its contact point, which is adjustable. You can choose the position of your finger when braking according to your habits.

Maxxis Vacuum Tires

The front and rear tires are the Maxxis home Assegai 29 “x2.5” and Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4” (units to be available) tires respectively.

They are both equipped with 3C MaxxGrip compound and support DoubleDown casing or Downhill, plus a concave and convex tread pattern on the outer profile of the tire.

This allows our e-bikes to remain strong and stable even in slippery conditions, providing us with more solid control.

A 29-inch hybrid tire configuration up front provides traction and stability, while the 27.5-inch rear tire maintains flexibility.

They work perfectly together to allow for a safer, more efficient riding experience, especially in tough terrain.

RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Shock Absorber

The bike uses RockShox Super Deluxe coilover shocks. It is equipped with a new chassis that is 21% stronger than before.

Not only that, but it has an optional adjustable hydraulic touch bottom feature that provides us with a convenient dial. As well as five different compression settings that allow us to customize the cushioning we experience when we encounter an impact.

In addition, it Maxima plush fluid can effectively prevent suspension wear and eliminate damper noise.

Other versions of Santa Cruz BULLIT

Besides the bike Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Coil, there are other versions of Santa Cruz BULLIT. We have selected the Santa Cruz BULLIT R / Carbon CC for a brief comparison, so you can learn more about it if you are interested.

Santa Cruz BULLIT R / Carbon CC

After our comparison, we found that the drivetrain and braking system options on this bike are slightly more common. It uses the SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Guide RE braking system.

First, the SRAM NX Eagle derailleur offers the same 520% extended gear range, equivalent to a 2×11 drivetrain. But it doesn’t have GAGE LOCK technology and is not as simple to install as the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Coil.

Secondly, the SRAM Guide RE braking system is also very responsive. However, its adjustability is relatively less comprehensive than that of the SRAM Code RSC braking system.

Finally, it has relatively heavy aluminum tires.

However, the Santa Cruz BULLIT R / Carbon CC is also very good in terms of performance.

Learn More: Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review – Ultra High-End Electric Full Suspension Bike

What we like about it

• Full CC carbon Frame
• 170mm FOX 38 Float Factory fork
• Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800
• SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain
• SRAM Code RSC Braking System
• RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate brings a better riding experience

What we don’t like about it

• Heavier body
• A little noise when going downhill

FAQ

1. What is the material of the frame of Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil?

The Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil frame is made of carbon.

2. What is the drivetrain of the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil?

The drive train for the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil is the SRAM X01 Eagle AXS.

3. What sizes of the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil are available?

Size	M	L	XL	XXL
Rider height	165 – 175cm	175 – 185cm	183 – 193cm	193 – 201cm

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil Specs

Build

Frame	BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX Colors: Matte Copper and Black; Gloss Lavender and Yellow
Fork	FOX 38 Float Factory, 170mm
Rear Shock	RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate (400 S, 450 M, 500 L-XL, 550 XXL)
Headset	Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated
Stem	Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5 mm
Handlebar	Santa Cruz e35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise
Saddle	WTB Silverado Medium Stainless Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt
Seatpost	Fox Transfer Factory
Grips	Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnaar

Groupset

Rear Derailleur	SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, 12spd
Crank	Shimano EM900 HollowTech Crank Arms, 165mm
Shifters	SRAM GX AXS Controller
Cassette	SRAM XG1295 Eagle 10-50T
Chain	SRAM X01 Eagle, 12spd
Chain Guide	E13 E-Spec+ AL
Brakes	SRAM Code RSC

Wheels

Rims	Reserve 30 29 Carbon [Front], Reserve Carbon DH 27.5 Carbon [Rear]
Spokes	Sapim D-light
Front Hub	Industry Nine 1/1, 110×15, 6 Bolt, 28h
Rear Hub	Industry Nine 1/1, 148×12, XD, 6 Bolt, 32h
Tires	Front: Maxxis Assegai 29 “x2.5”, 3C, MaxxGRIP, Double Down, TR, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4, 3C, DoubleDown, EXO, TR
Disk Rotors	Avid Centerline 220mm/200mm

Electric Components

Motor	Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800
Battery	Shimano 630Wh Integrated
Remote	Shimano Display Unit SC-EM800

Video

Comparison Table

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Brakes	Tires	Click view
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS	$13,799	1×12 speed	SRAM Code RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc	29×2.50”	Click View
Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29	$14,249	1×12 speed	SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc	Front  29 “x2.5” Rear: 29 “x2.4”	Click View
Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR	$11,999	1×12 speed	Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston Hydraulic Disc	29″ x 2.5″	Click View
Yeti 160E T1	$13,000	1×12 speed	SRAM CODE RSC Hydraulic Disc	29″×2.5 “	Click View

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil VS Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Trek family has a wide range of bikes that cover a wide range of areas. The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS is also a full-suspension electric bike with super high-end components.

The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS is mainly in black yellow, grey-black, and raddark red, which gives me a more classic feeling. And the frame is made of Trek’s OCLV mountain carbon, which is also very light and sturdy.

However, in terms of tires, it uses Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tires with the same size front and rear tires.

I think these two bikes do not differ in terms of configuration, how to choose this depends on your personal preferences.

learn more：Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Review – Will This Be A Bike Worth Buying?

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil VS Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29

Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 is another series of bikes from Santa. Unlike the Bullit, the HECKLER is more focused on agility and handling, so it has a shorter front fork and rear dropout than the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil. And it has a 720Wh integrated battery.

In addition, they also come in very different paint colors. The Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV comes in two more vibrant colors, Gloss Avocado Green and Maritime Grey. This also echoes its main performance.

From my point of view, I think the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is more suitable for the vast majority of people who want to ride in the mountains. It has not only responsive speed but also reliable stability.

Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV Review – The Perfect Bike In My Mind

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil VS Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR

The Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR is a bit lower in price than the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil.

It uses the rear shock Fox Factory Float X, which has the same powerful damping effect. However, my friend thinks the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil has a little more range in coilover dampers.

Another difference between them is their Groupset. the Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR uses the Shimano XTR series, and this pairing provides the same flexibility in shifting and braking.

If you like the straightforward swiftness of SRAM components, then the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil would be a good choice for you.

Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil VS Yeti 160E T1

In the fork section, the Yeti 160E T1 has a shorter length of 160mm in comparison. This also means that it is a little less damp than the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil.

In addition, the drivetrain of the Yeti 160E T1 is a SHIMANO XT series drivetrain. This is a drivetrain that also has good performance.

However, after I came across the SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain from Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil, I would be hard-pressed to choose anything else. Because every single component of it is designed perfectly.

So, my suggestion is that we should choose the more shock-absorbing Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil when facing the complicated potholes in the mountains.

In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

Learn more : Is Yeti SB130 C1 Splendid – [Yeti SB130 C1 Review]