Santa Cruz Heckler

[metalpossum]

Re:

Here's the latest update. I found some no-quite suitable pedals, a slightly later model saddle, and some reproduction TLC Fire XCs (which I painstakingly removed the TLC labels from the sidewalls so they'd look correct.)

I gave the bike a good shakedown cruise today around some riverside trails, nothing serious, just some gravel and dirt paths, abandoned roads, etc. with plenty of potholes. It rides great. If it weren't for the rim brakes, narrow handlebars, and worn-out derailers, I would hardly notice the difference between this and a more modern trail bike. My experience with suspension has only ever been with four-bar Horst Link style setups, I always thought they felt a bit dead.

 

[metalpossum]

Re:

And here's a photo if it parked up by the river. Given the fact it's winter, and this bike hadn't been ridden before I gave it some love, I guess I could have called this trip "First Mud".