Monday, April 12, 2010

Santa Cruz Nickel

"It’s based on their new patented APP system. Yes, APP is a ‘bogus acronym’ for Actual Pivot Point. As in, there’s no virtual or floating pivot point, just like the other single pivot bikes from Santa Cruz.
So what’s the deal? The Nickel fits nicely in the gap between the Superlight and Heckler. It’s a “marathon-y into trail bike” according to Santa Cruz’ moustachioed spokesbod, Mike Ferrentino. He also reckons it’s a relatively a slack angled (68/72.5) bike that’ll still go uphill, is great fun downhill and builds into a pretty competitive weight – 26lbs as pictured (without pedals). It even has a pair of bottle bosses. Top tube on a medium is 23in. Recommended forks are 130mm.
What’s the deal with the new linky links then? That’s what all Santa Cruz’ fuss is about. Although there are plenty of link driven single pivots out there, the APP system’s link not only changes the linkage ratio, but it does it to both lower and raise the shock ratio in different parts of the suspension stroke, rather than just raising, or just lowering the shock ratio over the travel. (Shock ratio is explained right here on the Santa Cruz website) – But what does it do? It works towards that suspension nirvana of a super-supple bike on the little stuff, but that can handle the big hits while still feeling like it has bottomless suspension travel."
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