Tech News February 2, 2009
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Cyclingnews tech desk.
Santa Cruz launches new Driver 8 model
By James Huang
Santa Cruz debuts its latest gravity
model, the Driver 8.
Photo ©: Santa Cruz Bicycles
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Fresh on the heels of its new Blur XC carbon fiber cross-country racer,
Santa Cruz has now released pictures and information on an upcoming long-travel
model called the Driver 8.
As the name suggests, the Driver 8 sports 8" (200mm) of rear wheel travel
via a long 70mm-stroke (2.75") shock and Santa Cruz intends it as a "general
duty, daily driver gravity hauler [that is] more lively and poppable and
jumpable than the V-10." Also in keeping with that theme are the 1.5"
head tube, 150mm rear hub and 83mm-wide bottom bracket shell spacing,
12mm Maxle rear thru-axle, integrated ISCG05 tabs and relatively low 383mm
(14.5") bottom bracket height optimized for 165-170mm crankarms.
The frame geometry is based around a 180-203mm fork and according to
Santa Cruz, "95% of 2.7" tires" will fit. Head tube angle is a stable
67 across the three-size range and wheelbase runs from 1087-1168mm (42.8-46.0"),
all with 442mm-long (17.4") chain stays.
The stout lower link is fitted
with eight angular contact cartridge bearings
Photo ©: Santa Cruz Bicycles
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Though clearly meant to hold its own at the bike park, Santa Cruz says
the Driver 8 can also serve double-duty as a full-on downhill race bike
for anything short of a World Cup course. Claimed frame weight is approximately
4.8kg (10.6lb) for a medium anodized frame equipped with a RockShox Vivid
5.1 rear shock.
Still, the Driver 8 is also meant to be pedaled uphill when necessary
- albeit slowly - but Santa Cruz PR man Mike Ferrentino is quick to point
out that it is not intended as a replacement for the now-defunct VP-Free
but rather more of a dedicated gravity machine.
The abbreviated seat tube still offers nearly 18cm (7") of height adjustment
- allowing it to go nearly as high as a comparable Nomad yet even lower
than the current V-10 - but there is no provision for a front derailleur.
And while the Driver 8 will work with Truvativ's new HammerSchmidt drivetrain,
it probably won't pedal that well so equipped as the suspension is designed
around a 36-40T chainring.
The 150x12mm thru-axle rear end
employ RockShox's handy Maxle system.
Photo ©: Santa Cruz Bicycles
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As with all of Santa Cruz's recent introductions, the Driver 8 will feature
second-generation Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension architecture, which
purportedly offers more usable travel throughout the range and decreased
chain growth to minimize kickback. The massive aluminum lower link sports
eight angular contact cartridge bearings, an integrated grease
port, and a combination of contact and labyrinth seals for increased side
load capacity and extended service intervals. The new carbon upper link
is fitted with four radial contact bearings.
Production frames will not be available until mid-May but Santa Cruz
will accept frameset orders immediately and complete bike orders as of
April 1. Official pricing stands at US$2399 for a powdercoated frame equipped
with a RockShox Vivid 5.1 or US$2561 with a Fox Racing Shox DHX RC4. Anodized
finish options will cost an additional US$200.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by
Santa Cruz Bicycles
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