American frame manufacturer Santa Cruz have just released images of their new carbon fibre full suspension Blur XC.

This is the first carbon fibre frame that the company has produced.  Weighing in at 4.2 pounds for frame and shock its considerably lighter than the aluminium version which was a pound heavier.  A standard XTR equipped bike could come in at under than 22.5 lbs.  Interestingly for a company that has never worked with carbon before, the entire frame including link and rear triangle are made from the lightweight material.  Santa Cruz have essentially redesigned some major areas of the frame and claim it is much stiffer than its aluminium cousin.

First up the travel has shrunk by 10mm to 105mm.  Next the frame utilises Santa Cruz’s VPP platform which aims to deliver bob free travel.  So sure are the company that it works that they are not offering a lockout for the shock.  To achieve this they have dropped the length of the chain stays by a full 7mm and the shock travel by 35mm.  This reduces the amount of chain growth and the amount of pedal bob turning this frame into an XC warrior.

There are no crazy linkages either.  Apparently the suspension can be serviced with a standard multi-tool and grease ports ensure that the bearings will run smooth for a long time.

So how much for this wonder?  No price is available yet for the UK or Ireland but the US price is $300 more than the previous aluminium version at $2299.  Expect it to hit shop floors around mid-summer.