So anyway, I decided that I wanted/needed the Santa Cruz Blur "classic". Next, I had two decisions; I could either buy the frame and build it up, or buy the complete bike. I opted for buying the frame and building it because money was an issue. I was also relying on the fact that winter was fast approaching and soon I wouldn't be able to ride until the Spring (plenty of time to build up the bike). With that, the mad hunt for the frame I wanted began.
Officially, I was looking for a
2005 Santa Cruz Blur Classic Anodized Black Large frame. I soon discovered that not only was this the most popular color/frame/size, but they were going to be really hard to find considering that SC stopped making them over the summer. I started my search on the internet, where I found results at the following shops. All three carried the exact match that I wanted:
Colorado Cyclist - This was my initial choice, due to the fact they threw in a free overstocked fork. The best deal out there for $1599. I'd heard good things about them and were really banking on them. Unfortuantly, their website was not as updated as it should have been, and thus, I was chasing a ghost frame. Each time I called them, the employee that answered was friendly, considerate, and really knew bikes. I was very impressed, and still look for the chance to purchase anything I need from them.
Speedgoat Bicycles - Speedgoat is only about an hour's drive from here, so I thought I might as well give them a try. They listed the frame I wanted for $1652, still a very good price. Their website has a nice "Build Builder" that will price a complete bike for you, letting you choose every component. The Speedgoat website doesn't list stock in real time, though, and when I called, I was informed that they didn't have the exact match I was looking for, but that I should try talking to "Steve", their Santa Cruz specialist. I shot him a quick email and within a day he had called Santa Cruz and let me know they couldn't find one for me. I also enjoyed my interactions with Speedgoat and look forward to any in the future.
Cambria Bikes -Cambria Bikes also listed the Blur frame I wanted as in stock, but when I called, it was no longer available. However, they did have almost what I was looking for, but with a 5th Element instead of a Fox Rp3 rear shock. None the less, I talked to "Penelope" on the phone, which was a rather enjoyable experience. She put the frame on hold for roughly a week, and called to check up on me halfway through the week. She was "super friendly" and honestly the nicest sales person I've ever talked to! Props to you, Penelope.
So, by this point I had ZERO matches and was starting to sweat a bit. My next step was to call every Santa Cruz dealer with a 100 mile radius. When that turned up only "partial matches", I began asking for suggestions on forums like
MTBR.com and
Bikeforums.net. Eventually (aka after about 35 long distance phone calls and 4 days pass), someone recommended I call
Mojo Wheels out in Denver, Colorado. I talked with both "Matt" and then "Bob", the sales manager. Turns out that Mojo Wheels did have what I was looking for, so I bought it for a grand total of $1624, including UPS Ground service. I ordered it on a Saturday, and Bob told me he would ship it out first thing Monday morning, and call with a tracking number. Sweet!
Monday came and went, I didn't have a tracking number. That night, I called and found out he "forgot to ship it". Ok, an honest mistake, so I let it go. He apologized and said he would throw in a couple t-shirts and what not, and call back the next morning with a tracking number. Tuesday past, and that night, I called him again. He said he had shipped it, and gave me a tracking number.
Fast forward to next Monday: I receive the Blur frame, in excellent condition. I'm over the moon. However, didn't see the said "free t-shirts" or anything similar.
Overall, my experience with Mojo Wheels was very good.
