sc driver 8

If it had the carbon fender it would be a better bike. Not because it would ride any better or deflect any debris but because it would have more carbon.

Yes unfortunately the fender is only made of plastic sigh. However much like the "fugly" seat tube is has a purpose it keeps the shock and lower pivot much more clean and protected.
As for the seat tube it is much longer and more upright that that M3 photo. The M3 look like a Ferrari but with that short seat tube and seat angle it would not be my choice as an all arounder. The seat tube on the Driver 8 is that length and angle so you can get the post in a comfortable and efficient position for pedaling. If it doesn't meet your visual needs, who cares you can at least pedal the thing up hill.

Head angle is 65 degrees with a 7" fork, BB is fairly low, and the rig is meant to be a bike that you can beat on. I'm sure you've all seen the grease ports on the Nomad and LT.

i wonder what the geo is…

i'd buy another Santa Cruz in a heartbeat and the only thing that made me shy away from the V10 was the 10 inches of travel…

theres a joke in here somewhere

add to that list blur lt2, nomda 2, jackal [HTML_REMOVED] chameleon [HTML_REMOVED] cyclcross bike, plus maybe blur 4x

better pics [HTML_REMOVED] info from dirt:

The new Driver 8 is our newest freeride bike. It offer's a low leverage ratio, making a more playful bike when jumping or stunt riding. With the ability to raise or lower the seatpost 7"'s you can go anywhere on this bike!

- 8" rear travel, lower leverage ratio
- 2nd Generation VPP
- grease ports w/ 8 bearings in lower link for ultimate durability
- carbon upper link
- 7" of seatpost adjustability, so you can ride it back up the mountain
- built in rear fender
- 1.5" headtube
- maxxle rearend

D8 frame powdercoat DHX 5 Coil - $2,599
D8 frame ano DHX 5 Coil - $2,799

D8 frame powedercoat w/ Vivid 5.1 - $2,645
D8 frame ano w/ Vivid 5.1 - $2,845
D8 Complete pcoat w/ DHX 5 SPX FR kit Totem Coil - $5,699

the seatpost adjustability range is cool. i've decided i like this bike now.

I dunno. I am still 50/50 on it. Give it a year and it might gain some more refinement like what happened with the v10.

2600 for frame with DHX 5? I think i paid 1850 for my o6 free with the same shock. That is a healthy increase in cost….considering it is the next gen Free. Sorta.

The more I see it, the less I like it.

The more I see it, the less I like it.

interestingly, the inverse is true w/ me. now we must fight to the death.

you guys are all on the juice - this thing looks rad [HTML_REMOVED] looks to have geometry / features to suit people that don't want a v10.

That driver 8 is looking mighty ugly. A seat mast like that should be shot, locked up and have the key thrown away in a deep forgotten well full of little japanese zombie children.

White shorts and jersey!!!

Needs more dorado.

ummm I dont know what to say… I guess the looks are "ok" (I dont like how the seatpost sticks out at the end but I'll probably get use to it). One thing I wish though is that it would be cheaper than the v-10, personally if I had to spend the same amount (give or take $300) I would rather go for the v-10. Does anybody know the weight compared to the v-10?

I think it's purdy and it would fit my uses more than a V-10 would. Unfortunately convincing the Department of War and Finance that I need a new bike when she still doesn't have a FR/DH bike isn't going to happen this summer. Maybe if it's sized small enough she can have one and I can live vicariously through her.

Any word on if this is the bike slated to replace the VP-Free?

I love the Santa Cruz swoopy-ness, like the Nomad, but the aesthetic of the D8 isn't working for me even though it's almost exactly like the V10…the straight-ish down tube makes it look like they had some spare parts kicking around which they tacked together and said "Here, new model!".