Mr Rocks
I’ve owned both a SC Blur LT2 and a Helius AC. In both cases the same build with Fox Vanilla 32 140 forks and weighing 30lbs.
Differences: The LT2 was more sluggish on climbs – I love VPP bikes but this one was sluggish. LT2 head angle felt steeper and bike felt more twitchy as a result. Helius AC needs to be ridden hard, the harder the better, the LT2 could be taken more steadily across and around things. Helius is much more stable than the SC on steep descents, also more comfy and feels rock solid. The Helius suspension (air pressure and rebound etc) is much easier to set up than VPP – don’t underestimate this as it can ruin a VPP ride. I fit a double and bash to my bikes – on LT” the lower grease port stands proud of the frame and proud of the bash guard therefor the grease port was in fact the bash guard – this was a major issue for me as I like riding over trees and boulders etc – the grease port was smashed and bent 3 times. This would not be a problem if the large chainring was fitted. I have the AC in the longest travel setting and don’t suffer from excessive bob or whatever, it rides and pedals fine.
Similarities: Similar cost. Pedal strike on rough ground and small compressions (not a big issue but common to both). Perfect for UK trails I have been on, I’m not interested in alps stuff so I can’t comment. I’m 5’10 and large in both sizes suits me perfectly. I have a fox 36 fork on another bike so tried it on both LT2 and Helius AC – not too good on either, increased the weight and made steering sluggish but gave both same trail destroying feel.
Where am I now. I sold the LT2 after a 14 months as the grease port issue got to me. I’m liking the Helius AC a lot and looking to keep it a long time – I have started down the slippery slope of spending money to reduce of it by a couple of pounds.
My recommendations: If you want a bike for long rides and trails without slow technical stuff eg riding over and along trees and boulders etc then the LT2 is a fine bike. If you want something that is a great all-rounder get the Nicolai. Nicolai are special bikes to look at and to ride (AC is my second).
Contact me if you want more info or photos of the bikes etc
Cheers