Santa Cruz Heckler S MX on test: A high-end bike at a good price - EMTB-Tipp Allround

Santa Cruz took its time with e-mountainbikes in the beginning. The premium brand from California only presented its first e-mountainbike, the Heckler, in 2020. E-mountainbike pioneers such as Flyer and Haibike therefore had almost a decade's head start in development. This did not detract from the bike's success. After its launch in 2020, the Heckler was one of the best bikes on the market, especially when it came to riding fun and light-footed trail handling.

And today? Since the original Heckler, Santa Cruz has given the bike Shimano's EP8, a bigger battery and a large 29er front wheel, The bike has been completely redesigned for 2023. Shortly before the editorial deadline, we even received a price reduction of 1700 euros for the bike. This meant that the E-MTB from California even fitted into the more favourable of the two price ranges in our test of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes.

Who will build the best E-MTB in 2023? We have tested it. Including eleven of the best E-MTBs on the market from Specialized to Cube and Santa Cruz to Rotwild. The whole comparison test High End E-MTBs: Now in EMTB 4/2023!

At a glance: All technical data and grades Santa Cruz Heckler S MX

>>Here are all eleven high-end all-mountain bikes in the big comparison test<<

The facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler S MX

• Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 726 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 22.76 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)

New for 2022: Full 29 or MX

Just two years after the launch of the original Heckler 2020, Santa Cruz has relaunched the all-rounder in its product portfolio. The most important change: the large 29-inch wheel at the front and a new frame with revised geometry and a thicker battery, but more on that later. The Heckler is available both as a pure 29-inch bike for optimised climbing and rollover characteristics and as an MX model with a small rear wheel for more playfulness. All bikes come with the typical VPP rear triangle and full carbon frame. However, Santa Cruz focuses on two different quality levels. The more affordable Heckler models come with a C-carbon frame, the top model with the 300 gram lighter CC-carbon version.

The e-bike drive on the Santa Cruz Heckler

The bike features Shimano's proven EP8 drive with up to 85 Newton metres. The Japanese drive is state-of-the-art, particularly due to its weight of just 2.6 kilograms. This is still a record among power drives. Modulation and response behaviour are just as excellent. The EP8 was one of the first drives to offer the option of fine-tuning the support levels via an app. A practical feature that allows the drive to be fine-tuned for range or performance.

However: In terms of performance, the Shimano is now lagging somewhat behind and cannot keep up with the other units in our test of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes. Bosch, Brose and Panasonic deliver noticeably more power, while the Dyname 4.0 in the Rocky Mountain goes one better. The newer Shimano EP801 is much better positioned here and was able to equal the Bosch league in our last test. In contrast, the torque of the previous EP8 is also excellent, but the motor lacks dynamism. As the drive delivers its full power even at low rider input, there's no more boost when you want to pick up the pace before steep ramps or difficult key sections.

Update on Darfon: Battery size and range of the Santa Cruz Heckler

Since the 2022 update, the Santa Cruz has been fitted with the tried-and-tested 726 watt-hour battery from Darfon. This is a clear upgrade compared to the previously installed Shimano batteries and offers a particularly good weight-to-range ratio. The cover of the Santa Cruz is firmly bolted to the Darfon battery, the conventional battery removal from the front of the down tube is practical. The energy carrier is simply unlocked using the four-way Allen key and then folds out to the front.

In terms of range, the Heckler with its 726-cell Darfon battery is on a decent level. In our standardised range test on a steep asphalt road, the Heckler climbed 1681 metres at full throttle with an 89-kilo rider. The long emergency run of an additional 221 metres in altitude with greatly reduced power is typical of the Darfon batteries. In practice, long tours should also be possible, but the Darfon battery does not come close to the range of the class leader Bosch with around 2000 metres of altitude in the same test scenario.

The geometry of the Santa Cruz Heckler MX

Santa Cruz's geometry is modern. The steering angle of 64 degrees is contemporary, the chainstays in the MX version we tested are short for an e-bike at 446 millimetres. This is also the biggest difference to the 29-inch version, which, with 460 millimetre chainstays, is much more designed for maximum smoothness and climbing characteristics. Surprisingly, the reach of 465 millimetres is rather moderate, as is the rather slack seat angle of 75.3 degrees. Overall, this results in a relatively compact wheelbase of 1255 millimetres, which means that the Heckler is not too sluggish even on narrow trails.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 423 mm
• Wheelbase: 1255 mm
• Reach: 465 mm
• Stack: 638 mm
• Steering angle: 64 degrees
• Seat angle: 75.3 degrees
• Chainstay length: 446 mm

The features of the Santa Cruz Heckler S MX

The Heckler in the S version we tested is the second cheapest model in the range. For € 7999, you get a Fox 36 Performance fork, which works together with the Superdeluxe Select Plus shock from Rockshox at the rear. Santa Cruz also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to the other components, but you won't find any real highlights. The gears are shifted with a mechanical GX Eagle, the brakes with Srams Code R. Raceface rims and Maxxis tyres spin around the E-Thirteen hubs, and the Assegai on the front wheel even comes in the soft MaxxGrip compound. The seat post from SDG offers 170 millimetres of adjustment travel.

Practical test: How the Santa Cruz Heckler S MX rides

On tour

With its balanced character, the Heckler is a good partner in many situations. However, if you only ride moderate tours, you won't be able to benefit as much from the bike's sporty potential. However, the uncomplicated battery removal and the comfortable riding position should also appeal to bikers who are not just looking for the nastiest downhill trails. The riding position is pleasantly balanced and the handling is uncomplicated.

Uphill

Uphill, the MX-Heckler wants to be ridden a little more actively than some climbing specialists. The chainstays are short and the seat angle is not excessively steep, which means that you sit a little on the rear of the bike on steep ramps. Thanks to the high-traction rear end, however, even the most technical climbs are possible if you push the weight forward on the climbs. If you're looking for even more climbing power, you should definitely take a closer look at the Heckler in the 29-inch rear wheel version. Unfortunately, the older Shimano EP8 falls slightly behind the competition in terms of performance. With the new EP801, there would be even more potential here.

Downhill

On the trail, the Heckler was one of the most balanced candidates in the All-Moutain class in our group test. The rear suspension has good traction but is not overly plush. This gives the bike a sporty and very defined character. Good for active riders. The transparent feedback from the ground is particularly helpful at high speeds. The pure suspension comfort is still good, although not outstanding. The geometry is not too extreme, which also favours the balanced handling of the bike. Regardless of whether the trail is undulating and winding through the landscape or plunging nastily into the depths: the Heckler is one of the testers' favourites and inspires with its lush riding fun and high handling qualities. There was also little to complain about in terms of equipment. Of course, even more could be achieved with high-end parts, but the components on the Heckler S are solid throughout and really bring out the bike's potential. Only the loud rattling downhill marred the otherwise very positive picture.

The EMTB verdict on the Santa Cruz Heckler S MX

Winner in the under 8000 euro category! The Santa Cruz Heckler S MX owes this to its first-class riding characteristics, top suspension and low weight. A really well-balanced trail bike.

Pro

• Handling
• Chassis
• Weight

Contra

• rattles

Technical data and notes Santa Cruz Heckler S MX

Manufacturer information

• Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
• Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 42.5 cm), XL, XXL / Carbon

Measured values²

• Weight²: 22.76 kg
• Reach altitude¹: 1681 (+221)hm
• Average speed: 14.1 km/h
• Front/rear suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Centre of gravity height: 522 mm
• Handlebar width: 800 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 182 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 496 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Shimano Steps EP8
• Max. Torque³: 80 Nm
• Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Darphon E4C0G / 3947 g / 999 Euro
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-50
• Display: Shimano SC-EM800
• Permissible total weight³: 136 kg
• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Float Performance / Rockshox Super Deluxe Sel+
• Telescopic seatpost: SDG Tellis Dropper, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code R / 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Race Face ARC HD 30 / eThirteen hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ MaxxGrip 29 x 2.5; Minion DHR II Exo+ MaxxTerra 27.5 x 2.4

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.7 points - very good

¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.