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Santa Cruz presents the Vala AL, a new full-suspension E-All-Mountain. The bike has 150 mm rear suspension travel and a 160 mm fork. It is powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 600 Wh battery. So far we already know the facts from our test-winning bike from the spring. The strengths of the Santa Cruz Vala: downhill-hungry, balanced, fun! But the Vala AL is significantly cheaper over the counter - thanks to the aluminium frame. This reduces the entry-level price by over 2000 euros. The riding performance of the carbon model should remain the same.
Frame and geometry
The aluminium frame of the Vala AL is designed to have the same stiffness and strength as the carbon frame of the top models. It has 150 mm of rear suspension travel - which is provided by a classic four-bar linkage system. This innovation caused a lot of discussion when the Vala was launched, because for years the special, low-lying VPP system was the trademark of Santa Cruz bikes. This was also the case with the Santa Cruz Heckler e-mountainbike, the conspiratorial predecessor of the Vala.
The geometry is also based on the carbon model, but there are differences. Instead of five sizes, there are only four on the aluminium model. Size XXL is missing. The reach therefore ranges from 433 to 498 mm. The aluminium model also has the luxury of chainstays that grow with the rider. However, not for every size like the carbon bike. S and M have a 440-millimetre rear end, while L and XL have 445 millimetres.
The head angle ends up at 64 degrees, the seat angle at 76.9 degrees (size M). Thanks to the straight seat tube, the angle remains stable even with a longer seat post extension. In contrast to the carbon model, the aluminium Vala also does without a flipchip for geometry adjustment. This should make setup simpler. Like its more expensive brother, the Santa Cruz Vala AL rolls on a mixed-wheel concept with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. The suspension fork offers 160 mm of travel.
Bosch package in the Santa Cruz Vala AL
The drive is the Bosch Performance Line CX motor (tested here) for use. It now offers up to 100 Newton metres and 750 watts. This is made possible by a software update for the Bosch CX motor. This also activates the new EMTB+ mode. The power for the Alu-Vala also comes from a 600 Wh battery, which is permanently installed in the down tube. The range can be optionally extended with an additional 250 Wh battery.
The facts about the Santa Cruz Vala AL
- Frame: Aluminium,
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheels: Mullet 29/27.5"
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: 600 Wh (optional 250 Wh additional battery)
- Lifetime guarantee on frames and bearings
Equipment variants and prices
Santa Cruz Vala AL Deore
Santa Cruz offers the Vala AL in two equipment variants. The entry-level "AL Deore" model has a RockShox Psylo Gold RC fork, a RockShox Deluxe Select shock and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain. The AL Deore model is equipped with Shimano Deore M6120 brakes. A Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 inch tyre with EXO+ casing is fitted to the front wheel, while a Minion DHR II 27.5x2.5 inch tyre with DoubleDown casing is fitted to the rear wheel.
Of course, these are not high-end parts. But compared to the competition on the market, the package is absolutely impressive. The Vala AL is even comparatively inexpensive.
- Price: 5299 Euro >> available here
- Fork: RockShox Psylo Gold RC
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5", EXO+ / Minion DHR II 27.5x2.5", DoubleDown
- Weight: 24.09 kg
Santa Cruz Vala AL 70
The higher-quality "AL 70" version is equipped with a RockShox Zeb Base fork, a RockShox Super Deluxe Base shock and a SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type drivetrain. A Maxxis Assegai in 29x2.5 inch with EXO+ casing is fitted to the front wheel, while a Minion DHR II in 27.5x2.5 inch with DoubleDown casing is fitted to the rear wheel. The brakes on the AL 70 are Srams DB8.
- Price: 6299 Euro >> available here
- Fork: RockShox Zeb Base
- Shock absorber: RockShox Super Deluxe Base
- Gear system: SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type
- Brakes: SRAM DB8
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5", EXO+ / Minion DHR II 27.5x2.5", DoubleDown
- Weight: 24.35 kg
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
