Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS: What makes the Santa Cruz with Bosch motor so good?
Jan Timmermann
· 21.02.2025
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In the first contact with the Santa Cruz Vala There are one or two question marks: Is this even a Santa Cruz? The Vala is not just a visual departure from the Californians' product range. Instead of the iconic VPP system, a classic four-bar rear suspension compresses the shock.
The reason for this is the switch from Shimano to Bosch - a first for Santa Cruz. The CX simply got in the way of the optimum VPP pivot points. Nevertheless, the developers speak confidently of a more active and consistent chassis than ever before.
The Santa Cruz Vala retains its lifetime warranty promise and the free supply of rear suspension bearings. Although the new e-bike has been given a flip chip, this only has a minimalist 0.3 degree influence on the geometry.
The bike does not have a full-twenty-nine option. We were very excited to see how the Santa Cruz Vala would fare in a direct comparison of eight high-end all-mountain bikes up to € 10,000.
Video to test the Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS
In our big test of eight high-end e-bikes, we spared no effort and captured our test impressions of the Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS on film. You can find the video directly here or on the BIKE YouTube channel.
Details about the Santa Cruz Vala
- Field of application: All Mountain
- Spring travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27,5"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 22.2 kg (BIKE measured value without pedals)
- Maximum system weight: 158 kg
- Price: 9799 Euro >> available here
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Flipchip for geo-adjustment, flipchip for rear triangle progression, tool mount
Features of the Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 600, permanently installed
- Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite
- Damper: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Circuit: Sram GX Egale AXS Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Maven BRZ / 200/200 mm
- Impellers: eThirteen E13 SL / Raceface ARC 30
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Trail Pro TLE Radial Addix Soft 29 x 2.50 / Gravity Pro TLE Radial Addix Soft, 27.5 x 2.50
- Seat post / stroke: One Up Dropper / 210 mm
Practical test of the Santa Cruz Vala
Considering the nominally flat seat angle, the seating position on board the Santa Cruz is surprisingly compact and reminiscent of a modern enduro bike. This is due to the large stack value and the short, high cockpit, which keep the rider upright. In tricky uphill situations, the Vala is easy to handle and offers a great sense of control. The front wheel follows the rider's instructions precisely and can be positioned effortlessly in the ideal line.
Supported by the harmonious motor modulation, the bike also takes on really technical climbs. The rear suspension offers good support, but remains unimpressively pale in comparison to its high-performance competitors. Nevertheless, the Vala doesn't have any traction problems, as the extremely grippy rear tyre holds on even on wet, slippery trails.
Playmate for the downhill
The Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS shows a very similar picture when the trail heads downhill. While the rear end doesn't deliver the wow effect here either, the handling is the Vala's greatest strength. The Geo hits the feel-good sweet spot exactly and generates a wonderfully balanced riding position. The lightest bike in the test can be thrown from bend to bend with a lively character, it is respectable on the rear wheel and secure in the air.
A long vario support in the short seat tube of the Santa Cruz e-bike creates freedom of movement. Bikers with good riding technique and an active style are rewarded with fun riding characteristics. The progression of the rear triangle, which is high even in the reduced flip-chip setting, is also suitable for radical manoeuvres. The other side of the coin: even with the compression damping open, the full travel can only be used for radical manoeuvres.
The Santa Cruz Vala is definitely not a mini-enduro bike that forgives every misplaced line choice. Pivot Rapcon and Simplon Shuttle offer noticeably more plush rear suspension. At the front, on the other hand, the extremely powerful Fox 38 leaves nothing to be desired and, together with the high tyre grip, guides the Vala through crisp downhills. The brute deceleration performance of the Sram Maven brakes is great, but takes some getting used to. Nice and quiet!
The BIKE spider diagram shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Santa Cruz Vala in the E-All-Mountain category. Uphill, playfulness and downhill refer to the riding behaviour. The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of various points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle retractability. Range: measured in a standardised field test.
Data from the BIKE test lab
- Total weight: 22.18 kg without pedals
- Battery weight: Permanently installed
- Weight of wheels: 5713 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
Conclusion from BIKE editor Jan Timmermann
The Vala not only looks different from all previous Santa Cruz e-bikes, it also rides like one. Unfortunately, the rear suspension can't quite fulfil the full-bodied promises. This makes the superb handling of this fun machine all the more impressive. The blend of poise and reactivity hits the mark. Test victory! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- safe and at the same time fun handling up- and downhill
- Strong tyres, fork and brakes
Contra
- Suspension travel difficult to utilise
- Low chassis traction
- Permanently installed battery
BIKE grade: 1.8*
- Driving behaviour: 1.8
- Engine: 1.6
- Laboratory: 2.3
- Equipment: 2.2
*The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
