In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
This gravel bike is causing a stir simply because of its brand name. For many mountain bikers, the name Santa Cruz is synonymous with casual sports equipment from the premium segment. Soulful advertising campaigns characterise the image and the Californian label has become an integral part of the Downhill World Cup. So it's no wonder that you see a lot of Santa Cruz bikes on the trails and in the bike parks of this world. The Stigmata with suspension fork has just half as much suspension travel as the company's first bike from 1994 and is advertised as an "off-road speed bike". The gravel bike inherits tried and tested features from its mountain bike siblings, such as a superbly functioning storage compartment, a high level of service friendliness and an excellently finished frame with a lifetime guarantee.
The Santa Cruz Stigmata Rival 1X Rudy AXS in detail
- Price5299 Euro >> available here
- Field of applicationGravelbike
- Wheel size: 700C/28"
- Tyre width (installed / maximum): 45 / 50 mm
- Weight complete bike9.8 kg (size XL)
- Maximum permissible system weight: 125 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Number of bottle cage holders: 3
- Compatible with dropper post: yes
- Compatible with front derailleur: yes
- Special featuresFrame storage compartment, mudguard mounting possible, UDH derailleur hanger
Equipment
Santa Cruz offers the Stigmata in five equipment variants and six different frame sizes (XS / SM / MD / LG / XL / XXL). You will have to invest between 3999 and 7799 euros for the carbon gravel bike. Our test bike bears the model name Santa Cruz Stigmata Rival 1x Rudy AXS, costs 5299 euros and is characterised by the following features:
- CircuitSram Rival 1 / GX AXS Transmission, 1 x 12
- Cassette / gear rangeSram GX Transmission 10-52T / 520 %
- Crank / chainring sizeSram Rival 1 DUB / 42T
- Brakes / disc sizeSram Rival / 160/160 mm
- ImpellersEaston ARC Offset 25 / DT Swiss 370
- TyresMaxxis Rambler Exo Protection TR 45 mm
- Cockpit length / width (upper/lower link)75 mm / 480/550 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight9.78 kg (size XL, without pedals)
- Impeller weight3803 g (incl. tyres, tubeless milk and valves, cassette, brake discs, thru axles)
- Impeller acceleration2439 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
The gravel bike from Santa Cruz in a practical test
Unfortunately, the Stigmata gravel bike also inherits the hefty price tag from the Santa Cruz mountain bikes, in the light of which the functional but sober equipment package radiates little glamour. Just like with Pivot customers have to pay an extra euro or two for an optimised carbon frame with a good reputation. There is space for three bottle cages and a set of mudguards on the Stigmata. Otherwise, the American bike has to make do without additional mounting points. Thanks to the XXL size also available, Santa Cruz also offers a suitable option for taller riders.
Even the geometry table shows that the Santa developers are mountain bike fans. They combined the longest reach in the test with a compact head tube to create a stretched riding position. We recommend that touring riders who don't ride in attack mode all the time should jack up the cockpit. Then the ergonomics fit surprisingly well on long rides. A slim carbon seatpost and a padded saddle increase riding comfort. A 42-tooth chainring keeps up even on fast rides and the large MTB cassette helps out with a creeper gear when the lactate shoots into your legs.
Once the Stigmata is up to speed, it is almost unstoppable. The bike moves forward in a calm and purposeful manner. In addition to the spacious wheelbase, the 69 degree steering angle is responsible for the smooth ride. The moderate chainstay length makes it easy to push up the kerb, but the Stigmata doesn't really have much playfulness. Compared to the significantly shorter and steeper competitors from Radon and Alutech it rides like it's on rails through the terrain. Despite the short stem, the steering behaviour is noticeably slower and the controlled bike needs courageous manoeuvres to actively scurry between obstacles. Stay cool, hold on and ride over it: That's how the Santa Cruz works best.
The Rockshox Rudy Base reliably absorbs rough impacts, but is not very sensitive to small bumps. On a variety of trails, the simple suspension fork offers hardly any advantage that could not be achieved cost-effectively with even wider tubeless tyres. On the contrary: the fork cannot be locked out and bobs when pedalling. The fact that the overall weight remains in the green zone is a big plus for both the Verve on the climbs and the handling on the descents. The Stigmata is the only bike with a suspension fork to undercut the magic ten-kilo mark.
In addition to the lightweight chassis and rigid seat post, it owes this to its wheels, which are on a par with the carbon models from Giant and Marin on the scales despite the aluminium rims. Santa Cruz thus manages to combine geometry and suspension reserves with a sporty, lightweight character - a concept with potential! If gravel bikers are prepared to spend even more money, they will find the Stigmata to be a first-class bike.
BIKE conclusion
The Santa Cruz Stigmata* leaves a strong impression with many strengths and hardly any real weaknesses. With a suspension fork, the US gravel bike is particularly smooth-running and yet still light. Bikers should be able to enjoy the excellently crafted carbon chassis for a long time. The somewhat disappointing ratio of price to equipment quality can be accepted. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Lightweight, beautifully finished frame with lifetime guarantee
- Smooth running
- Comfortable sitting position
Contra
- Low play instinct
- unadorned furnishings
Jan Timmermann
Editor
