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Verdict on the Santa Cruz Vala AL Deore test
The Vala AL shows how good an inexpensive E-MTB can be. It may not be a hit in terms of equipment, but the parts are well chosen. You just have to be able to live with the fixed battery. The rear suspension and riding characteristics are convincing, even in difficult terrain. Our favourite when it comes to good value for money and therefore the clear test winner.
Data and facts about the Santa Cruz Vala AL Deore
| Preis | 5.299,00 €>> hier erhältlich |
| Suspension travel | 160 mm |
| Wheel size | Sonstige |
| Weight | 24 kg |
| Motor | Bosch Performance CX |
| Battery | Bosch Power Tube 600 |
| Fork | Rock Shox Psylo Gold RC |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore |
| Front brake | Shimano Deore BR-M 6120 |
Santa Cruz and affordable? Few brands are as unconcerned with value for money as the Americans. Santa Cruz is a bit like the Porsche of mountain bikes. It’s brilliant, yes, but certainly not cheap. That’s all changing now with the aluminium version of the classic Vala e-MTB. This is a fully-fledged e-MTB with a Bosch motor for 5,299 euros, which strikes just the right balance. The best fork for the money, plus good brakes, a lovely cockpit and perfectly chosen tyres. Doesn’t sound quite so wild now, does it?
In the video: BIKE reviews the Santa Cruz Vala AL Deore
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Features: The parts that really matter
When we, as testers, are asked what matters most in a high-performance e-MTB, the answer is usually: the best fork you can afford. You shouldn’t skimp too much on brakes, the cockpit and tyres either. The drivetrain, lightweight construction and wheels aren’t quite as crucial for the time being. That’s probably what the product managers at Vala AL must have thought too. After all, Santa Cruz has specified affordable yet functionally proven components in all the key areas.
Deore four-piston brakes offer good ergonomics; the cockpit and grips are extremely comfortable straight from the factory. As for the tyres, there’s a Maxxgrip at the front and a puncture-resistant tyre at the rear. An ideal combination for trail riding. Instead of a chunky, removable battery, Santa Cruz has opted for a permanently integrated 600-capacity battery. This is a clear nod to trail use. This means the bike has to be parked right next to a socket to charge. In return, despite its robust components and aluminium frame, the weight remains at 24 kilos. And there’s still room in the budget for the Psylo fork in the Gold version – which is significantly better in terms of performance, with high-quality damping and aluminium stanchions.
Aggressive Geo, no flip-chip
As the Santa Cruz is a bike to be taken seriously by trail pros, here’s a quick word on the geometry: the aluminium frame does not feature the flip chips found on the carbon model. This means that neither the rear suspension progression at the lower shock mount nor the geometry at the seat stays can be fine-tuned. Santa Cruz has opted for the middle position in both cases on the Vala AL. The head angle measures an almost extreme 63 degrees. Fortunately, you hardly notice this when turning onto trails whilst riding uphill.
Designed for trails: Here’s what the Vala AL is like to ride
You sit centrally on the bike, but the ride isn’t overly progressive. On steep sections, you therefore need to actively shift your weight onto the front wheel, although the handling always remains easy to control and traction is excellent even uphill thanks to the well-tuned rear suspension. The Bosch motor delivers its usual powerful yet responsive performance. The comfortable riding position and the range of the rather small 600-mAh battery are well suited to long rides. Only those wishing to tackle 2,000 metres of elevation gain in one go will need to use an extender.
The Vala really comes into its own on the descents. Even the most affordable model in the range impresses with its robust performance and is a real joy to ride on the trail. Weighing in at 24 kilos, the Vala AL doesn’t feel quite as nimble as the carbon models, though. This entry-level Santa Cruz proves that well-designed geometry and good kinematics are worth more on the trail than the obligatory XT rear derailleur or a higher-spec shock.
The rear suspension is clearly the best in our €5,000 comparison test, offering a responsive and precise ride without compromising on comfort. And there’s still plenty in reserve for tough riding. This is where most budget bikes usually fall short. The higher-spec Gold version of the Psylo fork performs remarkably well and offers excellent comfort. High-grip tyres provide plenty of confidence. What’s more, the bike remains nice and quiet. So there are hardly any real weaknesses on the trail. The built-in battery, with ‘just’ 600 watt-hours, is the biggest drawback in this price range.
Strengths:
- Powerful and well-equipped
- Plenty of challenges for trail experts
- Good suspension
Weaknesses:
- Built-in battery
Adrian Kaether
Editor
