The Santa Cruz Vala and Santa Cruz Bullit are among the most popular e-mountainbikes in their category - and look confusingly similar. The Vala ranks in the trail and all-mountain segment of e-bikes, the Bullit in the e-enduro segment. The Bullit recently secured the test victory in our comparison of three high-end e-enduro bikes. The biggest problem with the two high-end bikes from Santa Cruz is that they are very close to each other. Only one centimetre of travel separates the two and even the "small" Vala comes with thick 38 mm forks and fat tyres. The Californians have come up with a sensible update for 2026. Some models of the Vala will be put on a diet and the bike will be available from 20.5 kilos. This will differentiate it more clearly from the Bullit enduro bike.
The updates for 2026 at a glance
- New colours: Gloss Slate/ Blue Coral and Matte Carbon/ Gold Sparkle
- New "SL" versions with Fox 36 and lightweight equipment (under 21kg)
- XT Di2 with integrated Bosch shifting system
- All electronic switchgear connected directly to the main battery
- New Fox 38 on the classic XT Di2
The Santa Cruz Vala model range for 2026
While the Vala CC XT Di2 RSV with the new Fox 38 continues to appear in the robust and downhill-orientated configuration, the new SL variants completely reposition the e-bike - lighter than ever before. The Vala CC XX AXS SL RSV and the Vala CC XT Di2 SL RSV remain under the 21-kilogram limit, thanks in part to the new Fox 36, while the rear tyre also saves weight: Exo+ instead of Doubledown. This should make the bike noticeably more agile, lively, dynamic and precise. At the same time, it retains its proven trail suitability and remains a versatile companion for any terrain.
The problem is that the updates only apply to the expensive versions with CC frames. Prices start at 10,999 euros. The two SL variants cost 10,999 and 12,999 euros respectively.
Santa Cruz Vala XT Di2 RSV - 10,999 euros
- Weight: 21.5 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Frame: CC Carbon, 150mm, MX (Sizes S-XXL)
- Fork: Fox 38 Factory, Grip X2, 160mm
- Damper: Fox Float X Factory
- Drive: Shimano XT Di2 wired
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver, 200F/R 6B
- Seat post: OneUp V3
- Rims/hubs: RSV 30|HD / DT Swiss 350 DEG Hybrid DF
- Tyres front/rear: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5, 3C MG EXO+ / Minion DHRII 27.5x2.5, 3C MT DD
Santa Cruz Vala XT Di2 RSV SL - 10,999 euros
- Weight: 20.9 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Frame: CC Carbon, 150mm, MX (Sizes S-XXL)
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory, Grip X2, 160mm
- Damper: Fox Float X Factory
- Drive: Shimano XT Di2 8260 wired
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8220, 200F/R 6B
- Seat post: OneUp V3
- Rims/hubs: RSV 30|HD / DT Swiss 350 DEG Hybrid DF
- Tyres front/rear: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5, 3C MG EXO+ / Maxxis DHRII 27.5x2.5, 3C MT EXO+
Santa Cruz Vala XX AXS RSV SL - 12,999 euros
- Weight: 20.5 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Frame: CC Carbon, 150mm, MX (Sizes S-XXL)
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory, Grip X2, 160mm
- Damper: Fox Float X Factory
- Drive: SRAM XX AXS wired
- Brakes: SRAM Maven ULT, 200F/R 6B
- Seat post: OneUp V3
- Rims/hubs: RSV 30|HD / DT Swiss 240 DEG Hybrid DF
- Tyres front/rear: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5, 3C MG EXO+ / Maxxis DHRII 27.5x2.5, 3C MT EXO+
Opinion of the BIKE editorial team
The SL versions are a logical step that creates a clearer distinction between Bullit and Vala. For many trail and touring bikers, the lightweight trim definitely makes sense. The specified weights from 20.5 kilos are really strong - and the Vala is one of the lightest bikes with Bosch CX ever. Unfortunately, however, everything is only in the price range above 10,000 euros - and thus remains a utopian dream for the majority of bikers.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
