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The spell is brokenSanta Cruz presents its first E-MTB

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 10.02.2020

The spell is broken: Santa Cruz presents its first E-MTBPhoto: Hersteller
The spell is broken: Santa Cruz presents its first E-MTB
The Californian cult brand Santa Cruz is the next US label to enter the E-MTB market. The promise: The riding behaviour should hardly differ from non-motorised Santa Cruz bikes.

E-MTBs have a difficult time in America. In some regions, trails with e-support are not allowed to be used, and acceptance among mountain bikers is moderate. Accordingly, some smaller US labels are taking a cautious approach to E-MTBs. While Rocky Mountain, Pivot and Norco jumped on the e-train relatively early, others are fully committed to motor-free biking. Alongside the cult brand Yeti, Santa Cruz has so far been part of this bastion. But that is now over. "Heckler", which means "the troublemaker", aims to convince even the last sceptics of the E-MTB. The bike is in the same vein as all Santa Cruz bikes: fun downhill and handling on the trail are the top priorities.

Santa Cruz has electrified the Heckler to open up new, remote dream trails.Photo: Hersteller Santa Cruz has electrified the Heckler to open up new, remote dream trails. Voilà: The first e-MTB from Santa Cruz! The Heckler has 160/150 mm travel and comes with 27.5 mm wheels.Photo: Hersteller Voilà: The first e-MTB from Santa Cruz! The Heckler has 160/150 mm travel and comes with 27.5 mm wheels.

The Heckler is powered by the Shimano Steps E8000, the basis for a lively trail geometry and a low overall weight. Santa Cruz builds a carbon frame around it, which relies on the brand's typical VPP rear triangle. According to Santa Cruz, the top version should weigh a slim 21 kilos - but also cost a dizzying 13399 euros.

The sophisticated VPP rear suspension system on the Heckler should be tuned to E-MTB requirements. On non-motorised Santa Cruz bikes, the rear triangles were usually very effective.Photo: Hersteller The sophisticated VPP rear suspension system on the Heckler should be tuned to E-MTB requirements. On non-motorised Santa Cruz bikes, the rear triangles were usually very effective.

The facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler

  • Motor: Shimano Steps E8000
  • Suspension travel: 160/150 mm (front/rear)
  • Wheel size: 27.5 inch
  • Frame material: Carbon, complete
  • Weight: from 21.0 kg (manufacturer's specification)
  • Four variants between 7499 euros and 13399 euros
  • Five frame sizes S to XXL
Top: The brake mount on the frame is designed for 200 mm discs, the speed sensor is integrated in the dropout. Instead of a spoke magnet, a magnet is used on the brake disc.Photo: Hersteller Top: The brake mount on the frame is designed for 200 mm discs, the speed sensor is integrated in the dropout. Instead of a spoke magnet, a magnet is used on the brake disc.
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And off you go! The power button for Shimano's Steps system is located in the bottom bracket area directly above the motor.Photo: Hersteller And off you go! The power button for Shimano's Steps system is located in the bottom bracket area directly above the motor. The removable battery can also be charged in the bike, the socket is also located in the bottom bracket area.Photo: Hersteller The removable battery can also be charged in the bike, the socket is also located in the bottom bracket area.

The geometry of the Santa Cruz Heckler

Santa Cruz has positioned its new Heckler somewhere between trail and enduro. "Agressive trail riding" is what the Californians call the bike's area of application. One thing is clear: the bike is designed to score particularly well downhill. The head angle is 65.5 degrees, the seat angle is around 76 degrees and the reach in size L is 465 millimetres. Although the chainstays are short at 445 millimetres, this is by no means extreme for a 27.5 mm bike with a Shimano motor. Santa Cruz does not dare to experiment with these values. However, the Heckler is available up to frame size XXL with a reach of 515 millimetres. Thanks to short seat tubes, smaller riders can also reach for larger frame sizes.

The geometry of the Santa Cruz Heckler: five frame sizes from S to XXL.Photo: Hersteller The geometry of the Santa Cruz Heckler: five frame sizes from S to XXL.

Santa Cruz Heckler: Models and prices

Anyone looking for an affordable e-MTB will unfortunately have to look elsewhere. The Heckler CC R is available for 7499 euros. The other equipment variants cost €8599 (CC S), €11,199 (CC X01 RSV, with spare carbon wheelset incl. lifetime warranty) and €13,399 (CC XX1 AXS RSV, with spare carbon wheelset incl. lifetime warranty and electronic Sram AXS drivetrain).

Object of desire: The top model Santa Cruz Heckler CC XX1 AXS RSV. Under 21 kilos, 13399 euros.Photo: Hersteller Object of desire: The top model Santa Cruz Heckler CC XX1 AXS RSV. Under 21 kilos, 13399 euros.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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