Light eMTB test duel: Santa Cruz Heckler SL vs. Specialized Levo SL
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 07.01.2024
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Specialised and Santa Cruz. The names of these two brands alone trigger excitement in the central nervous system of many trail bikers: Get on the trail and let the adrenalin flow! And that's exactly what the two light e-MTBs from the iconic American brands promise. With 160 millimetres at the front and 150 mm suspension travel at the rear, they aim to be the perfect trail all-rounders. They are powerful enough for tough descents, but with the right amount of manoeuvrability for fun on winding or flat trails.
The light approach with moderate motor and battery power is intended to avoid flow-inhibiting additional weight. While Specialized kicked off this category with the first generation Levo SL a good three years ago, the Heckler SL is the light premiere from Santa Cruz. How do the two Californians fare in a duel?
Santa Cruz vs Specialized: These are the opponents in the "Light-Trail" test duel
Fundamental differences are already apparent in the fact check. Specialised has opted for minimalism when it comes to the electric motor and battery. The Heckler SL, on the other hand, has a relatively powerful motor in the Fazua Ride 60 and the battery capacity of 430 watt hours is rather generous by light standards. On the other hand, the victory on the scales clearly goes to Specialized according to the battery size: 18.2 instead of 19.3 kilos! This also gives the Levo an advantage on the trail. This is because it is even lighter and easier to handle without losing too much suspension on rough downhills.
The chassis shares the decisive facts. Both bikes rely on carbon fibre for the main frame and rear triangle. At 160 mm (front) and 150 mm (rear), the suspension travel of both Santa Cruz and Specialized is on the borderline of the enduro category. The mullet-style wheel concept is also designed for trail fun. The large 29er front wheel is intended to ensure confident rollover behaviour and the smaller 27.5 mm rear wheel is designed to provide agile and agile handling.
On the geometry side, there are many similarities - but also drastic differences. The reach is almost identical in size L and S4 and, at around 470 mm (EMTB measurement), is modern but not extremely long. In addition, the seat tubes are very short (425 mm), which also allows for really long dropper posts. The head tube is 120 mm long on both trail bikes and the stem is short at 40 mm. There are clear differences in the head angle, which is one degree slacker on the Santa Cruz at 63.6 degrees. The rear end is almost a centimetre longer on the Santa Cruz. All in all, this results in a significantly longer wheelbase on the Heckler SL. 1265 vs. 1240 millimetres. The bottom bracket is over a centimetre lower on the Santa Cruz.
Fact check: A comparison of the light trail duellists
Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS
- Weight: 19.3 (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size L)
- Wheel size: 29/27.5"
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60 (max. 450 watts, 60 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: 430 Wh, permanently installed
- Price: 9799 Euro
- Permissible total weight: 156 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1298 (+14) hm / 12.1 km/h
Specialised Levo SL Expert
- Weight: 18.2 (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size S4)
- Wheel size: 29/27.5"
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Motor: Specialized SL 1.2 (max. 320 watts, 50 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: 320 Wh, permanently installed
- Price: 9900 Euro >> available here
- Permissible total weight: 143 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1019 (+28) hm / 10 km/h
The e-drives: Fazua Ride 60 versus Specialized SL 1.2
Specialized relies on minimalism when it comes to the drive. Even though the in-house SL motor has increased its power and torque compared to its predecessor, the thrust remains rather discreet. The small battery with 320 watt hours, which the system uses efficiently, fits in well with this. The Heckler SL is fitted with the Fazua Ride 60, which has noticeably more oomph behind it, and the range of 430 watt hours is also clearly superior. The Fazua drive is therefore already halfway to the classic power motors, especially if you include the boost function. The Ride 60 delivers up to 450 watts at the push of a button - that is significantly more than classic light drives. The SL 1.2 from Specialized, on the other hand, is a minimalist. The motor noise is more discreet on the Fazua than on the SL 1.2. However, the Ride 60 does not even come close to the noise leader, the TQ HPR 50. The Specialized drive has become quieter compared to its predecessor, but still can't keep up with the light drives.
When it comes to battery integration, both Specialized and Santa Cruz rely on lightweight construction: the batteries in the Levo SL and Heckler SL are permanently installed and can neither be removed for charging nor for a quick battery change on tour. The design with a closed down tube saves weight while increasing the rigidity of the chassis. However, depending on personal circumstances, everyday handling can suffer from the fixed installation. Where can I store and charge my e-bike? Will the battery range be sufficient for my planned tours? Every prospective buyer should clarify these questions before making a purchase.
In terms of range, the Fazua-powered Heckler SL is clearly ahead. Of course, with its 430 watt hours, it has more juice on board than the Levo SL with its slim 320 watt hours. However, both systems use energy very efficiently. In our range tests, the Fazua bikes performed above average. Despite the high power output in the highest support level, they always climbed considerable heights. In hard figures, this means that while a Heckler SL with Ride 60 reaches around 1300 metres in altitude at 12 km/h, the Levo SL manages a good 1000 metres in altitude at around 10 km/h. Especially those who like to get a little more support from the motor will benefit from the reserves of the Fazua system. Due to its system, the Specialized drive is more of a range dwarf. Longer tours require an economical riding style and sporty riders.
Test duel in the light trail category: How the Santa Cruz Heckler SL and Specialized Levo SL fare off-road
The Specialized Levo SL and the Santa Cruz Heckler SL have a lot in common - but there are also clear differences. On the trail, both bikes are absolute trail experts. The two light e-bikes are at the forefront in terms of riding fun as well as their descending qualities. With the Levo SL, Specialized puts the one kilo lighter bike on the Mullet wheels. You can feel that on the trail. The bike is even more light-footed and lively. The shorter wheelbase and steeper steering angle also contribute to this. The Heckler SL has the more direct rear suspension on its side, which gives the Santa Cruz more pop.
When things get rougher on the descents, there's not much to complain about with either candidate. Twice a strong rear end, twice a top spec, twice real feel-good handling. On fast straights, the significantly longer Heckler SL can offer a whole lot more smoothness, especially in the slack geometry setting. Thanks to the lower bottom bracket and riser handlebars, you're relaxed behind the front of the Heckler SL, which gives you a lot of confidence. On the other hand, the more confident suspension fork on the Specialized scores points. The rear suspension is both really good and offers good traction, but has a different character. The rear end of the Levo SL releases its travel very generously and spreads the much-invoked "hoover feeling". The more progressive Heckler SL offers plenty of reserves towards the end of its travel, especially in the flatter and therefore more progressive flip-chip setting.
If you're looking to tackle technical climbs with the Light-E-MTB, you'll clearly end up with the Santa Cruz. This is because the Heckler not only has the more powerful motor but also the better climbing geometry on its side. With its subtle thrust, the Levo SL requires a really fit rider and a lot of effort if you want to climb steeper trails. But then the traction at the rear is excellent. The short rear end also requires an active riding position, as the front wheel quickly becomes light, making the bike more difficult to control in tight bends or on steep gradients. This is exactly what the light e-bike from Santa Cruz does much better. Despite the stronger motor punch, the front wheel stays on track much better. Compared to other light eMTBs, the Heckler SL is an excellent climber overall. We can also attest to its excellent traction on the rear wheel.
The rating: Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS vs Specialized Levo SL Expert
Conclusion of the test: Heckler SL vs Levo SL
These two E-MTBs are among the best that the light category has to offer! When it comes purely to the trail rating, the lighter Levo SL is slightly ahead. That's because it combines its descending qualities and absorption capacity with light-footed handling a little better. On the other hand, the Heckler SL is more broadly positioned. With a greater range and more motor power, it comes closer to the advantages of classic E-MTBs. Challenging uphills are also possible. The Heckler can also generate a little more smoothness on rough downhill and enduro trails. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Editor EMTB Magazine
To the tests: Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS & Specialized Levo SL Expert
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
