eBike Review // Santa Cruz Heckler SL

If any of you MTB shredders at home have been keeping up to date with the content of [R]evolution MTB Mag, website, social media and/or our YouTube channel of late you would’ve seen that we recently did a long-term review of the Santa Cruz Heckler.

Now let’s start this off with full disclosure, the test team at [R]evo HQ were big fans of the full powered version of the Heckler e-MTB and its all-round versatility on a variety of trails. So, when we got the shout out from Santa Cruz to throw a leg over the close cousin of the Heckler, their all-new Super Light (SL) version, we were rather exited to tear into some trails and see what’s up with the new version of this very popular model of their e-MTB’s. 

At first glance the overall aesthetic appeal of the new SL was pretty damn mind blowing. This bike is consistent with Santa Cruz’s trademark quality and detail throughout their fleet of trail slayers. From the paintwork, components, frame protection and frame design, Santa Cruz have not missed the mark with a fantastic looking bike. I guess the big questions are how this sucker performed on the trails and how does it compare in ride quality and performance to the full powered version?! Well punk rockers, settle in, because we are going to break this bike down brick by brick and give all you cool cats at home an insight on how this engineering marvel came to light! 

We’ve got to admit this bike does look the goods, can you give us a bit of a run down on the frame and components?

To put this bike into perspective the Heckler SL is rather akin to the Bronson in the Santa Cruz line up of bikes. It’s not a trail bike, nor would we consider it an enduro bike, we reckon it’s more something in between. We’d call it an aggressive trail style bike boasting a 160mm travel fork and 150mm of rear wheel travel. This bike comes stock with MX wheels, being a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5 in back wheel, making this bike an all-round party machine. A bike you can pedal all day yet still hit those gnarly trails with all little extra confidence. This whip is also built with a full carbon chassis and adjustable angles via a flip chip. They also provide this frame in the C or CC carbon layup options depending on what level of ‘bling’ you want in your bike. 

The SL is available in five sizes from small right up to XXL and as with all their quiver of bikes it is available in a number of build options to depending on what flavour you prefer in components to compliment your new whip. The Heckler we tested was the full SRAM/Rock Shox build in an XL (192 cm test rider – 88kg weight). This bike comes with all the bells and whistles and features an all-new Lyrik Fork, Super Deluxe rear shock, carbon Santa Cruz Bars, Burtec Stem, XO AXS transmission drive unit, Reserve Carbon 30 wheels, DT 350 hubs, Maxxis tyres, Santa Cruz Grips, One-up dropper post and Code Stealth Brakes to name a few. But I guess the heart and soul of the new SL version of the Heckler is the Fazua Ride 60 drive unit and 430-watt battery. 

Sounds like the goods! Give us all a bit more details on what’s new with the Fazua Ride 60 motor.

Well as in the name ‘Fazua Ride 60’ this motor pumps out 60nm of torque which is powered by the forementioned 430-watt battery. Now, I know what your all thinking, that doesn’t sound like a lot of torque or battery life, but when you think of the bikes overall weight, which comes in around 18.5kg, the SL is about 6kgs lighter in comparison to most other full powered e-Bikes on the market. So, from a mere economic perspective, 60nm of torque is more than enough considering it’s pushing about 6kgs less weight in the bike alone. This also transfers to more economic battery life as there is less fatigue on the motor therefore it uses less power overall. The other difference between the SL version of the Heckler is the motor and battery are completely enclosed in the frame for additional strength and protection, not to mention it looks very, very stealthy. This isn’t just for looks and strength as one of the residual effects of this frame design and integrated motor is just how quiet it is on the trails.

There is no rattle from the motor or battery whatsoever which was super refreshing in comparison to some other e-MTBs. 

Another neat feature is that you can adjust all your settings via a switch on your handlebar which controls all 4 power/torque settings; the frame has an integrated on/off switch in the top tube and a neat little charging port and cover on the downtube near the bottom bracket. Overall, the e-Bike functions aboard this steed are very minimalistic, sure some people may want some extra screen displays as we’ve seen with Shimano’s EP8 or the Bosch motors but with that said, we kind of like the minimal approach as it makes the bike very sleek overall. One thing we will say is that although the Fazua’s bar switch/controller works well, we found it to be a little sticky from time to time and harder to reach with your thumb in comparison to some other controllers, this is one component we think Fazua could be refine a little better. 

You guys mentioned the quality of this frame, can you give us some more details around this frame design and features?

The CC model frame uses a more expensive style of carbon that uses a lighter, stronger carbon fibre and carbon fibre layup. In short, the CC version uses less material and has the same amount of strength as the C model it is just reduced weight. With that said, the C model frame is still very light, strong, durable and has immaculate ride quality. But if you want something with a little extra flare the CC model is available. Both the C and CC run internal cable routing, additional frame protection in all those susceptible area around your drive train and it also runs a neat little mud guard over the rear linkage to keep all the garbage out of your linkages and bearings.

The ribbed chain stay protector also dampens the chain slap making this bike extremely quiet out on the trails, this is also attributed to the neat motor and battery setup and complete lack of cable rattle. And yes, this frame also comes stock with a top chain guide and integrated frame mounts that will fit most top guides and full chain guide designs depending on what you prefer. Whilst we’re talking about linkages, true to form the SL boasts a refined VPP linkage along with plenty or tyre clearance in the rear. Oh yes, the frame will also fit a larger shock such as a Vivid air shock or a coil. I guess you’re asking by now how all these little refinements have translated into ride performance on the trails? Well, we’ve already given you a couple of clues above in relation to ride quality so hang onto your chairs because we’ll get to that soon. 

Are there any standout features on this bike that would make you consider this over a full powered e-MTB? Any likes or dislikes?

To be honest there are so many good little features about this bike that have resulted in a very good package overall. Not only that, but this boutique e-MTB is pretty damn good value for money. Sure, it’s in the pricy side of things but it’s a Santa Cruz, the name speaks for itself.

One thing we will say for sure is if the SL e-MTB bike market keeps travelling on the same sort of trajectory as this new Heckler SL, any naysayers out there in the MTB crowd will be eating humble pie in the not distant future when they throw a leg over one of these, because the weight alone on this bike is outstanding. 

18.5 kgs in an e-Bike is something we could’ve only dreamt of 10 odd years ago, I think once the torque gets a little higher and battery life gets a little longer with the SL bikes every mountain biker is going to want one of these, sure we had to keep an eye on the conservation of power for longer rides but to be honest we pumped out some 40km plus rides with over 1000 metres of elevation aboard this bike no worries. At times we even rode this bike turned off due to the lack of drag with the motor and is essentially rode just like your everyday whip. I guess the real question is what’s not to like about this bike?! 

Fair call! Now let’s get to the bones of this bike, how did this sucker feel on the trails, was it as good as it looks?

To be fair we really liked the versatility of the full powered Heckler, a take it anywhere do anything style bike. We also like that about the Bronson, it does it all from corners, gaps, enduro races and all-day missions, whatever, it’s got you covered! They’re both your complete all-round, all-mountain style whips in every sense of the word. The Bronson is super capable yet playful at the same time, yet the full powered Heckler is super composed and inspired confident riding over heavier terrain due to that extra weight. So, to put things in simple terms, consider the new Heckler SL the best of both those worlds. 

The SL is light and nimble, fantastic through the corners, jumps and rock gardens. It is a remarkable climber and is a proven to be a go to bike for those all-day missions. Akin to the standard Heckler the SL is really the jack of all trades but personally we think its even better.

It has all the stable planted elements of the regular e-Bike but without the lag, you can really pedal this thing hard on descents even beyond its 25km/ph hour cut off. With some e-MTB’s when the power cuts out, like when running into big jumps or features it can be at times a little off putting, the SL completely removes those negative aspects of e-Bikes altogether. 

Something else we should really mention is the size specific geometry with all their models, so depending on how tall you are there are some subtle changes to chain stay length and angles to ensure every rider who considers one of these bikes gets the right ride compliance and suspension kinematics to suit their height and weight. The motor is super smooth, reliable and in the full power function feels like riding in a ‘trail plus’ setting on a full powered e-Bike. Not only that, this bike is super quiet, but me being a stickler for quiet bikes this was a very good attribute for the SL. Another neat perk is due to the smaller battery, it charges relatively quickly so you’re ready to go for your next ride ASAP! 

Another cool feature is their updated frame design which has really focused on a bike that provides better traction to the wheels below and a more supple feel in the initial stroke of the shock. The Heckler from yesteryear was a little lacking in plushness however this new linkage has really eliminated any issues in that regard. Not only that the suspension design proven to be nice and supple but it has also provided a lot of mid-stroke to end-stroke support which translates to a mid-travel bike that is very composed over fast sections and heavier terrain. 

To break it all down in laymen’s terms we would describe the overall nature of this bike is fun, really really fun! Do it all, go anywhere, shredding the gnar FUN! Get the picture?! From booters, berms, rocks, roots and roosts this bike has you 100% covered. Every time we threw a leg over this steed our heads hurt from the grins on our face, this bike is that bloody good. So punk rockers, what are you waiting for? For all those legends out there, who have been considering an all mountain e-MTB but don’t want to give up those playful characteristics of your naturally aspirated whips, trust us when we say, go get yourselves a Heckler SL. You will not only have a good time, but you’ll just ride your bike more, our minds our blown it’s that simple. 

eBike Review: Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Frame: Full carbon in choice of 2 layup options (little bit lighter but more expensive and vice versa) 

Frame sizing: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear. 

Wheels: ‘Mullet’ 29”/27.5” specific

Motor: Fazua Ride60

Battery: 430Wh

Parts: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 12x, SRAM HS2 brakes w’ 200mm rotors, Cane Creek Headset, OneUp Chainguide, Reserve carbon 30/HD rims laced to Industry Nine hubs, Maxxis Minion tyres. 

Weight: 18.9kg

Price: Starting at $10999. As pictured here $17499

Browse: www.santacruzbicycles.com

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