Santa Cruz Bicycles

Heckler Carbon CC S e-Bike

Santa Cruz's first e-MTB is on our favorites list for its ability to take on challenging trails with ease. If you're looking for maximum fun on previously inaccessible mountain terrain, you've come to the right place. We like that the all-new Heckler opens up a whole new style of riding for those willing to embrace it. Using the Bronson as a starting point, Santa Cruz gives the bike 150mm of VPP rear travel, a 160mm travel fork, progressive geometry, and a SRAM Eagle drivetrain with a wide range that helps you conquer the toughest climbs without running out of gears on fast descents. This isn't some sluggish e-bike, it's an aggressive trail bike that pairs Santa Cruz's renowned carbon chassis with Shimano's proven electric drive system to help you ride further and faster.

With the Heckler, Santa Cruz wanted to make a bike that was light and agile, something that mimicked the feel of the Bronson as closely as possible. By using the same CC Carbon construction as their high-end mountain bikes and pairing it with a 504wh integrated battery they were able to keep the weight at about 46 pounds, putting the Heckler right up there with the lightest e-MTBs in its class. 27.5in wheels keep things playful and maneuverable, while the 65.5-degree head angle brings confidence and stability when the trail gets rough. The lower-link VPP suspension balances plush bump-absorption with efficient pedaling performance, and is tuned with lower anti-squat than Santa Cruz's regular pedal bikes for a more active feel that enhances traction when you're grunting up a technical climb. When it comes time to go down, the suspension has the mid-stroke and bottom-out support needed to tackle repeated high-speed impacts along with bigger jumps and drops.

The Shimano Steps E-8000 motor is compact and lightweight, but with its powerful 250-watt output you'll enjoy a serious boost to your pedaling capacity, allowing you to clear the steepest climbs without tiring out too quickly. There are four modes to choose from: Eco, Trail, Boost, and Walk. Eco delivers the least amount of power and consequently the longest range. It's ideal for longer rides or when you're making a conscious effort to save power. Trail is the most usable mode for normal trail riding, progressively ramping up the power as you increase your pedaling cadence. Boost mode is quite powerful, providing considerable pedal-assistance for speeds up to 20mph. Lastly, the Walk mode is used when you're off the bike and want a little extra help pushing the bike along. An intuitive computer display on the handlebar lets you easily switch between these modes, and shows you the current mode as well as your speed.

*Due to unprecedented demand in the global supply chain and the bike industry over the last 18 months, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be minor. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.