Santa Cruz Bicycles

Heckler SL S E-Bike

When we can't decide between the ride boost we get from a powered bike or the pureness we get from throwing around an analog bike, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL e-Bike is our go-to choice. Combining the best of both worlds, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL S e-Bike looks and rides like a traditional bike but has the power boost of an e-Bike. The new Super Light version of the Santa Cruz Heckler gives us a lightweight drive system that knocks the weight down considerably. The Fauza60 drive unit gives us 60Nm of torque, a 430Wh battery, and a range similar to full-power e-Bikes in a compact and quiet package that weighs around 10 pounds less than a traditional e-Bike. This means we can have a bike that looks, feels, and handles like the legendary Santa Cruz bike we know and love but still have the power to extend our rides and go faster and further than ever before. The Heckler SL has the same platform as the original Santa Cruz Heckler and sports 150mm of the renowned VPP suspension for optimal small bump sensitivity and a plush ride. Although this may seem like a lighter-weight version of the same old Heckler, Santa Cruz updated the geometry to make the Heckler SL more capable. With a slacker head tube angle, steeper seat tube angle, longer reach and wheelbase, shorter chainstays, and a shorter standover height, the Heckler SL is redesigned to be more agile and capable to pair with its more nimble chassis. A mixed-wheel setup gives us the best of both worlds by sticking a 29-inch wheel up front to roll over roots and rocks easily, while a 27.5-inch wheel in the rear allows for sharper turning and more agility. The integrated chainstay and downtube protectors keep our frame looking fresh, and a shock fender keeps mud spray from the back tire off our rear suspension. For the bigger and steeper days, we use the flip chip in the rear shock link to make the Heckler SL even longer, lower, and slacker for more confidence in steeper and faster terrain.

The S build of the Santa Cruz Heckler SL is fitted with reliable and quality components that don't come in at a hefty price tag. First up, this build uses Santa Cruz's Carbon C frame, which is built to the same standards as their more premium Carbon CC frame but at a slightly higher weight penalty. Next, the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain gives us a huge gear range and a reliable component spec to keep us cranking through those technical climbs. A RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock provides relentless traction and small bump sensitivity, while the RockShox Lyrik Select+, 160mm fork handles the big hits up front. RaceFace AR Offset 30 alloy wheels paired with DT Swiss 370 hubs give a quality aluminum wheelset that gives us confidence as we blast our way through rock gardens. Finally, premium Maxxis tires give us the confidence and grip we need as we send it down black diamond descents.

*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.