Is the Santa Cruz Vala eMTB a Game Changer? UCSC Test Ride!

In this video, I test ride the all-new Santa Cruz Vala eMTB on the legendary mountain bike trails of UCSC in Santa Cruz, California, to find out how it stacks up against my personal ride, the Santa Cruz Bullit. If you're a mountain biker or eMTB enthusiast curious about how the Vala handles technical climbs, fast descents, jumps, and tight corners, this ride shares my opinion on its performance. I give my honest thoughts on its geometry, motor performance, suspension feel, and overall trail handling after putting it through a proper shred session. Whether you're considering the Vala for your next bike or just want to see it in action on real trails, this video gives you an inside look at what to expect from Santa Cruz’s latest eMTB.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more trail adventures!

V I D E O S T O W A T C H N E X T :

Electrifying Rides: e-Bike Demos!

From Drops to Doubles: My MTB Progress!

Exploring the Bay Area's Best MTB Trails: Epic Rides & Hidden Gems!

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MERCH

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SOCIAL

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0:00 - Intro
0:39 - First Looks
2:48 - Test Ride
5:37 - First Impressions
6:16 - Second Trail
10:34 - Climbing
12:52 - Walk Mode
13:13 - Final Impressions

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[singletrackbandit]

Have you had the chance to ride the new Santa Cruz Vala yet? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how it rides. Drop your feedback in the comments!

[briancourtney]

Great review mate! I watched most of your vids on the Bullit. I just bought one on Friday in Aus I’m collecting it Monday! they did have the Vala but I wanted the extra travel and you put my mind at ease..I did sit on the Vala I did prefer the bullit the cockpit felt better for me, both were large. I left all the hype about motors behide especially end of last year most channels were getting paid by Amflow to talk it up..I’ve been on a Giant with the gen 1 Yamaha for 3 years and it’s been solid and only had it a full power 5% of the time mainly for control two much power on the step stuff we go up and also keep the power low for longer rides..no mentions the software upgrade that the Shimano motor had recently it’s been winning stages in the ebike enduro end of last year and is compared to the Bosch race motor..goes to show Amflow or after Shimano who sit second in the market and trying to over market there product with all there money from their drones some reviewers are selling their souls “$AM”

[slowerwithdonuts]

You sneaky **** Nice demo! The motor rattle sounds a bit improved. I’m glad you prefer the Bullit—I spent a $$$ on it.

[jongusta]

Great video and nice to hear your comparison with the Bullit. The ebike I wanted +4 years ago. I just broke my Levo last weekend, so shopping bikes and riding my Hightower V2 in meantime. Vala on top of list as Levo replacement, but very eager to wait and see what 26’ Bullit and 26’ Levo looks like when finally comes out. Have a 21’ Rail as well, but officially died a couple of months ago (very poor bike as far as reliability goes, despite great geo in full 29)

[mehukatti]

You might have liked the rear suspension more in the HI progression setting, which is supposed to be plusher and sit more into its travel. Also good to remember that the new Bullit with the same layout is not too far out...

[himynamesjoel]

I'm about to pick up a Vala in the next couple days and it will be my first time going to UCSC to ride it. Where should I park and which trail to hit first??

[SeanCassidy]

Have you tried the Heckler SL? It’s the bike I have (and I love it) and I’m curious how it compares to the full emtbs.

[TBMT-um]

Please tell me the names of the specific trails in the video. Thanks for the review!

[nickwraith]

You never mentioned what u thought of the maven brakes.

[AliasHSW]

Thought e-bikes aren’t allowed at UCSC

[FabinFlacht]

Nice video, but mate your Bullit and the Vala are simply two different bikes for two different approach… 🤷🏻‍♂️