Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review | 2024 eMTB Lite Group Review

The @santacruzbicycles2841 Heckler SL is a well rounded trail focused eMTB that punches above it’s travel figures thanks to awesome geometry. This bike has very few and next to no weird traits and begs you to weight that inside hand and try to rip the tire off the wheel. Like to jump and play around? Well it does that too! The Heckler SL is a mixed wheel trail weapon that stay true to the Santa Cruz ride feel.

We’d like to offer a huge thank you to our sponsors: Outdoor Research, Schwalbe Tires, Ride Concepts and the Running Y Resort. Without their gracious support, these types of content series would not be possible. Give them a thanks down below!

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[mehukatti]

Really cool that Santa Cruz introduced this Stout build with Fox 38 and Float X2! Just wish there was assurance that Fazua has fixed their problems...

[chrisgrover]

I had a Santa Cruz SL rode it 13 Miles and it failed to charge. My shop did everything including battery changes and drive unit swap. I swapped it for a Norco after many trips to the shop thanks for the support from Fat Tire Farm.

[paulmaag]

I own a Heckler SL, S model. I have 1700 miles of all dirt, 90% single track, heavy climbing rocky mountain trails. Absolutely no problems. My guess is that the Fazua motor does not like heat or low cadence mashing of the peddles. The motor is mostly burried in the frame, so heat, the destroyer of electric motors, can not get out. I've never ridden my bike above 85 degrees.
This bike Love the geo. So much fun!

[sebastianhorn]

FAZUA…one of my favourites, WHEN it‘s working…that says all 😂

[AHappyZeebra]

I have the 2023 Heckler SL. bought it pretty much at its release. Not had an issue with the motor. Prob one of the most fun bikes i've sat on. I do agree with this video in that the biggest improvement with 2024 was the suspension upgrade which is my desire to upgrade also. I love this bike, so fun from trail to bike parks.

[drosslander]

1800 km's on a GX AXS Heckler Sl (42lbs) and I've got to say it's the funnest, best handling overall mtn bike I've ever owned. Had one cable issue which was resolved in less than a week. The FAZUA system is so natural it makes you feel like you're having a super strong day in the saddle of an acoustic bike. You know it's a perfect Santa Cruz when Drew is finding it hard to find fault with it. :)

[sham]

Absolutely love my SL, but I bought it gently used at a lowball price.

And I had a spare X2 lying around, and I put a 38mm fork on it, and the Fazua hasn't crapped out... fingers crossed.

[wmercer]

$9, 300 for gx drivetrain and fox performance suspension ... Let that sink in.

[ridemx]

Still dancing around the Fazua problems.

[mr.bopington]

As someone who used to own a megatower I will confirm the thoughts expressed on vpp here. I either had to increase sag to experience harshness on the downhill and experience terrible pedal bob. Or deal with the harshness and not have pedal bob.

[yodapig]

If they update this model the new ZF motor (with 90Nm) and the option of a range extender, it would be close to perfect for all-mountain riding.

[timc]

Love my heckler SL. But had to replace fazua motor once. Fingers crossed that's it.

[hanswalser]

I have this bike and love it. I am running a Cane Creek Tigon and it adds that extra help through the high speed chunder which was lacking with the air shock. My personal opinion on the motor is it gets too hot and fails. The motor has zero vents air flow. It looks like a regular pedal bike in that the motor is not visible to the open air (e-bike in disguise). So far so good on the motor.

[michaeldevries]

I’m waiting for the next gen fazua motor which hopefully will have a battery extender available at launch.

[stuartthomasson]

Would love to hear how it handles the rocky chunk? Considering one for southern Utah 🤔

[jessevassallo]

What kind of problems are the Fazua motors experiencing? I just bought a second hand Heckler SL and have not had any issues, but would like to know what the persistent problems are what are the symptoms. All I hear is people saying they are crap and that's it.

[topchoice]

I really wish you guys would bring some of the emtb company reps and ask them what makes their bikes worth the price they charge and see what they say

[flyinchop]

I would love to hear how you think this bike stacks up against the Ari Nebo Peak.

[JenkinsB]

Ibis Oso? Not quite SL but close, and on sale now!

[SidiNic]

How many times did the motor fail though? Reading many horror stories about the Fazua continue giving problems and replacement needed