Santa Cruz VALA - First Ride Review!

"Is this the best E-Bike on the market?! Lets find out!

[klassyken]

Crestline bikes managed to put the new Bosch motor, 800wh battery, and a VPP in their new S180.
As far as battery size required depends on where you live, how high you climb, how much you weigh, what mode you like to use etc. But the new 800wh battery from Bosch weighs less than their last own 750wh battery, so more watts doesn't nevessarily always mean more weigh
Great video. Thank you

[davefreeman]

Absolutely spot on about the battery, if you’re cruising into the car park after your ride with 30% left on the battery your carrying to much battery how many people regularly rinse a 800wh battery not many I would wager.

[Trailjunkie]

Just bought a S-Works SL I was so happy with it at 39lbs until I played around on some climbs as well as hammering on flat sections. Just not enough power for me so that's why I'm here watching this video lol. Got my eye on the Vala, Norco VLT CX C1 releasing this summer at 47lbs, Orbea, and the mystery Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 release date

[vashon]

11:00 I have never looped out on a climb with my 29er (even technical). I was really considering buying this Vala (mullet), but you just scared me out of it with all the climbing I do. Didn't realize the front end was so light, that's bad.

[adamthomasbmx]

YouTube auto caption working in overdrive. #Bikh
Weird seeing an SC with a four bar but great explanation of how and why it’s not so different. 👍

[michaeledwards]

Great review. Doesn’t get much better than that 👍

[Trailjunkie]

Heck make a trip out of it with a couple pieces of luggage in there 😂 Seriously though I had high hopes that the new G4 would have went the direction of a more sleek less e-bike look such as what unno, and forbidden have achieved. Sad, we’ve gone down the “more power is better” rabbit hole already. Which requires bigger heavier motors and batteries.

[Nimble_Arrow]

Nice review! The last 20% more/less (SL vs Vala) fun is really helpfull!
I have Santa Cruz Bullit, also with Mavens and I am wondering if the weight difference will be noticeable. My bike is 23, 4kg, while Vala appears to weigh around 22, 4 + Cush Core.
Do you perhaps have any comparison? 🙂

[lifebehindbars]

I’d be interested to hear how this compares to the Heckler 9 MX as that’s what I bought in June and it’s barely worked since so I’m considering changing!

[Mattx]

How much of the weight difference do you feel from heckler sl ? I do like the playful/poppy ness from heckler sl but curious with that new suspension set up on Vala would make it somewhat similar

[mehukatti]

How is the rear end with the stock Float X? Would you switch to coil?

[Guido]

Fair review for a bike shop 😉 my concern is the pace of development is destroying used ebike resale values 💸

[snowdosker]

For me there are 2 concerns:
1. 160/150 mm travel. I would prefer 170/160mm. A small difference, but more comfort on rocky trails (in Spain)
2. Price :(( Super bike. I have Santa Cruz Nomad and I love it. But I can't spent 8k for another Santa Cruz... My wife will kill me 😢

[scruby_music]

I'm torn! I had an insane enduro HSL build that i had to sell. Now I'mback in the market. My HSL had enough power for the climbs at the Sydney trails. I just dont know if I want the extra weight. Rode a mates Yeti e160 back to back with a Slash+ and the slash with much less power ripped harder due to it being that bit lighter.

[armourbl]

What is the sweet spot for the average weekend warrior on which build to get? Better to get an R and switch out components you want to be better? Seems like that might be the ticket. The jump from there for significant difference is a lot of $$. I never see anyone do a nice breakdown, side-by-side of the real differences between the builds and present the value add or who is it best suited for info.

[MonsterChuck]

Bike looks like a ripper but Santa Cruz simply falls on their face with pricing. Plenty of other E-MTB out there that are better spec'd for much less.

[milocuevas]

get the amflow which is light and real full power, after that bike your super new vala is like a SL bike in comparison