Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review - Vital's SL eMTB Test Sessions

For their debut into the lightweight e-bike category, Santa Cruz aimed to blend stability with a high fun factor to create the Heckler SL. Being early adopters of Fazua's Ride 60 system helped bring that vision to life, allowing Santa Cruz to optimize range and power from a lightweight system. Hopping on a Santa Cruz always comes with the expectation that you will receive a premium ride quality. There is a reason they have such a cult following, and the Heckler SL lived up to expectations, as it was a fan favorite amongst our three testers.

Highlights
C & CC level carbon frame 
Mixed wheels
150mm of rear wheel travel // 160mm fork travel
VPP suspension design
430 Wh battery
60 Nm FAZUA Ride 60 motor 
Integrated top tube display
Customizable ride modes via the FAZUA app
Internal cable routing
Flip chip geometry adjustment
64.3/64-degree head tube angle
Size-specific chain stay lengths
Five build kits
Sizes: S-XXL
Verified weight (size XL): 44.6 pounds (20.23kg)
MSRP: $7,299 - $12,999 USD ($9,699 as tested, GX AXS Build)

Thanks to these brands for supporting the test!

#ebike #emtb

[Schnabulation]

Regarding that creaking noise you mentioned: I had that on my Heckler SL as well and we also found out it‘s the motor cover. We put some tape around it to decouple the cover, that fixed the issue.

[adamhumphreys]

Saw in this video you had the motor cover off, you can buy spare batteries now from fazua, do you know how easy it would be to swap in a car park? Thanks

[crnzsrt]

How does it compare to the giant trance elite?

[MrPolariscrew]

i had my Hecker SL break last ride, it lasted 30miles and the motor broke, started skipping and making clunking noises.

[barneyisourhero]

A friend of mine has one of these and it has been in the shop more times for repair than he has had chance to ride it. Avoid it, the motor seems unreliable and the Santa Cruz customer service is very disappointing.

[dxr]

Yamaha YZ125x cost around $7100. Cmon yall