If you have been waiting for that electric mountain bike that perfect hits the much coveted balance of powerful, efficient motor assistance while retaining the feel of your existing pedal bike, we highly recommend you take a good look at the Santa Cruz Heckler SL, because we think they nailed it!
Sitting proudly in the middle ground between traditional MTB and E-MTB, you can confidently cross over to electric mountain biking without fear of losing the nimble handling feel you need out on the trails.
Santa Cruz CC spec carbon is the top level carbon frame. Using the most advanced layup techniques the frame is the stiffest and lightest possible. CC spec frames come exclusively with the highest level build kits.The CC spec Heckler SL is available in 2 outstanding build kits - X0 AXS or XX AXS, both of which come fitted with Reserve Carbon wheels.
Here is a quick fire condensed run-down of the Heckler SL! - 160mm front and 150mm rear travel working in tandem with Santa Cruz's fantastic VPP linkage, modern geometry numbers (64 degree head angle, 478mm reach, long chain-stay), fast and playful mixed wheel sizing (29" front, 27.5" rear), Fazua Ride 60 drive system and 430wh battery.
At a svelte 18.5kg for an E-MTB the Heckler SL's similar effective range compares well to full-fat E-MTB's with bigger batteries, all thanks to the lower demands of the light weight. Even among rival lightweight electric mountain bikes, the Heckler SL comfortably wins the range battle. Fazua also have a range extender in the works that is due early 2024 and the Heckler SL is set-up and ready for this upgrade.
The Fazua motor has 3 ride modes - Breeze (Eco), River (full power if you pedal) and Rocket (full power all the time). Fazua motors have proven to be one of the favourites out there, praised for smooth power delivery and reliability, all backed with fantastic after purchase support.
As with all Santa Cruz bikes, the Heckler SL is backed by one of the best lifetime warranties in the business and includes Santa Cruz's linkage bearing replacement policy (a free set of linkage bearings once per year).
SIZING -
- S - 5'0"+
- M - 5'4+
- L - 5'9"+
- XL - 6'1"+
- XXL - 6'3"+