Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 Review
- MSRP: $14,249
- Suspension: Full
- Frame: HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC
- Groupset: X01 Eagle AXS, GX Eagle AXS
- Motor: Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800
What we like about it: A lighter carbon frame with a motor that has a larger battery capacity to take you to the ultimate mountain trail experience.
What we don’t like about it: The more expensive price, which not anyone can easily afford.
Rating (4.9/5)
Introduction
I’m sure if you’re reading this article, you’re looking for a full-suspension enduro electric bike, so tell us what you want. Next, please read on with your needs and see if the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 can impress you.
Considered to be the Bronson electric assist version of the Heckler, it not only has a carbon frame structure similar to its predecessor and extra-long travel shock specifications front and rear but also learns and improves on the advantages of the distant Bullit model. Together with the electric power system that can support longer riding distances, it is enough to ensure you spend every day happily in the wild. So, faster speed, more comfort, and longer routes are what Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is all about.
Here we break down the ride, key features, component specifications, and other versions of the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV.
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Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV Cross-Country Climbing Review
I went to Preston Hunt of Arkansas to review the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 because the HECKLER X01 AXS RSV was more suited to the unforgiving dirt trails than the rather wild rocky tracks. The HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is more suitable for letting go of dirt trails without losing the softness.
I have to admit, climbing on the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is a bit of a pleasure, at least the geometry is mild for a similar bike. The slack seat tube angle (64.8°) and head tube angle (76.7°, size L) allowed me to climb in a relatively upright position and not feel cramped.
Experience
To its credit, the Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800’s motor is a great aid, giving me enough power to get through muddy, steep sections. Even when I do climbing, I rarely stand up to ride except when I want to stretch my muscles, and I don’t worry about not pedaling often enough for the bike to climb. Because it gives me a feeling equivalent to having someone pushing me to climb, as long as I pedal normally, I can ensure the bike is faster than a normal mountain bike.
Secondly, the Maxxis tires (front: 29 “x2.5”, rear: 29 “x2.4”) are very durable and wide enough to have great passing power. During the route, I encountered several rocky slopes with lots of ups and downs, and I pedaled without changing my face, and the bike passed quickly and smoothly.
In addition, the design of the other small details of the HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is also excellent in performance. I like the Fox Transfer Performance Elite seat post. It provides a light lever feel that is silky smooth with just a gentle push of the 1X remote. Combined with the WTB Silverado saddle, it is very comfortable and allows me to experience climbing without too much butt pain.
Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV Mountain Downhill Review
Is there a more interesting sport than climbing on the HECKLER X01 AXS RSV? Yes, the HECKLER X01 AXS RSV will take you through all kinds of forest roads.
Rather than the bike’s geometry being friendly enough for uphill, it’s more like it was designed for downhill sports. Although the Heckler has a longer reach than the Bronson, it’s not outrageous and will keep the rider comfortable enough.
Indeed, I enjoyed the feeling of the Heckler X01 AXS RSV taking me down the curvy sloping trails and riding the wind straight down. It appealed to me more than the big up-and-down drop impacts, and the meandering, technically challenging surfaces. And weaving confidently through the forest paths made me feel like a small animal growing in the mountains, free and spontaneous.
Also, I have to mention Heckler’s full shock system. The top Fox 36 fork (160mm) is paired with the equally high-end RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (150mm), which is super comfortable, the kind of comfort you’d be hard-pressed to find on a typical mountain bike. Heckler’s shock-absorbing effect is commendable even when you encounter a large drop-off. No matter whether in a low or high position, I can feel the overall shock action is very silky, with almost no very stiff shock bottoming out the situation.
However, if it’s a particularly steep downhill, I wish the travel of the lift seat post could be longer. After all, no one wants to go downhill when the cushion is still close to the butt.
Main Features
Frame Group
As a special pure 29″ version of the Heckler series, the Santa Cruz not only continues to use its own proud VPP shock structure (i.e. short, stout reverse rotating links connecting the front and rear triangles, resulting in an extremely strong chassis) but also uses the CC carbon frame which is said to be made of the best materials and techniques. This Santa Cruz technology upgraded, lighter CC carbon frame is 392g lighter than the general C carbon frame, but is a very strong, durable, and impeccable damping effect.
And, Santa Cruz officially states that it will provide a lifetime warranty promise. So when you ride the X01 AXS RSV you can feel free to show your peers how you operate without worrying about what to do if the bike breaks down. Of course, with such a sturdy carbon material, it’s hard to need a warranty.
In addition, the hidden inner alignment makes the whole body look very simple and clean. And other features are also available, like the installed fenders that effectively protect the rear shock absorbers, as well as the universal tail hook, and the front triangle’s water bottle cage mounting position is also reserved.
Geometry
Several of Heckler’s bikes have geometries very close to Bronson’s. The Reach values are not too long compared to a softtail (from 455mm in M size to 520mm in XXL size), but it would be better if they were a little shorter to make the rider feel more comfortable.
In addition, the slacker head tube angle guarantees the stability of the bike at higher speeds. When the rear shock is in a low position, the head tube angle of the whole bike is 64.5°, while in the flip chip high, the head tube angle is 64.8°. Although there is only such a small difference, it will still give the rider confidence to make a more daring shock action when in the low position.
The steeper seat tube angle is an improvement depending on the size of the frame. Ranging from 76.7° to 77° degrees, this is a relatively typical mountain bike frame geometry angle. This ensures that the rider has both the efficiency of pedaling uphill and the control of handling downhill.
Components and Specifications
SRAM X01 Eagle AXS Drivetrain with SRAM GX AXS Shifter
Santa Cruz prefers the X01 Eagle AXS derailleur and GX AXS shifter to the full SRAM groupset. And they have proven Santa Cruz right with their commendable performance.
Compared to the road-oriented SRAM Rival eTap shifting system, the X01 Eagle AXS, which is tailored for mountain bikes, has superior performance.
The same radio shifting, because of the reinforced support structure makes X01 Eagle AXS has a more solid body, not afraid of falling.
The power and performance of the shifting process have also been improved, so the X01 Eagle ASX has a faster, silkier shifting process. The rider has only one feeling, and that is fast.
In addition, the GX Eagle AXS brings a lot to the table. Proven technologies you can cite from the Eagle ecosystem, such as the 520% gear ratio, mix and match, and compatibility of all levels of kits. You can also assign any control option you want to each button through the AXS app. Undoubtedly, you will feel the customized riding experience after having AXS.
Finally, the GX Eagle AXS™ controller has proven ergonomic contact points. It makes shifting easier and faster, allowing the rider to focus on the intricacies of the trail without any distracting shifts.
Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800 Motor
Every e-bike buyer pays extra attention to the motor and battery of the bike. To hit the HECKLER MX and prove that it can also occupy a place in the field of electric bikes, Santa Cruz also chose the Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800 to prove its sincerity.
Especially for mountain bikes, SHIMANO STEPS EP8 has a quiet and compact motor to allow riders to focus on the track and enjoy the ride. While reducing the bike’s pedaling resistance, it provides more boost to improve range. In addition, up to 85NM output is available, giving the rider a light and refined sense of assisted pedaling.
SHIMANO STEPS EP8 supports eco, trail, and boost modes to meet the rider’s needs for various travel speeds.
I prefer boost when going uphill, because it gives me as much power as possible, and trails are good enough in general forest roads. Of course, if you want to save some or take good care of your battery, eco mode is not weak.
720Wh Integrated, Removable Battery
The updated and upgraded Heckler X01 AXS RSV, this time, also features a special extra-large capacity, removable Darfon battery (720Wh). But that doesn’t mean the Heckler is compatible with other batteries, at least not that I would recommend.
A larger capacity removable battery means that riders can expand their roadmap with abandon, never worrying about running out of power halfway through a run, and can say goodbye to conservative travel methods. Of course, this also means that the bike can have more load, and you can be better equipped to go again.
On top of that, you can easily remove the battery with just a quarter turn of a 4mm hex wrench. This means that you can take it home and charge it very conveniently.
Some may ask how long a 720Wh battery can support a trip, and I can only say that this varies from person to person. Because the battery life is closely related to rider weight, riding speed, riding mode, and weather. The 720Wh capacity is really big enough. At least every weekend, I can ride it in the wilderness for two days without seeing the red bar warning on the battery display.
FOX 36 Float Factory Fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Rear Shock
When it comes to the excellent performance of the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29, its shock absorber is inevitably indispensable.
The powerful combination of Fox Factory’s Fox 36 fork and Rockshox’s star product, the Super Deluxe Ultimate, gives owners of the HECKLER X01 AXS RSV enough confidence to dazzle in any lot. You know, they’ve always been old faces on the podiums of major races.
Fox 36 Fork
In recent years, the Fox factory has also been revolutionizing its Fox 36 with several updates and upgrades to make the FOX 36 one of the best Enduro forks available today.
For me, the 160mm travel Fox 36 is as reassuring as a muscleman. Since it was replaced with the grip2 dampers, it is smoother and silkier. Also, the high and low compression damping adjustment has more stops and is more delicate. At the same time, the sound of the adjustment of the chuck-chuck-chuck is also to die for. And with separate high and low-pressure rebound damping adjustments, it also makes the fork more front-to-back and lateral support, which is more suitable for aggressive riding style.
And with less than 1950g, the Fox 36 is light enough. It has a great advantage in a crowd of mainstream Enduro forks, truly combining lightness and performance.
RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Shock Absorbers
Of course, the strength of RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate should not be underestimated.
First, the redesigned cylinder bushings for the external cylinder and internal damping piston increase the contact area between the movable components and the seal, which can greatly reduce the friction of the whole system under load. This also means that the shock has a better response time and provides better ground-hugging properties. Secondly, with the improved dust ring, the shock requires less maintenance to have a longer service life and is no longer afraid of cold weather.
So the rider can venture out in any weather, on any terrain. Because the vibration bumps feel, can not catch up with the speed of the shocks, before you feel them, have been RockShox wiped out.
It is commendable that the specific adjustment of the front and rear forks are told to you on the official website of the Santa Cruz Heckler. You can adjust it by yourself according to your weight mentioning other requirements and choose the shock air pressure that suits you better.
So with the Fox 36 and Rockshox behind it, the aggressive geometry of the Heckler X01 AXS RS will only make riders feel like they have a powerful helper and love the sport even more.
Other versions of Santa Cruz HECKLER
Considering that consumers have different needs for components as well as prices, Santa Cruz has also released many versions of the HECKLER series of enduro electric bikes, and all of them are of carbon construction. If you want to know more, you can follow us.
Their main differences can be easily seen in their names. The Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29, for example, has the same geometry, fork, tires, electric components, and some small accessories as the X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29. However, the X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 features a lighter, stronger CC carbon in the frame construction, and of course the more advanced SRAM X01 Eagle AXS derailleur and SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes.
Therefore, you can interpret the X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 as the top of the existing Santa Cruz HECKLER series, while the Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 is the next top of the line.
If you are looking for perfection, the X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 is the best choice for you. But if you want to spend less money to experience the fun of Santa Cruz HECKLER, Santa Cruz HECKLER GX AXS / Carbon C / 29 can also satisfy you.
Learn More: Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review – Ultra High-End Electric Full Suspension Bike
What we like about it
- The tried-and-tested PVV technology gives you a new shock experience with comfort and ease.
- The lightest CC carbon construction frame, strong and durable with a lifetime warranty.
- Fox Factory’s Fox 36 fork is paired with the equally premium RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, making you fearless on any off-road terrain.
- The SRAM X01 Eagle AXS derailleur combined with the GX AXS shifter gives you the ultimate fast-shifting experience.
- The Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800 motor is full of power, so you can be on cloud nine and relaxed on all your journeys.
- The 720Wh ultra-high capacity removable battery supports you in conquering a larger part of the globe.
- The 29 “x2.5” front tire with 29 “x2.4” rear tire is wide enough and comfortable enough to ensure your mountain ride is smooth and unobstructed.
What we don’t like about it
- At $14,249, not everyone can afford it.
FAQ
- What is the range of the battery?
The battery’s capacity is a massive 720Wh, but many factors affect its range; weight, terrain, gradient, riding pattern, temperature, etc. Opinions use the range function on the display unit to ensure optimal battery utilization.
- Can I ride without batteries?
No, because the cover is attached to the battery, and if the battery is removed, a large hole will appear in the lower tube of the bike.
- What about the bike waterproofing system?
The bike uses the Shimano STEPS waterproof system and the frame is designed for drainage, but it is not recommended that you power wash the bike.
- What are the dimensions of the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29?
| Rider height | Size |
| 165cm – 175cm | M |
| 175cm – 185cm | L |
| 185cm – 193cm | XL |
| 193cm – 201cm | XXL |
Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV Specs
Build
| Frame | HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 Colors: Gloss Avocado Green; Maritime Grey |
| Fork | FOX 36 Float Factory, 160mm |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 |
| Handlebar | Santa Cruz e35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Stainless Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Performance Elite |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips |
Wheels
| Rims | Reserve 30 29″ Carbon (F), Reserve DH 29″ Carbon (R) |
| Spokes | Sapim D-light |
| Front Hub | Industry Nine 1/1, 110×15, 28h |
| Rear Hub | Industry Nine 1/1, 148×12, XD, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29 “x2.5”, 3C, MaxxGRIP, EXO+, TR, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM HS2 Rotor 200mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, 12spd |
| Crank | Shimano EM900 HollowTech Crank Arms 165mm |
| Shifters | SRAM GX AXS Controller |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1295 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t |
| Chain | SRAM X01 Eagle, 12spd |
| Chain Guide | E13 E-Spec+ AL |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC |
Electric Components
| Motor | Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800 |
| Battery | 720Wh Integrated, removable |
| Remote | Shimano Display Unit SC-EM800 |
| Charger | Smart-Plus 4A Charger |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Gear | Motor | Battery | Click view |
| Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS | $13,799 | 1 × 12 Electronic | Bosch Performance Line CX | Bosch PowerTube 750Wh | Click view |
| Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX | $14,249 | 1 × 12 Electronic | Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive | Shimano 630Wh | Click view |
| Canyon Spectral:ON CFR | $10,150 | 1 × 12 Electronic | Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive | Canyon BT002 | Click view |
| Yeti 160E T1 | $13,000 | 1× 12 Electronic | Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive | Shimano 630Wh | Click view |
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS vs Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29
The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS is similar in configuration to the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 as an endurance racing e-bike. They both use higher-end accessories and also share a very similar geometry.
However, it must be mentioned that the former has a Bosch motor and a larger capacity battery. But that didn’t stop me from choosing the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV, because even though the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS has an extra 30Wh of battery capacity, that doesn’t make me think it must be superior.
In addition, although it is the same 150mm rear shock with a 160mm fork, the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV uses a fox and RockShox hybrid construction, which gives me a more comfortable riding experience. This is probably due to the shock structure of the PVV. If you are also a player who cares a lot about comfort, the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV will not disappoint you.
learn more：Trek Rail 9.9 XTR Review []- Will This Be A Bike Worth Buying?
Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX vs Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29
As mentioned earlier, you can easily tell the difference between the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX and the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29 by their names.
The Santa Cruz BULLIT X01, also an electric mountain bike, is designed to tackle the steepest and deepest trails in both directions. It features a more advanced Fox 38 (170mm) fork and a more aggressive geometry angle, allowing it to perform with ease and panache in the face of wilder mountain sports.
If you’re looking for a wilder, harder rock or mountain sport, the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 is the way to go. Of course, if you are like me and don’t need to experience too exciting mountain sports, the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV will also let you experience the ultimate pleasure.
Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review – Ultra High-End Electric Full Suspension Bike
Canyon Spectral:ON CFR vs Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29
To be honest, I think the Canyon Spectral:ON CFR is a decent value for the money at $10,150. And the full carbon frame with a more comfortable geometry can give mountain lovers a good riding experience.
But I also have to tell you that Canyon clearly states that the Canyon Spectral:ON CFR contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
The substandard product materials were enough to dissuade me. After all, the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is safer, more reliable, and at the same time has a better comfort level. And for what reason would I have to say no?
Learn more ：Is Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Review]
Yeti 160E T1 vs Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC / 29
When it comes to enduro electric bikes, the Yeti 160E T1 is still very impressive with its 170mm front fork and 160mm rear shock. But what also impressed me was its aluminum rims and not-so-high-end SHIMANO XT drivetrain and a smaller capacity 630Wh battery.
Admittedly, the sufficiently damped setup allows the Yeti 160E T1 to perform very well in the mountains as well. But the aluminum tire parts are not as light and strong as carbon, and the SHIMANO XT drivetrain is not as satisfying as the X01 and GX pairings. The main thing is that the 630Wh battery is not small, but it still doesn’t give me enough security.
Although the Santa Cruz HECKLER X01 AXS RSV is also more than a thousand dollars more expensive, I think the more advanced configuration, the comfort it brings, and the sense of security are worth the more money I have to pay.
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Learn more : Is Yeti SB150 C1 Splendid ?- [Yeti SB150 C1 Review]
