How to redefine urban cycling? [Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review]

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Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review

• Price:  $7,299
• Material：Carbon C
• Rear Travel: 150mm

What we like about it:  High-Performance Suspension、Stable Geometry、Powerful Brakes、Efficient Climbing、Versatility

What we didn’t like about it: Weight、Suspension Travel、Aggressive Geometry for Casual Riders

Rating: (4.9/5)

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 pushes electric mountain biking forward. The Heckler SL 1 MY25 provides riders the ideal mix of power, agility, and endurance by combining modern technologies with the performance Santa Cruz demands. This e-bike provides great performance whether your riding is on long courses, high climbs, or difficult terrain. We will explore the characteristics of the Heckler SL 1 MY25 that set it apart for riders looking for a more advanced riding experience in this review.

Riding Challenges

Rising over the famous red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, the sun is generating increasing enthusiasm. Race day falls today. One of the toughest races in the area, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival Enduro has me lined up at the starting site. Tight singletrack, difficult climbs, and quick descents will all mix on the trail ahead. My Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 is ready. Knowing today’s race will test my endurance and ability, the electric motor hums silently as I get ready.

Ascending

The race starts with a strong climb up the slim shady trail, a little path with slippery pebbles and sharp bends. The motor kicks in as I begin pedaling, so I feel the assist right away. As I change into low gear, the 150mm rear travel and 160mm front fork absorb the shocks. The additional boost helps the rocky terrain seem less intimidating. I advance and the Heckler SL 1 MY25 drives me up the hill. The Fox 36 fork absorbs every hit; as the bike reacts fast to every pedal stroke, I feel steady and at ease.

I turn on the boost mode as the climb steepens and feel the motor assist even more. The bike seems to be softly taking me uphill. While the low bottom bracket keeps the bike grounded and sturdy, the 29-inch wheels slide well over the loose pebbles. Quick gear changes made possible by the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain help me to keep the proper cadence without losing power. The bike feels driven and under control even in the most tricky parts. I keep ahead of the bunch by pushing through the tight switchbacks, the motor providing just the necessary additional force.

Descending

The peak of the climb approaches, and the ground starts to flatten out. I inhale deeply and get ready for the plunge ahead. On downhill courses, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 excels; I am eager to see how it performs on the steep, rocky terrain. The Slim Shady Trail’s downhill stretch is quick, with little dips mixed among the loose gravel. The suspension system of the bike manages the terrain quite effortlessly. While the Fox 36 fork maintains front end stability as I speed down the hill, the RockShox Super Deluxe shock absorbs the major hits.

As I hurry down the uneven road, the bike seems quite steady. Full control from the SRAM Code R brakes lets me slow down and precisely negotiate tight turns. I hit a little jump, and the bike’s suspension absorbs the landing to maintain control as I descend hillside. The seamless assist of the electric motor helps me to keep speed without losing power. Knowing the Heckler SL 1 MY25 is designed for this type of terrain, the bike feels agile and responsive as I negotiate the corners.

I run across more tough portions including roots, rocks, and sharp twists as the race goes on. The design of the bike offers the ideal harmony between control and comfort. The low center of gravity helps me to remain consistent across challenging terrain, while the electric assist saves me from exhausting on the peaks. Every obstacle is easy for the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25, and I can keep a good speed all through the race.

Specialized

The sophisticated suspension system of the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 guarantees great comfort and control. Whereas the RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock with 145mm of travel soaks ups the bumps at the rear, the Fox 36 Float Performance fork with 160mm of travel tackles hard hits and tough terrain. Front and rear suspension taken together offers a soft, smooth ride that lets the bike easily negotiate tricky courses.

With a Shimano Steps E8000 motor, the Heckler SL 1 MY25 offers strong and seamless pedal assistance—especially on steep climbs. The motor gives a natural-feeling boost that helps you stay fast and efficient without making the bike feel unduly weighty. Whether you’re saving battery on a long ride or increasing your power on difficult hills, the integrated 504Wh battery guarantees a long-lasting ride and the bike’s smart power management lets you vary the degree of help based on your demand.

Excellent stopping power and modulation come from the SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25. Whether you’re negotiating tight corners on demanding courses or descending at great speeds, these brakes give exact control. The big 200mm rotors front and rear guarantee constant performance in all circumstances, including muddy and wet ground.

With a 29×2.4″ size and great traction and stability, Maxxis Minion DHR II tires found in the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 provide Whether you’re negotiating wet, rocky ground or loose gravel, these tires give exceptional grip. On bumpy courses, the 29-inch wheels easily roll over challenges, preserving momentum. Together with the big tires, the bike’s shape guarantees a balanced and stable ride, therefore providing quick handling and smooth control on both demanding climbs and fast descends.

Cinema

Component	Details
Rear Shock	FOX Float Rhythm, 210×55 or FOX Float Performance, 210×85
Fork	RockShox Lyrik Base, 160mm
Rear Derailleur	SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd
Right Shifter	SRAM NX
Cassette	SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t
Chain	SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd
Chainguide	OneUp Chainguide
Headset	FSA IS-2/47/42 ACB or Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset
Rear Tire	Schwalbe Albert, 27.5×2.6, Trail Radial Soft
Front Tire	Schwalbe Albert, 29×2.5, Trail Radial Ultra Soft
Front Hub	SRAM MTH 716, 15×110, 6-Bolt, 32h
Front Rim	WTB ST 30 TCS 2.0 29”
Rear Hub	SRAM MTH 746, 12×148, HG, 6-Bolt, 32h
Rear Rim	WTB ST 30 TCS 2.0 27.5”
Front Rotor	SRAM Centerline, 200mm
Rear Rotor	SRAM Centerline, 200mm
Brakes	SRAM DB8 Stealth
Crankset	E13 Helix eSpec, 165mm
Handlebars	e13 TRS Base
Stem	e13 Base, 40mm or RaceFace Chester, 40mm
Saddle	SDG Bel-Air V3, Max Steel
Seatpost	SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6
Grips	Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips
Battery	Fazua 430Wh Integrated Battery
Drive Unit	Fazua Ride 60

Several Forms

Manufacturer of upscale mountain bikes Santa Cruz has a special knowledge in full-suspension bikes. Among the best is also Santa Cruz HIGHTower R / Carbon C / 29.

The legendary Santa Cruz carbon frame with a 150mm RockShox 35 Gold RL shock fork lets you experience perfect down and up stability. Besides, the SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes guarantee your riding safety. Simultaneously, the 1x 12 speed drivetrain lets you negotiate some challenging terrain as though you were riding on level ground.

Advantages

• With 160mm front and 145mm rear travel, the Fox 36 Float Performance fork and RockShox Super Deluxe rear shock offer seamless control.
• On difficult terrain, the Shimano Steps E8000 motor keeps speed and makes climbs simpler.
• Longer rides with less need for regular charging are supported by the 504Wh integrated battery.
• Strong Brakes: SRAM Code R brakes with 200mm rotors guarantee outstanding stopping ability on downfalls.
• Maxxis Minion DHR II tires (29×2.4″) have outstanding grip and stability on many conditions.

Consums

• The weight the motor and batteries add influences handling on some climbs.
• Some riders would rather push themselves by riding traditionally without motor aid.
• The 504Wh battery might not be sufficient for really lengthy trips.

FAQ

Can the Heckler SL have a 27.5″ front wheel installed?

These bikes are meant especially to run on mismatched wheels. Geometric reasons dictate against a 27.5 front wheel recommendation.

Every size bike has unique chainstay lengths, as I can observe. Could I get a replacement swingarm to adjust the length on my bike?

Using a single size swingarm, we adjust the pivot points fore and aft to obtain the various lengths in the front triangles, hence changing the chainstay length. Therefore, you cannot determine the small’s chainstay length based on your size large.

Which fork offset is advised?

The Heckler SL geometry is engineered to maximize a 44mm fork offset.

Specs

Comparative Table of Notes

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Brakes	Tires
Trek Slash 9.8	$6049	1×12	SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc	29×2.40”
Ibis Ripley V4	$5899	1×12	Shimano SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc	29×2.4”
Specialized Stumpjumper Expert	$6199	1×12	SRAM G2 R Hydraulic Disc	27.5×2.4”

Santa Cruz Heckler SL VS Trek Slash 9.8

Designed for aggressive riders that give downhill performance top importance, the Trek Slash 9.8 Having 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel, it easily negotiates difficult terrain. Whereas the RockShox Lyrik fork and Fox Performance rear shock deliver a plush and smooth ride, the RE:aktiv suspension system offers outstanding shock absorption. Particularly on steep descents, its low bottom bracket and loose head angle provide stability and make it ideal for riders seeking confidence in tricky portions and high-speed descents. On long climbs, the Slash 9.8 is less effective since it is more oriented on descending and may not appeal to riders who give climbing performance first priority.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL VS Ibis Ripley V4

Designed for fast, tricky riding, the Ibis Ripley V4 presents 130mm rear travel and 140mm front travel, therefore offering flexibility. The DW-Link suspension technology keeps superb control on descents and reduces pedal bob, so offering a quick climbing experience. The Fox 34 Performance Elite fork and Fox Float DPS rear shock let the bike ride over hills and challenges smoothly. For riders who appreciate tight, difficult portions and rapid handling, the Ripley V4 feels nimble and agile with a somewhat steeper geometry than the Trek Slash. For those who wish a quick, responsive ride on all kinds of terrain, the bike shines at both climbs and descents.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL VS Specialized Stumpjumper Expert

Designed to manage tough trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert boasts 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel. Excellent suspension performance from the Fox Float X2 shock and RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork absorbs large knocks and keeps stability and control on downhill rides. The changeable geometry lets users customize the bike’s handling depending on their tastes, therefore enabling it to be suitable for both demanding climbs and steep descents. Although the Stumpjumper Expert is mostly meant for downhill performance, it has really good climbing efficiency. Riders who want a flexible, aggressive bike able of managing a range of terrain conditions will find the bike ideal.

In conclusion

All things considered, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL 1 MY25 transforms electric mountain bikers’ game. Its strong motor, flawless handling, and sturdy frame help it to provide an amazing ride. This e-bike provides the ideal mix of comfort and performance whether your riding long distances or conquering tricky courses. The Heckler SL 1 MY25 is a must-try if you search for an e-bike that will enable you to go farther, faster, and with more confidence.