Why the Santa Cruz Skitch Apex is Perfect for Gravel? [Santa Cruz Skitch Apex Review]

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Santa Cruz Skitch Apex Review

• Price:  $6,299
• Material：Carbon CC
• Travel: 700C

What we like about it:  Lightweight Carbon Frame、High-Performance Suspension、Responsive Handling、Powerful Brakes、Durable Tires

What we didn’t like about it: Tire Width

Rating: (4.9/5)

Offering the ideal mix of design, performance, and adaptability, the Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 is a stand-out in the realm of urban riding. The Skitch MY24 is built to tackle it all, whether your ride is leisurely, across parks, or across congested metropolitan streets. Riders seeking a dependable friend on everyday commutes or weekend excursions will find this bike ideal with its elegant design, cozy geometry, and strong structure. We will explore the elements that make the Skitch MY24 a top pick for city riders in this study.

Riding experiences

Early morning in Portland, Oregon, the sun is just beginning to rise and warms the streets of the city. For weeks, I have been looking forward this race—the Portland Urban Cycling Challenge, a fast-paced event across the heart of the city with various terrain and twists and turns. The Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 is my trip of choice today; the city is recognized for its several bike-friendly paths.

Climbing

Starting on the Eastside Esplanade, a level, well-paved road beside the Willamette River, the race I sense the bike’s quickness and response as soon as the whistle blues. Built for fast acceleration, the Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 lets me push forward speeding across the start line. The light but strong carbon frame provides ideal combination of speed and control. The bike moves easily on the smooth terrain, its 27.5-inch wheels flowing over the road, and as I pick more speed I feel secure.

The road veers toward an inclination, then leads us gently up to Oregon Park. Geometry of the Skitch MY24 excels here. The easy yet responsive handling lets me change gears and move my position as I climb. The bike’s lightweight construction and effective SRAM transmission let cycling feel natural even if the slope gets steeper. With every gear change, the SRAM NX Eagle shifters click precisely into place to provide me exactly the correct force to keep momentum. Even when the ascent gets more difficult, the skid-resistant tires firmly grab the surface. Though I have a consistent effort, the bike reacts fast to my input so I pass a few rivals.

Dealing downward

I gather my breath at the top of the hill and then face the exciting plunge into the metropolitan streets. My path ahead opens out, and I change into a lower gear to really exploit the downhill. The Skitch MY24’s suspension mechanism keeps me grounded even as the pavement gets more bumpy with little trash and fractures. Perfect stopping strength from the SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes lets me slow down just enough to take the tight bends without losing control. The headset offers smooth steering, which makes navigating the downhill segment precisely simple.

The descent’s surge is thrilling. Designed for urban environment, the Skitch MY24 easily manages every turn and hill. The bike feels to me as I negotiate the next set of steep turns as if an extension of myself. This part of the race feels easy thanks in part to responsive braking and rapid acceleration. Every bend as I fly past rivals increases my confidence.

I am in complete control and pushing the bike to its limits by the time I reach the last stretch on SW Waterfront Park. Under me, the carbon fiber frame seems responsive, and handling stays exact as I negotiate the last few challenges. Heart pounding, I power across the finish line feeling successful. Today the Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 exceeded my expectations. It easily attacked the peaks, managed the rapid descents, and me the comfort and stability I needed to compete at my best.

Designed specifically

Designed for both speed and durability, the lightweight carbon frame of the Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 is The geometry of the frame is designed for fast handling, so it is quite responsive in metropolitan surroundings. The bike’s laid-back yet nimble form provides stability without sacrificing comfort. While the low bottom bracket guarantees a reduced center of gravity, therefore improving control on various terrain, the short wheelbase permits fast turns and maneuverability. The Skitch MY24 has a sturdy, balanced feel from this mix of design and material ideal for city streets and rapid acceleration.

The Skitch MY24 features a FOX float X Performance rear shock giving 150mm of travel and a RockShox Zeb Base fork with 160mm of front travel. This suspension technology guarantees a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing shocks from potholes, small objects, or rough metropolitan streets. Longer, more fun rides are made possible by the suspension’s stability and minimization of tiredness whether you’re riding on smooth ground or over hills. The bike shines in giving a soft ride without sacrificing performance.

Excellent stopping strength of the SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes on the Skitch MY24 makes speed control simple in city traffic or on steep descends. Consistent performance of these brakes is well-known; they provide dependable and smooth stopping power even under demanding circumstances. The Skitch MY24’s braking technology guarantees that, regardless of the road conditions, you remain in full control whether negotiating tight curves or making a rapid stop.

The Schwalbe Magic Mary tires on the Skitch MY24 give exceptional traction, whether on dry, bumpy asphalt or slightly loose terrain. These tires improve bike handling overall by providing stability and grip with 29-inch wheels and a somewhat broader tire width. Tire size and tread pattern together guarantee that the Skitch MY24 maintains a smooth ride while providing great cornering and stability, therefore enabling good handling in many conditions. Urban cyclists would find this tire arrangement and the bike’s responsive design perfect since they enable fast handling.

Media

Various Forms

Being a trailblazing brand, Santa Cruz cleared the path for a lot of other forthcoming companies on the scene. Santa Cruz NOMAD is a high-end full-suspension bike, hence the NOMAD X01 AXS carbon frame features high-spec components: a 70mm diameter, 38mm fork and 170mm VPPTM rear suspension.

For more effective pedaling, these are coil and air shock compatible. Aggressive launching long rides with both crush and comfort is possible from the Maxxis Assegai 29 “x2.5” vacuum tires.

Enough power is delivered by the SRAM 1×12 electronic drivetrain even on strenuous upward climbs. Moreover, when rappelling across more drop-off terrain, SRAM braking makes you rather confident. It can also provide you help in races and take you for an interesting journey.

Possibilities

• Perfect for rapid handling and city rides, the lightweight carbon frame presents a responsive, light structure.
• Excellent shock absorption from the RockShox Zeb Base fork and FOX Float X rear shock helps to ensure a smooth ride on tough terrain.
• The shape guarantees crisp, steady handling, perfect for negotiating congested streets and tight turns.
• Strong, dependable stopping power from SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes provides for safe, under control rides.
• On many surfaces, Schwalbe Magic Mary tires offer excellent grip and stability, therefore guaranteeing a smooth and safe ride.

Consights

• Extreme off-road riding could find the 150mm rear and 160mm front travel unsuitable.
• The geometry of the bike could feel overly aggressive for casual riders.
• Though they provide excellent grip, the tires might not be the greatest for rapid, smooth pavement riding.

FAQ

Can the Vala 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.

Do MX wheels find use in all sizes?

You are right.

Exists a throttle on the Vala?

There isn’t even a throttle. The Vala only uses pedal assist. Here in North America, this is a class 1 ebike.

Specifications

Component	Details
Material	Carbon CC
Wheel Size	700C
Fork	Carbon
Rear Derailleur	SRAM Apex Eagle, 12spd
Right Shifter	SRAM Apex
Cassette	SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t
Chain	SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd
Headset	Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset
Rear Tire	Schwalbe G-One Overland Evo, 700x45c, ADDIX SpeedGrip
Front Tire	Schwalbe G-One Overland Evo, 700x45c, ADDIX SpeedGrip
Front Hub	DT Swiss 370, 12×100, Centerlock, 28h
Front Rim	WTB EZR i23p 700
Rear Hub	DT Swiss 370, 12×148, XD, Centerlock, 28h
Rear Rim	WTB EZR i23p 700
Front Rotor	Avid Centerline, Centerlock, 160mm
Rear Rotor	Avid Centerline, Centerlock, 160mm
Brakes	SRAM Apex
Crankset	Praxis eTor AL
Handlebars	Zipp Service Course 70 XPLR AL Bar
Stem	Zipp Service Course Stem, 70mm
Saddle	WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo
Seatpost	Zipp Service Course, 27.2mm
Grips	Velo Bar Tape
Battery	Fazua 430 Wh Integrated Battery
Drive Unit	Fazua Ride60
Battery Charger	Fazua Charger

Table of Analogues

Feature	Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO	Trek Fuel EX 8	Ibis Ripley AF
Price	$6,599	$4,299	$3,999
Suspension	150mm rear, 160mm front, aggressive setup	130mm rear, 140mm front, balanced setup	130mm rear, 140mm front, efficient suspension
Brakes	SRAM Code RSC, excellent power	SRAM G2 RSC, reliable and smooth	SRAM G2 RSC, powerful and consistent
Geometry	Adjustable, slack head angle, long reach	Steep head angle, responsive handling	Steep geometry, quick and agile
Climbing Efficiency	Decent but more geared for descending	Efficient on climbs, great all-rounder	Excellent climbing efficiency, minimal bob
Downhill Performance	Best for aggressive, fast descents	Great balance of climbing and descending	Excellent for technical, fast descents
Best For	Aggressive downhill and technical riders	Riders looking for versatility	Aggressive riders who want fast, efficient climbs

Santa Cruz Skitch Apex VS Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO

Aggressive trail and downhill riders are intended users of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO. This bike shines at handling steep terrain and rugged descents with 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel. Its movable geometry lets riders control the head angle and bottom bracket height of the bike, therefore customizing the ride to give both rapid handling in tight, tricky sections and stability on downhill sections. Excellent stopping strength from the SRAM Code RSC brakes lets riders keep control even on steep, high-speed downfalls. Although the bike’s suspension enough comfort for mild ascents, it may not be as efficient for long climbs. Riders who value downhill performance and desire a bike able to confidently negotiate difficult terrain will find the Stumpjumper EVO ideal.

Santa Cruz Skitch Apex VS Trek Fuel EX 8

Designed for riders seeking a balanced performance between climbing and descending, the adaptable all-mountain bike The Trek Fuel EX 8 has Its 130mm rear travel and 140mm front travel offer a perfect arrangement for handling a range of trail conditions. Together, the Fox Rhythm fork and RE:aktiv rear shock give a smooth, under control ride on both climbs and descends. On tricky ground, the SRAM G2 RSC brakes guarantee dependable stopping power. Though it still gives a steady and confident feel on downhill runs, the Fuel EX 8’s geometry is somewhat steeper than that of the other bikes in this comparison, which makes it more responsive in tight areas. Offering great adaptability for any route, this bike excels for riders who require a bike that performs well on both challenging climbs and quick descents.

Santa Cruz Skitch Apex VS Ibis Ripley AF

Designed for aggressive riders looking for a bike combining rapid handling with effective climbing capability, the Ibis Ripley AF is The Ripley AF presents a responsive and effective suspension arrangement with 130mm rear travel and 140mm front travel. Its DW-Link suspension reduces pedal bob, which makes it an excellent choice for tricky climbs and quick, forceful ascends. Strong and consistent stopping ability from the SRAM G2 RSC brakes gives riders confidence on steep descents. On tight courses, the bike’s somewhat higher geometry makes it swift and agile, perfect for riders who give speed and agility top importance. Aggressive riders seeking a bike that excels on difficult descends while providing the efficiency required for lengthy climbs and speedy trail sections will find the Ibis Ripley AF ideal.

Finally

Ultimately, the Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 is a powerhouse providing great performance and comfort for every ride, not only a fashionable city bike. For both experienced riders and newbies to urban cycling, its robust frame, smooth handling, and responsive elements make it a great option. The Skitch MY24 is designed to keep you comfortable and in control whether your path of exploration is new or you are negotiating crowded areas. The Santa Cruz Skitch MY24 is the ideal fit if you want a bike that blends modern design with utility.