Name: Santa Cruz Heckler SL
Brand: Santa Cruz
Availability: InStock
Rating: 83 (4 reviews)

83/100

BikeRide Score

Users (0 ratings)

Experts (4 reviews)

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

12 reasons to buy

The Heckler SL is available in six builds R, S, Stout, GX AXS, X0 AXS RSV, and XX AXS RSV.
In one range test, a 170lb reviewer gets 24.6 miles and 4,000’ of elevation gain using max assist.
A reviewer praises how the Heckler SL is planted and composed on downhills while feeling playful and light.
Experts laud the VPP suspension platform, saying it offers solid support and traction on climbs, downhills, and over technical terrain.
Testers find it easy to catch air and bunny hop, and landings feel controlled with little impact feedback.
Reviewers appreciate Santa Cruz's suspension setup guide and the frame's sag window.
Thanks in part to the low BB, the geometry provides the stability and confidence needed to enter blind corners at high speed.
Reviewers say the "Goldilocks" geometry provides a central, upright position that's comfortable and helps maintain control on climbs.
The suspension's ability to absorb both trail chatter and big hits impresses testers.
Experts commend the smooth power delivery from the compact Fauza Ride 60 system.
Testers love the mullet wheels, saying the 27.5" rear makes the Heckler SL more nimble and easier to pivot.
Most reviewers prefer in the flip-chip's Lo position for the playful ride feel.

8 reasons not to buy

Two reviewers experience noisy, grinding motors, and the motor on a different test bike shuts down, requiring a reset.
One tester receives a defective battery charger.
The Fazua Ride 60 system's water ingress resistance is low (IP54), resisting only light water splashes.
The LEDs on the top tube controls are distractingly bright to one reviewer. Another says the unit rattles in the frame while riding.
Reviewers complain that Fazua's Ring Control handlebar controller sometimes sticks in position.
Two testers report pedal strikes over rocky trails because of the low ground clearance.
Several reviewers say the flip-chip is hard to reach and change.
Fazua does not offer a range extender.

Bottom line

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL is a lightweight trail e-MTB with mixed wheels and Fazua's Ride 60 motor and 432Wh battery. The top two of the six SRAM-equipped builds use lighter Carbon CC frames. Experts praise the balanced geometry and planted but playful characteristics that encourage fast cornering, hitting air, and attacking fast, technical descents. The range is impressive considering battery capacity, and pedal assist is smooth. However, Fazua's Ride 60 system proves untrustworthy, and reviewers dislike the controls. The risk of pedal strikes is also disappointing. Overall, the Heckler SL's "tremendous" trail performance is overshadowed by a disappointing drive system.

By Reda Ashour

Where to buy

$6,199.00 Jenson USA See it $6,199.00 evo See it $7,299.00 Competitive Cyclist See it $7,299.00 Contender Bicycles See it $7,299.99 Mike's Bikes See it $9,699.00 Gravity Coalition See it

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