Great video! I think you have the best eMTB channel on UA-cam right now. Unlike so many others, your videos don’t feel sponsored, and I love that you showcase so many of the top eMTBs in one place. Keep up the amazing work!
Hey man, I really appreciate that comment. Yeah, definitely I try to be hones and provide insightful pros and cons. Too many out there are basically infomercials... especially the European ones.
@@EMTBReview I hope you can get your hands on the Amflow with the DJI motor. Everyone is saying great things about that motor, but I can't tell if they're being biased.
Shuttle LT. The 160/170mm of travel of the LT is more rad. The 750wh battery range is awesome and the motor seems more supportive and willing to put out when needed. Gen 4 Race motor of the LT is quieter on climbs. Rattle is the downside.
Vala might be the replacement for the Rise. I need to do a test ride. Maybe I'll hit up the SC factory demo fleet. Also the Cycplus Pro is the best tool I have bought in a long time. I use it every ride.
I hate the mavens though. Been having trouble with that floating bite point. Bleed helps for two weeks and then it comes back again. Massaging the pistons doesn’t help for more than a ride or two also.
The battery is a concern for me. 600 W does not seem like enough. I have the turbo levo s works GEN 3 that came with 700 and been on it for less than two years and the battery has degraded, I lost about 20%. i’ll give you an example, when I ride the Fullerton Loop I do it 2 times in turbo. When I first got it, I would have close to 30% left now I have 7% and the bike is throttling down on the last climb. Batteries do degrade and New batteries are expensive, 1300 bucks. So I’m thinking maybe it’s time to upgrade. I only ride my ebike 1-2 times a week and I ride my analog bikes twice a week. In regards to the weight of a bigger battery it’s not an issue, my Levo is nimble and easy to bunny hop. The only time the weight is a concern is when I’m on something like telonics, high speed and steep. The 700 W was really good while it lasted, could always get in two hours plus on turbo and lots of elevation. I would prefer a 700+ battery with an option to add extra extender. Thanks for your review, seems like you’re being honest, appreciate that.
Great concerns there. Rider weight is a big issue for sure. You bring up battery degradation and that is a very real concern for sure. All these lithium batteries are rated to only deliver 80% of original charge after 500 charge cycles.
I have cyplus pro, the mid size & only downside it will leave very hot the air valve as well can only handle 3 maybe 4 tire psi check from 15psi offroad back to onroad 30 psi. I have a muc off Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves
These new radial tires should be a video in itself. Remember that when you hit a small bump, the tires take the initial hit, then wheels, then suspension, and finally your arms/legs. The radials conform so there’s less suspension movement which is considered a vertical movement so not only does it feel more compliant and grippy, your battery range is vastly improved since energy is less wasted through vertical/suspension movement. It’s grippier than an Assegai/Assegai combo yet rolls as well as an Assegai/Dissector combo. It’s been a game changer and I ended up spending $400+ on 4 sets on my SL and full fat e-bikes. I ended up just 1-2 psi higher than I normally run. Might be worth a range test video comparing this to a very popular Assegai/DHRII combo up your normal hill you climb The unknown is running your normal pressure could mean a cracked rim so I’ve been running just a bit more since there’s little downside.
@ All my buds started with a Magic Mary rear but it rolls really slow. Albert’s front and rear is the way to go. It rolls super fast yet 10-20% grippier than Assegai/Assegai combo. I’ve been running 2psi higher than usual since I’m on 35mm rims. Maybe 2-3psi higher on 30mm rims is the ticket.
Great video! Big fan of your videos for years! I am getting real close to making a decision between the Pivot AM XO pro build or the Newly release Santa Cruz Vala XO build. Pivot just announced a almost 30% discount on the AM. I am a XC racer who doesn't race as much and love traveling to Bentonville, Brevard, and bike destinations and trying to the most miles in day vs half the miles on a acoustic bike. I know the battery is a tad less in the Santa Cruz which means weight saving as well. And for those longer days I could just bring the external battery. Between the two bikes, which would you pick and why?
I would like to see a long term test on the cycplus. I have one and it drains the battery way too fast (several C drain rate) and heats of a lot so I can imagine the life of the battery is short if used a lot.
My whole crew now has one and mine is about 9 months old, use a lot. Works like a champ still. I imagine the run-time will drop over time 300-500 charges and I wonder if the lipo battery inside can be replaced.
Hi, have you got a faulty engine? Everyone on the internet is saying that the new Bosch is quieter than the Gen4. It seems that Brose is still the quietest full power engine out there. What's your opinion?
Shuttle LT. The 160/170mm of travel of the LT is more rad. The 750wh battery range is awesome and the motor seems more supportive and willing to put out when needed. Gen 4 Race motor of the LT is quieter on climbs. Rattle is the downside.
Question is, does it comes with rockshox as well or only fox shocks? Cause i heard if you order online it could be delivered either fox or rockshox on bullit cc
Relating to the air pump.... I'm surprised it doesn't automatically tune down to the desired pressure. When I pump my tires before a ride, I purposely go too high and then use my Topeak gauge to let air out and tune down to the desired level. It appears that the tool you demonstrated doesn't have the ability to do that, which I would consider to be disappointing...
Yes, understood. My floor pumps and tire guage have that little bleed valve button. Understand though that this is a real estate issue. This pump is the size of a Topeak guage and it has a compressor piston, brushless motor, battery and digital guage. So they chose compactness instead of fitting in a bleed button. It really isn't a big deal though since one can bleed the presta valve so easily and bring it up the perfect pressure easily.
Great content! The Vala looks really good.............. with the possible exception of that motor whine. Any chance this particular motor was 'defective'?
Nice review. I pre-ordered the base build and made a few upgrades. It's the R build, and I was wondering if you think the Fox 38 is worth putting on versus the base Zeb? Its my first emtb so new territory for me. Thanks
I'm a Fox fan since there a four tuning knobs for damping and I know how to use them now. I think is you're willing to learn/tune your front fork, the Fox is worthy!!
@@derekmann4317 the Fox 38 is killer. Very tunable, actually feels really balanced paired with the Kitsuma сoil on my Levo. Get the Performance Elite or the Factory (grip 2) to get the high/low compression and rebound.
@ Being that they are both mullets and the same travel, I couldn’t see there being a huge difference in ride feel. I’m guessing that motor feel/ preference will be the biggest difference between the two. I mostly ride my Levo with a 500w battery at just over 49lbs, so the weights are even similar.
I think you have the suspension too soft Francis. You’re almost bottoming on some of the sections on magic carpet. It’s going to be diving all over the place on rougher steeper trails.
You're not wrong. I'll play with that high speed damping first which was pretty open for this test ride. I do like the suspension a bit soft on test rides so I can really experience the suspension movement.
@ That’s the difference between a true mountain bikers vs people who like to mountain bike. I know many people who only look at battery size before buying a mountain bike.
Definitely this. More supple and active and longer dropper post real estate. The Heckler SL has bad colors and the 430wh of battery is limiting. The biggest problem is the Heckler SL's Fazua motor has questionable reliability, bad control ergonomics and does not have the promised battery extender.
Colors are probably arguable, to me 2024 Heckler SL had very boring grey and a cool purple option, 2025 has a cool blue and a yellow for those into yellow. The Vala has a 'boring' grey to my taste and a special green, I would not say that it's a win, I was hoping for better.
Yep totally, last time I emailed Fazua I got this "The Range Extender is planned to be released at the end of the year, we will likely see it available for purchase early next season." ...
Very close contest. Shuttle LT wins my $10k by a nose. Race Motor is quick, quiet and responsive on the LT. More travel too of 160/170mm, X2 and Coil options is more capable.
@ thanks for the feedback! I’m right there with you almost, only having pedaled these two for a short time and one only in pavement. My biggest hang up on the LT is I’m right between sizes for a M or L, and the geo numbers on the Vala are exactly in between! Choices!
Great video! I think you have the best eMTB channel on UA-cam right now. Unlike so many others, your videos don’t feel sponsored, and I love that you showcase so many of the top eMTBs in one place. Keep up the amazing work!
Hey man, I really appreciate that comment. Yeah, definitely I try to be hones and provide insightful pros and cons.
Too many out there are basically infomercials... especially the European ones.
@@EMTBReview I hope you can get your hands on the Amflow with the DJI motor. Everyone is saying great things about that motor, but I can't tell if they're being biased.
@@EMTBReviewfantastic as ever buddy , have you ridden the Amflow yet to compare to this Vala ?
I was surprised to hear how loud the Gen5 was. I thought Bosch claimed that it was supposed to be quieter than the previous version.
First review I have seen where it is more noisy than the older motor.
If you had to choose: Pivot Shuttle LT 2025 vs Santa Cruz Vala?
Shuttle LT. The 160/170mm of travel of the LT is more rad. The 750wh battery range is awesome and the motor seems more supportive and willing to put out when needed. Gen 4 Race motor of the LT is quieter on climbs. Rattle is the downside.
Vala might be the replacement for the Rise. I need to do a test ride. Maybe I'll hit up the SC factory demo fleet. Also the Cycplus Pro is the best tool I have bought in a long time. I use it every ride.
Yeeee. I tried the Factory Demo program and it's legit. Pick up at 9am and return by 2:30pm. All the bikes are new and well set up
I hate the mavens though. Been having trouble with that floating bite point. Bleed helps for two weeks and then it comes back again. Massaging the pistons doesn’t help for more than a ride or two also.
Good to know. Early production woes probably.
The battery is a concern for me. 600 W does not seem like enough. I have the turbo levo s works GEN 3 that came with 700 and been on it for less than two years and the battery has degraded, I lost about 20%. i’ll give you an example, when I ride the Fullerton Loop I do it 2 times in turbo. When I first got it, I would have close to 30% left now I have 7% and the bike is throttling down on the last climb. Batteries do degrade and New batteries are expensive, 1300 bucks. So I’m thinking maybe it’s time to upgrade. I only ride my ebike 1-2 times a week and I ride my analog bikes twice a week. In regards to the weight of a bigger battery it’s not an issue, my Levo is nimble and easy to bunny hop. The only time the weight is a concern is when I’m on something like telonics, high speed and steep. The 700 W was really good while it lasted, could always get in two hours plus on turbo and lots of elevation. I would prefer a 700+ battery with an option to add extra extender. Thanks for your review, seems like you’re being honest, appreciate that.
Great concerns there. Rider weight is a big issue for sure.
You bring up battery degradation and that is a very real concern for sure. All these lithium batteries are rated to only deliver 80% of original charge after 500 charge cycles.
I have cyplus pro, the mid size & only downside it will leave very hot the air valve as well can only handle 3 maybe 4 tire psi check from 15psi offroad back to onroad 30 psi. I have a muc off Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves
These new radial tires should be a video in itself.
Remember that when you hit a small bump, the tires take the initial hit, then wheels, then suspension, and finally your arms/legs. The radials conform so there’s less suspension movement which is considered a vertical movement so not only does it feel more compliant and grippy, your battery range is vastly improved since energy is less wasted through vertical/suspension movement. It’s grippier than an Assegai/Assegai combo yet rolls as well as an Assegai/Dissector combo. It’s been a game changer and I ended up spending $400+ on 4 sets on my SL and full fat e-bikes. I ended up just 1-2 psi higher than I normally run.
Might be worth a range test video comparing this to a very popular Assegai/DHRII combo up your normal hill you climb
The unknown is running your normal pressure could mean a cracked rim so I’ve been running just a bit more since there’s little downside.
Order placed!!!! I will learn a lot more about these radial tires and create a video.
Do you run the same psi as before, on non-radials?
@ All my buds started with a Magic Mary rear but it rolls really slow. Albert’s front and rear is the way to go. It rolls super fast yet 10-20% grippier than Assegai/Assegai combo. I’ve been running 2psi higher than usual since I’m on 35mm rims.
Maybe 2-3psi higher on 30mm rims is the ticket.
Great video! If you had to choose: Specialized Gen 3 Levo or Santa Cruz Vala?
Great video! Big fan of your videos for years! I am getting real close to making a decision between the Pivot AM XO pro build or the Newly release Santa Cruz Vala XO build. Pivot just announced a almost 30% discount on the AM. I am a XC racer who doesn't race as much and love traveling to Bentonville, Brevard, and bike destinations and trying to the most miles in day vs half the miles on a acoustic bike. I know the battery is a tad less in the Santa Cruz which means weight saving as well. And for those longer days I could just bring the external battery. Between the two bikes, which would you pick and why?
Have/will you review the 2025 Orbea Wild?
I would like to see a long term test on the cycplus. I have one and it drains the battery way too fast (several C drain rate) and heats of a lot so I can imagine the life of the battery is short if used a lot.
My whole crew now has one and mine is about 9 months old, use a lot. Works like a champ still. I imagine the run-time will drop over time 300-500 charges and I wonder if the lipo battery inside can be replaced.
@@EMTBReviewThanks for that info Francis. Based on the tear-down photos, you can definitely solder a new on it I bet
Ever wonder why is so hard for them to use 10 dash lines or percentage for battery layout, who are the ones who tells those 5 lines are ok?
Hi, have you got a faulty engine? Everyone on the internet is saying that the new Bosch is quieter than the Gen4. It seems that Brose is still the quietest full power engine out there. What's your opinion?
It’s hilarious that the king of VPP had to change to the king (specialized) 4 bar with Horst link to become their”best ever” ebike lmao
What you prefer Vala or pivot shuttle Lt ?
Wondering the same thing! Vala or new LT Shuttle???
Same question.
I have the Heckler and I love it ❤ !
I have the AM. Go with the Pivot.
Shuttle LT. The 160/170mm of travel of the LT is more rad. The 750wh battery range is awesome and the motor seems more supportive and willing to put out when needed. Gen 4 Race motor of the LT is quieter on climbs. Rattle is the downside.
Would the Vala be better with the Gen 4 Race motor?
what size is this frame? bottle is quite a bit tight there...
Question is, does it comes with rockshox as well or only fox shocks? Cause i heard if you order online it could be delivered either fox or rockshox on bullit cc
@EMTBReview In your opinion, which one is better - santa cruz vala or pivot shuttle am?
I've been eying either this bike or the new Orbea Wild and been concerned with reviews of the wild frame being too stiff. Any view on this?
Relating to the air pump.... I'm surprised it doesn't automatically tune down to the desired pressure. When I pump my tires before a ride, I purposely go too high and then use my Topeak gauge to let air out and tune down to the desired level. It appears that the tool you demonstrated doesn't have the ability to do that, which I would consider to be disappointing...
Yes, understood. My floor pumps and tire guage have that little bleed valve button. Understand though that this is a real estate issue. This pump is the size of a Topeak guage and it has a compressor piston, brushless motor, battery and digital guage. So they chose compactness instead of fitting in a bleed button.
It really isn't a big deal though since one can bleed the presta valve so easily and bring it up the perfect pressure easily.
@@EMTBReview I hear you Francis. Just kind of surprising in that it seems like it would be a pretty easy feature to have, and certainly adds value...
Great content! The Vala looks really good.............. with the possible exception of that motor whine. Any chance this particular motor was 'defective'?
Not likely but I'll test another one just to be sure. Thei bike had 6 rides on it, about 200 miles so newer than the bikes I'm comparing it too.
Nice review. I pre-ordered the base build and made a few upgrades. It's the R build, and I was wondering if you think the Fox 38 is worth putting on versus the base Zeb? Its my first emtb so new territory for me. Thanks
I'm a Fox fan since there a four tuning knobs for damping and I know how to use them now.
I think is you're willing to learn/tune your front fork, the Fox is worthy!!
Thanks
@@derekmann4317 the Fox 38 is killer. Very tunable, actually feels really balanced paired with the Kitsuma сoil on my Levo. Get the Performance Elite or the Factory (grip 2) to get the high/low compression and rebound.
@@johnstroh7075thanks for the feedback and suggestion. I'm going to try to find a 38 for a decent price. Thanks again!
Motor aside, what are your thoughts on ride characteristics vs the Levo?
They are virtually.... IDENTICAL. Very free moving, laterally stiff and don't call attention to themselves.
@ Being that they are both mullets and the same travel, I couldn’t see there being a huge difference in ride feel. I’m guessing that motor feel/ preference will be the biggest difference between the two. I mostly ride my Levo with a 500w battery at just over 49lbs, so the weights are even similar.
This looks like a fun trail. What is it and where? Thanks!
What trails? :) Fight Club Santa Cruz trails so i can't say.
I think you have the suspension too soft Francis. You’re almost bottoming on some of the sections on magic carpet. It’s going to be diving all over the place on rougher steeper trails.
You're not wrong. I'll play with that high speed damping first which was pretty open for this test ride. I do like the suspension a bit soft on test rides so I can really experience the suspension movement.
What size did you ride?
I'm 5'7" and rode a Medium. 460mm reach and it fit like a glove
600 Battery is the way to go!
It is my choice as well. Eliminates a big chunk of the market though when the consumer is not given a choice.
@ That’s the difference between a true mountain bikers vs people who like to mountain bike. I know many people who only look at battery size before buying a mountain bike.
if you can only pick one, heckler SL or this?
Definitely this. More supple and active and longer dropper post real estate. The Heckler SL has bad colors and the 430wh of battery is limiting.
The biggest problem is the Heckler SL's Fazua motor has questionable reliability, bad control ergonomics and does not have the promised battery extender.
Colors are probably arguable, to me 2024 Heckler SL had very boring grey and a cool purple option, 2025 has a cool blue and a yellow for those into yellow.
The Vala has a 'boring' grey to my taste and a special green, I would not say that it's a win, I was hoping for better.
@@EMTBReview do you think a heckler sl with a bosch sl motor will eventually happen?
Anyone want to buy my heckler SL?
:) yeah the vaporware Battery Extender of the Fazua motor system is inconceivable!
Yep totally, last time I emailed Fazua I got this "The Range Extender is planned to be released at the end of the year, we will likely see it available for purchase early next season." ...
Was disappointed the vpp is gone, but this would be ok.
The big question is, based upon your last two vids- only one bike to ride for all of 2025, your own money- Vala or new Shuttle LT???
Very close contest. Shuttle LT wins my $10k by a nose. Race Motor is quick, quiet and responsive on the LT. More travel too of 160/170mm, X2 and Coil options is more capable.
@ thanks for the feedback! I’m right there with you almost, only having pedaled these two for a short time and one only in pavement. My biggest hang up on the LT is I’m right between sizes for a M or L, and the geo numbers on the Vala are exactly in between! Choices!
Great video. But oof that price.
Oof is right. It hurt to read that price, let alone spend it.
🤟🏾
Bruh! Cut those bars down to 760!!
Cool bike, but that motor! Sounds like my old Gen 1 Levo SL
Not that bad. :). Sounds like the Gen 2 Levo SL, or a little lower volume than the new Bosch SX mid power motor.
Nice review. Been debating gettin a e-bike lately. They look like a lot of fun & im not 22 any more
Neighbor got the Shuttle LT. This is on my short list for my next year. Plus it works with a coil shock
The most important thing is that it's silent on downhills (no rattle).