Santa Cruz Heckler Review: The Best Santa Cruz eMTB?
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- The 2022 Santa Cruz Heckler gets the full 29" wheel treatment and some of the best MTB suspension we've seen to date. The bike gets off the ground better than most non-eMTBs. Stick around to see if it's the right bike for you.
0:00 Intro
0:38 Updates for 2022
2:49 Ride Impressions - Highlights
6:53 Analysis - Uphill
9:37 Analysis - Downhill
13:07 Who is it for?
Want to demo the Heckler? Hit us up for the hookup on a demo - www.bebikes.com/tellusyoucame... - Спорт
Who wants to see a 29" vs MX Heckler showdown?
Me, Me, Me!!! I prefer 29 but I'm concerned about the long chain stay. 5'10" and riding a large Hightower V2 currently.
Do it! Do it now!
Yes, do it.
Yes please , that would be a great comparison to see the difference ! Looking forward to it !!! 👍
Yessss!!
Fantastic informative fun yet straight forward video review... insane step down.
Totally agree on how the SC fit. I am 6'7" and the XXL is perfection....for me. Can't wait to try the new bike in full 29er form. Great video and review!
made in china 12000 wtf
I'm not an e-bike fan but I watched the entire review.... simply the best bike reviews on You Tube. Now we just need a hardtail or two. 😉
I’ll convert you one day.
Thank goodness that I watch the trance video and purchased one in a size large. great value.
They’re both really really good.
Yes please, I am 59” more on the mullet side but also like a full 29er 🤘
Wow that looked really good, so many great bikes these days
It’s such a good one.
This review is the reason why I bought Heckler and it's amazing.
Glad you’re enjoying the videos and the bike!
You said it, geometry is more important than the weight of the rig. Thanks for showing.
Geometry and suspension design > everything else.
I tried both mx and 27.5 ,27.5 easy to maneuver to techy trails and have a good pop to it,mx u can go over stuff but slow on the turns and front heavy totally different beast. ride it first it will totally depend on your style of riding,santa cruz nailed the geometry and 720 wh battery by far!!😀👍👍
great video!!!
Hey thanks!
Hey mate love the content
Hey thanks! Glad you like it.
Would love to see the MX vs 29 vid.
Just found a 2022 Hightower, so I’m probably 3-5 years from my next bike purchase…which might be an e-bike. I’m watching the tech closely.
Coming soon!
Looks sick, first ebike I'm exited about, just wish I could afford it, for now my Hightower V1 will have to do.
It’s so good. Easily one of my favorites.
@@bikersedge Good to hear.
I love it !
Would love to see the above-referenced showdown ;-)
I ordered the AXS version in 29er but they sent me a MX. I am on the fence about keeping the MX or sending it back so a 29" vs MX video would be great.
My vs 29er please! You give the best insight
I’ll make it happen. Stoked you like the videos.
Yes please
Yes please that would be a great comparison video, love your content as always ; I'm in the process of buying as I have a small deposit on a Specialized levo Comp carbon 3rd gen very similar in some ways ! Have you ridden this bike ? We have Santa Cruz just up the road from us as well as specialized!! Hope I'm making the right choice & as you know the levo is a mullet set up ! I've gone for an S4 size as I'm 6 ft bang on ! Your thoughts !!!! 👍👌
Haven’t ridden the specialized. We don’t carry them at the shop. I can only say the Heckler is one of the best eMTBs I’ve ridden.
Thanks for a great review and would be great with a 29 vs MX, Im 6.1 and have ordered a MX :)
I’ll work on getting that comparison made.
Which size?
@@tomekdenki2380 I ordered XL
@@993cupswe Perfecct! I'm 6'1" too.
6’0.3 lol i would go large mx …. Had a large Bullit and that fitted perfectly
Yes, please create a 29 vs MX video
I’ll see what I can do. Please hold.
Excellent review, I picked one up the first week it came out. You mention you loved the Giant Trance E, do you ride that bike with the flip chip set in the high setting or lower setting? My buddy just got one and feels a little over the bars in the high setting.
We did a review on that one. Go check it out. Should answer your question.
I'm 5'6" on a new SC Bronson MX size M and love it.. would the new Heckler be a good Enduro racer in an MX set up?
Not sure. I’m not much of a racer. I do know the Heckler 29 is fast as hell though. Can’t vouch for the MX yet. Haven’t ridden it.
I'm 6.1 and would go for the 29" in size Large
Try the MX. 27.5 is so much fun, especially with longer travel
nice, was waiting for a review like this. drop the vs. , really interesting how it holds
Working on the vs as we speak.
Hi, great vid. Which model/spec Heckler is this please?
Hey thanks. It’s the S build
Connor. I’m 6’2 and my last 6 bikes were all Large. I get it, we are not built the same….but the 2 fastest riders (Ritchie and Jack) on the EWS both sized down. Curious why you always ride XL? The market is looking more wrong with bigger is better and the whole (RAD) rider area distance bike fit thing. Heck maybe do a bike fit video or did you already? Anyways Nice and vid SC 👍
There’s a big difference in bike handling ability between me and Richie Rude. He has the skill and strength to get away with riding a smaller frame. Plus he has the need for a smaller frame with tight European EWS tracks. I don’t have that skill or the need. We have pretty wide open trails out here. I can benefit much more from the more stable frame than I can with the more maneuverable one.
We did a video on what size bike you should buy. Check that out.
I love it. Love the mullet sizing wheel set and shimano motor. But it’s over priced. I found that EMTBs have a maximum fun factor of about 6,000 dollars. After about 6,000 dollars you cannot have any more fun. Above 6000 you get more bling, more wow factor but you cannot have more fun on a 8500 bike compared to a 6000 dollar bike. Love the EMTBs. So much fun.
I agree for sure but I think that point is closer to 7-8k on an ebike rather than 6. Unfortunately, 6 is still pretty entry level with most brands.
@@bikersedge yeah. I’m pretty thrifty. I bought a 2022 Husqvarna Mountain cross with the EP8 and 630wh battery. It came with crap fork, crap shock, crap dropper. Paid 4400, bought a Domain RC 160 for 390 on Closeout, a RS deluxe ultimate second hand for 375, sdg dropper, protaper bar and stem and a different seat. I have 5600 in it. Under my 6k budget. I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s equally as fun as my buddies 9k intense that has the full Ohlins kit on it. And I Looovvvvveeeeee Ohlins stuff. But it’s no more fun. Definitely hard to stay under 6k. But you can do it. EMTBs are the second most addictive thing to me. Right under my motocross and woods GasGas. Enjoy the fun. 👊🏻👊🏻
1 year passed and it's happening!! Few days ago I ordered a brand new 2024 Heckler for $5600.
Enjoy!
What wristband do you use on your Apple Watch? Looked comfy
Not sure to be honest. Something cheap from Amazon.
You quoted the XXL wheelbase when describing your XL.
You caught me.
Would love to see a comparo to the Yeti 160E. Same motor, similar GEO.
Unfortunately we don't have access to our Yeti anymore. I'll see what I can do about making the showdown happen though.
@@bikersedge Just reviewing your comments on both bikes, you seemed a bit more enthusiastic about the Heckler than the 160E. I would think these would be close in comparison, and for them to have the exact drive train it would be up to the details, geo, suspension, wheel/tire, etc.
Th eHeckler was more playful and fun for sure. I was pretty surprised to see that. the Yeti I think is faster/more capable when things get rough though.
I had a Ebike with E8 motor. It was awful to ride. I really want the new SC. Just not sure about the motor.
This trail looks incredibly fun! What trail is this??
Also, sold on the Heckler
It’s up above bobsled in SLC. Don’t think it has a name.
I'd love to see the Heckler 29 compared to the mullet version. That's actually one thing I'm trying to decide right now. As well as I kind of thought I wanted a bullet but this hecklers looking amazing? The factory in Santa Cruz for demo's is only about three and a half hours away so I might have to take a trip.
I have the impression, most favor the MX, because it‘s more agile and funny.
I also stand by this descission.
@@AS-wu2nh 😆
Which model Heckler is this?I am looking at a C R 29 and a C S 29.
This is the S. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter that much. Buy the one you can afford.
@Bikersedge If you have to pick one, the Rise or this Heckler MX?
Don’t know. Haven’t ridden the new MX. The 29 is rad though. I like the full power.
@Bikersedge. I meant this Heckler vs the Rise
Gotcha. I like the full power and longer travel bike. Suits my riding style better. He Rise is pretty special for feeling a lot like a regular bike though.
I have a 2021 27,5 Heckler .. can I swap the bateries? (For more range…)
I would bet the answer is no. I’ll do some digging though.
The answer, sadly, is no... The new 720wh battery is physically bigger and different size to the shimano ones.. 😑
Is there any chance we would be able to get any commencal bike reviews?
With them being direct to consumer and us being a bike shop it’s not going to work out unfortunately.
I understand. It would just be nice to see how they stack up compared to other bike brands. Hard to find reviews for them.
How bout the SC Bullit Vs the New SC Heckler, I’d luv to hear your thoughts 💭 I luv how dialed my SC Bullit is
I still haven’t been able to get an XL bullit. If I can I’ll make a video.
That would be cool to see that comparison 👌
Where you riding the MX or the 29er on this review
Bobsled and some other trails around it that I don’t know the names for.
Can you compare the coil version?
There isn’t a coil option straight from SC.
hey, i have a heckler, 29er, and i dont feel the gobs of traction. maybe my tires are a little over inflated, i even upgraded to 2.6 versus 2.4, but i've fallen due to loss of traction which lead to minor injuries. In my opinion, as just kind of a moderately skilled rider, this bike is highly capable if you are highly capable. you need line precision and you will get tremendous payout in terms of speed and execution, but this bike is not for beginners. It's kind of intense tbh.
I’d look into your suspension setup. Compared to a lot of other bikes I’ve ridden, it offers a ton of traction. Especially the full 29.
How is it compared to the Yeti 160e ?
Good question?
"Is this the best e-bike Santa Cruz have ever made?", let's not get too ahead of ourselves, 2 Hecklers and a Bullit, I'm sure they will improve on what has gone before every time they launch the next version of both.
made in china 12000 wtf
Would be great if they used the Yamaha motor instead of that EP8🤔
It would be unstoppable.
Why not tbe bullit?
I haven’t been able to get one for review.
It would be cool to see a E-bike showdown much like the all mountain showdown you have done 🤷♂️
One step ahead of you. Please hold.
@@bikersedge Including the long travel bikes as well! Can’t wait!
Would a 38 at front be better for heavier riders?
Possibly. I don't think it's necessary to go out of your way to swap it though. The 36 is plenty stiff for most riders.
@@bikersedge Thank you, I am just used to ride longer travel bikes with beefier forks and have no idea how a lighter fork will perform
For a very long time the 36 was the beefiest single crown you could ride. I think it’s plenty good for almost everyone.
Thoughts on the new Heckler vs the Yeti 160E?
That exact showdown is in the works. For now I’ll just say the Yeti is faster in a straight line and rough stuff but the Heckler is more lively and fun.
@@bikersedge Very nice! I'm in the middle with both of these and can't make up my mind. Ever rode a Specialized Levo Turbo? This one is in the mix as well ;-)
Haven’t ridden the Levo. We don’t carry specialized at the shop so I’m contractually obligated to say the Yeti and Santa Cruz are at least 14x better.
The 29er Heckler is more lively and fun: I would have expected it from the MX. That the 29er Heckler ist more lively and fun compared to the Yeti surprised me
@@bikersedge I seriously need this 160e vs heckler 29 showdown in my life.. I can't decide LOL!!!
36 fork for a heavy e bike???
I don’t think it’s really a huge deal but the 38 could have been nice. I mean think back 2-3 years ago. None of us had any stiffness complaints about the 36.
Luckily for me you are three inch shorter than me (6'5") and if SC XL is perfect for you, I am a tad too tall for the bike (plus: 495mm reach is on the short side, too).
I can happily buy a different (and way cheaper) e-bike and not have fear of missing out.
No interest in Mullets whatsoever - I don't see the point
Have you ridden one?
@@bikersedge I am 6'5"and fighting to stay at 230. Nimble isn't part of my vocabulary and I am more interested in 32" wheels than in 27.5.
Makes sense. I’m also a taller and bigger guy. Nimble is a huge priority on my list. Different strokes for different folks.
Then sounds like the XXL size is spot on for you @Stefan Schmitz
I don't know, think Santa Cruz completely missed it with this release. Yeah yeah they updated the geo and a full 29er option but where's the innovation. It's just yet another typical bike. They should have done something out of the box and gave the option of battery sizes at least! Kept the bike as a light/mid light ebike. I can personally care less about a 700wt battery. At almost 49lbs, I'd just get the Bullit. Absolutely no innovation, basically, it's been a couple of years so we should update the geo and up the price, do the absolute lease we need to and continue to make money. Yes if you didn't already have an ebike, sure, I guess, but if you already have one, nothing about this bike screams foresight or creativity. The big S and Orbea the only brands willing to do anything. Everyone else, let's just continue to put out same product, jack up price, make money. Can't blame them though, why do so when you don't need to!
I don’t know. After riding it every day for a week or two this thing is pretty top tier for an eMTB. I love the full power (and the way the suspension works you barely feel the weight on the trail) I also really like the Rise. It’s just nice to have options.
@@bikersedge I'm sure it's nice, not saying it isn't. Just feel SC actually had a chance to do something here and instead did absolutely nothing like 99% brands do. Tweak geo, suspension, charge more, call it a day! No need to when you can charge additional for the sticker on the down tube. Wish more brands maybe sought innovation and setting up those relationships with battery manufacturers, maybe even en Shimao like Orbea did, maybe reaching out to Garmin to come up with a killer display. I don't know, I see why they don't, absolutely no need to, let someone else do it and then we will add it once we are able to. They could have done battery as a service with the Heckler, like Norco has done! Released battery options ranging from 350 - 700wt, battery extender, anything. Just expect a lot more from a brand like SC. Like I said, I'm sure it's nice but for me, someone who is looking to buy an ebke, absolutely nothing about this bike makes me want to drop that kind of money on it. Just my opinion, shred on! Do love the channel and the reviews!
@@xfortysd40 ridden this bike back to back same day as the bullit. I can say that minus not having a 38 and 170mm this bike is an evolution of SC vpp. Sure it looks the same and doesn't appear to be new. But the rear suspension got alot of changes. Anti squat, leverage unicorn dust whatever. There is a noticeable sifferance still traction for days they climb better and have a more active playfulness to them (poppy).
Price is high but what cf bike isn't these days. Sure u can get a tad more for your dollar elsewhere. But when you ride one for awile and it fits well works well and if it goes bad and u damage it. You get parts quick and someone answeres the phone. I got a feeling the models coming in the future will have some solid changes
So, what would you prefer/recommend and why, Bullit or Heckler?
@@madmountainman5197 if you want a full enduro bike smasher that can still be playful and agile get the bullit. It's great for self shuttle laps and scouting for enduro races or banging out hot laps at your local steeps
If you want a all-rounder with maxx range get the heckler. The full 29 is a great for everything and is nimble but if you want alittle more agileness and fun or hate ass buzz go mx.
The only thing I would ever change on the heckler is if you were bigger person and or started riding it super hard you may want to put a 38 on it in the future. 36 with all that weight will get flexy.
Far too much music going on at the start of this video! Made think my radio and TV had turned on at the same time!
It has 1 song.....
@@bikersedge it was just a lot of unnecessary noise. Thanks for your channel though, love watching video on ebikes. 👍🏼
What scares me about these bikes is the battery, When it dies you have a 50lbs unrideable piece of junk.
Just like any other rechargeable battery you can replace it when the battery health isn't up to your liking. I mean we all kind of do the same thing with our phones.
If you are going to sell ebikes, please educate your customers on proper trail etiquette. I had at least 15 incidents on trail this year due to ebikers not knowing how to handle traffic. I was hit 3 times by people who couldn’t handle their bikes. People who gravitate towards these products rarely have knowledge or experience on trails as the majority of them are not fit enough to have ever been out on the trails prior to their purchase or rental. It is a serious problem in the greater Salt Lake area.
We do what we can as a shop. Unfortunately I don’t think poor trail etiquette is a problem exclusive to e bikers or even mountain bikers for that matter. I wish all the folks could be more kind an courteous to other trail users. I think we could all do well to chill out a bit when we are outside. Sorry you’ve had some bad experiences.
@@bikersedge with several thousand miles on trails every year both on bike and foot, 95%+ of the issues my wife and I have to deal with are caused by Ebikers. This is not exclusive to us. All of our active friends report the same issues. As a shop, you have a responsibility to go above and beyond to educate. Our trails are being destroyed and becoming less and less friendly as more and more uneducated people use them.
@@bikersedge how many videos are you putting out about trail etiquette? Preserving our trails? The importance of picking up after your dog and how to do so while on a bike? Maybe your shop should take the lead in preserving our community.
Dang. Sorry you’ve had such a bad experience on our trails. I spent a couple hundred days out last year with very few poor interactions.
We’ve paid for and help maintain various trail networks. We fund raise for new trail developments. We try to educate our customers in store and help them navigate ebike friendly trail networks. A trail etiquette video is a great idea though.
@@JM-zs5hp you seem anti ebike sorry you have had bad experiences. I have not found this to be the case where I ride. A lot of trails still ban them and there is still that elitist anti ebike vibe. Seems like if it is so bad why would they be accepted all over England and Europe, they usually have more regulations than US.
why all you youtube guys showing off ebikes riding downhill.. Makes zero sense,
Because bikes are fun to ride downhill?