Santa Cruz Heckler 2023 Review

While E-bikes are relatively controversial in the mountain bike space it's safe to say that they are here to stay for better or for worse. Being new to the electric mountain bike space, I wanted to toss a leg over some of the best options on the market and write my thoughts on my favorites. In this review, we'll explore what makes the Heckler a force to be reckoned with in the world of e-MTBs.

Santa Cruz Heckler 2023:

Born from the legacy of Santa Cruz Bicycles, the Heckler is a full-suspension electric mountain bike that blurs the line between uphill climbs and downhill thrills. Paying homage to the original Heckler, a fun trail bike made in the early 2000's.

 

Build + Specs:

When deciding which build to go with, we decided to leave nothing on the table. This bike has everything you need a little bit more. AXS X01 derailleur, Fox Factory suspension, Reserve Carbon Wheels, Code RSC brakes, lots of carbon bits, and a Shimano EP801 pumping out dad watts for me. This build made it so the bike is that much easier to get up hills and still snappy when descending. When testing the bike in the full 29r version, I opted to mullet out the bike as I felt like it was more fun descending and cornering. It's the perfect build and I wouldn't change a thing.

 

 

Suspension + Feel

Equipped with a VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system, the Heckler delivers a plush and responsive ride. Being a 160/150 travel E-bike puts this right in the middle of the "trail" bike category giving you just enough travel. Whether you're tackling technical descents or climbing challenging singletrack, the suspension adapts seamlessly to the terrain, providing optimal traction and control. With 150mm of rear-wheel travel, the Heckler eats up bumps and drops with ease, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Being an E-bike, these things can get heavy. Ours weighed in at 48 lbs, so making sure that your suspension is dialed is super important to ensure this bike doesn't feel slugish on the trails. The 27.5" wheel in the rear allows the bike to have a playful feel and feel great when in the air.

 

 

Motor + Power:

At the heart of the Heckler is a Shimano EP801 motor, known for its reliability and powerful performance. The motor seamlessly integrates with the bike, providing pedal assistance that feels natural and responsive. The power delivery is smooth, making it easy to maintain momentum on climbs, while the four assist modes (Eco, Trail, Boost, and Walk) allow riders to tailor the level of assistance to their preferences and the trail ahead. People who say you can't get a workout on an E-bike are lying to you.

 

The Heckler's 504Wh integrated battery is neatly tucked into the downtube, contributing to the bike's clean and streamlined look. The battery life is impressive, offering ample range for long rides. The efficiency of the Shimano motor ensures that you can confidently explore large amounts terrains without worrying about running out of power. There was a bit of noise coming from the battery slot which I read is common with this motor unfortunately.

 

Conclusion + My Thoughts

In the world of electric mountain bikes, the Santa Cruz Heckler stands out as a formidable contender. It seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with Santa Cruz's legendary craftsmanship, resulting in a bike that not only defies expectations but sets a new standard for e-MTB performance. Whether you're an experienced rider or a newcomer looking for a reliable e-bike, the Heckler is ready to unleash its full potential on every trail. Thanks to Go Ride in Draper, Utah for helping us obtain these fantastic machines.

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