Santa Cruz is no stranger to making huge U-turns. It said it would never make an e-bike, then it came out with the Heckler. And now, after nailing its colours to the VPP suspension mast, it has launched a bike with an FSR-style four-bar linkage.
But this should come as no surprise. Earlier this year we made a video predicting that all e-bikes would end up looking the same. And in that video we specifically singled out the way Santa Cruz’s VPP design restricted its ability to package the motor and optimise the weight distribution. And while Santa Cruz hasn’t gone full Specialized with the new Vala (it’s more Trek Rail than Turbo Levo) it’s still a massive departure for the Californian brand.
And ultimately we think it’s a really good move. Not only because it means the bikes can be better, but because it shows Santa Cruz is not tied to a design just because of its history. In fact we think more brands should have the courage to stray our of their lanes and try new designs that work better for today’s technology.
The Vala itself is a cool looking bike, with a 160mm fork, 150mm rear travel, MX wheels and five frame sizes. It comes with the latest Bosch Performance CX motor with 85Nm of torque and 600W peak power, mated to the new, lightweight 600Wh battery. This is enclosed in the down tube and non-removable, but compatible with the PowerMore 250Wh range extender for longer rides. Which should mean you get the most agile bike possible for short laps, and only lug the extra weight around when you really need it.
We’ve ridden the bike out on the trails around Santa Cruz’s HQ, and you can read our first ride review here: https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/santa-cruz-vala-ebike-first-ride-review
Let us know in the comments what you think of Santa Cruz’s decision to move away from VPP.
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20 Comments
Has this replaced the Heckler?
The current heckler SL doesn’t fit in with the line up. I love it! But it’s definitely looking obsolete considering the motor reliability has been so poor, and the torque and range so limited despite being near full power weight. My heckler SL build with DH brakes, and exo plus tires even with the Lyrik fork and super deluxe shock is 45.5lbs. The new vala high end bike is 47.5 lbs with DH tires and a 38… I may be switching to the full power soon lol.
when every sentence sounds like a question……
Just release the new Bullit with the Bosch
Man every one EVERY ONE is taking this out of context…
Sc isn't forsaking vpp, it's just not using vpp for this bike… Bloody click baiters
Doesn't Crestline use vpp on their ebikes?
This whole thing where the bike you bought 3 months ago is now obsolete, will further destroy the bike industry…
It would be if they’d ditch vpp completely, which they very likely won’t do.
is this some custom link? i don't think any stock model comes with silver link… unless its cascade?
Only detail is that they do not leave any routing for aux light powered from motor, i do use it.
It doesn’t rattle and that per se it’s game changing,more power for what? It’s like megapixels on the photography,humans are never happy
Makes sense. If vpp was developed to enhance pedal characteristics, it makes no sense on ebikes where most of the torque is delivered by the motor, directly onto the cranks, without any interference from downward movement like the leg power.
Previously all Santa Cruz models looked the same. Now this bike looks like everybody else's.
They're running out of ideas, and all these bikes are becoming the same. What they should do is just bring down the prices.
As a customer If you want the best FSR Ebike available you’re going with the Specialized Levo. Not sure who this bike is for.
Credit to them. One of the worst thing you can do is being the same. If it makes their bikes better, good move.
Feel like motor bikes like this should be on a separate channel.
Full suspension linkage systems were figured out 20 years ago, after much debate no doubt, and full suspension bikes were perfected within the last 6-7 years. It took some time but I think we're there. The same exact thing happened with hardtail bikes running suspension forks. At a certain point, once all the experimentation had settled, a few viable standards arose and brands had to adapt or risk folding. I think we're seeing the very same thing here with e-bikes. One day, when the technology has improved, maybe brands will start experimenting again. For now, consumers want to know how good the 'e' component of the bike is, rather than suspension kinematics. Specialized on the other hand does apparently really care about suspension kinematics, but I still don't think most consumers notice.
There's nothing wrong with E-MTB…if you want to spend $$$, go for it! I 'm OG hardtail and rather buy 3-4 hartails over 1 E-MTB….
Let's be realistic here. What benefit does this rig offer in an already over saturated market? I just don't get it when SC already has a pronounced industry standing with analog bikes. Worse yet, it seriously looks cut and paste. It has zero style to it. Granted bicycles can only go so far, but they could've done something to set it apart. Unbadged and I'd be like, "Nice Polygon" or "Nice Rocky Mountain" etc. This is by no means a standout bike. I'm no market guru by a longshot, however, I personally don't think SC should've made the "E" plunge. What they should do is drop $1-1.5k off some of their bikes so I can ride one and see what all the fuss is about. Good review though gents. Thanks.