In the press release to the bike press, the Santa Cruz makers keep the ball remarkably low: when you first read through the news lines, it doesn't look in the slightest like an e-bike is being presented here. There is no mention of electrified performance data in the press release, nor does the bike look anything like the familiar California Fullies. There is only talk of the Heckler, the "troublemaker". It seems as if Santa Cruz is almost a little uncomfortable about unleashing a bike with a motor and battery on its customers. Because even in the pictures available for the launch, the motor and battery are very discreetly displayed. This statement from Santa Cruz is quite fitting: "Ultimately, the Heckler is a completely normal Santa Cruz mountain bike and hardly differs from our other models in terms of riding feel, up to the point where we got off".

The Heckler has a frame made of well-known CC carbon, 150 millimeters of suspension travel, an e-bike-specific VPP rear triangle and a spare carbon wheelset with a lifetime warranty. According to the manufacturer, the Heckler comes with 27.5-inch wheels, a 65.5-degree head angle and 445-millimetre chainstays to achieve an active to aggressive riding style. To ensure that long and technical climbs are just as much fun as the descents, the engineers have reduced the anti-squat value, which enables maximum active and therefore grip-promoting rear suspension even under heavy chain pull. In addition to the use of carbon for the main frame, rear triangle and battery cover, the Shimano drive system ensures a low overall weight and global service.

The Heckler is available in four versions: The top configuration is called "CC XX1 AXS RSV", weighs around 21 kilograms and costs 14,590 Swiss francs. The "CC XO1 RSV" version weighs around 100 grams more and is available for 12,590 Swiss francs. The "CC S" version is less expensive at 9,440 francs, with a total weight of 21.7 kilograms. The entry into electric fun with Santa Cruz starts with the Heckler "CC R", which changes hands for 8,290 francs and weighs around 21.6 kilograms.

santacruzbikes.ch