The new Heckler

The e-mountainbike is far more than just a further development, and it offers a wide range of variants. It is offered in two versions that have very different characters - as a pure 29-inch bike and with an MX setup, consisting of a 27.5-inch rear wheel and a 29-inch wheel at the front. These two variants are available in sizes M to XXL, while frame size S has a 27.5-inch wheel at the front and rear. Incidentally, the rear triangle swallows tire widths of up to 2.6 inches.

Speaking of the rear triangle: the new Heckler comes with the proven VPP suspension system and low-slung shock. It now offers 150 millimetres of suspension travel on both wheel variants, whereas the previous model only had 140 millimetres. The shock mount also has a flip chip. This not only allows the geometry to be changed slightly, for example from 64.8 to 64.5 degrees steering angle, but also changes the spring characteristic. In the low position, the rear end reacts more progressively, offering more counter-pressure from mid-travel.The new frame is now available in both carbon qualities in Santa Cruz: Where previously there was only the CC carbon variant, the cheaper but also around 300 grams heavier C frame now joins it. The carbon layup and frame design of both versions are particularly robust in order to absorb the high forces cleanly and guarantee long-lasting riding fun. At the same time, the weight of the bike is still in the competitive range. In addition, the new frame has been adapted to the larger 720 watt-hour battery, which weighs only slightly more than the old 630. It is easily removed with a 4-millimeter Allen key. Santa Cruz offers the new Heckler in ten different equipment variants.

santacruzbikes.ch
santacruzbicycles.com

Old vs. new Heckler

Santa Cruz' new Heckler e-mountainbike will be launched in spring 2022. The second generation of the trail e-mountainbike is a new development. Santa Cruz claims that the Heckler will take you longer, faster and further. We want to get to the bottom of these claims.

What's new on the Heckler: The suspension travel has increased slightly to 150 and 160 millimetres at the rear and front, the geometry has become a little more downhill-oriented and it has a much larger battery with 720 watt hours. By way of comparison, we initially spoke of 504 watt hours for the old Heckler and most recently of 630 watt hours. This naturally increases the weight. While the old Heckler was just under 20 kilograms, the new one now tips the scales at 22 kilograms, weighed on the top model with CC frame. However, this is still a very good value compared to other manufacturers.

As usual with Santa Cruz, the Heckler is now also available in two carbon qualities - the cheaper C version and the CC version for the top models. The difference in weight between the C and CC frames is 300 grams. As with the predecessor, a Shimano EP8 motor with an output of 85 newton meters of torque is installed, which provides plenty of propulsion.

The Heckler is now also available in a 29-inch specification, which will please moderate touring riders and taller riders alike. Here, longer chainstays and the larger rear wheel ensure a smoother ride, which comes at the expense of maneuverability. If you're looking for agility and playfulness, you should go for the MX model with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. We have already been able to test ride the MX version.

Lots of range, lots of fun

When you sit on the new Heckler, you notice the steeper seat angle and the slightly longer reach. Uphill, there is not much difference to the old version. The riding position is now slightly more stretched and with the larger 720 watt-hour battery, 2000 meters of climbing are easily achievable, if not 2500 meters. Depending on how you set the power of the individual gears on Shimano's E-Tube app. In the practical test, however, we were unable to fully exploit this in the short time available and due to the cold temperature. However, after 1500 meters of altitude, there were still two bars on the battery indicator, which confirms the above statements.

Depending on your preferences, the action radius is now much greater or you can now ride longer in boost mode. On a technical trail uphill, over rocky and steep terrain, the rear suspension works very well and provides a lot of traction. This is yet another improvement on the old Heckler. The VPP rear suspension works sensitively, without any loss of propulsion and the power is transferred perfectly.

As you can also see from the geometry data, the true qualities of the bike have been shifted a little more to the downhill region. The slacker steering angle and the extra suspension travel allow us to tackle the trail in a relaxed manner. On very steep sections, we were soon at the limit with the old Heckler, but now there are enough reserves. The new Heckler gives you a lot of confidence, it's easy to handle and playful at the same time, despite weighing two kilograms more than the old Heckler.

Thanks to the MX wheel setup, the bike is quick through tight corners and is very easy to control. Blocky, technical trails are the Heckler's playground and this is where it really comes into its own. The VPP rear suspension works very confidently and swallows up the roughest bumps. The suspension is sporty and firm, just as you would expect from a good trail e-bike. The new Heckler sets new standards for e-mountainbikes in the trail sector.

Conclusion

Santa Cruz has managed the balancing act with the Heckler and created an e-trail bike that stands out from its predecessor with its 720 watt hours of battery power and excellent riding characteristics, even on steep terrain. Despite its extra weight, it remains one of the lightest e-mountainbikes in its category.