Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review

“Like Baloo the Bear,” that was the verdict on our test of the Santa Cruz Heckler in the Full Power version. The Heckler SL weighs 2 kilograms less than the Full Power version and features just a Fazua motor with 60 Nm of torque. Does that make it the better Heckler?

The Santa Cruz Heckler, as a non-motorized mountain bike, had an iconic reputation. Our test of the Full Power Heckler model clearly demonstrates that Santa Cruz has succeeded in transferring this renown into the world of e-MTBs.

The Heckler SL version is even 2 kilograms lighter and has a completely different focus compared to its burly big brother. With a smaller motor, a more athletic geometry, and a firmer suspension setup, it aims to be more mountain bike than moped. Does this concept deliver?

Santa Cruz doesn’t have the reputation for being a bang-for-the-buck powerhouse. The Heckler SL in the GX AXS configuration does nothing to change this perception. Even with the new SRAM drivetrain on board, there’s still room for improvement, particularly with the suspension and brakes.

The SRAM Code brakes offer solid stopping power, thanks in part to the 220 mm rotor up front, but for nearly €10,000 spent on a new rig, one might expect more than the entry-level Bronze version. As for the suspension, opting for Select+ components means you’re not reaching for the top shelf in the RockShox lineup.

On the trail, the components deliver the goods. To our amazement, the functional difference between the Ultimate suspension elements and an Ultimate brake is surprisingly minimal. Even though Santa Cruz skimps on the kit, there’s no need to fear a drop in performance.

There’s a lot of buzz in the light eMTB sector right now. Bosch has recently made waves with its new SX motor. However, we believe that despite its abundant power, the Bosch SX can’t score 100% in the light segment. Too noisy, too bulky, too quirky in its power delivery. While the Bosch SX operates in a world between full power and truly light, TQ and Fazua are setting the standard in the real light eMTB segment.

In our tests of bikes with the TQ motor, we’re struck by the natural support and the absolutely silent operation. Compared to the Bosch, the Fazua Ride 60 still operates quietly, but is noisier than the TQ motor.

The freewheel/gearbox noise present in Bosch or Shimano motors is there, but with Fazua it’s super quiet and almost fades into the background on the trail. TQ’s HPR 50 is indeed currently the only silent motor on the market. However, the Fazua Ride 60 delivers a much more powerful push. The 60 newton-meters of torque are sufficient to generate fun on the climbs.

The modulation of power is well-managed by the Munich-based unit. Neither jerky starts nor excessive after-pushing are issues with the Fazua Ride 60. Switching from the light Breeze or River support levels to the Rocket mode (the highest continuous support level), there’s plenty of power hitting the chain.

With its sporty handling and high power output for a light motor, the Fazua motor stands out significantly from the TQ motor. And the sporty nature of the drive fits the fun-focused approach of the Heckler SL perfectly. The American Santa Cruz team made the right call with this motor.

Another indicator of the motor’s fun factor is the Boost mode. Press and hold the ring switch, and the motor kicks into a temporary Boost mode for 12 seconds, delivering significantly more power than the Rocket support level. This comes in particularly handy for tackling those dauntingly steep inclines.

In technical uphills, this feature is a great asset. It allows riders to build momentum prior to a section, then skip a pedal stroke or two, avoiding a dreaded pedal strike. The boost mode can even be engaged from a standstill, unleashing its power the moment you start pedaling. This can be particularly useful on exceptionally steep inclines.

The ring switch doesn’t need to be continually pressed for the boost function; it just requires a two-second press to activate. The ring switch, which controls the entire system, doesn’t feel quite as high-end as the rest of the Fazua system.

The drive system is still easily operable, but it’s unfortunate that the Munich-based motor manufacturer decided to skimp on the control element, the crucial interface between rider and machine. The ring switch has a somewhat wobbly feel to it and doesn’t seem like it would survive a rough MTB season unscathed.

All bikes featuring Fazua’s Ride 60 motor can be found in our extensive market overview.

A bike with 160mm of travel on the fork is purchased for one reason above all: to shred trails! And the Heckler SL makes it clear in several ways that it’s itching to do just that.

While the Full Power Heckler has geometry that strongly hints at its e-MTB nature, the geo data from the Heckler SL could come from a non-motorized bike. The short chainstays and mullet wheels ensure that, despite a 64-degree head angle, it doesn’t ride like a lumber truck.

On the contrary: Whether it’s at low or high speeds, tight corners with this bike can be beautifully drifted or, with the right skills, precisely carved through.

Thanks to the low weight for an e-bike, you can even lift the rear wheel relatively easily to reposition it in tight switchbacks. The low-slung downtube allows for a low battery placement, which has an extremely positive impact on handling.

The Rock Shox suspension may tend toward the firm side, but the Heckler SL reaches its limit late even in rough terrain. With 35 mm stanchions on the Lyrik fork, it’s noticeably slimmer compared to a ZEB or Fox’s 38. Riders charging hard in steep terrain might feel a bit more flex. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker, especially for lighter riders.

Santa Cruz’s integration of the Fazua motor and battery into the Heckler SL has its snag. There’s no range extender available, nor the option to swap out the battery. Riders have to make do with the 430 watt-hours in the battery, like it or not. If you run out of juice on the trail, you’re done until you can find an outlet.

In our tests with the Fazua Ride 60, we consistently pull off rides with about 1400 meters of elevation gain, thanks to a solid amount of rider input. We’ve never been left stranded, but models like the Cannondale Moterra SL prove that you can achieve a similar weight with a hefty 600Wh battery. Those seeking a bike for long days in the bike park or extreme long rides might find the Heckler SL limits their range.

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL is a rad EMTB, but not for those on a tight budget. The Focus Jam² SL comes in at a slightly less downhill-focused yet much more aggressive price point.

Similarly pricey, but equipped with the whisper-quiet motor and a bit lighter, we have already tested the Mondraker Neat. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL impresses with its absolute lightweight construction. And Cannondale manages to bring to the market a full-power bike with a 605 Wh battery weighing in under 20 kg with its Moterra SL. We have detailed reviews and videos for all these bikes. You can find the links and key facts about the bikes in this table.

For our test, we took a spin on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX. If you want the full monty, you’ll need to have over 10,000 € ready to spend. For those who can make do with a bit less bling, there are more affordable versions to consider.

All the details, including geometry charts and specs, for all the models can be found, as usual, on their respective detail pages.