Awarding our e-MTB of the year 2024 :: Santa Cruz Heckler SL :: Plus in-depth review

We've been testing Santa Cruz's latest electric mountain bike all summer long, pushing the bike and it's battery to the limits! Join Scotty and JT as they chat in detail about how the bike performs; its strengths and its weaknesses, and discussing what type of rider they reckon the Heckler SL going to suit the most?

[@user-pd2vj5ku1y]

Finally took the emtb plunge, have had mine for a month now, and I can’t wipe the grin off my face. I’m a long time mtb’r turned 62, have limited time these days for after work rides, I’m surrounded by hills, and wanted a real mtb with just a bit of assist.....man this thing fits the bill to perfection.

[@garrystevens8793]

I’ve been test riding so many SL type e-bikes over the last few months, the Santa Cruz SL was so much better than the rest for me I had to pull the trigger and get one. Had it a week now and loving it even more!

[@stewiejonza1363]

Have you had any trouble with the motor?? Few people say they have had trouble

[@EndoMTB]

Where did the Levo SL Gen 2 come in on the list? How does it compare to the Heckler SL?

[@umtomtom]

finally someone mentioned the main usp of this bike , is that it doesn’t look like an ebike but still rides like one…. almost. you can see what santa cruz are trying to do here, and this may be only the prototype in that ideology but, it will work for some and as the tech evolves this design path will work for the many. i really want one, but don’t need one. hopefully by the time (my age and dodgy knees ) comes this will have been refined and into the bike we all dream of, light fast and beautiful, affordable , easy to maintain etc. well done santa cruz , the future is yours

[@Mockle07]

How is that a USB? Pretty much every SL EMTB (especially tho use with a Fazua motor) doesn’t look like an ebike but rides like an ebike. Seems like a great bike for sure but there is nothing unique about it.

[@JamesGoddard-i7s]

Nice bikes with great handleing if not the best money can buy (VPP) but around £3000 of the asking price goes on the sticker and badge

[@mitchtolhurst2213]

Would love to see a comparison / commentary vs. the KSL1.2 or even 1.1

[@Rubblechops]

Any news on the ETA for the range extender?

[@brianhill4444]

Thank you for this review… I'm buying the Gx Axs in Magenta.🎉

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

How does it compare to the kenevo sl I have one and love it just wish it had more power I just bought a 2024 Santa Cruz bullit has 85nm compared to my 35nm of my current kenevo sl. Haven’t ridden the Santa Cruz yet waiting to change the brakes

[@yorkshiredub]

What height are you? I’m 6’1 and thinking xl rather than l

[@TheKandilama]

Ordered at september, still waiting

[@santacruzallstars]

Sorry guys but 40k & 1kM of climbing is not a massive ride. Having said that would I swap my levo sl for the Heckler SL, if I had £8.5K lying around then I probably would.

[@dallasdrew2390]

They did say 40k PLUS meaning more than 40k.

[@emveeess839]

Often Do those kinda 40/1000 rides on analog but its a ball ache. This bike will make them easy and enjoyable i reckon!

[@tillsonburgindoormx]

$15,199 Canadian plus tax for this build lol... $17,175 with tax 😮

[@IIISentorIII]

🦷👨‍⚕

[@tonym6633]

The part where he pushed it uphill. Not having it , full fat forever.