Electrified Bronson?! The New Santa Cruz Heckler SL | First Ride

[@timwilson9120]

You’re shows are just plain awesome, please keep them coming. My FAZUA ride 60 Pivot is perfect and hasn’t missed a beat.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you Tim, glad you enjoy them! We're not stopping, that's for sure.

[@PaulMoody]

Might be my next eMtb. Love the ride of my analog 2015 SC Tallboy LT (precursor to High Tower). Currently over 5000miles on my 2021 Turbo Levo. I ride mostly with power dialed back to between 40nm (25support/40power) and 55nm (40/60power) so this SL should work fine for my kind of riding (1/2 gravel, 1/2 single track in mountainous Vermont).

[@TheLoamWolf]

It sounds like it would be a good call for you!

[@petedog9581]

I want to be Santa Cruz test rider. It's a living. I'd do it for a bike and $10/hr. and live in the van.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sounds like a good gig to us too!

[@BobbySchaffer]

a mexican will do it for $7

[@brianhill4444]

I'm in the purchase process for the SL category and The Heckler SL is winning the choice award. Super thrilled to have watched this.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Check out our long term review as well, and the big SL Shootout we did!

[@brianhill4444]

I watched it and now I have, how would it have done with this group. The transition seemed to do well so I'm guessing it would have as well. Let me know please.

[@TheLoamWolf]

To put it simply...If this bike were in that shootout, the Transition would have still taken the award for our crew.

[@FINNdeischgut]

I hope a Bullit SL with Bosch SX motor and 170mm travel will come. That's more my travel class. Still a great bike 👍

[@fleetgt]

Yea Fazua is nothing but problems. Bosch knows motors.

[@trdxyr]

Damn, i love it! 60 NM, 42# , Carbon and Santa Cruz Marque

[@mrlemonadesandwich]

I still cant understand the logic behind haters calling ebike riders lazy. Without an ebike i would not be riding at all, let alone enjoying 30km rides a couple of times a week. Thanks for the review, and keep the ebike reviews coming 👍👍

[@Mockle07]

Many of the same people who criticise EMTBs regularly use chairlift/uplifts or spend thousands making their bikes lighter so they are easier to pedal… 👀🤷🏼‍♂️😂

[@TheLoamWolf]

People love to antagonize. In case you can't tell, we're big eBike fans here. But, acoustic bikes are still great too!

[@FINNdeischgut]

​@@TheLoamWolfYes, both are great

[@Chuckolicious]

@@TheLoamWolf Tommy calls them Amish bikes, lovingly so. I'm going with it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poeTgWihpdJgaqMsi=WYAOg8lmD1a6AFpe

[@michaelwalker8674]

I find generally people who hate on eebs haven’t ridden one 😅

[@Mockle07]

Nice to hear some reserved (pardon the pun) thoughts and not just gushing praise as is often the case on other channels during rides with brand staff. With this and the Mondraker Neat, you’re going to need an SL part 2 before 1 has even finished! How about, availability allowing, pitting this, the Neat and the winner of the SL test in a smaller scale head to head?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sounds like a good idea. We'll do our best!

[@jamesg995]

@@TheLoamWolfyes please!

[@TheHooniverse]

That looks like a ton of fun

[@Kaisersozze]

I love the 160/150 geo.I tried the Heckler mullet and it was bit much for me in terms of weight and even power at times in the very technical sections (was throwing me into the trees unless I stepped it down into eco mode). This might be the perfect option. I ride a Hightower.

[@eugenux]

I'm starting to feel encuraged, discovering that there are many others who think full fat ebikes are pigs on the trails and are devoid of that ethos and that mountain bike spirit. Mid-power bikes or SL ebikes don't do that and, in my opinion, they are the best invention in mtb-ing in the last couple of years. edit. (currently not owning(or have had owned) an ebike but have ridden multiple, full and mid-power ones)

[@Kaisersozze]

I did feel judged when I was riding the Heckler on the uphills passing everyone, but maybe it was in my head, regardless it was a weird feeling I don't have on a regular bike@@eugenux

[@aaronburela432]

Incredible product 👏

[@MichaelRasco]

I'm gonna have to get this when I'm older, can afford it, and tired of my acoustic Santa Cruz. The SL class of bikes is a good middle of the road since I don't think I'd want a heavy duty ebike. Plus I love how it really doesn't look like an e-bike.

[@jimm244]

I might buy one of these. I’m huge on supporting in-town dealers…and I think I’d prefer this over what else is available here.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's for sure a good SL eMTB if you're a fan of the VPP suspension character.

[@fhdsgfhkgkj]

Looks like a really dope bike

[@GaryMetzker]

Would love to see a long term review of this and compare to Pivot Shuttle LT. I recently test drove this and the Shuttle. Unfortunately it was just on payment but from what I could tell it was super playful with a lite front end. Pivot had a nicer stand over height but had some weird noise issue on the rear end. Not sure if it was from Shimano break rattle or what but had a sloppy noise when I hit bumps

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned!!

[@thim8009]

That thing looks sweet. I'm 6'1 and 235 pounds, you can see the problem with sl bikes. I'm not done watching all vid yet, but I hope you can get range extenders. I was holding out for a kenevo sl with new motor, but might take a closer look at this.

[@battleboardstudios6952]

OK give us the low down, this bike vs the Transition Relay PNW since this one didn't make the shootout.

[@glennbroad2543]

Does the 60nm motor pedal up steep hills well? or still Leave you wanting the full fat? Also is the battery still only removable by main dealer? Big put off for me if so

[@MrDavecore777]

Does the Heckler sl feature the updated Fazua motor and controller and how would you compare it to the shuttle sl? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@pousetee]

SRAM NX Eagle an Flox Float for 7299$, I just can`t even.

[@IIISentorIII]

Yeah, sorry but this is a joke! Also, the Heckler SL does *NOT* have a motor with 430 watts is has "only" 350 watts. It has some short power spikes where it reaches 430 watts, but only for seconds which basically means it's the same as the Levo SL but the Orbea Rise blows this out of the water with 450Watts all the time. ;)

[@DK-wd8ju]

Would you go Ext Storia Lok v3 Coil or Vivid Air for riding in St. George, UT? Just grabbed one of these sweet rigs!

[@TheLoamWolf]

We'd likely go to with the Vidid Ultimate. Congrats and enjoy the bike!

[@Derestricted1]

It''s funny that you still seem to need to justify that it's ok to ride eMTB, even though many people have already been riding them for well over 5 years, including all the pro's who could get their hands on one. Great content anyway, big fan of the channel. I have the HAIBIKE LYKE with the same fazua motor and it's by far the best eMTB (or MTB) I have ever owned. Just rips everywhere.

[@fleetgt]

Tested the motor?? I got about 8 rides on my transition relay before that motor quit. The bike is in the shop again for its 3rd motor now.. Guess I guess wait for the bosch sx

[@MrDavecore777]

Can you run a coil shock or a Vivid? I feel like that would add some more plushness on square edge hits

[@TheLoamWolf]

We were told it does fit and work with coil. We may go that route

[@porroco]

We want to see the new gen bullit

[@jonibz1456]

Stick a Ext Storia v3 on it, that sorted my Bronson v4 on roots and rocks.

[@SavvyBayAreaHomeOwner]

Can you fit a 29 in the back? Thanks,

[@klot74]

If you had to choose between the Heckler SL and de Specialized Levo SL Gen. 2 what bike would you choose and why?

[@MrM1729]

Hands down the Levo. You want range with an e-bike so that you can boldly go where you’ve not gone before. You notice the weight going downhill which incidentally makes it a blast to ride pavement. Otherwise you can tune the power to make the weight feel like whatever you want.

[@MrM1729]

Oops misread your message- but I chose the regular Levo over the SL

[@mikes.8305]

What size dropper can a Large fit? Looks like the seat tube is short but kind of limited? And is the noise comparable to the Levo SL?

[@oscararellano6373]

Which do you think is a better option between Heckler SL or Bullit considering these aspects? Do you think there is much difference in performance considering that the SL weighs less and uses 430wh, compared to the Bullit with more weight but more battery? I really like the travel and attack of the bullit but I don't know if it is too heavy.

[@mikepfeifer1753]

Will a full water bottle fit?

[@emincapak]

ayy nekadar güzell

[@knowquarter]

If you had to choose between the two, would it be the Heckler SL or the 2023 Levo SL (Gen 2)? Appreciate any input, I was ready to get a Levo SL but now I'm not so sure.

[@patrikkwasny3107]

Got the same problem. Would love to hear an opinion on that

[@peakz1099]

Just bought the levo sl 2023 with the new motor. Had my first ride on it 3 days ago. And it was a beast down the trail. Really Nice bike

[@knowquarter]

@@peakz1099 just demo'ed a gen 2 levo SL, agreed! Downhill felt really good. The full power Levo felt heavy and killed the brakes. SL bikes are definitely the future.

[@peakz1099]

@@knowquarter ye I agree, I do not regret buying it 👍

[@JJ_MTB_15]

How long of a ride can you go for on this? The unremovable battery is a concern.

[@K1ngJame5-mtb]

Does the Fazua motor rattle or clunk while coasting on the descents?!

[@TheLoamWolf]

It does not, its very quiet on the descents.

[@FritzPhoto]

Wondering why the motor on this bike would not cut off when it is hot or on long uphills. On one of your last videos there was a bike with that problem. On top I heard not very positive things on social media about Fazua's custumer service

[@TheLoamWolf]

Some motors will lose the heat better, or have a higher tolerance for heat before cut-out. We haven't had any Fazua issues yet, but we're aware others have, as with most of the other drive systems on the market...

[@LCNismo]

I want to see a full 29 SC e-bike. Not a fan of mullet

[@skellener]

I’m still wary of that Fazua cheap plastic controller on the handlebars. For such expensive bikes, it’s really not what I’d expect. I wish there was an option to swap it for something with better quality.

[@TheLoamWolf]

You're not alone, We share the same concern.

[@Chuckolicious]

@@TheLoamWolf Kinda like a few years ago when Specialized had a high failure rate, I've heard Fazua has a really poor failure rate currently.

[@whitest_kyle]

Wish they would've used the TQ. I really did not like the quality/power delivery of the Fazua system, the screen and controller both suck for $7k+ bikes. They said it was really important to have a "super dialed system" on their bikes but from the Fazua bikes I've demo'd their system is NOT super dialed. The Relay I rode had really jerky/unnatural power delivery and rattled really bad.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's very possible you had a bad unit on the Relay, all 3 fazua bikes we've ridden have had pretty smooth power delivery. It's one of our favorite systems. That said, we do agree with you that the LED hub and Ring controller don't scream premium product, especially the ring controller. The rattling was likely some poorly run cables / battery cover issues.

[@Wc5ting]

What helmet are you wearing?

[@TheLoamWolf]

I'm wearing a Fox Speedframe. Love it!

[@IIISentorIII]

The Heckler SL does *NOT* have a motor with 430 watts is has "only" 350 watts. It has some short power spikes where it reaches 430 watts, but only for seconds which basically means it's the same as the Levo SL but the Orbea Rise blows this out of the water with 450Watts all the time. ;) I'm not yet a E-Biker but I saw this bike in person and i'm 99.9% sure it has 350 Watts.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The battery size/power is 430Watt hours not the drive unit.

[@felixduprey]

The SC website shows the weight at 49+lbs... on top model....

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

sure you're not looking at the hecker instead of the hecker sl?

[@rezenclowd3]

Electrified version of Bronson is the Heckler SL. Odd.

[@thewrx2600]

we need to come up with a new name for imposter bikes instead of SL. They are not "super duper light" , they are just a different type build emtb. Nice looking bike though, I like santa cruz rides but they are just a bit on the pricey side compared to their peers imo.

[@jasper_of_puppets]

Well, aside from Santa Cruz blatantly ripping off the "SL" moniker, Specialized is/was the only company to officially call it an SL. Brands like Giant, Trek, Orbea, Transition, etc, go by other terms and names. edit: I didn't know Santa Cruz had a bike called the 'Superlight' way back in 1999. But the 2nd part of my comment still stands in regards to ebikes. edit 2: Oops, I didn't realize Pivot also calls their lightweight Shuttle the 'SL'. I guess it's becoming as ubiquitous as "Light" beer

[@brodiemckiernan6516]

We have to pay homage to specialized and orbea for pioneering the light emtbs. Even got purists switching sides ⚡️

[@porroco]

Fasua is the same motor on turbo levo SL Shimano is not the best when it comes to customer support.

[@pmowe]

Santa Cruz talking like they invented the SL segment, you're about 4 years late to the party

[@Mockle07]

Every brand talks their bikes up. I didn’t hear them suggest anything like what you said though, in fact they actually referenced the fact that they were not the first to use the Fazua motor, let alone the first to design an SL… sounds like you’re just keen to be salty, for some reason and you’re looking for reasons.

[@adampalma3765]

@@Mockle07if I had to guess the op probably rides a Specialized bike and is a wanker like most Specialized owners

[@eugenux]

​​@pmowe, the first levo sl was a turd for old cross country riders, not a real mtb. The real SLs with real geo numbers designed to do actual mtb-ing appeared only 2 years ago(with ultra small battery and noisy motors)... so chill; the actual SLs appeared only when the TQ and the fazua ride 60 got on the market..which means, basically, SC is a year behind.. but, they compensate that with good geo numbers so, even if late, and even if I don't plan to get a SC(because of the pricing), they're good in my book.

[@mikes.8305]

Anyone want to buy a baller Levo SL???😂

[@jasper_of_puppets]

Couldn't these people have come up with any other two letters other than 'SL' that denote lightweight that doesn't copy Specialized verbatim? I mean, I guess good artists borrow, while _great_ artists steal?

[@sheiladawson1648]

Didn’t Santa Cruz build the original superlight?

[@jasper_of_puppets]

@@sheiladawson1648 Oh, you're right! I was unaware that they had a bike way back in the day called the 'Superlight.' This makes for an interesting question though as to which bike company is really the first to call their bike the 'SL'? 🤔

[@kangsterizer]

who is it for? doctors mostly (:

[@BobBob-bq2be]

I’m sorry but I don’t believe you guys test motor systems well enough as if you did you would of clocked the EP8 is junk

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

From my European perspective Santas are good, but insanely overpriced bikes and I still can't figure out why.

[@ark530abe]

Brand name. So many people willing to pay that for a Santa Cruz. Were I live it’s basically one out of every 2 bikes and you know almost every woman wants the Juliana as it is by far the most popular in that category.