Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review: Light, Fast and Fun

[@chuckg1177]

Bikers Edge your overall video production, including your information, is superb. Well done, sir.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. I appreciate that!

[@Table_Topper_Tony]

I’m so glad I got my Transition Relay and beyond happy with it. The Relay just gives you a bunch of options: mullet or 29er, coil or air shock, 170 or 160 mm of travel, annnddd removable battery for park or shuttle days. I love that I can take the battery out! The heckler SL looks sick af but me personally I’m glad I went with the relay.

[@hammertime7740]

People love that relay. Easily swapping out batteries would be a key feature to me.

[@bikersedge]

The Relay is so versatile!

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@bikersedge Is the Heckler SL coil compatible too? That is one thing that I'm concerned with on the new Levo SL. I have a 2019 levo and I'd need to get a high end coil for it to be compatible with the side load. It would be interesting to see the difference between the Levo SL and Heckler SL in your future comparison.

[@bikersedge]

@home2roost Heckler SL is coil compatible.

[@fleetgt]

Still original motor in your Relay? I'm waiting on my 3rd replacement motor. Horrible quality.

[@REB4444]

Thank you again for the no nonsense, here are the facts and then the having the ability to tell us about the nuances that makes each bike different. You also are spot on who should look at these bikes and who they are for. You know what YOU like in a bike and the type of riding YOU do so you don't let it cloud your judgement. I'm not yet ready for an ebike YET, but that time will come soon, lol.

[@bikersedge]

I wasn’t ready either. Then I rode one and was instantly ready. Now I ride them about 1/3 of the time.

[@whitest_kyle]

Definitely agree with you on the Fazua power delivery, it's one of the main reasons I picked the Fuel EXe when demoing it against the Relay.

[@romma11]

Exe is electrically more inefficient compared to competition,

[@davefreeman9347]

Love this emerging and quickly growing category of bikes, I recently bought the Trek fuel EXe best bike I have ever had hands down ( although this is my first e-bike so maybe bias) at 42 and a fairy fit/strong rider I bought it as I wanted to maximise trail time when i get my windows to ride with a busy lifestyle, it’s absolutely perfect as it does not feel like a tank like full fat eMTB’S and feels very similar to an acoustic bike and the fact the TQ motor is almost completely silent is a real bonus The Heckler looks like a great bike, great review.

[@bikersedge]

So good to see ebikes progress so quickly.

[@craigsteele8178]

You guys are one of my favourite bike critique critics on the globe. Great detailed information that has helped me make an actual decision on attaining an E bike. I thank you for that. Great job guys.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like the videos! Love hearing that.

[@derSebov]

Best and most detailed review so far! Thanks a lot!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derSebov]

@@bikersedge it was too good. Ordered a Heckler SL 😃

[@bikersedge]

Amazing. You’re going to love it.

[@iErnest85]

If Santa Cruz hasn't paid you yet for this video, then they most definitely should, and A LOT! Great Review! Thank You!

[@bikersedge]

Will you reach out and ask them where my paycheck is?

[@iErnest85]

@@bikersedge On it.

[@mhowell13]

Thank you for including these "lighter" e bikes with the Heckler SL and Transition on the primary channel. They seem like great bikes that build a bridge to analog bikes

[@bikersedge]

I think the e channel is going to go away soon. There’s been way less e hate on the main channel lately.

[@mikeyp3694]

Gateway E-biker....love it. In my early 50s I'm not there yet but curious. This "getting closer to an analog feel" is really encouraging to see. Great review!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. It’s great seeing all the progress and options in the ebike category.

[@legyvanmaster]

Enduro e-mtb`s are not for old people...Will you ride the trails in your 70s or what??? They are offering much more fun. Who says that e-mtb bike is for lazy people, don t know shit. Lazy people will be lazy in any sport.

[@TeamCykelhold]

nice ride. more SL bikes is good. loving this trend.

[@bikersedge]

Same. It’s great to see more options.

[@megane230f1]

Ive rode many full powered e bikes and wouldnt pick any of them over a levo SL i test rode

[@bikersedge]

Now try this one with a mid-power drivesystem.

[@TeamCykelhold]

I'm loving my trek fuel exe. I guess it's a midpowered SL. Almost no cost (in fun) on the downs, but lots more fun when going up.

[@bikersedge]

Nice!

[@SunsPSD1]

Thank you for the well-done review. I'm pretty tickled with my Relay but might have gone with the Heckler SL if it had been available at the time just because I'm mullet only on e-bikes and the removable battery personally does me little good, and I do rather care about weight. Would love to get a frame/ battery/ motor weight comparison between the Heckler SL & the Relay. The built-in bash guard on the Relay seems like a huge advantage, as does dropper insertion. PS. The Relay works MUCH better with a coil shock as the LR is just too progressive to work well with an air shock.

[@William.N]

You had me at purple! I just wish there was a non-mullet version. I'm still not sold on mullet for my riding.

[@bikersedge]

I don't think it's as big of a difference that it's made out to be. Unless, of course, you're short and need the butt to tire clearance. For taller folks, the difference isn't huge.

[@lsa20k]

Always having a great time watching your reviews 😂 Riding the bike since October. Only complaint: Not getting dialled the rear suspension (especially compared to my Trek Slash). Have you tried a Vivid once? For the Bronson there is a special tune Vivid available. Thx

[@bikersedge]

I’ve ridden the vivid on other bikes. Not on the Heckler SL. While a different shock can help it’s not going to make a huge difference in the big picture.

[@HD-on2eg]

Excellent review. I’m currently riding a Santa Cruz Nomad 170mm front and rear bike, and I love it. I’m 51 years old and the climbing part ain’t getting easier. In your honest opinion, will this Heckler SL still give me a nice plush ride on the DH, and be lively and easy to jump? I like to ride rough DH and jump off anything possible. Could this be the bike for me?

[@mtb_3930]

Yes dude. Get it

[@sun_dreaming]

I'm in the same boat with wanting to switch from a Nomad. Not sure if this bike or the Bullit would make more sense

[@urmamaha]

Awesome looking bike! Would love to get your opinion and thoughts on this bike vs the Relay PNW. Hopefully will be picking up one next spring. I enjoy the content and keep it coming!

[@bikersedge]

That comparison is in this review.

[@237311]

Useful video. Id love hear your thoughts on this. I'm considering the Orbea Rise, which is known for its lightweight build. I primarily ride trails, including singletracks and fireroads, without any extreme jumps. While I have experience with traditional analog MTBs, this will be my first eMTB. I'm looking for an e-bike that maintains the nimble, poppier, and playful feel of a regular MTB. At the moment, battery range isn't my top concern.

[@bikersedge]

We’ve got a bunch of videos on the rise. Go check those out.

[@237311]

@@bikersedge During your test ride with the Heckler SL, did you encounter any issues with the motor?

[@bikersedge]

@@237311 none. It’s been working perfectly the entire time. Same with the Relay and Skitch.

[@rudik5496]

Great Vid!!! When you do your future test on light e-bike, it would be great if you had the Mondraker Neat please.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. We don’t carry mondraker. Won’t be able to make it happen.

[@rudik5496]

@@bikersedge well… that’s that sorted then. ;-) thank you for taking the time to reply. Still VERY much looking forward to the test: your videos are all very nice (nice balance of technical and personal view)

[@jmh3571]

Have you ridden the Pivot Shuttle SL yet? It has the same power system and I would be curious on your thoughts on how it compares to this bike and the others you mentioned.

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t ridden it. We don’t carry pivot at the shop.

[@markf4968]

Wow, looks awesome thanks! Just turned 55 so an ebike is something I'm considering.

[@bikersedge]

Right on!

[@HD-on2eg]

What are your thoughts on the rear suspension feel of the heckler SL vs. the Transition relay? Which feels more plush? Which is easier to get airborne?

[@bikersedge]

Check out the comparison section of this video. I answer those exact questions.

[@gregoryjhickman]

Your reviews are seriously the most helpful. Your use case of busy dad and using e-bike to more so get as many laps as possible on short time resonated. Im looking at heckler SL but also regular heckler. My situation is like yours ( biz owner, dad, limited time) but I love the idea of potential 40+ mile epic. Just not sure how frequently that would happen. You seem to be preferring SL over regular is that right?

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like them! I'm a big fan of the way the SL ebikes ride. I appreciate how much easier they are to maneuver and jump - so yes, I'd probably prefer that over the big one. I'm also torn by the range thing, though - But I'm in a bit of a lucky spot where I can always borrow a big ebike for those big days if needed.

[@gregoryjhickman]

@@bikersedge is the regular heckler a similar feel overall minus the weight? Seemed so from your review.

[@bikersedge]

@@gregoryjhickman yes it’s similar but the 10lb difference is huge in terms of ride quality.

[@vidibites]

This is the spec I’d go for, but in matte silver. I wish they had a couple more color options.

[@fredboudreaux9663]

Great video. Now I have to rethink my next bike. This might be perfect?

[@bikersedge]

Pretty perfect for me!

[@LivingInTheBayAreaToday]

I just tried the Heckler and then rode the SL. This review really helps!! Thanks. BTW have you "tried" fitting a 29 in the back?

[@bikersedge]

No I haven’t tried. I’m a fan of the MX on an ebike. Didn’t see a need to mess with it.

[@LivingInTheBayAreaToday]

@@bikersedge Thanks. I'm on the other side. Not a fan of the mullet. Visually I can't wrap my head around it. I should have never tried it. LOL.

[@martinvala9620]

Great review ... is it size XL? How high is your saddle from the center of the cranks to the top edge of the saddle. Thank you

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. Yes it’s XL. I run my saddle at 800mm with 170mm cranks.

[@Stockfish1511]

Looking to buy emtb by the end of the year. Right now this and trek rail 9.8 gen 4 are contenders. Hard to choose haha

[@IIISentorIII]

Beautiful landscape @6:28 may I ask where this is for my bucket list? I ride Scott Genius and Specialized Stumpjumper (Bio). But I tested the SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 910 Bike and I really like where those E-Bikes are going. Cheers from Switzerland

[@bikersedge]

American Fork Canyon in Utah. Great spot for bikes.

[@IIISentorIII]

@@bikersedge Cheers.

[@slackadave]

Great Review, dammit! Just when i thought the Transition Relay might have been my forever bike, then this one comes out... If you where on a deserted island and had to choose one bike to ride only - which one would you choose?! Santa Cruz SL or Transition Relay?

[@bikersedge]

We’ve got the showdown coming out soon!

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Great review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@wizzywizzua]

what a lovely review! thanks! I wonder how much altitude you can gain on a single charge with such a battery capacity

[@bikersedge]

It will vary so much based on your weight, the grade of your climbs, how much assistance you use, etc…

[@dadventuretv2538]

So curious to get your thoughts: If you already owned and were planning to keep you Bronson for regular riding on local trail and places where ebikes are not allowed, but wanted an emtb for big mountain, gnarly rides that would either be out of reach on an analog or you just want to do more of them, which way would you go: 1. Lighter weight emtb of Heckler SL or Relay or 2. Full power, full on emtb of the Ibis Oso (I got to demo one and holy cow was it awesome and fit so well). These are really the only contenders for me, Im just torn on whether to get something more similar to what I have but electrified or get something that provides a bit of a different ride experience.

[@bikersedge]

We did a lightweight vs full power video a few years ago. You could go check that out. It’s probably time for us to revisit that topic though with all the new progress.

[@bspan5380]

I am torn between the heckler sl and giant trance x advanced e+2….. you did two great reviews on these bikes. Unfortunately, I can’t ride either due to being out of stock locally and a need to order. Can you recommend one over the other? I’m a 50 year old Dad, coaching a NICA MTB team with back issues (due to a MTB wreck) primarily wishing to stay with the pack. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@bikersedge]

Are you asking about the Trance X Elite? Or the full power? Have you seen the lightweight ebike showdown? That would be a good place to start. We also did a lightweight vs full power ebike video a while back. That could help if you’re deciding between the heckler SL and the full power Trance.

[@battleboardstudios6952]

You said the Relay was putting more chatter through to the rider. Did you ride the PNW version with the fox 38 or the base version with the 36? I just demod the PNW version yesterday and the fork was the plushest thing I had ever ridden.

[@bikersedge]

I rode the regular build. I’m commenting more about the rear suspension than the fork when I say that.

[@mhowell13]

Now that Yeti dropped some LR models on the 120, maybe we'll get a BE review of one? 😂

[@bikersedge]

Still working on that. Lots of videos in the hopper first.

[@mhowell13]

​@bikersedge, I appreciate your fast replies; Excited for whatever is in the hopper.

[@MrDavecore777]

Overall seems like a top contender in the category, your numbers i.e 16 miles with 4500ft very in full boost. How much can you squeeze the system on longer days?

[@bikersedge]

It was 16 with 4k. Range can vary so much by rider weight, terrain and tires/setup. It’s tough to put a number on it.

[@myfeds101]

On the cusp of pressing the button on the full fat heckler which I know you loved - how does it compare to the sl and which one did you prefer?

[@bikersedge]

Working on that showdown currently. In the meantime I’d go check out our full power vs lightweight emtb video. That breaks down the differences between the two styles.

[@myfeds101]

@@bikersedge thanks man. Just spotted a great deal on the full power and couldn’t resist! Fingers crossed I’ve made the right decision 🤞

[@myfeds101]

@@bikersedge so looks like I can only get hold of the 29 version. How does it compare in terms of poppieness against the mx? Harder get off the ground etc? Saw that you say they’re both quite close and you should go for whatever you can get. Thanks again!

[@bikersedge]

@@myfeds101 we have a heckler MX vs 29 video. Go check that out.

[@OceansideCreations]

Where are you riding? Are any of these shots at jacobs ladder in drapper?

[@bikersedge]

Yup. This is all corner canyon and American fork.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

As long as they keep the cables out of the headset, they can design whatever they want to. Full power, partial power, hell, maybe someday they'll be crazy enough to put a motor in a gravel bike... Nah, no one would do that...

[@bikersedge]

Thank god they put the cables where they’re supposed to go! 🤣

[@fahmisyanizar909]

how do you use the battery?

[@bikersedge]

With the power switch

[@Eelcodocter]

What's the walk mode like for the steep bits you couldn't clear?

[@bikersedge]

I didn’t need to use it. The bike is light enough it’s easy to push up the hill. Fazua does have a walk mode though.

[@haydnwilliams]

Would love to know how this compares to the Bronson in terms of ride. If it’s the same then I’m sold! Loved my Bronson so would drop my Rise in the blink of an eye for an electric version.

[@bikersedge]

I mean it’s not going to be identical but is going to be as close as it gets for an ebike.

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Have you any experience with the Spesh Kenevo SL?

[@bikersedge]

No. We don’t carry specialized.

[@jimm244]

Is there a range extender? Would I need one to hit the SG desert for 4 hours?

[@bikersedge]

No range extender. Range will vary so much based on elevation gain, rider weight, assistance level, the color underwear you have on…. There’s not really a finite number to put on it. This bike does really well with range though.

[@NocSuKow]

would you take this over the gas gas ee6/mxc6? thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Haven't ridden the MXC6, but the Heckler is so radically different than the ECC6. Tough to make any sort of comparison.

[@carriehi3783]

Would you prefer a Trek Fuel Exe or this bike in regards to hill power?

[@bikersedge]

I mean this has more power and range. But I’ve never ridden the Trek so I can’t speak to that one.

[@jhonz2973]

@@bikersedgeWhich one would you own? Heckler SL or Transition Relay?

[@michaelmann3636]

What about the Pivot Shuttle LT❓

[@phattysnow]

they arent a pivot dealer

[@jessehill3780]

When you compare to the relay it would help to know which version. Was it the 160/160 or the PNW version.

[@bikersedge]

Standard. It’s the second most recent video on our channel. You can go watch the full review.

[@jessehill3780]

@@bikersedge ok I’d be curious how it compares to the PNW spec since there isn’t a bullit sl

[@bikersedge]

@jessehill3780 I haven’t ridden that version so I can’t really say. I don’t know how big of a difference 10mm more travel will make in the big picture.

[@jessehill3780]

@@bikersedge true. I guess I’m just surprised the heckler sl at 150 feels softer than the relay. The relay at 26% progressive rate and 170mm I’d think it puts it more in the Nomad/Bullit class

[@bikersedge]

@jessehill3780 more travel doesn’t necessarily equate to more plushness. It’s all in the kinematics. You could have a 100mm travel bike that rides more plush than a 170 bike - not that it actually exists. But it could.

[@mdh8430]

Do you know if Santa Cruz offers a range extender?

[@bikersedge]

No range extender

[@nateisright]

Fazua is developing one right now.

[@Montezuma0]

How tall are you? I’m 6’4 and kinda in between XL and XXL

[@bikersedge]

I’m 6’2”

[@BlakeDriesler]

Hell Ya! Thank god I waited and didn't get the relay.

[@bikersedge]

Different strokes for different folks. The Relay is so versatile.

[@mudkayak6305]

want

[@bikersedge]

Need

[@frienduro24]

Look at an E-bike from 5 years ago and then this. Night and day. Seems like the e-bike road to improvements is climbing rapidly. I’m a bit shocked the industry is still pushing them hard with this current bike market climate and crappy economy.

[@bikersedge]

Ebike progress has been amazing in the last couple of years.

[@supplemtb7167]

Titan x3 rack?

[@bikersedge]

No. Just some wholesale distributor’s rack here in SLC.

[@timwatson8806]

This or Transition Relay?

[@bikersedge]

Stay tuned for the showdown

[@matiagachaelomocom]

Hi guy, how tall r u? thanks

[@bikersedge]

I’m 6’2”

[@petedog9581]

I have seen you ride other eMTB's and I could tell you were really railing it on the Heckler.

[@bikersedge]

Easy to do on this bike.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Nice to see E bikes are getting lighter. Lifting a 50lb bike in and out of my truck with a blown out back doesn't sound fun. You do lose some performance though with the smaller motor and battery of course.

[@bikersedge]

Sure you lose some torque but the benefits outweigh the costs in my opinion. The ride quality is unmatched.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

@@bikersedge Sounds like Santa Cruz nailed it with this Heckler.

[@SpencerBaum]

It is NOT ok that the base model is 8k. What is santa Cruz smoking?

[@bikersedge]

It’s 7299, so really not out of line for a carbon ebike.

[@SpencerBaum]

@@bikersedge yeah, but the build is atrocious

[@bikersedge]

I wouldn't call that atrocious. You're getting good suspension components, decent wheels, and the same carbon frame, motor, and battery. The drivetrain isn't great, but luckily, that's one of the easiest and cheapest things to upgrade. A quick Google search shows the Heckler SL is very in touch with other big brands' pricing for a carbon ebike.

[@deanemberley2333]

@@SpencerBaumdon’t comment if you don’t know what you are talking about

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Awesome good looking bike, but I am going with the full power Orbea Wild...just wish it were mullet!

[@bikersedge]

Good choice!

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

@@bikersedge 👍

[@phattysnow]

Dibs on this demo bike when Connor is done with it.

[@bikersedge]

You’ll have to pry it from my cold dead hands.

[@corynebeker6742]

I'd call dibs on it but I already got his Rocky Mountain PP demo bike.

[@bikersedge]

Say hello to it for me. I still miss that one.

[@aaalbysquare]

1

[@vashusan1984]

Smuggling some ebike laps up at PCMR I see...😉

[@bikersedge]

That was with the battery removed for the Relay. They let me on the lift. None of the Heckler stuff was at PC.

[@vashusan1984]

@@bikersedge Fair play, I haven't seen the Relay video yet. I did notice it wasn't on Heckler. Not tryin' to bust chops. I see them all the time up there despite the signage.

[@bikersedge]

@vashusan1984 I try to keep things above board. At least on this channel. 🤣

[@Chuckolicious]

Ugh, of the two comparisons, the obvious new Levo SL wan't one of them???? Sheesh!!!

[@bikersedge]

Nah. We like good bikes over here! 🤣🤣

[@Chuckolicious]

@@bikersedge Oy vey 🤦🏼‍♂

[@bikersedge]

Haha. Just giving you a hard time. We don't carry specialized at the shop. Haven't ridden one.

[@CalvinLyons-h7f]

Almost sounds like a Bronson with a motor

[@bikersedge]

Pretty much

[@nateisright]

I wonder if the bike industry rebranded these as EV bikes could I get a taxpayer subsidy? 🤔

[@bikersedge]

At one point I swear Utah was doing a rebate for buying one. I could be crazy but it seems like something I heard.

[@skiMTB]

SL-MTB'S are the latest fad... and understandably so. BUT, we are NOT there yet; in terms of overall weight. 40 pounds IS NOT LIGHT! NO MATTER WHAT! Until someone can make a (under) 30 pound FULL SUSPENSION bike... NOTHING WILL COMPARE to a full race ANALOG bike.

[@xav_1029]

It’s hard to get an regular size L trail bike under 30 with durable parts and tires. How tf you going to go that low with a motor? For reference, my carbon Ripley with Enve wheels, exo+ tires, and Tannus insert on rear weighs over 30 with pedals.

[@bikersedge]

Well of course it won’t compare. There are trade offs to be had. You could also argue that the opposite way and say a 21 lb full race analog bike will never compare to a 51 lb 85nm ebike. Apples and oranges. Progress is certainly being made though.

[@skiMTB]

@xav_1029 I hear you. My Pivot 429 LIVE VALVE weighs 29... actually, a tick under. And even IF adding a rear 750 wh HUB and battery, I think I'd be right around the weight of an Orbea Rise... or S-WORKS KENEVO SL. Still NOT over 40 pounds.

[@bikersedge]

@skiMTB that battery alone is going to weigh almost 10lb. That doesn’t even include the motor.

[@skiMTB]

@bikersedge fair enough. I admit... I truly prefer my 56 pound e-mtb... over my PIVOT 429 LIVE VALVE... or even my S-WORKS TURBO CREO EVO (turned into flat bar configuration).

[@TheRicardoSanchez]

WTFudge is with the dumb colors?!?!? See, the Bullit and that horrible light sea green of the normal Heckler. Is SC trying to deter purchase???? WTF

[@bikersedge]

There's always a mild and a wild. Choices for everyone.

[@jhonz2973]

Relay or Heckler SL, which one would yoy buy? @bikersedge

[@bikersedge]

Stay tuned for the showdown