Transition Relay vs Santa Cruz Heckler SL (lightweight ebike shootout)

Loam Wolf did the lightweight ebike shootout that the Relay won, but the Heckler SL was not part of.

[@AHappyZeebra]

Good word when you say buy from a LBS. I own a Heckler SL now. It’s been awesome.

[@timc4258]

nice video. I own the Heckler SL and already had to warranty the Fazua motor on mild, weekend warrior use. I'm not hearing great thanks about Fazua for reliability & longevity. Hope the new motor does the trick as i absolutely love the bike.

[@singletrackskills6192]

I hope everything gets resolved for you. Haven’t had any issues with the FAZUA motor on the Relay, which I’ve had for several months now.

[@Alex_Abdullayev]

Any issues with the motor on the Heckler SL so far? Really want to get this bike but a little turned off on the reported issues (on the internet lol) with the Fazua motor. It's between the Heckler SL and Levo SL2 for me but having trouble commiting haha Greetings from a fellow Bham rider!!

[@singletrackskills6192]

None!!

[@singletrackskills6192]

Also grew up in MO and visited Jayhawk county

[@Alex_Abdullayev]

Awesome thanks for reply! Gonna go to Cahaba today and demo one. See u around!

[@williamkerr8836]

Great video Lon! I have a "full / fat" ebike, the Marin Alpine trail E2 and am very intrigued by the lighter SL ebikes.

[@singletrackskills6192]

Aren’t e-bikes fun!! Does the wife have one yet?

[@williamkerr8836]

@@singletrackskills6192 They are! They make the heinous climbs in BC much easier haha. She refuses! (So Far), but I'm working on her. I think the SL Transition Relay would be perfect for her. Maybe I can talk her into a demo.

[@singletrackskills6192]

@@williamkerr8836 remember she da boss of da family

[@mossko1]

Hello, thanks for the video! What is the range in Miles and vert in feet that you're seeing for a 3-4h ride and battery remained after?

[@singletrackskills6192]

Unfortunately I haven’t really kept track; sorry.

[@singletrackskills6192]

Finally got some info for you on this question. I ran it in the purple mode which would be the strongest “boost” mode that would use the most juice. I weigh about 230 lbs with gear. I went 22.5 miles with 2100 feat of climbing on an 88 degree day.

[@jack91522]

If you had to choose between the relay or heckler SL? Is there a noticeable difference in quality of ride, stiffness, and fit and finish between the two? I like the heckler but I like the components on the relay better. SRAM brakes are arse

[@singletrackskills6192]

I’d say go with the Relay for more hardcore enduro stuff or the Heckler for more trail oriented playful stuff. That’s probably the biggest difference, IMO. Both awesome bikes.

[@singletrackskills6192]

Also if you are going to be in a situation where you are concerned you will run out of battery, the Relay might be a better option because you might be able to buy a backup battery. You asked about the finish on each bike. I think the Santa Cruz paint is higher quality and it’s more quiet, perhaps partly because the battery is more secure inside it since it is not made to swap out easily.

[@jack91522]

@@singletrackskills6192 overall I think more fun is better. There will be trails where I wish for more travel but 80% of the time it’ll be more fun

[@brokermac]

Cool vid. Can you put a 29 on the Heckler SL? Thanks

[@singletrackskills6192]

I don’t think so; only the Relay.

[@brokermac]

@@singletrackskills6192 thanks

[@MrDavecore777]

These bikes are both great, the problem is that horrendous and u reliable Fazua motor

[@singletrackskills6192]

I haven’t had a problem with the motors-only the ring controller once, but was a quick fix and no issues. Knock on 🪵