Santa Cruz Heckler MX CC/XT (2021)

Santa Cruz Heckler MX CC XT - The cult brand's e-trailfully with a new concept.

When the name Santa Cruz is mentioned in the mountain bike scene, most riders' eyes glaze over. Born in the mountains of California, the brand stands like no other for high-quality products, developed by bikers for bikers. And not least for the casual American spirit, the original idea of mountain biking. The Heckler model range already established itself last year as the perfect trail bike. But with the completely revised MX, Santa Cruz is tackling the subject with a completely new concept. To give the chassis even more agility and effervescence, the suspension travel has been reduced to a uniform 140 millimetres (previously 160/150 mm). A new articulated rocker works between the carbon frame and the rear triangle, which is also made of carbon. The highlight, however, is the mixed wheelset with 29 inch at the front and 27.5 inch at the rear. This ensures superior traction without compromising handling when changing direction quickly. The recipe: short chainstays combined with a flat steering angle. In addition, comfort feels like more suspension travel thanks to the 29-inch front wheel.

The new Shimano EP8 motor - more compact, lighter, stronger!

The eagerly awaited new EP8 motor from Shimano creates the conditions for such a light and agile e-fully as the Santa Cruz Heckler MX. The EP8 unit has lost around 300 grams in weight and 10 percent in volume compared to the previous flagship E8000! In addition, the drive now delivers a whopping 85 Nm of torque to the chain. Hats off! The 20-kilo total weight of the Heckler MX is a serious challenge to the competition. Coupling the drive system to a smartphone via Bluetooth offers countless customisation options with the help of two apps. For example, the various support modes can be fine-tuned. Santa Cruz also goes its own way with the energy supply for the motor. Integrated in the down tube is a compact battery with 504 watt hours, which is sufficient for most tours. For extremely long distances, you should carry a second battery anyway. It can be changed on the road in no time at all.

If you want to learn more about the new Shimano EP8 motor, we recommend our latest article in the RABE magazine.

Highlights

• Santa Cruz CC carbon frame & rear triangle, 140 mm travel
• RockShox Pike Select+ suspension fork & Fox Float Performance Eite DPS rear shock
• Shimano EP8 motor (85 Nm) & integrated 504 Wh battery pack
• Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain and Shimano XT disc brakes
• High-quality Fox Transfer telescopic seatpost as standard