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Santa Cruz

Heckler SL

At Ride Review, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in micromobility options. And when it comes to electric mountain bikes, the 2024 Santa Cruz Heckler SL has caught our attention. This lightweight eMTB offers exceptional design, high-quality build, and great value, making it a top contender in the market. One of the standout features of the Heckler SL is its performant, comfortable, and reliable ride quality. Thanks to its 150mm of legendary VPP™ suspension, mixed wheel sizes, and progressive geometry, this bike handles like a dream on the trail. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll appreciate its intuitive and balanced handling. The Heckler SL strikes a versatile blend of comfort and stability. With its lightweight and sleek design, it's a pleasure to ride. The trail bike character, combined with the powerful FAZUA RIDE 60 drive unit, provides you with the extra boost you need to tackle any terrain. While the Heckler SL has many positives, it does have a few drawbacks to consider. Some reviewers have noted that it lacks some innovations seen in other eMTBs on the market. Additionally, the high price point may be a deterrent for some potential buyers. Another potential downside is the lack of a removable battery, which can be inconvenient for charging. It's also worth mentioning that there are some concerns about the Heckler SL's design potentially being influenced by another brand. While this may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it's something to be aware of. In terms of performance, the Heckler SL does have a quick sign off for the motor, which may catch some riders off guard. Cleaning and servicing the bike can also be a bit challenging, which may require some extra effort on your part. Finally, some reviewers have noticed quicker battery exhaustion, so it's important to keep this in mind when planning longer rides. Overall, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL is a solid choice for those in the market for a lightweight and powerful eMTB. Its exceptional design, high-quality build, and great value make it an attractive option. While it may have some drawbacks, such as lacking certain innovations and a high price point, its performant ride quality and intuitive handling make it a top contender in the eMTB market. So if you're ready to hit the trails and embrace the power of an e-bike, the Santa Cruz Heckler SL is definitely worth considering.

Rating

4.3
7
Expert Reviews
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Price
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Type
eBike

Class
Class 3

Release Year
2023

Brake Type
Mechanical Disc Brakes

Drive Type
Hub-Drive

Frame Material
Carbon

Basics

Gears
12

Max Range (mi)
33 mi

Max Range (km)
53 km

Top Speed (mph)
28 mph

Top Speed (kmh)
45 kmph

Watts
450

Weight (lbs)
43 lbs

Weight (kg)
20 kg

Wheels
2

Wheel Diameter (in)
29 in

Wheel Diameter (mm)
737 mm

Wheel Width (in)
2.5 in

Wheel Width (mm)
64 mm

Use Cases

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7 Reasons to Buy the Heckler SL

  • Exceptional design, high-quality build, and great value
  • Performant, comfortable, and reliable ride quality
  • Intuitive and balanced handling
  • Versatile blend of comfort and stability
  • Lightweight and sleek design
  • Trail bike character with a powerful motor
  • Good capability, stability, and playfulness

7 Reasons Not to Buy the Heckler SL

  • Lacks some innovations
  • High price point
  • Lacks a removable battery
  • Potentially influenced by another brand's design
  • Quick sign off of motor
  • Difficulty in cleaning and servicing
  • Quicker battery exhaustion

Bottom Line

The Heckler SL is an exceptional micromobility vehicle that offers a powerful and enjoyable ride. With its exceptional design, high-quality build, and reliable performance, it provides great value for its price. The bike's intuitive handling, comfortable ride quality, and versatile blend of comfort and stability make it a great choice for various terrains. Despite a few drawbacks such as the lack of some innovations and a high price point, the Heckler SL's lightweight and sleek design, trail bike character, and good capability make it a top-notch option for those seeking a reliable and fun micromobility solution.

Scores

Ride Quality
4.3

Build Quality
4.4

Design
4.3

Value
4

Score
4.3

Reviews

Reviews of the Heckler SL

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