Full Review 2023 Santa Cruz Heckler SL
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- Опубликовано: 6 дек 2023
- I am finally (financially) able to own an EMTB and a regular bike. I have been wanting an e-bike for a couple of years. But I didn't want just any ebike. I didn't want to sacrifice the natural feel of a regular bike on the decents for the convenience of getting up to the top of the hill faster. And then the stars aligned - Santa Cruz released their super light (SL) emtb based on their Bronson design AND I was in able to afford it. This is my first emtb and this is my experience with it so far.
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🚲2023 Santa Cruz Heckler SL 
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Update:
Weight without pedals: 44.3 lbs
Battery is actually: 430WH
Glad you got everything worked out. Great in depth review. Everything you said is my thoughts on my Heckler SL. Looking forward to your thoughts on a long term review. Happy riding 🤙🏼
Great bike for sure! Fingers crossed on durability over the long haul 🤞
My bro! Killin it on the DH 🤙 such a great review. Glad you and the Heck are on the right track. Can't wait to link up again. I got new valve stems installed so tire should hold pressure this time 😂 keep up the great work my man!
😂 thanks man. See you in a couple of weeks 🤘
Great video Milton! Can’t believe how much it doesn’t look like an e-bike. I’m jealous! I’ll see you on the trails!
Thanks man! Catch you out there one of these days 🤘
Good review Milton! Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it Kevin. Thanks
Nice Milton. Stoked for ya!
Thanks Alan! Pretty stoked for sure
I love my e-bike! It brings me joy! Definitely doesn’t replace my want/need for an analog bike but for a lot of stuff it’s absolutely amazing!
Yea man! There’s definitely a place for both bikes 👊
Great video man! This bike is high on my wish list of e-bikes.
Thanks man. It was between this one and the Levo SL for me 👊
Looks like a blast going up and down!
Yes and yes! 😁
That bike looks sick and great Video !!
Thanks man!
Thats rad, I'm glad you got what you wanted. 160/150 even at 45 lbs seems on the redline considering what you do ride. But I got some lbs on you too soooo, there is that. I know id being using it all on G outs and drops though. Looks like a super solid build, and those floats are awesome when tuned right for sure.
Thanks
Spotted the chime application. Happy to see a colleague sharing same interests 😂
😂 yessir! When I’m not bridging I’m riding my bike
Nice review!
Thanks man 👊
Definetly one of best unbiased Fazua Ride 60 system reviews.
As all the reviewers state, damn shame about the cheap and nasty mode selector and basic battery % display.👍
Looks like your local trail system is perfect for the SL! Stoked you were able to upgrade it too and compare the suspension along with coil vs air shock. I was curious about how a coil would feel on the SL ✌🏻 great review!
Thanks man! Not a lot of rider reviews out there. Good job on yours as well.
Interesting that you have a coil. The SC factory tech told me that the bike wasn't progressive enough for a coil, and if you did put one on, you'd have to limit the travel. You have a progressive spring?
@@freezer4230 I got an email response from SC stating the bike is coil compatible. But shortly after this video I swapped out the coil and I’m now running a Float X Perf Elite. I didn’t have a progressive coil. The air shock gets me the pop I was looking for
Great review. I was wanting this bike too, but I’m a little confused with differing opinions on the “plushness” of the suspension. Another recent review, he said it’s not a plush bike, and didn’t think it was that good in the chunk and rocks? You and another reviewer said it was plush? I know opinions between different people differ, but I’m confused now as I do want a more plush feel. Maybe it’s all in the suspension and the setup, on this bike. I’m going to have to rent one and see if it’s for me. Looks like you really enjoyed the bike. I feel the same way about an e-bike. I have never owned one and always shy’d away from it, but like you said, you still have to work, but you can explore and do things you typically can’t, or would get to exhausted on a regular pedal bike. 🤘🏼I’m currently on a SC Nomad.
Thanks man. Since you’re already on the nomad, you pretty much already know how the suspension feels. The heckler SL feels identical to my Bronson from last year, just a bit heavier. But definitely demo it if you have the opportunity
Cool bike my dude. I just got the canyon torque on e and it is fun. Sold my enduro pedal bike. E bikes are really fun
Aye! Congrats on the new ⚡️ bike 🙌 Thanks man
@@MILTONATOR Thanks buddy
Sweet bike!
Thanks 🙏
I pondered buying the AXS version of this bike. But I decided to get the "S" model instead. That's because the update #9 on the Fazua motor has a shift detection algorithm that does a micro slow in the motor upon shift. I have to say that I have noticed no hard shifts on this bike like I get on my 2021 XT Orbea rise. The updated algorithm seems to be working.
One thing that was said in the video that is not accurate in my opinion is the power of the Fazua motor. The Fazua motor puts out 350 watts on maximum Rocket and 450 watts on super boost for around 10 seconds. Orbea rise puts out 450 watts max on boost, continuous.. Bosch CX4 for comparison is maxed at 650 watts in Auto, MTB or Turbo settings.
All said, my Heckler SL is a fine bike for green, blue and most black trails. When the climbing gets over 2000 ft. linier or massive black to double black, I take my Bosch CX4 Mondraker Level R. No comparison on power or descending capabilities.
Cool 2nd review. I'm really looking into the Heckler SL. Why Fazua and not Santa Cruz? Can you try to fit a 29?
Thanks. In the world of boutique mountain bikes, components are warrantied independently. Santa Cruz has a lifetime warranty on the frame only. No, there’s not enough clearance to fit a 29 wheels out back
@@MILTONATOR thanks. That is a bummer. Have to wait for the 29.
Fully agree on DB8s - such a good brake! I have Code R and will have them replaced but DB8 - I am keeping those, they feel very different and much better that Code R. I have the feeling that SRAM accidentally made very good brake and just doesn't know that yet.
Haha! I agree. I’m looking to buy another set for my regular bike.
@@MILTONATOR on top of being very good, it seems that DB8 are also not expensive.
@@finroddd around $250 for a full set. New. Not bad at all
@@MILTONATOR sounds good! By the way - I would like very much to hear more about the new Meta v5. Hope a new video is coming soon.
@@finroddd i have a third video planned around the Meta and Commencal. Likely not until after Christmas though. Thanks
Great review - I am checking review at the moment since my goal is to buy a new [SL] bike next year:
Your final thoughts shows that we do have basically the same intention in riding and descending; I am a little heavier [108kg] so I am a little concerned if the battery has enough capacity for me. [my "normal rides are 40km/1.000hm [most likly our 25mi/3900hft];
2 Questions came up:
a) did they tell you what was the problem with the motor?
b) are you able to upload/download data /adjust power modes, etc. from the bike and also do some updates [i Ithink it is a pain in the a**; to visit the bikeshop for updates all the time [and the charge for this in Germany]
Greetings from Germany - Andy
Hey there! 1. Body weight will/does impact battery life for sure. Hopefully they’re not too far out from releasing the range extender that can be mounted as a water bottle and get you another 250wh.
2. They didn’t say what the issue was with the motor. But if you get one and starts making weird noise, call it in right away. As for updates, you can do those at home yourself. The motor does come with an app where you can tinker with riding profiles. All the best and I hope this helps
Man I have been lucky on mine . Been flawless except for the loose cranks
Hit and miss I guess. Good on you. I’ve not had issues with the cranks
Im trying to decide between the Full Heckler or the SL. Im 228 lbs, a bit out of shape. Ill be down to about 190 in the future when fit. But at my weight Im wondering if the full Heckler might be better....Im gonna go test ride both
Smart man. Demo both before making such a considerable investment. All the best
@@MILTONATOR You as well, really liked your video. Definitely keep posting on that bad boy!
Is the Fox 36 a 160mm or did you go longer at 170mm? I just got the Heckler SL also and I am putting the Fox 38 on it but with 170mm, wanted to see if anyone else has that set up and if it is noticeable, since stock is 160mm.
I’m still on the Lyric + it came with. I like how the shock is responding but still wishing for a little better small bump compliance out of the fork. So curious is upgrading the damper is the key or switch back to Fox.
I am at 160 on my Fox36.
What's your opinion on this SL versus the so-called full power e-bikes? I'm 5'9 and 1/2 220 lb. XC racer. Looking for my first e-bike.
Personally, I didn’t want it “that easy” whether that’s an accurate statement or not, and I didn’t want to trade the lively, fun descents for the ease of getting up the hill faster. The SL for me, feels normal going down and on the climbs, I feel like I’ve got stronger legs (not a motor underneath) An SL would likely be a good fit for you being that you’re an xc racer… you’ll be able to keep up with other full e-bikes if/when you ride together
@@MILTONATOR looks like SL max power is 430 watts, what is full eBike?
@@AdventureswithREMAX they'll vary by drive unit (motor) but the Specialized Levo claims to have 575W of power and 90Nm of torque
@@MILTONATOR so the old SLs used to be 250. Seem like the fulls were 450. So the SLs are getting closer to full just not as long as a battery?
Does this bike feel like the Bronson that you had?
Better. The seat tube angle is steeper. A bit heavier but yea, feels familiar
I really liked the JadeX with a progressive spring on my Bullit.
Ah! A progressive spring may have been what I needed.
@@MILTONATOR the FloatX is a great shock too. I just found the progressive spring gave me the super plush coil feel at the beginning of travel. With enough ramp up that I could push off of it like an air shock.
Curious on the weight?
Same. Going to weigh it today and will post as a comment that’ll be pinned to the top
It doesn't look like e-bike, It doesn't look like e-bike, It doesn't look like e-bike ... IT IS AN ADVANTAGE of the heckler sl unlike other e-bikes that look like mutants !
I wonder how they came up with the name for this bike. It sounds like a drunk guy at a comedy club.
Just bevause you are on an ebike, doesn't mean you have right of way on a climb. Expecting others to halt their effort for you is rediculous.
💯👍
So to summarize: it’s an E bike that doesn’t look or sound like an E bike. So it’s perfect for those who want to cheat without people knowing they’re cheating. Is that accurate? 🤣 kidding.
Pretty much lol
It's only cheating if you're racing someone without one!! ;) haha
Bravo video sir. We'd love to invite you to do a review video for our inflation pump. We have reached out to you via email. Hope hear from you soon
Thank you. I have replied to your inquiry.
interesting how reviewers get sponsored, make up, cooking , Shimano , Jensen USA, yes the Yetti is worth the money here’s why…..
Sponsored? No my friend, your assumption is incorrect. Not sponsored
the Elecrtic Motorcycle with dummy pedals will be a huge trend. Every kid wants a dirt bike lookin’ thing.
Definetly one of best unbiased Fazua Ride 60 system reviews.
As all the reviewers state, damn shame about the cheap and nasty mode selector and basic battery % display.👍
Thanks man 🤘