A full-power ebike built by a mountain bike company. All the legendary Santa Cruz dynamics - supreme handling, great suspension and longevity - paired to the class-leading BOSCH motor and versatile battery solution. This is no trekking bike - the Vala is built for aggressive riding on singletrack trails.
Highlights
- 150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork
- MX wheels
- CC & C carbon frames
- Four bar suspension layout
- 85Nm Bosch Performance Line CX
- 600Wh battery (250Wh extender available separately)
- 64 degree head tube angle
- Progression flip chip
- Geo adjust flip chip (BB and HTA)
- Tool mount under top tube
- No cable drivetrain routing on CC frames
- Boost 148mm spacing
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Sub 50 lbs ( 22.6 kg) for all models
- Lightest build - XX AXS REV - 47.33 lbs (21.47 kg)
- Lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty
- 5 build kits
- MSRP: $7,299 - $12,799 USD
WHY FOUR-BAR? WHY NOT VPP?
It is a challenge to package large motor where optimum VPPTM pivots would be. We wanted to apply the advances in suspension design that we’ve made on recent pedal bikes (VPP) to the Vala. This meant utilizing a new design, but one that gave us the freedom to make all the right spec and kinematic choices. The result is our best handling ebike.
Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Too little and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power.
We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes (pedal). We weren’t prepared to give that up on our full-power ebike models now.
Traits of Vala:
- Reduced pedal kickback on square-edge hits
- Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
Anti-rise refers to the amount of rear suspension squat that occurs when using the rear brake. Some amount of this is helpful to counteract the natural forward weight shift while braking. Too much can compress the suspension and decrease traction and suppleness.
Traits of Vala:
- Fantastic performance while braking on steep, rough terrain.
- Bike feels very composed and suspension doesn’t ‘lock up’. It conforms to the ground isolating the rider from harshness of the terrain and maintaining traction at all times.
We don’t want to dramatically change our leverage curves from current bikes, but we did want to decrease leverage ratio. The four-bar design provides the space for a longer 60mm stroke shock (compared to 55mm for Heckler 9 and Heckler SL). This gives us better damping quality and consistency on long descents.
Two options via flip chip allow for two different characters:
- Low progression provides a very consistent feel that prioritizes responsiveness
- Hi progression sits in a bit more and prioritizes bump-eating forgiveness.
Bosch Performance Line CX
The NEW Bosch drive unit is powerful, reliable, and quiet. The power on tap and how it delivers it makes climbing as engaging as descending.
RANGE WITH HANDLING IN MIND: 600 Wh is optimal for most rides, and its low placement improves handling characteristics. The 250 Wh PowerMore range extender provides the freedom to cover more ground, but only carry the extra weight when you need it.
REAL TEST RIDE EXAMPLES
170lb (77 kg) rider
- Eco & Tour: 22mi/6k’ (35km/1828m)
- Turbo only: 30mi/4.5k’ (48km/1370m)
200lb (90.7kgs) rider
- Tour & EMTB: 25mi/3.3k’ (40km/1005m)
- EMTB: 25mi/3.4k’ (40kms/1036m)
Frame Details
For more information, please visit santacruzbicycles.com
View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the new Santa Cruz Vala in the Vital MTB Product Guide.
10/1/2024 12:01am
View replies to: Santa Cruz Launches the Vala—a Full Power eMTB Without VPP Suspension
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