The Santa Cruz Vala is the newest electric mountain bike to come from the Californian trendsetters. Replacing the outgoing Heckler, the Vala does so with a brand new full carbon frame that looks nothing like its predecessor.
Yes, the iconic and low-slung VPP suspension design is gone! In its place is a much more traditional four-bar platform that boasts numerous performance and packaging benefits. On top of that, the Vala also incorporates the newly released Bosch CX Gen 5 motor. That makes it the brand’s first ever Bosch-equipped e-MTB, and we reckon it’s going to get a lot of Santa Cruz fans very excited indeed.
An overview of the Santa Cruz Vala
The new Santa Cruz Vala takes over where the Heckler left off. It still features a 160mm travel fork and 150mm of rear travel, and it’s also purpose-built around a mixed wheel setup. Slotting in between the lightweight Heckler SL and the big travel Bullit, the Vala is a full-powered e-MTB that’s designed for all-round good times on the trail.
Santa Cruz will produce the Vala frame exclusively in carbon fibre, with both C and CC versions available. The premium CC frame utilises higher-end materials to reduce weight and, as with the recently released Bronson and Hightower, it’s only compatible with wireless drivetrains. The cheaper C frame does retain routing for cable-operated derailleurs.
VPP begone!
Also like the new Bronson and Hightower, Santa Cruz has put a lot of focus on reducing anti-squat to provide a smoother ride quality with more traction on the climbs. However, this proved to be near-impossible when attempting to build the VPP suspension platform around a motor, to the point where the engineering team started to explore alternative options. We’ve seen other brands utilise different suspension designs for their e-MTBs, and Santa Cruz is now doing the same with the Vala.
As you’ll be able to tell from the below graphs, the move to a four-bar platform has radically reduced anti-squat levels. Whereas the previous Heckler produced almost 140% anti-squat at sag (whoa, that’s a lot!), the Vala is closer to 100%. This is claimed to result in less pedal kickback on square-edge hits and should generate more grip overall. It’s also said to deliver better suspension activity under hard braking thanks to a hefty reduction in anti-rise.
Double flip chip
A one-piece forged alloy rocker link drives the shock via a trunnion bearing mount, which is a first for a Santa Cruz mountain bike. The shock stroke has also been extended from 55 to 60mm in order to decrease the leverage ratio, though the shape of the overall curve is pretty similar to the old Heckler.
And whereas that bike featured a single flip chip, the Vala incorporates two separate flip chips to control different attributes. The one at the lower shock mount allows you to change between 26% and 29% progression, while a secondary flip chip at the seatstay pivot provides you with high and low geometry settings.
It gets the new Bosch motor
Along with the change in suspension design, it’s the introduction of a Bosch motor and battery that represents the other big story with the Santa Cruz Vala.
Replacing the CX Gen 4 motor that’s been in service for the past five years, the Gen 5 version doesn’t look all that different. It moves to the two-bolt mounting style of the lightweight SX motor, but otherwise it still produces the same 85Nm of torque and 600W of peak power output.
The most significant improvement is purportedly its quieter performance, with Bosch stating that it has finally gotten on top of the annoying rattle that’s plagued its e-MTB drive units since the Gen 4 motor arrived in 2019. That’s music to our ears, as while we’ve been able to ignore the clacking noise on Bosch-equipped bikes in the past, the promise of a silent ride on the descents is mighty appealing.
Slim 600Wh battery
Powering the Bosch CX Gen 5 motor is a new 600Wh PowerTube battery that’s bolted within the enclosed downtube. Santa Cruz told us it did test the bigger 800Wh option, but the extra kilo of mass proved to be too detrimental to overall handling. The 600Wh battery is also narrower, which allows the frame’s downtube to be made slimmer in profile, further saving weight. We expect the more compact battery makes it easier to manufacture the frame in a Small size too.
If riders are looking to boost capacity, the Vala is ready to take Bosch’s optional 250Wh PowerMore range extender that mounts in place of the bottle cage on the downtube.
Completing the Bosch system is a wireless Mini Remote next to the left-hand grip, and the System Controller that’s integrated into the frame’s top tube. As you can tell by the photos, the System Controller is surrounded by a much larger blanking plate that looks like it could be a placeholder for a new screen or display…
Santa Cruz Vala geometry & sizing
As with the Heckler, the Santa Cruz Vala will be available in five sizes from Small through to XX-Large. Each is purpose-built around a mullet setup, with no option to fit a 29in rear wheel.
There is a small amount of adjustability on offer thanks to the seatstay pivot flip chip, which offers HI/LO settings that vary the BB height by 4mm and the angles by 0.3°. The overall geometry isn’t hugely different to the Heckler, though the Vala does get a slightly slacker 63.9-64.2° head angle, and the effective seat tube angle is a bit steeper at 76.8-77.1°.
A more notable change is the move to size-specific rear centre lengths, which vary from 439mm on the Small and go up to 451mm on the XX-Large. Santa Cruz has also improved dropper post insertion thanks to the change in suspension layout that affords a straighter and uninterrupted seat tube. As a result, each frame size can handle a longer travel dropper post as standard.
Santa Cruz Vala price & specs
There will be five build options available for the new Santa Cruz Vala, three that feature the cheaper C frame and two that get the premium CC frame. Regardless of the spec, all Vala frames get the same lifetime warranty that also covers the pivot bearings.
Prices will start at $10,999 AUD for the Vala C R, and go up to $19,499 AUD for the top-end XX AXS RSV model. This puts the Vala in-line with the Heckler SL, allowing riders to choose between low weight or full power.
We’ve just received our Santa Cruz Vala test bike that will be seeing plenty of summer riding adventures in preparation for an in-depth review and video. In the meantime, read on for all the specs and prices of the full lineup.
2025 Santa Cruz Vala XX AXS RSV
- Frame | CC Carbon Fibre, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 38, Factory Series, GRIP X2 Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 205x60mm
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh
- Wheels | i9 Hydra Hubs & Reserve 30|HD C Front & 31|DH Rear Rims
- Tyres | Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial ADDIX Ultra Soft 2.5in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX AXS Transmission 1×12 w/X0 Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Ultimate 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Handlebar | Santa Cruz e35 Carbon, 800mm Width
- Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 Machined, 42mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp V3, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 120mm (S), 180mm (M), 210mm (L), 240mm (XL-XXL)
- Claimed Weight | 21.47kg
- Price | $19,499 AUD
2025 Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV
- Frame | CC Carbon Fibre, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 38, Factory Series, GRIP X2 Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 205x60mm
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh
- Wheels | DT Swiss 350 Hubs & Reserve 30|HD C Front & 31|DH Rear Rims
- Tyres | Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial ADDIX Ultra Soft 2.5in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM X0 AXS Transmission 1×12 w/X0 Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Silver 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Handlebar | Santa Cruz e35 Carbon, 800mm Width
- Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 Machined, 42mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp V3, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 120mm (S), 180mm (M), 210mm (L), 240mm (XL-XXL)
- Claimed Weight | 21.47kg
- Price | $17,499 AUD
2025 Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS
- Frame | C Carbon Fibre, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 38, Performance Elite, GRIP X2 Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Elite, 205x60mm
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh
- Wheels | e*13 SL E-Spec Hubs & Race Face ARC 30 HD Rims
- Tyres | Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial ADDIX Ultra Soft 2.5in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX AXS Transmission 1×12 w/GX Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Bronze 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Handlebar | OneUp Aluminum, 800mm Width
- Stem | OneUp Alloy Stem, 42mm
- Seatpost | OneUp V3, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 120mm (S), 180mm (M), 210mm (L), 240mm (XL-XXL)
- Claimed Weight | 22.37kg
- Price | $14,499 AUD
2025 Santa Cruz Vala S
- Frame | C Carbon Fibre, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 38, Performance Series, GRIP Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 205x60mm
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh
- Wheels | e*13 SL E-Spec Hubs & Race Face ARC 30 HD Rims
- Tyres | Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial ADDIX Ultra Soft 2.5in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/GX Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Bronze 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Handlebar | OneUp Aluminum, 800mm Width
- Stem | OneUp Alloy Stem, 42mm
- Seatpost | OneUp V3, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 120mm (S), 180mm (M), 210mm (L), 240mm (XL-XXL)
- Claimed Weight | 22.24kg
- Price | $12,999 AUD
2025 Santa Cruz Vala R
- Frame | C Carbon Fibre, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox Zeb, Rush RC Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 205x60mm
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh
- Wheels | SRAM MTH Hubs & Reserve 30|HD AL 6061 Rims
- Tyres | Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial ADDIX Ultra Soft 2.5in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 w/NX Crankset & 11-50T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM DB8 4-Piston w/220mm Front & 200mm Rear Rotors
- Handlebar | e*13 TRS Base
- Stem | e*13 Base, 40mm Length
- Seatpost | SDG Tellis, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 170mm (M), 200mm (L-XXL)
- Claimed Weight | 22.45kg
- Price | $10,999 AUD
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