2022 Santa Cruz Heckler

[mfa81]

anybody rode both the 29er vs MX version? wondering if can get some comparison review in riding differences, similarities, etc... looking to get either a heckler or a 160e, right now more inclined to get a heckler since I can ride a M vs having a Small yeti, but being 165cm / 5'5" I'm wondering if I should go MX vs 29er. Currently riding a Hightower V2 M, and other than the occasional tire buzz if I'm reckless I'm pretty comfortable with the size

 

[Desert_Turtle]

So I just sold my 160e. I found it to be a big medium and I’m 5’8-5’9”. I liked it. Great suspension, nice quality, great handling bike. What I didn’t It like was how it puts the rider in the attack position all the time. I found the riding position too far forward and after a long time in the saddle my wrists hurt and my hands were numb. The small battery also wasn’t working for me. I have not ridden the Heckler yet….this weekend I should be able to give it a try. I have the 29er version.

 

[bikeguy11]

anybody rode both the 29er vs MX version? wondering if can get some comparison review in riding differences, similarities, etc... looking to get either a heckler or a 160e, right now more inclined to get a heckler since I can ride a M vs having a Small yeti, but being 165cm / 5'5" I'm wondering if I should go MX vs 29er. Currently riding a Hightower V2 M, and other than the occasional tire buzz if I'm reckless I'm pretty comfortable with the size

Lucky to have a Heckler 29 and Heckler MX S builds. I'm 5' 8" and ride a Medium. All of the specs on both are the same except the chainstays and wheelbase. Limited time on both but so far it's probably what you'd expect. The MX is more adept on tight singletrack where quick handling is welcomed. The 29 is more of a rough, chunky terrain gal. I'm not a jumper but both are easy to get airborne if desired. That being said I think they're both very capable on any terrain and I attribute that to the VPP suspension and more modern geometry. Nice to have a 720 wh battery too although I don't think the EP8 motor is nearly as efficient in battery consumption as either the Brose or Bosch motors. I've had both.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

I finally got my new Heckler upgraded and ridewrapped. I went out in a long ride that had a lot of different terrain which was perfect. The Heckler is exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s comfortable, light, and very poppy. Of all the full power ebikes I’ve had, the way it rides is the closest to a acoustic bike. It’s very easy to maneuver and it went downhill pretty well. The only thing that I noticed about it that wasn’t stellar was the climbing. It’s a marginal climber. Anyway, I’m very pleased. So far it’s exactly what I wanted. I have the 29er. I’d have to think the MX version would be very twitchy as I’m finding that my bike is responsive and turns well. I could not imagine what it would be like with shorter stays and 27.5 rear wheel.

 

[bikeguy11]

I finally got my new Heckler upgraded and ridewrapped. I went out in a long ride that had a lot of different terrain which was perfect. The Heckler is exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s comfortable, light, and very poppy. Of all the full power ebikes I’ve had, the way it rides is the closest to a acoustic bike. It’s very easy to maneuver and it went downhill pretty well. The only thing that I noticed about it that wasn’t stellar was the climbing. It’s a marginal climber. Anyway, I’m very pleased. So far it’s exactly what I wanted. I have the 29er. I’d have to think the MX version would be very twitchy as I’m finding that my bike is responsive and turns well. I could not imagine what it would be like with shorter stays and 27.5 rear wheel.

Congratulations on your new steed! Everyone has a different take but I don't find my MX to be twitchy at all. In fact, it feels almost as planted as my 29 with a bit more maneuverability. No matter which version you choose I don't think it would be a wrong choice.

 

[luna87824]

I finally got my new Heckler upgraded and ridewrapped. I went out in a long ride that had a lot of different terrain which was perfect. The Heckler is exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s comfortable, light, and very poppy. Of all the full power ebikes I’ve had, the way it rides is the closest to a acoustic bike. It’s very easy to maneuver and it went downhill pretty well. The only thing that I noticed about it that wasn’t stellar was the climbing. It’s a marginal climber. Anyway, I’m very pleased. So far it’s exactly what I wanted. I have the 29er. I’d have to think the MX version would be very twitchy as I’m finding that my bike is responsive and turns well. I could not imagine what it would be like with shorter stays and 27.5 rear wheel.

You say its light, do you know what it weights? The 2022 I weighted at the bike shop was 51 pounds/ 23.18kg...not very light!!

 

[Desert_Turtle]

What trim and size was the bike? Mine is lighter than my new Levo Pro which is sub 50lbs with Cushcore. All my bikes are mediums, have carbon everything and AXS but I don’t think carbon wheels, as an example, save more than a few ozs.

 

[Edward]

Nice to have a 720 wh battery too although I don't think the EP8 motor is nearly as efficient in battery consumption as either the Brose or Bosch motors. I've had both.

Interesting. I have both a Shimano and a Bosch bike.
Riding the same loop I find the Shimano to be much more battery efficient.
YMMV (pun! )

 

[Desert_Turtle]

That’s really interesting because I have found the EP8 to be terribly inefficient compared to both Bosch & Brose systems. However, I had a friend who’s 30lbs lighter than me, ride my Levo yesterday and my Heckler appeared to use less battery on the same ride. I wonder if either the Darfon battery is better or Santa Cruz has their own proprietary tune. I have had at least 4 bikes with the EP8 and I’m sure that the ep8 coupled with a Shimano battery is a power hog.

 

[Edward]

My Heckler has the Darfon.
On the same loop (obvious different bikes, etc etc so doing the math dividing the battery capacity by miles + miles remaining):
Rider: me on both - but the Bosh bike is 15lbs lighter:

Shimano 12.2 w/m
Bosch Performance Line Speed 13.8 w/m

 

[bikeguy11]

Interesting. I have both a Shimano and a Bosch bike.
Riding the same loop I find the Shimano to be much more battery efficient.
YMMV (pun! )

There are indeed a lot of variables when it comes to battery range. My findings are based having ridden the same trails many times with all 3 motors and the EP8 combo is 10%+ more power hungry. I use a Garmin to show battery %.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

There are indeed a lot of variables when it comes to battery range. My findings are based having ridden the same trails many times with all 3 motors and the EP8 combo is 10%+ more power hungry. I use a Garmin to show battery %.

I have a sickness, I’m sick, and I buy a new bike every 3-4 months. I’ve tried all the major ebikes. My experience is the same as yours except that I utilize Strava. The only thing that makes it hard is that you can get the actual battery % with a Specialized and the Shimano and Bosch powered bikes only have bars. I’m not sure about the newer Bosch system….anyway, I have tested a lot of bikes from freshly charged to dead and it’s hard to get a perfect comparison but anecdotallly the EP8 looks like it’s the least efficient. the good news is that Darfon is coming out with an 835 that’s the same size. So, pretty soon we’ll be able to stuff an 835 in our bikes!

 

[bikeguy11]

I have a sickness, I’m sick, and I buy a new bike every 3-4 months. I’ve tried all the major ebikes. My experience is the same as yours except that I utilize Strava. The only thing that makes it hard is that you can get the actual battery % with a Specialized and the Shimano and Bosch powered bikes only have bars. I’m not sure about the newer Bosch system….anyway, I have tested a lot of bikes from freshly charged to dead and it’s hard to get a perfect comparison but anecdotallly the EP8 looks like it’s the least efficient. the good news is that Darfon is coming out with an 835 that’s the same size. So, pretty soon we’ll be able to stuff an 835 in our bikes!

Wow eight thirty five!

 

[Desert_Turtle]

Wow eight thirty five!

I have a Norco Range VLT with a 900wh battery. The bikes range, no pun intended, is so great that haven’t been able to drain a battery. I’ve gone 30 miles/4600ft and had juice left over. The Heckler would probably be capable of that with an 835wh battery. The Range is a long travel DH/Enduro bike and weighs 56lbs.

 

[bikeguy11]

I have a sickness, I’m sick, and I buy a new bike every 3-4 months. I’ve tried all the major ebikes. My experience is the same as yours except that I utilize Strava. The only thing that makes it hard is that you can get the actual battery % with a Specialized and the Shimano and Bosch powered bikes only have bars. I’m not sure about the newer Bosch system….anyway, I have tested a lot of bikes from freshly charged to dead and it’s hard to get a perfect comparison but anecdotallly the EP8 looks like it’s the least efficient. the good news is that Darfon is coming out with an 835 that’s the same size. So, pretty soon we’ll be able to stuff an 835 in our bikes!

I have the same sickness. Hoping they don't find a cure

 

[Desert_Turtle]

Since we’re all here talking about our new Hecklers, can some body post a pic of their rear derailleur in 1st gear and in 12th? I upgraded my cassette to a SRAM 10/52 and in the largest cog the derailleur is almost horizontal. It’s normal in the smallest…I’m wondering if I need to add a link.

 

[yorkshire89]

Since we’re all here talking about our new Hecklers, can some body post a pic of their rear derailleur in 1st gear and in 12th? I upgraded my cassette to a SRAM 10/52 and in the largest cog the derailleur is almost horizontal. It’s normal in the smallest…I’m wondering if I need to add a link.

View attachment 84340

Yes you need more links in there, you'll rip the hanger off if you compress the suspension.

 

[Edward]

the good news is that Darfon is coming out with an 835 that’s the same size. So, pretty soon we’ll be able to stuff an 835 in our bikes!

Nice! Any word on where we'll be able to actually buy one?
I haven't been able to get my hands on a spare 720

 

[Desert_Turtle]

I have no idea. I have not been able to source a spare either.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

I finally rode the Heckler at the local bike park, SkyPark. It did great until I broke the new [longer] chain. I was able to hit all the big stuff and I’m happy to say the Heckler is exactly the bike I was hoping it was. I don’t know what all the stupid classes of MTBs are but I’d call the Heckler a trail bike in comparison to my Levo Pro which I’d call an Enduro. The Heckler feels a lot more like an acoustic bike. It’s very comfortable going downhill and hitting jumps. It’s only fazed by bigger hits. If you’re not jumping over 5’-6’ feet in the air it’s perfect. It was a little harsh on anything bigger than that but handled the bike park just fine other than a couple of spots. I also rode some local trails today and it was fantastic. It’s has a light and lively ride that’s stable and has good traction. This far I’m very happy with it.

 

[SoMoMTB]

I finally rode the Heckler at the local bike park, SkyPark. It did great until I broke the chain. I was able to hit all the big stuff and I’m happy to say the Heckler is exactly the bike I was hoping it was. I don’t know what all the stupid classes of MTBs are but I’d call the Heckler a trail bike in comparison to my Levo Pro which I’d call an Enduro. The Heckler feels a lot more like an acoustic bike. It’s very comfortable going downhill and hitting jumps. It’s only fazed by bigger hits. If you’re not jumping over 5’-6’ feet in the air it’s perfect. It was a little harsh on anything bigger than that but handled the bike park just fine other than a couple of spots. I also rode some local trails today and it was fantastic. It’s has a light and lively ride that’s stable and has good traction. This far I’m very happy with it.

I'm looking at the Levo Pro and Heckler (29 or Mx) as a second bike. Interested to hear your thoughts on how the two compare in rocky terrain. My interest is piqued by the description of a more lively ride on the Heckler but hopefully not at the expense of rock absorbing/picking through tech capability as that's mostly what I'm riding.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

That’s a tough question. It depends on how big the rocks are. The Fox 36 is more plush right off the top, in comparison to the 38 on the Levo, so if the rocks you’re riding are only using 40-60% of your travel the Heckler 29er might have a slight advantage….it’s a hard comparison to make. I could talk ebikes all day. I’m totally obsessed with them. I’ve probably had 20 different bikes in the last 18 months. Of all the bikes I’ve had, the 2022 Levo Pro is the best of them all. If I could only have 1 bike that would be it. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have 3 ebikes. My Heckler is the lightest duty ride of the 3. It rides more like a Levo SL which I loved. The Heckler without a doubt rides lighter than the Levo.

 

[SoMoMTB]

That’s a tough question. It depends on how big the rocks are. The Fox 36 is more plush right off the top, in comparison to the 38 on the Levo, so if the rocks you’re riding are only using 40-60% of your travel the Heckler 29er might have a slight advantage….it’s a hard comparison to make. I could talk ebikes all day. I’m totally obsessed with them. I’ve probably had 20 different bikes in the last 18 months. Of all the bikes I’ve had, the 2022 Levo Pro is the best of them all. If I could only have 1 bike that would be it. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have 3 ebikes. My Heckler is the lightest duty ride of the 3. It rides more like a Levo SL which I loved. The Heckler without a doubt rides lighter than the Levo.

This is helpful. I'm after a lighter, more lively bike. It sounds like the Heckler is the better choice. And 29 if I am following this thread to better handle chunky terrain.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

Undoubtedly, the MX version is going to feel more snappy but the 29er would have more clearance and should be more stable. BikeGuy11 has both Hecklers so he'd probably be able to give you a more definitive answer. Your best bet is to try one if you can. I realize that's nearly impossible these days but you never know. The problem is that there is a lot of subjectivity to our choices in general. What I like and what you like are likely very different.

 

[bikeguy11]

Undoubtedly, the MX version is going to feel more snappy but the 29er would have more clearance and should be more stable. BikeGuy11 has both Hecklers so he'd probably be able to give you a more definitive answer. Your best bet is to try one if you can. I realize that's nearly impossible these days but you never know. The problem is that there is a lot of subjectivity to our choices in general. What I like and what you like are likely very different.

If chunky is the main concern I would lean towards the Heckler 29. Both the MX and 29 feel plenty snappy to me. I, like Desert-Turtle am an ebike slut and have had the chance to sample offerings from Specialized, Trek, Orbea and Yeti to name a few. I now have two Hecklers in my garage

 

[SoMoMTB]

If chunky is the main concern I would lean towards the Heckler 29. Both the MX and 29 feel plenty snappy to me. I, like Desert-Turtle am an ebike slut and have had the chance to sample offerings from Specialized, Trek, Orbea and Yeti to name a few. I now have two Hecklers in my garage

You and Desert_Turtle would be expensive friends to have

 

[Rusty762]

Does anyone have a 3D printer?
There's an opportunity: making a replacement charge plug cover for the worthless piece of sh*t that comes on the bike.

Pic from recent ride:

Hey guys, new to the forum. I have a 2022 Heckler and work in the underwater photography world. We make all kinds of random 3D printed stuff, I can make a plug to replace the stock crappy one and incorporate an o ring to keep it water tight.

 

[bikeguy11]

Hey guys, new to the forum. I have a 2022 Heckler and work in the underwater photography world. We make all kinds of random 3D printed stuff, I can make a plug to replace the stock crappy one and incorporate an o ring to keep it water tight.

That would be awesome indeed! I'm sure many of us would be interested in purchasing.

 

[Rusty762]

That would be awesome indeed! I'm sure many of us would be interested in purchasing.

I will keep you posted, need to take some measurements and will make a couple and post pics. Once I have put some hours on it I am happy to build some.

 

[Desert_Turtle]

I definitely need a few of those new & improved charger port covers!

As luck would have it I managed to find myself a X01 AXS RSV bike so if anybody in SOCAL wants a great deal on an S Build 29er version with 50-60 miles please let me know. I'm going to put all the stock stuff back on. There is 0 use on the stock drivetrain, wheels, dropper and suspension. Its a Medium in gloss avocado green. Its registered to me and I have all the purchase documentation.