2024 Santa Cruz Heckler SL

[LautSprecher]

Do not worry, they change hub with spacers on the inside . So on some specs its possible that you are not using the fully seen travel. I would rather ask myself why youre shock is so oily. Maybe send it to Anyrace? They can also perform a service.

 

[rätch]

Yeah, but a shock with 55mm travel should also provide 55mm of usable travel Oily? The shock has only been used for a few times, like a new one. Dry would be worse. Guess I have to open the shock and check for possible travel spacer inside.

Thanks so far guys

 

[Red7]

I picked up a S-kit Heckler SL on Saturday for $5,500. I had narrowed it down to a couple different bikes but when I came across this deal for 37% off, I made the decision for me. The bike has fully exceeded my expectations even though I had never tried an ebike before. I immediately felt just as comfortable on technical climbs and descents as I do on my Stumpjumper Evo. One question I have is what water bottle cage fits this bike as I grabbed the one off of my Specialized and the bottle sits to high where the top of the bottle (tall bottle but nothing crazy) rubs the top tube. Maybe it's my SJ evo that's weird and any cage will fit but wanted to make sure before ordering online.

 

[Jake From State Farm]

I picked up a S-kit Heckler SL on Saturday for $5,500. I had narrowed it down to a couple different bikes but when I came across this deal for 37% off, I made the decision for me. The bike has fully exceeded my expectations even though I had never tried an ebike before. I immediately felt just as comfortable on technical climbs and descents as I do on my Stumpjumper Evo. One question I have is what water bottle cage fits this bike as I grabbed the one off of my Specialized and the bottle sits to high where the top of the bottle (tall bottle but nothing crazy) rubs the top tube. Maybe it's my SJ evo that's weird and any cage will fit but wanted to make sure before ordering online.

Fox fits, and a basic cage.

 

[Red7]

Fox fits, and a basic cage.

View attachment 151564 View attachment 151565

That bottle is a lot shorter than the ones I use on my Stumpy. I'm hoping to find a cage with holes higher up, or I'll have to buy some shorter bottles. Every MTB and road bike I own have fit the taller the bottles.

 

[Weeksy]

That bottle is a lot shorter than the ones I use on my Stumpy. I'm hoping to find a cage with holes higher up, or I'll have to buy some shorter bottles. Every MTB and road bike I own have fit the taller the bottles.

you can find re-location brackets.


I've seen a lot nicer ones, but that was first i clicked on.

 

[tp806]

Fox fits, and a basic cage.

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How do you find the Ochain on the Heckler SL? Have you seen considerable improvement for VPP in pedaling, decreasing pedal kick-back or brake jack?
The HSL already has some slack built in the motor before it engages I think, hence somewhat minimizing pedal kick-back. At least this how it feels on my 2025 SC HSL Stout, with regards to pedal kick-back, or lack thereof.
Maybe it depends on the motor and given rear hub engagement as well? Interested about your view on the Ochain device.

 

[BrandEZ_SL]

What are folks running for fox coil shock sizing? I’m ~190lb rider weight. The calculator on fox’s website is claiming I should shoot for a 600lb spring to achieve 25% sag, which seems a bit heavy.

 

[Suns_PSD]

Fox fits, and a basic cage.

View attachment 151564 View attachment 151565

I too want to know if you rode the bike both before and after the O-chain and can report back.

 

[ehfour]

What are folks running for fox coil shock sizing? I’m ~190lb rider weight. The calculator on fox’s website is claiming I should shoot for a 600lb spring to achieve 25% sag, which seems a bit heavy.

tftuned has a much better calculator - My guess is 475 to 500 should get you there, esp on the ON trails

Also what type of coil are you running ? DHX? DHX2?

 

[BrandEZ_SL]

tftuned has a much better calculator - My guess is 475 to 500 should get you there, esp on the ON trails

Also what type of coil are you running ? DHX? DHX2?

DHX2, think I’m going to try out 550lb and see how it goes.

Side note, has anyone updated their HSL with FAZUA update 10? I’ve heard mixed reviews

 

[Twisted Fork]

Heckler SL vs. Trek Fuel Ex-e:

I’ve been thinking about adding a Heckler SL to the quiver recently, so was curious as to how similar or different I might expect it to be from my existing Fuel Ex-e. I find my Ex-e with a 160mm fork and mullet setup to be the most perfect combination of agility, capability and comfortable fit I’ve ever ridden in a trail/light enduro bike. So I was curious as to how the Heckler SL numbers compared. Trail demo’s aren’t an option anywhere around here and it’s tough to tell much from a parking lot ride.

Running the specs for a size medium through a geometry calculator, it turns out that the geo between the stock HSL & mullet Ex-e are so incredibly close that they may feel virtually identical in fit. So similar that now I’m wondering if the 2 bikes would even differ enough from each other to justify having both. I would imagine that the slightly (+/- 1cm) longer shock travel, longer wheelbase, longer reach, and shorter stack might make the HSL a slightly more confident descender in my preferred riding terrain of steep natural tech, especially if upping the fork travel to 170mm.

I love the TQ motor system’s power, noise level, reliability and user interface, so the increased power of the Ride 60 isn’t much of a deciding factor. The larger battery and more efficient motor are plus’s for the Fazua, at the cost of additional weight. I’ve got my Ex-e down to 38.1 lbs (17.3 kg), which is ridiculously fun and playful. I think it would be tough to get the HSL much below 41 lbs without sacrificing its trail capabilities. It will probably all come down to the feel of the suspension to see which one wins out in different terrain. That and I’d love to see Fazua ditch that hokey ring controller for something more practical and robust.

Anyhow, just thought I’d put this out there I case anyone is on the fence and trying to make a choice between the two. Oh, and there are some fantastic deals on Ex-e’s right now too.

 

[Ou812]

Fazua has an aluminium ring controller that was supposed to be replacing the plastic one, I doubt it will ever happen though….like their range extender

 

[Alan Yeung]

I test rode the EXe but ended choosing the HSL because I preferred the extra torque and the plusher feel of the HSL. I actually don't want to lighten the HSL. I find at 42 lbs this weight strikes a perfect balance between being playful and planted.

 

[LautSprecher]

Fazua has an aluminium ring controller that was supposed to be replacing the plastic one, I doubt it will ever happen though….like their range extender

Will come with Ride 70.

 

[Snoggin]

Heckler SL vs. Trek Fuel Ex-e:

I’ve been thinking about adding a Heckler SL to the quiver recently, so was curious as to how similar or different I might expect it to be from my existing Fuel Ex-e. I find my Ex-e with a 160mm fork and mullet setup to be the most perfect combination of agility, capability and comfortable fit I’ve ever ridden in a trail/light enduro bike. So I was curious as to how the Heckler SL numbers compared. Trail demo’s aren’t an option anywhere around here and it’s tough to tell much from a parking lot ride.

Running the specs for a size medium through a geometry calculator, it turns out that the geo between the stock HSL & mullet Ex-e are so incredibly close that they may feel virtually identical in fit. So similar that now I’m wondering if the 2 bikes would even differ enough from each other to justify having both. I would imagine that the slightly (+/- 1cm) longer shock travel, longer wheelbase, longer reach, and shorter stack might make the HSL a slightly more confident descender in my preferred riding terrain of steep natural tech, especially if upping the fork travel to 170mm.

I love the TQ motor system’s power, noise level, reliability and user interface, so the increased power of the Ride 60 isn’t much of a deciding factor. The larger battery and more efficient motor are plus’s for the Fazua, at the cost of additional weight. I’ve got my Ex-e down to 38.1 lbs (17.3 kg), which is ridiculously fun and playful. I think it would be tough to get the HSL much below 41 lbs without sacrificing its trail capabilities. It will probably all come down to the feel of the suspension to see which one wins out in different terrain. That and I’d love to see Fazua ditch that hokey ring controller for something more practical and robust.

Anyhow, just thought I’d put this out there I case anyone is on the fence and trying to make a choice between the two. Oh, and there are some fantastic deals on Ex-e’s right now too.

View attachment 152510

I got a pretty fantastic deal on my HSL mid October. About 33% off second tier XO version. It’s a great bike

 

[BrandEZ_SL]

Ton of snow this year, who else is still riding?

 

[Doomanic]

Surely it's time to get the snowmobile out?

 

[cykelk]

Too deep yesterday for me to do the route I wanted to...6-8" in the more open spots. I enjoy the snow riding though.

 

[Andeh]

What's that weird white stuff on the ground? Riding year round down here in California.

 

[Bogdan_CH]

Hi Guys. Considering all the other bikes launched recently, would you still consider the HSL a pick to buy right now? Would go for a VALA, not lying but it's just too expensive with a decent build ( S at least)

As well, checking for a bit of future proofing, anyone heard if the upcoming 480 wh battery would fit the current bikes?

 

[Canyon Shawn]

In my opinion, I would stay away from the Fazua Ride 60. I’ve heard way too many problems. The only 2 motors I’d buy are a Bosch and the TQ motor. TQ has had a few issues, but Treks customer service is so good, I wouldn’t sweat it. And, TQ is constantly improving them. My EXe got an error code, I cleared it, there was nothing wrong with the motor. But, when I took it to our families shop for a software update, they saw the error code and Trek put in a new motor, no questions asked and it only took 3 days. And, the new motor was an updated version and had more power with the same battery life. Bosch motors are rock solid. I’m my opinion, I would never buy anything from the big S. I know way to much about their, in my opinion, shady business practices. And, I believe the big S SL motor is by Brose, which has also had a lot of problems. BTW, they try to hide the fact that they don’t make their own motors. Again, that’s only my opinion.

 

[Ou812]

In my opinion, I would stay away from the Fazua Ride 60. I’ve heard way too many problems. The only 2 motors I’d buy are a Bosch and the TQ motor. TQ has had a few issues, but Treks customer service is so good, I wouldn’t sweat it. And, TQ is constantly improving them. My EXe got an error code, I cleared it, there was nothing wrong with the motor. But, when I took it to our families shop for a software update, they saw the error code and Trek put in a new motor, no questions asked and it only took 3 days. And, the new motor was an updated version and had more power with the same battery life. Bosch motors are rock solid. I’m my opinion, I would never buy anything from the big S. I know way to much about their, in my opinion, shady business practices. And, I believe the big S SL motor is by Brose, which has also had a lot of problems. BTW, they try to hide the fact that they don’t make their own motors. Again, that’s only my opinion.

Spesh’s SL motors are made by Mahle, they’ve never tried to hide it. Their full fat bikes are Brose and again, they’ve never tried to hide it. The Mahle SL motors are pretty reliable, the early full fat Brose motors had a ton of issues but they’re a lot better now.

I’ve had bikes powered by Bosch, Shimano, Fazua and Brose. My current bike is a Levo and I have a Bosch powered Crestline on the way. The only one I would never recommend to anyone would be Fazua, sucks because I really liked the bike (shuttle SL) but it was let down by Fazua.

 

[cykelk]

Hi Guys. Considering all the other bikes launched recently, would you still consider the HSL a pick to buy right now? Would go for a VALA, not lying but it's just too expensive with a decent build ( S at least)

As well, checking for a bit of future proofing, anyone heard if the upcoming 480 wh battery would fit the current bikes?

I don't know how explicit they've been about compatibility aside from "being part of the Ride60 system." I assume it'll be directly swappable. Still waiting on the range extenders...

As far as reliability, there's a thread that tracks this:

Fazua Ride 60. Yay or Nay? Reliability Improved?

Considering a Ride 60 equipped bike (latest motor). How is the reliability these days? I know there were a lot of problems in the past but have they improved? Would you buy again? My current bike is a Levo SL and the motor and electronics have given me some problems but nothing that left me...

www.emtbforums.com

Decision should hinge on whether you have a good support network locally to deal with warranty imo. If you do, it's a killer bike especially at closeout prices for last year models.

 

[Canyon Shawn]

Spesh’s SL motors are made by Mahle, they’ve never tried to hide it. Their full fat bikes are Brose and again, they’ve never tried to hide it. The Mahle SL motors are pretty reliable, the early full fat Brose motors had a ton of issues but they’re a lot better now.

I’ve had bikes powered by Bosch, Shimano, Fazua and Brose. My current bike is a Levo and I have a Bosch powered Crestline on the way. The only one I would never recommend to anyone would be Fazua, sucks because I really liked the bike (shuttle SL) but it was let down by Fazua.

Well, if that’s the case, I don’t know where they list who makes the motor. It’s not on the product page. And as far as reliability goes, my family that owns a bike shop would beg to differ. They deal with it everyday.

 

[hobbanero]

I am interested in putting Hayes Dominion brakes on my Heckler SL. I read somewhere that because Hayes uses slightly larger hydraulic lines, it doesn't fit on some bikes, including the Heckler SL, without dremeling the cable entry and exit ports. What has been your real world experience? thanks

 

[Bogdan_CH]

I don't know how explicit they've been about compatibility aside from "being part of the Ride60 system." I assume it'll be directly swappable. Still waiting on the range extenders...

As far as reliability, there's a thread that tracks this:

Fazua Ride 60. Yay or Nay? Reliability Improved?

Considering a Ride 60 equipped bike (latest motor). How is the reliability these days? I know there were a lot of problems in the past but have they improved? Would you buy again? My current bike is a Levo SL and the motor and electronics have given me some problems but nothing that left me...

www.emtbforums.com

Decision should hinge on whether you have a good support network locally to deal with warranty imo. If you do, it's a killer bike especially at closeout prices for last year models.

Thanks for the thread. That's the problem. From what I heard the closest is 300 km but not even sure on that so it's a bit of a deal breaker.

 

[Andeh]

I am interested in putting Hayes Dominion brakes on my Heckler SL. I read somewhere that because Hayes uses slightly larger hydraulic lines, it doesn't fit on some bikes, including the Heckler SL, without dremeling the cable entry and exit ports. What has been your real world experience? thanks

They work fine on the SL, it's the Specialized bikes that have real issues. It's definitely a snug fit so make sure the cut end of the hose is cleaned up. Also the seatstay doesn't have a molded guide tube so having a routing tool can make that easier. For the front triangle, the guide tube starts a few inches above the hole, so you need to remove the battery hatch to help guide the hose (internal routing tool helps here also).

 

[jhatfie]

Just ordered up a brand new Heckler SL GX AXS build. Build came with Spokex carbon wheels + DD tires, Hayes brakes and fully ride wrapped for a pretty great price. I have been riding a Yeti 160e for my e-bike the last year and while I like it, it and I just have never fully fell in love, likely due to the weight, thus my putting it up for sale to buy this new Hecker SL.

I have not received the Heckler yet, but I am at least debating replacing the select+ rear shock. I did not love the last select+ I rode, mostly because it lacked the adjustments it needed to get it feeling good for my weight (210lbs) and riding style. So I am interested up upgrading to something more adjustable and potentially upgrading the fork to the Fox 38 or Zeb. I have run both and generally slightly prefer Fox stuff, but I have not tried their new X2 or the RS charger 3.1 parts yet, just charger 3.

Would love some feedback on people that have swapped to a coil and how they like it compared to the stock air offerings. Also, has anyone here updated to the Cascade Link? Curious about that as well.

 

[Andeh]

I have the Cascade link. It's not a huge change on the HSL since it's already a pretty progressive bike, but it is noticeable. I had to add 30 PSI to my Vivid with it. It's more active off the top, and more bottomless at the end. I'd say it pairs well with riding aggressively and a burlier build. Not necessary with the stock Lyrik/SD setup.

There will be a new X2/DHX2 this year, lots of photos of pros riding it already. Looks like some larger changes in architecture rather than just minor tweaks.