Santa Cruz Heckler SL Stout: A High-Performance E-Mountain Bike for Tough Trails

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL Stout is a premium electric mountain bike designed for those who crave ultimate performance, power, and durability. With a robust set of components engineered for aggressive trail riding, the Heckler SL Stout delivers superior handling, comfort, and power, making it the ideal choice for riders who want to tackle demanding terrain and long mountain rides with ease. Featuring high-end suspension, a powerful drivetrain, reliable brakes, and a sleek, strong frame, this bike is equipped to handle everything from technical descents to steep climbs. Below, we explore each of its standout features in detail.

Suspension: Fox Performance Elite for Maximum Control

Fox Float X2 Performance Elite, 210x55 Shock

The rear shock on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL Stout is the Fox Float X2 Performance Elite, a high-performance shock designed for aggressive mountain biking. With a 210x55mm size, it provides ample travel to absorb impacts from rough trails, rocks, and roots. The Float X2 shock is known for its high adjustability, allowing riders to fine-tune the compression and rebound settings to suit their riding style and the terrain they’re tackling. Whether you're descending a steep hill or powering through technical obstacles, this shock offers the plushness and responsiveness needed for an exceptional ride.

FOX 38 Float Performance Elite, Grip X2, 160mm Fork

The front suspension fork on the Heckler SL Stout is the FOX 38 Float Performance Elite with 160mm of travel. This fork is specifically designed for aggressive enduro and all-mountain riding, providing unmatched strength and stiffness for superior control. The Grip X2 damper offers customizable settings, allowing riders to adjust the fork to handle different conditions and terrain. The 160mm travel provides a plush and responsive feel, making it easy to tackle rough trails and obstacles with confidence.

Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle for Smooth, Precise Shifting

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed Derailleur

The Heckler SL Stout is equipped with the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed derailleur, offering crisp and reliable shifting across a wide range of gears. The GX Eagle derailleur is engineered for durability and smooth performance, ensuring that gear changes are seamless even when under heavy load. Whether you're powering up a steep incline or cruising down a fast descent, this derailleur provides the precision you need to tackle any challenge.

SRAM GX Eagle Single Click, 12-Speed Shifter

Paired with the GX Eagle derailleur is the SRAM GX Eagle Single Click, 12-speed shifter, which allows for easy and efficient shifting. This shifter features a simple design with a single lever for quick, precise gear changes. Its ergonomic feel ensures that riders can shift effortlessly, even in challenging conditions, while maintaining full control of their bike’s performance.

SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12-Speed, 10-50T Cassette

The SRAM XG1275 Eagle 12-speed cassette provides an extensive gear range with a 10-50T configuration, enabling riders to handle both steep climbs and fast descents with ease. The wide range of gears ensures smooth shifts across all terrain types, allowing riders to maintain optimal cadence and power throughout their ride. Whether you're tackling technical mountain trails or cruising on rolling hills, this cassette ensures that the bike performs at its best.

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed Chain

The SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed chain is designed to work in harmony with the GX Eagle drivetrain, ensuring smooth, consistent performance. The chain's Flattop design reduces friction and improves durability, providing reliable power transfer with each pedal stroke. It's built to withstand the forces of aggressive riding, making it an ideal choice for e-mountain biking.

Crankset and Headset: Built for Strength and Performance

Race Face Aeffect R, 165mm -or- Praxis eTor AL, 165mm Crankset

The Heckler SL Stout offers two high-quality crankset options: the Race Face Aeffect R 165mm or the Praxis eTor AL 165mm. Both cranksets are designed for strength and reliability, providing optimal power transfer during pedaling. The 165mm length ensures a more efficient pedaling position for aggressive trail riding, allowing for better ground clearance and improved control over technical terrain.

Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset

The Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset is designed to provide smooth, precise steering with minimal friction. It connects the fork to the frame securely, ensuring a stable ride even on rough, uneven trails. The headset's durability and smooth performance make it an essential component for handling the stresses of e-mountain biking.

Tires and Wheels: Ready for Any Terrain

Schwalbe Magic Mary, 29x2.5, Trail Radial Ultra Soft Front Tire

The front tire on the Heckler SL Stout is the Schwalbe Magic Mary 29x2.5, Trail Radial Ultra Soft tire. Known for its exceptional grip, this tire is optimized for trail riding and aggressive enduro applications. The Ultra Soft compound ensures superior traction, making it perfect for loose, wet, or muddy conditions. With its wide profile and knobby tread design, the Magic Mary tire provides confidence-inspiring stability and control, allowing riders to navigate technical trails with ease.

Schwalbe Magic Mary, 27.5x2.5, Gravity Radial Soft Rear Tire

The rear tire is also a Schwalbe Magic Mary, but with a 27.5x2.5 size and Gravity Radial Soft compound. This tire is designed for aggressive riding, offering maximum grip and durability. The softer compound provides excellent traction on challenging descents and technical climbs, ensuring that the rear wheel stays planted even on the roughest surfaces. Its knobby tread design delivers the confidence needed for precise handling on tough trails.

E13 SL, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 32H Front Hub

The front hub on the Heckler SL Stout is the E13 SL, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 32-hole hub, known for its lightweight design and exceptional strength. This hub provides smooth, reliable performance, minimizing friction for faster, more efficient riding. The 15x110mm axle ensures a secure fit, offering maximum stability and control.

Reserve 30|HD AL 6069 -or- Raceface ARC 30 HD Front Rim

For the front wheel, the Heckler SL Stout comes with either the Reserve 30|HD AL 6069 or Raceface ARC 30 HD rim. Both options provide excellent strength, durability, and lightweight performance. These rims are designed to withstand the rigors of e-mountain biking, providing a solid base for the tires to perform optimally on challenging trails.

E13 SL E-Spec, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 32H Rear Hub

The rear wheel is powered by the E13 SL E-Spec hub, featuring a 12x148mm axle and XD driver. This hub is engineered to handle the increased stresses of e-mountain biking, providing smooth, reliable performance even under heavy torque. The XD driver ensures compatibility with the SRAM XG1275 cassette, offering fast and efficient power transfer.

Reserve 30|HD AL 6069 -or- Raceface ARC 30 HD Rear Rim

For the rear rim, the Heckler SL Stout is equipped with either the Reserve 30|HD AL 6069 or Raceface ARC 30 HD, both designed for optimal strength and durability. These rims are engineered to provide maximum impact resistance while maintaining lightweight performance. Their robust construction ensures that the rear wheel can handle the demands of aggressive riding.

Brakes and Handlebars: Control and Comfort

SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth Brakes

The SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth brakes deliver reliable stopping power for confident descents and technical riding. With their easy-to-modulate design, these brakes offer smooth and consistent performance, whether you're navigating tricky sections of trail or coming to a quick stop on a steep downhill.

Santa Cruz e35 Carbon Bar, 800mm Handlebar

The Santa Cruz e35 Carbon Bar is an 800mm wide handlebar that provides excellent control and stability. Its carbon construction reduces weight while maintaining strength, and the wide design gives riders greater leverage for precise steering. This handlebar is designed to work seamlessly with the rest of the bike's components, enhancing the overall handling experience.

Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Stem

The Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm stem is engineered for aggressive riding, offering a short and sturdy design that enhances the bike's overall handling. The stem provides excellent control over the bike’s direction, allowing riders to navigate technical trails with confidence.

Saddle, Seatpost, and Dropper Post: Comfort and Adjustability

SDG Bel-Air V3, Max Lux-Alloy -or- WTB Volt Saddle

The Heckler SL Stout features either the SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy saddle or the WTB Volt saddle, both known for their comfort and support. These saddles are designed to reduce pressure points and offer long-lasting comfort, making them perfect for extended rides over rough terrain.

OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6 Seatpost

The OneUp Dropper Post, a 31.6mm seatpost, allows for easy seat height adjustment during rides. Whether you're climbing or descending, you can lower or raise the seat to the optimal position for maximum comfort and performance.

Battery and Motor: Powering Your Ride

Fazua 430 Wh Integrated Battery

The Heckler SL Stout is powered by the Fazua 430 Wh Integrated Battery, offering sufficient energy to power the motor over long distances and challenging terrain. This battery is seamlessly integrated into the frame, offering a sleek look while delivering reliable power throughout your ride.

Fazua Ride 60 Drive Unit

The Fazua Ride 60 Drive Unit provides smooth, responsive power assistance, helping you tackle tough climbs and difficult terrain with ease. With its 60 Nm of torque, the motor offers just the right amount of assistance without overwhelming the rider, ensuring a natural and enjoyable ride.

Conclusion: The Ultimate E-Mountain Bike Experience

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL Stout is a formidable e-mountain bike, built to excel in the most demanding conditions. With top-tier components, including a premium suspension system, a precise SRAM drivetrain, reliable braking, and powerful electric assistance, the Heckler SL Stout is designed to provide riders with the ultimate combination of power, precision, and control. Whether you're racing through technical descents or exploring new trails, this bike ensures a thrilling ride from start to finish.