Santa Cruz Heckler SL - 1st Ride & Impressions

Who is this bike for? It's for folks who have $$$$ and want an e-bike that looks and rides like a regular mtb. I've had the Heckler SL since launch and I've also been riding full power bikes for 4 years now (Turbo Levo) and the Heckler SL addresses issues with full power bikes being heavy and generally not very playful, especially at lower speeds. It's easy to bunny-hop, jump and generally feels nimble. Because of the lighter weight much easier to push or lift over obstacles like downed trees. Aside from the rather fragile ring controller, the fit and finish is top notch and is a beautiful bike to behold. Effort-wise you do have to put in a bit more work when compared to a full power bike but it's not a deal breaker. On my local loop riding at the same pace I would expend an average of 100W on the SL vs 80W on the Levo. I'd say the biggest drawback is the non-easily removable battery. The only time I missed the full power Levo is on long steep double track climbs. Every where else the Heckler SL outshines the Levo.

Great review. I’ve had mine for 2 months now and your video is near the same opinion of my experiences. Have a rad time, it’s such a fun bike 🤙🏼

Great review man. Sick riding also. I just bought a Heckler SL myself and my impression is pretty similar to yours

I ride a hard tail and Im about to purchase my first Santa Cruz...looking at a Bronson but I want to ride this thing as well. Im also in the Bay Area, so Im gonna go hit SC Corp and demo both, thanks so much for this its a great video and I learned alot

Another Great video, Justin. Great review on the SL. Im a Bullet fan but may have to give this one a go.

Lime Baby! Nice. I have a 5010 V4 and a Hightower. I ride them both - just depends on where and ride duration. Thinking about going E and this bike looks like it could be the single solution for me. Always loved the Nomad. Great review. See you out there!

Thanks dude - great review! I’ve got an XO spec of this bike due later this month so can’t wait! Did you try the Boost+ mode where you press controller forward for a couple seconds? Interested to hear how that felt.

Lime Ridge. Nice riding skills man!

I’m in between heckler SL, updated kenevo SL or the mondraker Neat for my next SL ebike

Trying to decide between an SL or full power ebike. XC racer here. 5 10 220 lbs.

My wife is on a full powered YT Decoy and we have been thinking about selling it and getting her this because of the weight costs. I will say E bike is what got her into the sport she was not a fan of pedaling an Amish bike. I’m thinking this may not provide enough grunt for her to have as an only bike while I have a full power and an analog bike.

I was at Lime Ridge for the first time some time after the new year, forget exactly when. I almost ate a huge amount of shit off that big concrete pad which (when I was there) was about a meter-high drop, which I managed to just ride out on the wheelbase of my own e-bike. Erosion is a bitch. 🤣🤣🤣

solid review

Hey man how did u find the rear suspension some people saying its plush ive had a few sc bikes and they dont become plush very easy

My buddies motor keeps shutting off and won’t turn back on. Luckily it pedals pretty well with the motor off so some rides have turned into analog rides 😂 Not sure if he’s figured out the cause but a bit unreliable. He loves it otherwise. Bike rips and keeps up with my Kenevo Expert full fat on big rides.

I’ve been on a Nomad V4 with a cascade link for the last 4-5 years. I was really considering this Heckler SL as my first e bike. In your opinion does this bike still soak up rocks and chunk as good as a Nomad? I still want to be able to use it at all the local Bay Area trails, jumps, Pacifica, UCSC, Tahoe, Northstar etc. Do you think this could be a good do it all sort of bike? Edit, ok I just watched your comments at the end of the video and you pretty much answered my questions!

Great review. Where are you riding? Look awesome.

Great re-view. All in what i need for my decision - however; I think the battery capacity [range] is to less for me. Where did you shot the video? CAL?

Nice! Where you riding?

I’m debating between this or the canyon strive on. Where is this trail at? Looks really nice