BIKER'S EDGE

Let’s get right into it – today, we have the Santa Cruz Vala. This is Santa Cruz’s new mid-travel, full-power eMTB. You could think of it as the new version of the Heckler, although, at least for now, the Heckler is still available while supplies last.  Let’s dive in and see if the Vala is the right eMTB for you.

Let’s start with a couple of valuable tidbits before we get into riding. The Vala uses the newest Bosch Performance Line CX drive system and has a 600Wh battery. A 250Wh range extender is available for those who want extra range. It comes with an MX wheel setup and 150mm of rear wheel travel. Speaking of suspension, in a departure from Santa Cruz’s VPP platform, the Vala uses a 4-bar suspension design. With where the motor mounts to the frame, the engineers had to get creative with pivot points in order to achieve the desired ride quality. With the VPP platform, they couldn’t get the pivots where they wanted them, so 4-bar it is. Interestingly, the Vala still feels very “Santa Cruz” from a suspension standpoint. 

A few other features to note are the two independent flip chips — a Hi/Lo bottom bracket flip chip and another for progressivity. The progression ranges from 26-29% based on flip-chip settings. Now, let’s go ride this thing.

Santa Cruz vala: Ride Review

Bosch Performance Line CX Drivesystem

I’ve been a big fan of the Bosch Performance Line CX system for a while now. It’s super consistent, reliable, and checks all of the performance boxes I’m looking for. The 2025 iteration makes some small upgrades, although I wouldn’t rush out and upgrade my bike just to get the newest CX motor. That said, if you’re in the market for a new eMTB, just know the Bosch motor adds a lot of points to the Vala overall. 

The Bosch CX motor provides 85Nm of peak torque and 600 watts of max power. Although there are two battery options available for the Bosch ecosystem, the Vala is only able to use the 600Wh battery. In terms of ride quality, weight distribution, and handling, that’s a big win. Obviously, you’ll get a lower range than you would with a bigger 800Wh battery. The argument is that 600Wh will be enough for most rides, so you may as well enjoy better handling with the smaller battery. Then, for those longer rides, you can use the 250Wh range extender. On the flip side, you could argue that 800 + 250 is a big number (higher than I can count) that would last for a very long time. Either way, you don’t get to pick your poison on the Vala — you get what you get. As far as what type of range I’m getting at 200Lb. And in full boost, we’re topping out right around 3200-3500 vert on a single charge.  

As far as motor performance goes, the new Bosch CX is quiet, lighter, and seems to have less of an “ebike wall” when you hit 20MPH. It doesn’t feel like someone slammed on the brakes the second you hit 20. 

I really have no complaints about the Bosch Performance Line CX from a performance standpoint. It ticks all of the boxes. I do have a small note about the top tube display. It’s pretty apparent that Bosch had designed a screen/display that would integrate into the top tube. But it would appear that bike manufacturers weren’t able to get them in time for 2025 launches, so there’s a shim to allow the old LED display to fit in the opening for a bigger display. You can’t fault Santa Cruz for that (or any manufacturer who’s doing the same thing), but the plastic adapter doesn’t look as refined as the rest of the bike. Also, the adapter can get dirty and start to make some annoying sounds.

Uphill

Now let’s dive into climbing performance on the Vala. It sits in the active camp, providing a ton of traction and control in the rough. Which is great because It doesn’t have to be efficient since it’s an ebike. That traction goes a long way in helping the Vala get up some pretty ridiculous climbs.

Starting with the suspension design, we have seen Santa Cruz make some slight revisions to their kinematics on their new crop of bikes like the Bronson and Hightower. The Vala achieves a similar feel with an altogether different four-bar design. It is active and controlled through rough and loose terrain. There is more than enough rear-wheel traction on offer, even with steep climbs and loose conditions. Combined with the powerful Bosch motor, this keeps the Vala climbing technical terrain with relative ease 

The front end of the Vala is pretty tall, and with an MX setup, you can find your weight a little rearward on the steep climbs. This causes the front end to float and wander. Personally, I’ve preferred the Vala in the high geometry setting to counteract that rearward bias. It keeps your weight a little more over the front of the bike. That wandery feeling is mostly gone in the high setting, except on the really heinous stuff. 

The MX configuration comes into play on the climbs in two major ways for me. First, the smaller rear wheel accentuates the torque provided by the motor. It spins up quicker and doesn’t get bogged down as quickly on the steep stuff. Second, the uphill handling is pretty sharp in tighter and twistier terrain. It’s easy to get the bike around corners and switchbacks.

Downhill

The Vala ends up descending somewhere between the lightweight and full-power ebikes. It is fun, lively and fairly easy to move around on the trail. Yet it still has a bit of that ebike monster truck effect. Combined, there are not a lot of places where the Vala doesn’t shine. 

Starting with the suspension performance, the Vala feels very “Santa Cruz.” It has that soft and plush initial stroke with plenty of ramp-up at the end to stop you from clanging through all the travel. As for the mid-stroke, there’s a good bit of support, and you don’t get stuck too deep in the travel. It gives the Vala a fun and lively quality. The suspension feel overall contributes to the bike’s stable and composed nature. There isn’t too much that can get it bent out of shape. The Vala tracks straight through some pretty rough terrain. I’ve gone back and forth a couple of times between the high and low progression settings. I think I prefer the high-progression setting, at least for the terrain I’m riding right now. It accentuates that lively ride quality that I enjoy about the Vala. 

As for the geometry and handling, the Vala is on the spectrum’s quicker and more fun side. It’s not as point-and-shoot as a lot of other full-power ebikes. I think it comes down to the fact that it doesn’t have to be point-and-shoot. It doesn’t feel like a wrestling match the entire time you’re descending. It doesn’t resist changing lines or getting around a corner as much as other big bikes. I would think that’s the bike’s biggest strength. It’s capable and stable enough to be confident, but it still allows for a very active riding style. One that rewards goofing around and getting creative. 

The Vala is spectacular in the corners. I think a lot of it comes down to the MX setup and the bike’s ability to lean over. The 27.5” wheel has a smaller radius, meaning the axle is closer to the ground. Getting that back wheel tipped over in a corner takes less input. This comes through as a really quick and snappy rear end. Combine that with the stable and slower front end and you’ve got a berm slapper. The front wheel provides stability and control, while the back wheel keeps things nice and quick.

I’ve got one issue I’ve been working through on the Vala. Under hard braking efforts, I find the rear wheel likes to wander out to the sides. It’s a little concerning heading into a corner with your back wheel coming out in front of you. While that’s clearly an exaggeration, I want to remedy it on the Vala. I mostly encounter it wheel dropping an anchor before a corner or trying to control my speed down really steep terrain. I don’t think it’s a tire issue — The Schwalbe Magic Marys are pretty grippy, and I’ve run them as rears before without noticing a lack of braking traction. I think it might come down to the back wheel being a little over-braked. The Sram Mavens are pretty strong and grabby. You’ll relate to the lurchy learning curve if you’ve ever ridden them. Combine that with a small rear wheel and a 200mm minimum rotor size, and I think the back wheel is just locking up too easily. I’m going to try some less grabby pad materials, but I wish I could run a 180mm rotor. If that doesn’t cure it, I’ll try different brakes.

Santa Cruz vala: Comparisons

Santa Cruz Vala vs Santa Cruz Heckler

feature	Vala	heckler
Wheel Configuration	MX only	MX or 29″
Travel	150mm rear travel with a 160mm fork.	150mm rear travel with a 160mm fork
Geometry & Handling	63.9° head tube angle and tall front end	64.5° head tube angle and more conservative geometry
Climbing	Prioritizes traction and control over efficiency.	Optimized for efficiency and traction
Descending	Composed with a focus on stability and smooth handling	Capable and balanced, versatile on descents
Versatility	Versatile ride quality with independent geometry and progression flip-chips.	High versatility with wheel size options
Motor	Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 85Nm	Shimano EP801, 85Nm
Battery	600Wh with optional 250Wh range extender	720Wh
Best For	Riders looking for a mix of power and playful handling	Riders who enjoy a balanced overall ride

Let’s make a few comparisons here. First, let’s go with the Vala and the previous Heckler. I really liked the Heckler. In fact, it was in my top three of all the ebikes I’ve ridden. It offers a ton of traction, a fun ride quality, and a lot of capability. Those are three things the Vala also brings to the table. They’re very similar in that regard. I think the Vala’s suspension platform feels a bit more supportive, and I like the progression flip chip to customize that ramp-up. I do like that the Heckler came in both 29” and MX configurations. They both have great motors, too, although I think the Vala’s integration and design are just a bit sleeker, even considering the screen adapter. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

Read the full Heckler Review here

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What Would I Change About the vala?

The Vala is pretty buttoned up, but there are a few things I’d like to see. The rear rotor minimum size is 200mm. With the small back wheel and the stock Mavens, that might be too much. I also wouldn’t hate to see an option for the 800Wh battery. I think a lot of riders don’t need that, but the option could be nice for some.

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Santa Cruz vala scores

The Santa Cruz Vala is a relatively lightweight, full-power eMTB that shines in almost every aspect of day-to-day riding.

***This is very important to read before you go further. Do not skip!

Let’s talk about what average means. Average is not a bad thing. Let’s face it, we’re not all special, and neither are bikes. If all bikes were above average, that would just mean the average would be higher, and yet again, we’d see that not everything is special. Average is relative to the competition. This scoring system is based on an average-performing bike in the category scoring a 0. Now, remember, by definition, most bikes will be average or close to average. An above-average bike will score a +1 or +2 based on how exceptional it is. A below average will score a -1 or -2 based on how far below average it is. And remember, this is against the average for the category — not against all bikes. It looks like the infographic below.

drivesystem: +1

Really good, reliable motor that’s quiet, has a small e-wall, and good power across the whole range. Battery efficiency is good, but the battery isn’t huge — It doesn’t have the biggest range.

Climbing Performance: +1

Santa Cruz makes pretty active bikes, which is especially good for an eMTB. I like the quick spin-up of a small wheel on an ebike – it accentuates the motor’s power. The Vala is strong on technical climbs. the front end can wander.

Descending Capability: +1

Plush, capable, and calm. I just wish there was a tiny bit more braking traction at the back wheel. It brings a very natural and lively ride quality to the table.

Suspension Performance: +1

It feels very Santa Cruz even with a 4-bar design. It leans on the active, energetic, and plush side. It’s pretty playful and poppy for a big ebike. The progression flip-chip is a nice touch.

Handling: 0

the Vala rides somewhere between most full-power and mid power bikes to me. The smaller battery likely helps with this. It corners quickly and responsively.

Versatility: +1

No battery size customization – otherwise it would get a +2. It has a versatile ride quality – goes big or small. Progression chip as well as Hi-Lo geometry chip – independent of each other.

Intangibles: +1

Famous Santa Cruz quality of build. All the details are though through down to the charger cover. The display shim on top tube is a little less refined.

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Who is the Santa Cruz Vala for?

I’ve got one or two rider groups in mind for the Vala. And one rider group who won’t like it as much. The folks who want to do monster rides. With only a 600Wh battery, you won’t be doing 5,6,7 thousand feet. You’ve got better options for doing that. 

The first group of folks who will like it is the group of folks who want a full-power eMTB for the power and range, but they don’t want the wrestling match those bikes can bring to the table. It’s probably the most user-friendly full-power eMTB when it comes to handling. It’s easy to get off the ground, change lines, and put the bike where you want it. Smaller, lighter, and new riders will love it for this, too. 

The second group is similar to the first, or at least they’ll like it for similar reasons. Because the Vala is easy to maneuver, it’s a very rewarding bike for riders who are good at telling the bike what they want it to do. They aren’t happy being passengers on bikes, letting them make all the line choices. If you find yourself taking goofy lines, getting airborne, squaring off corners, and goofing off a lot, you’ll dig the Vala. 

That’s going to do it. Thanks for sticking around.

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Santa Cruz Vala faq

Learn more about the Santa Cruz Vala