Description

The Santa Cruz Heckler 9 C GX AXS

Danny MacAskill just doesn’t stop talking about ebikes. He’s infatuated with them. In fact, the only time he’s not chewing someone’s ear off about how good they are is when he’s riding them. And when he’s riding an ebike he rides and rides and rides. Which is partly why we’ve made the newest Heckler able to go further, higher, faster and be funner. The latest generation of the Heckler has a larger interchangeable battery (720wh up from 504wh), which allows riders to expand their own trail map – accessing previously unreachable trails, unlocking less-used trails and cramming more into less time.

The new Heckler has both mixed or dual 29-inch wheel size options. Wheel size isn’t the only option for riders. There’s a full size range of both from medium to XXL, with the small size frame having dual 27.5 wheels. Two levels of carbon (Santa Cruz’s own C and CC blends) open up the range of options for build kits.

The thing that sets our ebikes apart from the pack is the on-trail manners of the bike. We sweat the carbon layup and frame design so it’s tough enough to handle the sheer quantity of riding ebikes allow. There’s no corners cut in the componentry so you’re only concern is not getting lost rather than being stuck with a mechanical. The geometry has been honed from a lot of testing and feedback in order to make the ride fun whether going up or down. And finally, the legendary VPP suspension has been tuned precisely for ebike use. 150mm rear travel (with 160mm travel fork up front) seems to be the sweet spot for a bike intended to tame big trails on big days, with slightly less anti-squat to give it glue-like traction on the climbs you’ll be testing yourself on.

The only thing we’ve yet to figure out is how to get Danny into a 12-step ebike recovery program.

Santa Cruz Carbon Frame
Full carbon C and CC frame CC frames use the very best materials and production processes available. Our C Carbon frames have the same features but the trade off for a little less $ is a little more weight. Both versions are made in our own factory, are just as strong and stiff as one another, and have a lifetime warranty.*

Interchangeable 720 Wh Battery
The Heckler’s 720wh interchangeable battery allows riders to expand their own trail map – accessing previously unreachable trails, unlocking less-used trails and cramming more into less time. The bigger battery give riders more range to go further or have less anxiety doing so. But the bigger the battery the greater the weight, and there’s a point where the advantage of more range is overcome by the negative handling characteristics. That’s why after a lot of testing of different battery sizes we feel 720wh is the sweet spot for big rides on real trails. Making the battery removable (using a 4mm hex key) makes it easy to drop a new one in or charge off the bike (at an AirBnB, motel or apartment).

Shimano STEPS EP8
The new Shimano STEPS EP8 motor is lighter (2.6kg – 310g saving over the previous model), more powerful (85Nm) and more efficient than ever (36% less friction). The algorithm of Trail mode has been tuned to allow all 85Nm of power to be harnessed when needed but to not deplete the battery any faster. The motor is very quiet now, reduced to just a whisper of a whir so you can just focus on the sound of rubber on dirt. And it’s much smaller in volume so you get more clearance when challenging yourself to making it up and over obstacles that now seem fun to try with the addition of some motor assist.

150mm VPP Suspension
One of the best suspension systems ever to grace a mountain bike. It’s versatility means it gobbles up the rough stuff but is also really efficient. The two stout links create a very tough bike that’s made to last many lifetimes of trails. One of the best suspension systems ever to grace a mountain bike. It’s versatility means it gobbles up the rough stuff but is also really efficient. The two stout links create a very tough bike that’s made to last many lifetimes of trails.

Short, stout counter-rotating links connect the front and rear triangles to create an extremely robust chassis. Simple linkages contain the pivot points to prevent slop from developing over time; grease ports make it serviceable; pivots run on large diameter axles and bearings, which we offer free lifetime replacement for. An ebike will see more abuse than a usual bike (longer, further, higher) so having something that runs and runs and runs is important.

Smart Spec
The Shimano STEPS system is also devoid of any large, clumsy displays that are impractical in real mountain biking situations. Moreso, there’s less to go wrong or break in case of a tumble. We used Shimano’s two compact EM800 (color) and E7000 (B&W) displays paired with the EM800 or E-7000 mode switch to create a simple integrated cockpit. The switch is unobtrusive, intuitive and has the best dropper lever compatibility. The Shimano STEPs app can be connected via Bluetooth or plug-in to the Shimano E-Tube app, which allows for powerful management of the assist levels and provides diagnostic capabilities to troubleshoot any issues you may have.

Performance, Reliability, Fully Supported
These are three traits our bikes are legendary for, so when we build a complete bike we always pair our frames with components that are regarded similarly. For the all-important drive unit, we used entirely Shimano STEPS components – battery, charge port, power button, mode switches. This means all parts, service, and warranty is available through Shimano and Santa Cruz. Shimano stock e-parts through distributors and retailers the world over, the Shimano E-Tube app can troubleshoot any issues, and there’s already robust retailer training through S-Tec, consumer websites, and a network of technical product support teams. The Shimano motor and battery, as well as the whole parts spec, were carefully chosen for performance, reliability, and support.

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