Steve - with those opening shots and commentary, I was half expecting David Attenborough to drop in off that waterfall on the Heckler. Excellent review (as usual) and top marks to the folks in production working behind the lens trying to make you look good! 😎
I’ve been riding a trek fuel exe since may never going back to analog now it’s my first full suspension bike too, it’s opened up areas trail wise that I couldn’t get to very often plus longer sessions and I still get a work out.
I came for the Heckler SL review. I left with another bucket list mtb vacation spot. Looks absolutely beautiful. And beautiful film Steve- kudos the camera and editing folks. Love that it’s still off the radar a bit. Love that Heckler SL too- I just wish the battery was removable. How do I get my Heckler SL from the States to Jura? For me the whole raison d’etre for an ebike is trips, not my local stuff. Non-removable batteries make flying with your emtb a no go. And even traveling by auto is more of a pain when I can’t pop out the battery to charge it. Decisions decisions. Lol
If you're going to travel that far with a 10k bike, it might be a better idea to just rent for a few days. It would be way cheaper and save any potential damage, getting lost, and overall stress of not having a bike if doesn't arrive on time. AIrliners aren't great about this stuff anyways. You can always have your mechanic drop the battery though if you're going for a few months and pick up one there and have it installed.
Agreed. Brands need to get battery rental sorted, maybe at major airports? Also, when reviewing these places (which I appreciate this wasn't really) please give us an idea of the season, when are the best riding conditions. On this theme, some reviews of riding destinations that work in the winter when the UK is at it's grimmest (and you can get your ebike to) would be super. We drove to Finale in March and it was fantastic, skipped a week of rain for a week of sun.
@@gsportgeorge seasons ? Well summer is generally May June July and August in the UK November December January February is winter ❄️ although October this year was 25 degrees! 😂
It's a lovely looking bike and I'm sure its very capable on the descents, however I'd prefer a full fat version of the bike. More powerful motor and a bigger battery will make a huge difference. SL's struggle to keep up with the big boys on a big ride.
One of your best video ever. In its so beautiful place. J'ai hâte d'aller rouler dans le jura ! The heckler SL would be possibly my next emtb after my sworks SL 2021.
Also, just returned from a trip to Bentonville, AR, USA. Just because there’s not allot of elevation, I personally wouldn’t even bother going there without an ebike (for all the reasons we already love e MTB’s) MORE LAPS/MORE RIDING!
Cool, but who can spend $9500 for the R and up to $16,000 for the XX AXS; kind of ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful bikes with all the best bits and pieces but there's a reason Santa Cruz are considered 'Dentist Bikes'
@@RookYZRM1 I'm in no way trying to insult anyone who can afford them, I'm just saying there is no need for these companies to be charging this kind of money for a fucking mountain bike. Not saying this Heckler should be a $1500 bike but I also don't think the top tier package should be worth 5 figures.
Another great video. A friend of mine who was an “analog bike holdout” here in Oregon finally got one of these in magenta. Great advances. She loves it. And myself, having done the Pass du Porte in France/Switzerland, I agree with your comments about using the lifts to mountain top and using the ebike to get around in between. That’s what I’ll do on my next Pass Porte!
HI Great stuff! The NOX Cycles Epium Enduro with 180/180 weighs in @ approx. 20, or the - even lighter @ about 18,5 kg - All Mtn with 160/150 mm. Produced in Europe! I would love to see You test and review them... ( even if I coudnt afford one 🙂) ...The Fazua 60/430 Wh combo is a killer :-) Thanks, enjoying every minute of Your videos.. Greets
That was a fantastic watch , absolutely stunning bike , I was always against an ebike but nearly 50 and hating the climbs is changing my mind , Megatower up for sale , lightweight E mtb I think it’s got to be
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L e-MTB!!!!!!!!Dream bike, it'd be just perfect for me, ESPECIALLY in that color! Remind me of some cool freestyle bikes I had in the 1980s.
I read in another review that "It’s only when things get really fast and rough that you’ll be reminded of the fact that this is a trail bike", in other words, when things start to get rought we cannot compare this bike with a Kenevo SL, only with a Levo SL, right? My other question is, for a person like me who, when going from a 160mm/150mm bike to a 170mm/170mm bike, gained a lot of confidence and started doing things that he never dreamed of doing with a 160mm/150mm bike, going back to a 160mm/150mm wouldn´t be a bit risky?
Seriously? 10mm travel made a difference? I bet that 99.9% was mental. I upped the travel on my old stumpjumper Evo by 10mm front and more in the rear with a linkage and honestly didn’t notice anything.
The Hekler SL is nice but wasn’t for me. I really liked the climb performance of the Fazua system. What I didn’t like was the MX setup. The 27.5 rear was a little too willing to break loose for my liking. I do wish Santa Cruz had done a full 29er (like a Hightower SL) with the option to mullet it out if you wish.
Steve, Great Footage, one of the few times iv seen you come off! Which begs the question why is the only protection you were a Helmet!? I have the Focus Jam SL Basically the same as the Heckler but much cheaper for anyone like me who just Loves the Fazzua Motor! We Keep going when the Full Fat Boys Hit the Wall! 👍
Lovely bike and I’m sure it rides as nice as my SC Tallboy - but I’m addicted to my 90nm full fat Specsh Turbo Levo and it’s long life 700w battery. You’ve ridden both - how does the Heckler SL compare.
That place is so beautiful. Also where is the motor on the bikes”? If it’s hidden in the frame then that’s a game changer. Also you’re 💯 Right about the data and stats on a bike , ALL that matters is “ do you like the bike “ who cares about the range, battery Kw bla bla bla 😂 I’ve got the Orbea Rise , it’s not perfect it doesn’t have a huge range but who cares I just ride it until the battery runs out.. no problem whatsoever 👍🏾
Hi there I'm really hoping you can help. I've just replace all electronics on my ebike. New display,wiring,controller,throttle and rear wheel with hub motor all parts are the exact same that came of the bike but still my wheel won't kick in, I also got all the new parts from the company I purchased the bike. I do get power to my display but when I turn the throttle not a thing happens,any ideas. I got it from a company called RichBit, thanks 👍
I don't believe any of the words spoken here. Marketing gibberish. I ride an electric bike myself and have a lot of fun. However, the new Santa is no reason to give up my existing Scott, which is decently modified and personalized. Nice video and nature.
Bigger battery means more weight, more power consumption, often coupled with a power hungry motor, doesn't necessarily mean greater range. If you have a chance rent a SL ebike, give it a try! I rented a Orbea Rise H15, 540 Wh battery, shimano EP8 limited to 60NM, done 90 Km, 1500m climbing, wish I could get that on my Trek Rail...
I am a 100Kg guy, I don't think saving 5Kg in weight with the Bike instead of having 750 -960 Wh battery is the way to go...if you're looking for Climbing.
@holger_ger3391 Exactly, why pretend, spend 10K so it looks like your not on an e-bike. I tell my mates on fancy bikes. I can spend an extra 10 grand to make my bike 3kg lighter. Or I can save the ten grand, take time off work ride more and maybe shed 5kg of weight and get some awsome ride time either way.
I came for the landscape (not for the bikes). Nice shots but zero info about where this has been shot actually. The "Jura" is big and streches for more than 200 km and it even divides on two countries. No info where FBM has his shop and no link to where he offers his service. I stopped watching when the belly guy started to talk about the bike...
No need for an Ebike if you love analogue suffering up 2000m, but for those who want to enjoy their day out ebikes are great but just need route planning to the charge points.@@JohnBaxendale
@@jonibz1456 lots of reliability issues reported everywhere by people doing long term reviews of it. I tried it and I can say that the firmware is quite bad for modern standards, with the motor not giving power when needed and quite harsh when it does. Also the remote motor control is appalling… I don’t get how brands like transition and Santa Cruz managed to select such a piece of garbage for their bikes…didn’t they try it first???
@@haribouss So i guess this is an issue with the motor then, and on other bikes, as the Heckler SL is so new? Seams odd that Santa Cruz would go for a duff motor as they are known for holding back on new trends as keeping people on the trail seams to be high on their list.
@@MB-zl4vp would they have been better off with something like the TQ motor, I haven’t heard of anything major with that motor?, Anyone heard of anything different?
Since when is "430Wh" a "big" battery? Thats never been "big" on any scale. it's downright small - if not tiny. Thats the size of many 'extender' type batteries offered by manufacturers. I liked this channel much better before it turned into a thinly disguised info-mercial.
Better listen! He was talking about the Batteries of LIGHT E-mtbs! Trek Fuel exe and orbea rise Akku are both 360WH, Specialized Levo SL 320WH, so all below 400Watts!! That makes the Hecklers SL Battery 430 even win the Game. (Range extenders exckuded) So what is Your Point??
I ride a 378wh jam focus, its de restricted and its still more than enough, are you in constant boost? I have thee extra TEC pack battery and i never use it
Santa Cruz...broken frames. No warrabty at all, squeky bearings, good luck with that one. Buy somphing proper. How independend are you as a broedcaster?
Yess, for the first owner :) And then still: how long are you willing to wait for a new frame and/ore new bearings and replace them all the time. But still: how independent are you? Sponsored is is my guess? @@KMCreativeDesign
Steve - with those opening shots and commentary, I was half expecting David Attenborough to drop in off that waterfall on the Heckler. Excellent review (as usual) and top marks to the folks in production working behind the lens trying to make you look good! 😎
It's not a review. It's a 13 min ad.
Yeh, but it makes a change from them flogging Specialized then Canyon emtbs Rob 😆
I’ve been riding a trek fuel exe since may never going back to analog now it’s my first full suspension bike too, it’s opened up areas trail wise that I couldn’t get to very often plus longer sessions and I still get a work out.
Same, it's just enough of an extra push you find yourself at junctions in the trail and thinking "why not"!
I’ve got a Heckler SL XO AXS built and it’s INCREDIBLE!! My friend has the full fat heckler and I easily kept up with him on a 16mi 4500ft day.
I took one on a demo, I loved it! Super playful and fun to ride. Wheelie and manuals were 10x easier than my EMTB.
I came for the Heckler SL review. I left with another bucket list mtb vacation spot. Looks absolutely beautiful. And beautiful film Steve- kudos the camera and editing folks. Love that it’s still off the radar a bit.
Love that Heckler SL too- I just wish the battery was removable. How do I get my Heckler SL from the States to Jura? For me the whole raison d’etre for an ebike is trips, not my local stuff. Non-removable batteries make flying with your emtb a no go. And even traveling by auto is more of a pain when I can’t pop out the battery to charge it. Decisions decisions. Lol
If you're going to travel that far with a 10k bike, it might be a better idea to just rent for a few days. It would be way cheaper and save any potential damage, getting lost, and overall stress of not having a bike if doesn't arrive on time. AIrliners aren't great about this stuff anyways. You can always have your mechanic drop the battery though if you're going for a few months and pick up one there and have it installed.
Agreed. Brands need to get battery rental sorted, maybe at major airports?
Also, when reviewing these places (which I appreciate this wasn't really) please give us an idea of the season, when are the best riding conditions. On this theme, some reviews of riding destinations that work in the winter when the UK is at it's grimmest (and you can get your ebike to) would be super. We drove to Finale in March and it was fantastic, skipped a week of rain for a week of sun.
@home2roost it's $7,200 not $10,000 SMH. Quit dramatizing the price.
@@gsportgeorge seasons ? Well summer is generally May June July and August in the UK November December January February is winter ❄️ although October this year was 25 degrees! 😂
Maybe check out the Focus Jam2 SL. Same motor with a removable battery.
Great shots, great editing, great video!
Thanks a lot!
It's a lovely looking bike and I'm sure its very capable on the descents, however I'd prefer a full fat version of the bike. More powerful motor and a bigger battery will make a huge difference. SL's struggle to keep up with the big boys on a big ride.
I bet it’s about £10’000 ! The Santa Cruz Nomad is £9500!!! And it’s NOT an Ebike 😂
That would be the regular Heckler!
@@duffyrides 😂 I don’t think it’s the “ Bike “ that struggles to keep up more like the person riding it struggles 🤣
One of your best video ever. In its so beautiful place. J'ai hâte d'aller rouler dans le jura ! The heckler SL would be possibly my next emtb after my sworks SL 2021.
Try it or at least try a bike with that motor first…I did and it was a deal breaker!
@@MB-zl4vpthe Fazua Ride 60 indeed doesn’t seem super reliable nor really a mature system. Too bad cause Santa SL looks so good!
Also, just returned from a trip to Bentonville, AR, USA. Just because there’s not allot of elevation, I personally wouldn’t even bother going there without an ebike (for all the reasons we already love e MTB’s) MORE LAPS/MORE RIDING!
4:29 the ridin's on the wall ❤😅
Cool, but who can spend $9500 for the R and up to $16,000 for the XX AXS; kind of ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful bikes with all the best bits and pieces but there's a reason Santa Cruz are considered 'Dentist Bikes'
8000 grand for the gx axs t build.
@@asd5738 $12.6K Canadian
So you basically answer your question ⁉️
So everyone that spends 10k on a hobby are dentists? Just a matter of priorities buddy, some have them arranged differently.
@@RookYZRM1 I'm in no way trying to insult anyone who can afford them, I'm just saying there is no need for these companies to be charging this kind of money for a fucking mountain bike. Not saying this Heckler should be a $1500 bike but I also don't think the top tier package should be worth 5 figures.
You have to come to Ecuador, it's unbelievable how many trails you have and so different can be depending on the altitude
agreed
beautiful shots and really nice bike!
Another great video. A friend of mine who was an “analog bike holdout” here in Oregon finally got one of these in magenta. Great advances. She loves it. And myself, having done the Pass du Porte in France/Switzerland, I agree with your comments about using the lifts to mountain top and using the ebike to get around in between. That’s what I’ll do on my next Pass Porte!
Is that bad to be an analog bike hold out ?
@@seancompton5393 Not at all. Ride what you like. All bikes are good! I still ride/race analog a few times a year “just to stay honest” also.😉👍
What a philosopher you are Steve!
HI Great stuff! The NOX Cycles Epium Enduro with 180/180 weighs in @ approx. 20, or the - even lighter @ about 18,5 kg - All Mtn with 160/150 mm. Produced in Europe! I would love to see You test and review them... ( even if I coudnt afford one 🙂) ...The Fazua 60/430 Wh combo is a killer :-) Thanks, enjoying every minute of Your videos.. Greets
What’s most impressive about this thing to me is that it doesn’t even look like an emtb. I keep thinking that it’s a normal bike.
It's incredible, one day I don't think we are going to be able to tell the difference between eMTBs and Non-eMTBs apart from an on button!
I got the s kit for a sweet price about 800$ less than online . Can’t wait for it to arrive!
That was a fantastic watch , absolutely stunning bike , I was always against an ebike but nearly 50 and hating the climbs is changing my mind , Megatower up for sale , lightweight E mtb I think it’s got to be
which one did you go for?
Classy video, nice job.
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L e-MTB!!!!!!!!Dream bike, it'd be just perfect for me, ESPECIALLY in that color! Remind me of some cool freestyle bikes I had in the 1980s.
Loving the intro!
One of your best videos youth makes me want to go there and almost makes me want a santacruz..almost x
What a location and bike!!!
I read in another review that "It’s only when things get really fast and rough that you’ll be reminded of the fact that this is a trail bike", in other words, when things start to get rought we cannot compare this bike with a Kenevo SL, only with a Levo SL, right?
My other question is, for a person like me who, when going from a 160mm/150mm bike to a 170mm/170mm bike, gained a lot of confidence and started doing things that he never dreamed of doing with a 160mm/150mm bike, going back to a 160mm/150mm wouldn´t be a bit risky?
Seriously? 10mm travel made a difference? I bet that 99.9% was mental. I upped the travel on my old stumpjumper Evo by 10mm front and more in the rear with a linkage and honestly didn’t notice anything.
❤ Love these integrated features -showing new bikes and beautiful destinations - this is stuff that dreams are made of! 👍
Great country side Stevie! Thanks for showing us around those beautiful hills and also the gorgeous Heckler! Thanks Fellas!
No problem at all! 🤙
I was told by the official shop of the Santa Cruz distributor in Indonesia that Heckler SL won't be available across Asia, is that true?
Best commercial in a while, but no real information on the bike and feel. No removal battery, no range extender yet. So basically a nice gadget imo.
Loved the views and the review!
The Hekler SL is nice but wasn’t for me. I really liked the climb performance of the Fazua system. What I didn’t like was the MX setup. The 27.5 rear was a little too willing to break loose for my liking. I do wish Santa Cruz had done a full 29er (like a Hightower SL) with the option to mullet it out if you wish.
Amazing video!! Congratulations!! 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you!! 😁
Wow. I just wow wanted to watch a review on the bike. Next level faff. Great shots though.
Steve, Great Footage, one of the few times iv seen you come off! Which begs the question why is the only protection you were a Helmet!? I have the Focus Jam SL Basically the same as the Heckler but much cheaper for anyone like me who just Loves the Fazzua Motor! We Keep going when the Full Fat Boys Hit the Wall! 👍
Lovely bike and I’m sure it rides as nice as my SC Tallboy - but I’m addicted to my 90nm full fat Specsh Turbo Levo and it’s long life 700w battery. You’ve ridden both - how does the Heckler SL compare.
Yeah i would like to hear this comparison as well
Dream bike
Have to make another comment. Prosit to the filming and editing!
Thanks Fritz!
My speakers exploded at the beginning 😂
WHAT A VIDEO!!! BIG 👍
great edit,amazing bike, BUT...waiting for new Bullet SL w Bosch SX
Love that color!
Francois it's very Amazing guys !!!!
That place is so beautiful. Also where is the motor on the bikes”? If it’s hidden in the frame then that’s a game changer. Also you’re 💯 Right about the data and stats on a bike , ALL that matters is “ do you like the bike “ who cares about the range, battery Kw bla bla bla 😂 I’ve got the Orbea Rise , it’s not perfect it doesn’t have a huge range but who cares I just ride it until the battery runs out.. no problem whatsoever 👍🏾
How would you compare this to the YT Decoy?
Jura looks sick! Jura Sick. Get it?
🤦♂️
Hi there I'm really hoping you can help. I've just replace all electronics on my ebike. New display,wiring,controller,throttle and rear wheel with hub motor all parts are the exact same that came of the bike but still my wheel won't kick in, I also got all the new parts from the company I purchased the bike. I do get power to my display but when I turn the throttle not a thing happens,any ideas. I got it from a company called RichBit, thanks 👍
Can the dentists and lawyers please sign up here! :evil laugh!
I don't believe any of the words spoken here. Marketing gibberish. I ride an electric bike myself and have a lot of fun. However, the new Santa is no reason to give up my existing Scott, which is decently modified and personalized. Nice video and nature.
Bold statements for a 2 bike comparison in which you’ve never have ridden the bike you proclaim is simply marketing gibberish!
france bread and cheese. it is a perfect day🥰
Great looking bike but I’ll stick with the full fat, large battery variety.
Bigger battery means more weight, more power consumption, often coupled with a power hungry motor, doesn't necessarily mean greater range.
If you have a chance rent a SL ebike, give it a try!
I rented a Orbea Rise H15, 540 Wh battery, shimano EP8 limited to 60NM, done 90 Km, 1500m climbing, wish I could get that on my Trek Rail...
I am a 100Kg guy, I don't think saving 5Kg in weight with the Bike instead of having 750 -960 Wh battery is the way to go...if you're looking for Climbing.
@@holger_ger3391 I that conditions I do agree!
@holger_ger3391 Exactly, why pretend, spend 10K so it looks like your not on an e-bike.
I tell my mates on fancy bikes. I can spend an extra 10 grand to make my bike 3kg lighter. Or I can save the ten grand, take time off work ride more and maybe shed 5kg of weight and get some awsome ride time either way.
What glasses is Francoise wearing?😅
all it needs is 5in tires and it could ride over most anything
it's great bike! but why shimano motor?
It is definetely a workout with that tiny motor 😂
I,m not really a cyclist but this looks fun. How much does a bicycle like this takes me back? 3000 bucks?
Might find that bike is close to 10k but you can get a good emtb for half that price.
@@markroberts7866 Really, 10.000 USD for a bicycle? I'll stick with hiking then,LOL.
@@mountaincruiser817 close for that bike but like I said you can get a good emtb for a half that price.
@@mountaincruiser817 yeah but hiking is s hit compared to e-mtn biking
@@robrider838Well if you find it a shit activity it doesn't mean it is for everyone. I enjoy it a lot.
It's light, and so will your wallet be after you buy it.
It helps with weight saving! 🤷♂️
I came for the landscape (not for the bikes). Nice shots but zero info about where this has been shot actually. The "Jura" is big and streches for more than 200 km and it even divides on two countries. No info where FBM has his shop and no link to where he offers his service. I stopped watching when the belly guy started to talk about the bike...
...dont forget: and one of the most expensive.😅
Mountain biking unfortunately has become a sport for rich people
Emtb freedom?? carry a Solar panel with you then possible otherwise you are always tied to planning a power source.
They have pedals too ;)
No need for an Ebike if you love analogue suffering up 2000m, but for those who want to enjoy their day out ebikes are great but just need route planning to the charge points.@@JohnBaxendale
lahvley edit
Honestly, came for a bike review and just found waffle. Not the best really despite the fancy camera shots. Not enough focus on the bike
Too bad the fazua motor SUCKS and has ruined another potentially fabulous bike!!!🤬
why does it suck? want to know your experience, and the experience of others.
@@jonibz1456 lots of reliability issues reported everywhere by people doing long term reviews of it. I tried it and I can say that the firmware is quite bad for modern standards, with the motor not giving power when needed and quite harsh when it does. Also the remote motor control is appalling… I don’t get how brands like transition and Santa Cruz managed to select such a piece of garbage for their bikes…didn’t they try it first???
Do you have personal experience with this motor?
@@haribouss So i guess this is an issue with the motor then, and on other bikes, as the Heckler SL is so new? Seams odd that Santa Cruz would go for a duff motor as they are known for holding back on new trends as keeping people on the trail seams to be high on their list.
@@MB-zl4vp would they have been better off with something like the TQ motor, I haven’t heard of anything major with that motor?, Anyone heard of anything different?
Ridiculous priced mtb E bike that’ll b out of date in 2 years. This show is getting more detached from reality of the normal bike consumer
Since when is "430Wh" a "big" battery? Thats never been "big" on any scale. it's downright small - if not tiny. Thats the size of many 'extender' type batteries offered by manufacturers. I liked this channel much better before it turned into a thinly disguised info-mercial.
Better listen!
He was talking about the Batteries of LIGHT E-mtbs!
Trek Fuel exe and orbea rise Akku are both 360WH, Specialized Levo SL 320WH, so all below 400Watts!!
That makes the Hecklers SL Battery 430 even win the Game.
(Range extenders exckuded)
So what is Your Point??
If the bike is much lighter, the motor less powerful you don't need a battery as big as full power Emtbs do you?
Independent test estimate this bike can climb 5700 feet. That is close to most full power e bikes.
I ride a 378wh jam focus, its de restricted and its still more than enough, are you in constant boost? I have thee extra TEC pack battery and i never use it
Santa Cruz...broken frames. No warrabty at all, squeky bearings, good luck with that one. Buy somphing proper. How independend are you as a broedcaster?
Take it easy on the sauce. Santa Cruz is Lifetime warranty. Free replacement bearings for life.
Yess, for the first owner :) And then still: how long are you willing to wait for a new frame and/ore new bearings and replace them all the time. But still: how independent are you? Sponsored is is my guess?
@@KMCreativeDesign
Not enough travel. Transition relay best in class by a mile
THATS SOME GAY GRACE MUSIC