Santa Cruz Stigmata

94/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
17.22, 18.77, 19.25, 18.20, 19.16 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz Stigmata. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

21 reasons to buy

  • This rig has been a proven winner in various gravel and cyclocross races.
  • Riders found comfort in the high-modulus carbon frame.
  • Bike-savants found the Stigmata comfortable, efficient and fast whilst climbing.
  • Stellar handling resulted from considered off-road geometry.
  • Slack fork angles borrow offroad handling capabilites from MTB geometry.
  • SRAM Rival hydraulic brakes exhibited expeditious ceasing abilities.
  • Tire clearance welcomes anything up to 700x45c or 27.5x2.1”.
  • Older models’ press-fit bottom brackets have been ditched for a threaded BSA.
  • The Carbon CC frame material proved lightweight and stiff.
  • All options were lightweight, especially the Red AXS Reserve at 17.22lbs!
  • Mounts for three water-bottle cages and fenders set you straight on travails.
  • Full-length, internal cable-routing includes a pathway for a dropper post.
  • The Stigmata is available in five different builds, including one in 650b.
  • Maxxis Ravager tires displayed a strong casing and plenty of traction on dirt.
  • Range on Rival 10-42t cassettes was adequate, on Force AXS 10-50t, it's huge.
  • Santa Cruz Reserve 22 carbon rims were comfortable on crag.
  • An expert found the WTB Saddle nothing butt comfortable.
  • The frame came across as classy, with boxy sections that made it easy to carry.
  • Visually arresting design lines created a unique look.
  • Efficient power transfer made narrow-tired Stigmatas roadworthy.
  • Tasty colorways fed hungry eyes with options in Olive Green and Mustard.

7 reasons not to buy

  • Some owners would have liked to see downtube protection against rocks.
  • A tester noted that chain drop and slap were issues on their 2x setup.
  • By most accounts, the Stigmata was worth the price, but that price was not low.
  • Santa Cruz only offers one 650b build, with Force AXS.
  • Maxxis Ravager tires seemed overkill for smoother dirt and tarmac.
  • A lack of additional mounts limited rack and accessory options for bikepacking.
  • To one reviewer, the Stigmata’s front-end felt hypersensitive and was only suited to highly skilled riders.

Bottom line

Santa Cruz took many years of experience in creating killer mountain bikes and threw it into the Stigmata's carbon carcass to create a race-bred beast that does not disappoint onroad or off. Slack fork angles take influence from Santa Cruz’s mountain bike range, but combine with an efficient rear triangle and meerkatlike cockpit to create a lively and directed ride. This rig is available in five different builds, catering to gravel afficionados, cyclocross purists, all-rounders and anyone seeking a gear-range wide enough for chasing coconut crabs. It’s lightweight, fit with quality components and has an asking price to match. Most reviewers and owners felt that it was worth it.

Expert Reviews

89/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
88

Santa Cruz Stigmata Carbon CC Rival Review

The Stigmata Rival takes home our Editor’s Choice Award for its combination of well-rounded performance, comfortable ride quality, and efficiency… It’s not cheap, but we feel its worth the asking price…

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90
Cycling Weekly

Santa Cruz Stigmata

The Santa Cruz Stigmata is a class act, with great handling, well though-out components and eye-catching looks.

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New Santa Cruz Stigmata Cyclocross Bike Learns to Ride Gravel

It’s been really fast both on the road and on the gravel. Super stable, super fun to ride… neutral, fast and comfortable.

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The Amateur Hour

The Amateur Hour Rides Santa Cruz Stigmata

…it’s ******* great. Everyone should have one… it’s perfect for the road, trails, gravel. Great for adventures. This thing is light, it’s fast, it’s nimble and I love it.

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Biller Bike Reviews

Santa Cruz Stigmata Review vs. Ibis Hakka MX (650b Setup)

The Stigmata was significantly more comfortable… If I had to choose one, I would pick the Stigmata…

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Biller Bike Reviews

Cervelo Aspero Review vs. Ibis Hakka MX And Santa Cruz Stigmata

The Aspero can’t do the 2.1” tires that the Hakka and the Stigmata can… It’s a great gravel bike but I don’t think it’s as capable offroad as the Stigmata…

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The Radavist

The New Santa Cruz Stigmata Got Chubbier… and Lighter

The improvements in the Stigmata platform warrant an upgrade to your current Stiggy or if you’re looking for a carbon all-road bike, consider this an option. The new colors are crisp… it looks damn good!

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The Santa Cruz Stigmata CC Ultegra Is a ‘Cross Bike with the Gears for Adventure

There’s no doubt that the Stigmata is a ‘cross bike and adding the wide range 2x Ultegra drivetrain makes it capable of riding on road or gravel for longer distances.

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Gran Fondo

Santa Cruz Stigmata CC in Review

Experienced riders who want a direct-handling, agile bike that excels on tight courses will find what they need… Those looking for a more relaxed ride will find the nervous front-end tiring…

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 3 ratings
  • 5 star
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  • 4 star
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Bike Comparison

Santa Cruz Stigmata in comparison to averages

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