Santa Cruz Vala AL
95/100
BikeRide Score
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Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz Vala AL. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
17 reasons to buy
- The Santa Cruz Vala AL comes in two builds: AL Deore (Shimano) and AL 70 (direct-mount SRAM Transmission).
- Several testers highlight how easy it is to set the bike up and feel comfortable with it from the first ride.
- The Vala AL’s handling is very similar to the carbon version, according to experts who say its higher weight is hardly felt while riding.
- Testers enjoy the Vala AL’s lively feel, saying it’s surprisingly agile and flickable, while remaining controlled.
- Two reviewers revel in the delightful cornering.
- The Vala AL 70’s plush suspension “flutters sweetly” over chunky trails, delivering great comfort at both ends of the bike.
- Experts applaud the superbly balanced geometry, abundant traction, planted front end, and ability to plough through rough sections.
- Most reviewers deem the Vala AL an excellent climber.
- An expert praises the AL 70’s “near-perfect” tire spec.
- A reviewer says the Vala AL feels great to jump, despite its weight.
- Santa Cruz has an online calculator for suspension setup.
- Testers are satisfied with the range provided by the 600Wh battery.
- The Vala AL is compatible with a range extender, though this occupies the only bottle cage mount.
- The Gen 5 Performance CX motor’s refined power and responsiveness mean assistance doesn’t negatively affect traction.
- Power and torque can be tuned through the Bosch Flow app.
- Reviewers are impressed by how quiet the ride is.
- Santa Cruz provides a lifetime warranty on the frame, pivot bearings, and the AL 70’s Reserve 30|HD rims.
5 reasons not to buy
- The Vala AL lacks the geometry and suspension flip-chips found on its carbon sibling.
- The Vala AL isn’t compatible with a 29” rear wheel.
- This bike is only available in four sizes.
- An expert says the RockShox Zeb Base fork can feel a bit springy on big compressions, meaning the front doesn’t track as predictably as the rear.
- Though the SRAM DB8 brakes offer consistent performance, some find them slightly underpowered.
Bottom line
With the Vala AL, Santa Cruz makes its e-bikes accessible to more riders. At full price, however, the carbon Vala R costs just $250 more than the similarly spec’d Vala AL 70, the higher-end of the two aluminum builds. That said, some buyers may appreciate the added toughness and simplicity of the metal version, especially as experts say the alloy and carbon bikes handle very similarly on the trail. The Vala AL, unsurprisingly, earns unanimous praise for its well-rounded performance, agility, comfort, and surprisingly lively feel, and Santa Cruz’s impressive lifetime warranties and customer support help justify its premium pricing.Where to buy
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Facts
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
5.5 Hours
Maximum Range
65 Miles
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
100 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 16.7Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
53.11, 53.68, 54.6 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Expert Reviews
90/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsSanta Cruz Vala AL 70 Review | Surprisingly Good Value, Unsurprisingly a Brilliant E-MTB
Santa Cruz Vala AL Review [German Video]
Profile: Santa Cruz Vala AL – Test 2025 [German]
Santa Cruz Vala Aluminum – Demo & First Ride Impressions!!
Santa Cruz Vala AL First Ride: Full Metal Jackass?
First Ride: 2025 Santa Cruz Vala AL E-MTB
Testing the New Santa Cruz Vala AL 70 [Italian]
Rankings
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Bike Comparison
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Forum Discussions
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