Name: Santa Cruz Vala
Brand: Santa Cruz
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95 (3 reviews)

95/100

BikeRide Score

Users (0 ratings)

Experts (3 reviews)

Summary of Reviews

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

18 reasons to buy

Santa Cruz offers the Vala in five SRAM-equipped builds: three Carbon C frames and two with higher-end Carbon CC.

The Gen 5 Performance Line CX motor’s responsiveness, natural pedal feel, and easy-to-control power output impress experts. One calls it the best on the market.

Reviewers agree the Vala’s “superbly balanced” geometry and weight distribution result in excellent handling and control.

Testers relish the Vala’s agility, which is particularly impressive for a full-power e-MTB.

Experts say that, especially in the high geo setting, the agile Vala encourages playful downhill riding, including bunny hops, manuals, and pumping through berms.

Experts say the rear suspension's "active" and consistent performance through successive hits on steep, chunky descents helps maintain speed.

The independent, captive geo and progression rate flip chips are quickly adjusted with a 5mm hex key.

With Hi geo selected, the Vala’s planted front wheel, precise steering, and predictable handling inspire confidence on technical climbs.

The progression rate flip-chip’s Hi setting (26%) increases the suspension’s responsiveness; the Lo setting (29%) provides more control from hard impacts.

An expert says the Vala handles like a traditional bike, despite the weight of the e-system.

Multiple testers commend Santa Cruz’s choice of anti-rise, which keeps the rear end poised when braking.

The Vala is easy to get used to, with minimal adjustment needed to feel at home, according to experts.

The 2.5” Schwalbe Magic Mary tires prove grippy over wet rocks and ruts on leaf-strewn trails.

Several reviewers express satisfaction with the travel of the stock dropper posts on the medium (180mm) and large (210mm) frames.

All experts love how quiet the Vala is on the trail.

A reviewer praises the adjustability of the “top-notch” FOX Factory suspension on the Vala X0 AXS RSV.

The Vala’s slim down tube, clean lines, and glossy paint earn compliments.

Most testers like the low-profile Bosch Bluetooth Mini Remote and top tube-integrated display.

4 reasons not to buy

The Vala is heavier than competing high-travel, 600Wh trail e-MTBs.

Testers find the 600Wh battery undersized and better suited to athletic riders.

The optional 241Wh range extender eliminates the only bottle cage mount.

The battery cannot be removed for charging.

Bottom line

Santa Cruz's Vala is a mullet-only trail e-MTB with a 160mm fork and 150mm of rear travel. To fit the full-size Bosch motor, Horst Link replaces the brand’s famed VPP suspension. Experts call the Vala a versatile all-rounder that’s both enjoyable to ride and eminently capable on techy climbs, rough descents, and the flat. The handling is playful, agile, and balanced. Outstanding control, dynamic rear suspension, refined pedal assist, and grippy tires further contribute to the rounded performance. The only downside is the small, non-removable 600Wh battery. Overall, experts consider the Vala a shoo-in among the best mid-travel e-MTBs.

Where to buy

$7,299.00 Competitive Cyclist See it $7,299.00 evo See it $7,299.99 Mike's Bikes See it $9,499.00 Jenson USA See it $9,499.00 Contender Bicycles See it $9,499.00 Gravity Coalition See it

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