Santa Cruz has simply dropped a brand new eMTB, and it’s most likely not what you count on. At first look, it seems to be like a Santa Cruz, however then you definately begin to understand one thing is completely different… like the shortage of VPP!
Yup, following within the footsteps of the Santa Cruz Blur, the brand new Vala abandons VPP in favor of a extra conventional four-bar design. Why? Based on Santa Cruz, all of it comes right down to motor packaging and making their “greatest dealing with ebike” but.
The Santa Cruz Vala is a full energy ebike, which means it has a (comparatively) massive Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor to mount to the body. This newest era full energy motor with 600 watts of peak energy and 85nm of max torque was simply launched, and whereas quieter than ever, it nonetheless takes some consideration to suit into the body. For Santa Cruz, the motor housing could be in the way in which of the best pivot placement for VPP, so that they determined to look into a brand new design that may give them “the liberty to make all the precise spec and kinematic decisions.”
4-bar suspension designs have been round endlessly for a purpose, and Santa Cruz states they have been in a position to enhance anti-squat figures whereas sustaining the best quantity of anti-rise whereas additionally lowering the leverage ratio for higher damping and consistency on lengthy first rate. The body additionally has a development flip chip unbiased of the geo flip chip which permits for 26-29% development. The Vala presents 150mm of rear journey and is paired with 160mm journey suspension forks.
By way of ebike system packaging, Santa Cruz additionally went with a 600Wh inner fastened battery with a view to cut back the dimensions of the downtube. They level out that the subsequent measurement up, the 800Wh battery, provides 2.2lbs so most riders can be happier on the 600Wh battery that fits their wants. If you happen to do want extra vary, the 250Wh PowerMore vary extender is an possibility that provides 3.3lbs and is out there aftermarket.
The suspension structure and body design additionally permits for an added 110mm of insertion depth with Valas coming with the longest dropper posts for SC but. Medium will spec with 180mm journey posts, whereas larges will include 210mm.
All Valas can be offered as MX wheel bikes with a 29″ wheel in entrance and 27.5 in again, which they are saying presents higher dealing with for ebikes to counteract the additional weight of the battery. Frames have a most tire width of 27.5 x 2.5″, and use Increase 148mm spacing and submit mount brakes for 200mm rotors.
Designed with sturdiness and ease of service in thoughts, the frames use 5mm Allen key fittings on all pivots, and the principle pivots use preloading collet axles with increasing wedges to forestall them from backing out. You’ll additionally discover larger ball bearings, a one piece solid shock hyperlink, captive Geo flip chip {hardware}, and 4 outsized bearings on the chain keep pivots with an axle to carry the items captive.
Extra body particulars embody a instrument mount beneath the highest tube, and a show on the highest tube that connects wirelessly to the mode change on the bars.
Geometry
The Vala can be provided in 5 sizes, from SM to XXL. The Geo modify chip Ofers hello/lo settings that may modify the BB top by 4mm and the pinnacle tube angle by 0.3º.
Construct Kits and Pricing
Full builds begin with the R spec at $7,299 and prime out at $12,799 for the XX AXS RSV construct. All builds embody the brand new Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial casing tires, and SRAM brakes (Maven on S and above). Decrease builds use the C carbon frames, whereas XO AXS RSV and above get CC.
Claimed weights vary from 47.33lbs for the XX AXS RSV construct, to 49.49lbs for the R construct.
