Santa Cruz Vala
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm | Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX | Battery Size: 600 Wh
The Santa Cruz Vala C GX AXS Kit is a full-power e-bike designed to deliver exceptional performance on the trail. With a Bosch Performance Line CX motor offering 85 Nm of torque and a 600Wh battery (with an optional 250Wh range extender), it provides powerful, reliable assistance on even the toughest climbs. The mixed-wheel setup (MX) combines a 29” front wheel and 27.5” rear for optimal handling and stability. The Vala features 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm travel fork, absorbing bumps and technical terrain with ease. Its innovative four-bar suspension design ensures excellent pedaling efficiency and control during descents. The lightweight C & CC Carbon frame keeps the bike agile and sub-50 pounds, while the flip-chip allows for personalized tuning of the bike’s suspension feel. Designed with practicality in mind, the Vala accommodates long dropper posts and larger bearings for durability. This is an e-bike that blends power, handling, and versatility for an unparalleled ride experience.
Highlights and information
Santa Cruz Vala: Power Meets Precision on the Trail
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm | Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX | Battery Size: 600 Wh
The Santa Cruz Vala is engineered to dominate the most challenging trails with superior stability and control. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear suspension, it effortlessly smooths out rugged terrain while providing a responsive ride. Its C and CC carbon frame options perfectly blend lightweight performance with impressive durability. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor, paired with a 600 Wh battery, powers through steep climbs and technical descents, delivering an exceptional range and quiet operation for an unrivaled eMTB experience.
Why the Santa Cruz Vala Stands Out
The Santa Cruz Vala merges the robust power of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with Santa Cruz's legendary handling and suspension. Its smooth, silent performance makes power delivery feel natural, while the 600 Wh battery—along with an optional 250 Wh PowerMore extender—ensures you can enjoy long, uninterrupted rides. Tailored geometry and advanced suspension technology make the Vala highly capable in technical sections and flowing singletrack, giving you the precision and confidence you need on any terrain.
Who Should Ride the Vala?
The Santa Cruz Vala is designed for riders who demand top-tier performance on challenging trails. Whether you’re scaling steep inclines, tackling intricate descents, or simply searching for a stable, balanced ride, the Vala offers power, agility, and versatility. It’s crafted for eMTB enthusiasts who appreciate extended range, sharp handling, and the durability to tackle aggressive trails.
WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT the Vala
- Bosch Performance Line CX Motor: This new motor delivers seamless, reliable power for technical climbs and long rides.
- 250Wh PowerMore Extender: For those long days in the saddle, the extender provides the extra boost you need.
- Lightweight, Durable Frame: Choose between C or CC carbon frames for a customized balance of performance and sturdiness.
- Mass Mounted Low: The 600 Wh battery positioning keeps weight low, enhancing traction and minimizing negative handling characteristics often found in e-MTBs with larger batteries. The optional 250 Wh PowerMore extender gives you the flexibility for longer rides when needed.
- Four Modes: The sleek, wireless mode controller on the handlebars lets you switch between four standard modes (Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo).
Frame Material
The Vala sports a lightweight and resilient C or CC Carbon frame, ensuring responsive handling and robustness for demanding trail conditions.
Suspension System
The Vala sports a lightweight and resilient C or CC Carbon frame, ensuring responsive handling and robustness for demanding trail conditions. Paired with the FOX Factory Float suspension, featuring a FOX 38 Float Factory fork with 160mm of front travel and a FOX Float X2 shock with 150mm of rear travel, it delivers exceptional performance. This advanced suspension system smooths out even the roughest terrain, providing superior control and comfort while maintaining the bike’s agile, responsive feel.
Motor and Battery
Powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Vala delivers smooth, quiet power. Its 600 Wh battery offers impressive range, while the optional 250 Wh extender takes your exploration even further.
Geometry and Fit
- Efficient Climbing: The steep seat tube angle ensures powerful pedaling, while the balanced rear center provides excellent traction on technical ascents. The adjustable geometry, with options for a lower bottom bracket, further enhances climbing stability and efficiency.
- Confident Descending: A slack head tube angle, long wheelbase, and low bottom bracket provide stability, control, and composure on steep, rough terrain. The ability to fine-tune the geometry offers even more confidence on technical descents.
- Balanced Handling: The adjustable reach, tall stack, and generous front center create a comfortable, tailored ride that blends agility and stability. The geometry scales well across sizes, offering a balanced fit for riders of all heights, perfect for tackling varied and challenging terrain.
Highlighted Models and Key Components
Santa Cruz Vala CC XX AXS Reserve
- Frame: Premium CC Carbon frame for ultimate strength and lightness.
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain for smooth, precise shifting.
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Factory fork with 160mm of travel and FOX Float X2 Factory shock for superior handling.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels designed for aggressive trail performance.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 600 Wh battery and 250 Wh PowerMore extender for extended range.
Santa Cruz Vala CC X0 AXS Reserve
- Frame: Durable and lightweight CC Carbon frame.
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 AXS 12-speed drivetrain for optimal performance on tough trails.
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Performance fork and FOX Float X2 shock for 160mm of travel.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels for reliable performance on technical terrain.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 600 Wh battery.
Santa Cruz Vala C GX AXS
- Frame: Carbon C frame, offering strength and versatility.
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain for seamless shifting and trail control.
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Performance fork and FOX Float X2 shock with 160mm of travel.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels for durability on rough terrain.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX motor for reliable, quiet power.
Additional Highlights
- Renowned Santa Cruz Dynamics: Iconic handling and suspension tailored for eMTB performance.
- Class-Leading Power: Bosch Performance Line CX motor guarantees smooth and natural assistance.
- Impressive Range: 600 Wh battery with extender capability for enhanced long-ride flexibility.
- Maintenance-Friendly: Durable pivots and lifetime-bearing replacement ensure reliability.
Not Exactly What You're Looking For?
- Santa Cruz Heckler SL: The Santa Cruz Heckler SL seamlessly blends the nimbleness of a traditional trail bike with the robust power of the Fazua Ride 60 motor, delivering a dynamic eMTB experience. Equipped with 150mm of VPP suspension, a mixed-wheel configuration, and modern geometry, it caters to riders who demand both performance and versatility.
- Santa Cruz Skitch: The Santa Cruz Skitch redefines versatility, seamlessly merging the speed and efficiency of a city commuter with the rugged capabilities of a gravel bike. Powered by the lightweight Fazua Ride 60 motor and a 430 Wh battery, the Skitch delivers smooth pedal assistance, making it perfect for fast urban commutes, lengthy gravel rides, and everything in between.
- Orbea Wild: The Orbea Wild redefines off-road adventures, offering lightweight design and unmatched performance for trail enthusiasts. Engineered for a world beyond power, it features optimized weight distribution and options for 170mm of travel in the standard models or 150mm in the new Wild ST (short travel) versions, making it a true trail conqueror.
The Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz Vala sets a new standard for high-performance eMTBs. Whether tackling steep gradients or navigating rugged descents, its precision engineering and powerful Bosch motor provide an unmatched trail experience. The Vala is ideal for riders in search of robust power, exceptional range, and the versatility to conquer any terrain.
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL is an eMTB that combines the agility of a lightweight trail bike with the power of the Fazua Ride 60 motor. Designed for riders seeking the best of both worlds, the Heckler SL features 150mm of VPP suspension, mixed-wheel sizing, and progressive geometry for exceptional handling and performance. The 430 Wh battery offers three power modes, controlled via the Fazua app, providing just the right level of support without compromising on weight or ride feel. The compact Fazua motor ensures a natural, bike-like experience, allowing for easy climbing while maintaining smooth power delivery. Whether you're carving corners or tackling technical terrain, the Heckler SL’s design delivers stability and agility. Its efficient motor and battery allow you to go further and ride longer, enhancing the overall trail experience. Built for those who want to push the limits without sacrificing performance, the Heckler SL is perfect for any mountain adventure.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a versatile all-mountain bike built to handle any terrain, blending aggressive performance with efficient pedaling for a well-rounded trail experience. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Bronson is ready to take on everything from steep descents to technical climbs. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, this bike delivers a perfect mix of smooth handling, responsive traction, and control on challenging trails. Its mixed-wheel setup—29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel—optimizes both stability and agility, allowing riders to tackle switchbacks and rocky sections with confidence and ease. The Bronson's Proportional Geometry tailors each frame size for balanced handling, ensuring a comfortable fit and enhanced control for riders of all heights. Equipped with a Glovebox integrated storage compartment, the Bronson also offers convenient space for stashing tools and essentials on long rides. From park laps to backcountry adventures, the Bronson is designed to empower riders with the freedom to push their limits and explore all types of terrain. For those who crave an adrenaline-filled ride, the Bronson is ready to bring out the wild side of mountain biking on any trail.
The Santa Cruz Hightower is an adaptable all-terrain trail bike built for riders looking to tackle everything from high-alpine adventures to everyday singletrack. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear travel, it balances agility with capability, making it a top choice for mountain biking enthusiasts who crave both efficiency and confidence. The bike’s 29-inch wheels ensure smooth rolling and superior traction, giving riders the stability they need on varied terrain, from loose gravel to rocky descents. At the core of the Hightower is Santa Cruz’s innovative Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, which provides a plush, responsive feel that absorbs trail impacts while maintaining efficiency on climbs. Its proportional geometry is carefully calibrated for each frame size, offering an optimal fit that enhances control and comfort for riders of all sizes. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Hightower can handle the rigors of aggressive riding and technical terrain. Additional features like the integrated Glovebox storage make it easy to carry essentials, adding convenience to any ride. Designed for consistent performance on demanding trails, the Hightower is an all-rounder that delivers a smooth, confident ride wherever the path leads.
At Contender Bicycles, our best tools for selling bikes are the people who ride them. Everyone at Contender Bicycles has extensive experience riding bikes across many brands. If you have any questions regarding a Orbea or want to discuss build options, we are here to help.