Santa Cruz Launches the Vala—a Full Power eMTB Without VPP Suspension

A full-power ebike built by a mountain bike company. All the legendary Santa Cruz dynamics - supreme handling, great suspension and longevity - paired to the class-leading BOSCH motor and versatile battery solution. This is no trekking bike - the Vala is built for aggressive riding on singletrack trails.

Highlights

150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork
MX wheels
CC & C carbon frames
Four bar suspension layout
85Nm Bosch Performance Line CX
600Wh battery (250Wh extender available separately)
64 degree head tube angle
Progression flip chip
Geo adjust flip chip (BB and HTA)
Tool mount under top tube
No cable drivetrain routing on CC frames
Boost 148mm spacing
Sizes: S-XXL
Sub 50 lbs ( 22.6 kg) for all models
Lightest build - XX AXS REV - 47.33 lbs (21.47 kg)
Lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty
5 build kits
MSRP: $7,299 - $12,799 USD

WHY FOUR-BAR? WHY NOT VPP?

It is a challenge to package large motor where optimum VPPTM pivots would be. We wanted to apply the advances in suspension design that we’ve made on recent pedal bikes (VPP) to the Vala. This meant utilizing a new design, but one that gave us the freedom to make all the right spec and kinematic choices. The result is our best handling ebike.

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Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Too little and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power.

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We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes (pedal). We weren’t prepared to give that up on our full-power ebike models now.

Traits of Vala:

Reduced pedal kickback on square-edge hits
Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain

Anti-rise refers to the amount of rear suspension squat that occurs when using the rear brake. Some amount of this is helpful to counteract the natural forward weight shift while braking. Too much can compress the suspension and decrease traction and suppleness.

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Traits of Vala:

Fantastic performance while braking on steep, rough terrain.
Bike feels very composed and suspension doesn’t ‘lock up’. It conforms to the ground isolating the rider from harshness of the terrain and maintaining traction at all times.

We don’t want to dramatically change our leverage curves from current bikes, but we did want to decrease leverage ratio. The four-bar design provides the space for a longer 60mm stroke shock (compared to 55mm for Heckler 9 and Heckler SL). This gives us better damping quality and consistency on long descents.

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Two options via flip chip allow for two different characters:

Low progression provides a very consistent feel that prioritizes responsiveness
Hi progression sits in a bit more and prioritizes bump-eating forgiveness.

Bosch Performance Line CX

The NEW Bosch drive unit is powerful, reliable, and quiet. The power on tap and how it delivers it makes climbing as engaging as descending.

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RANGE WITH HANDLING IN MIND: 600 Wh is optimal for most rides, and its low placement improves handling characteristics. The 250 Wh PowerMore range extender provides the freedom to cover more ground, but only carry the extra weight when you need it.