A mixed wheel ripper!
The Santa Cruz Vala. It's a bike that needs little introduction. When whispers started about Santa Cruz and Bosch teaming up to create a new eMTB, the hype was real. A mixed-wheel ripper with 160mm of travel up front and 150mm in the rear – it ticked all the boxes for a modern all-mountain machine. And those early reviews? Let's just say they had riders everywhere itching to throw a leg over this thing.
Testing the Vala's ability
Grizedale Forest in the Lake District provided the perfect proving ground: 20 miles of natural singletrack, with a healthy dose of steep technical climbing and rowdy descents – ideal for testing the Vala's all-rounder claims. As luck would have it, the heavens opened, making for a true test of the bike's capabilities.
Straightaway, the Vala felt at home on the wide, hard-packed fire road climbs. The efficient suspension platform made those initial climbs a breeze. But things got really interesting when the trail narrowed and the ascents turned technical. Rocky step-ups, slippery roots – the Vala just shrugged them off. The Bosch CX motor delivered smooth, predictable power in Tour+ mode, inspiring confidence on even the trickiest climbs.
Super Composed | Bombproof All-rounder
On flatter sections, the Vala's playful side emerged. The powerful motor and balanced weight encouraged riders to pop off every root and rock, transforming mundane traverses into mini flow trails. But the real question was how it descended. Dropper post slammed, the Vala was pointed down a steep, stream-bed-like chute. The faster it went, the more planted and stable it felt. The suspension ate up the rocks and roots, while the geometry inspired confidence to push harder. This is where the Vala truly comes alive – a riotous, grin-inducing descender.
Battery range (first hand test)
After 20.5 miles and 3,236ft of climbing, the ride ended with just under 40% battery remaining. Not bad considering the challenging conditions and reliance on Tour+ mode! The Santa Cruz Vala lives up to the hype. It's a genuine all-rounder, equally capable of conquering technical climbs and blasting down gnarly descents. If you're looking for a bombproof eMTB that can tackle anything, look no further. This is a bike that will make you want to ride harder, faster, and further, no matter the weather or the terrain.
To explore each model in depth, please see the bikes listed below to view size guides, in depth descriptions for each model and a vast array of frequently asked questions. or alternatively if you have any further questions please contact us. Or call on:
01254 814238.
Posted by Paul Hoyle on 11th Oct 2024
