Posted by Paul Hoyle on 14th Apr 2025
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Santa Cruz Bullit 2026 First Ride Review - N. England
Rumours of a new Santa Cruz Bullit had us eagerly awaiting its arrival, and when the opportunity arose, we wasted no time heading to Yorkshire. A crisp spring day with clear blue skies provided the perfect backdrop to unleash this gravity-focused e-MTB on some challenging off-piste terrain. Make no mistake, the Bullit lives up to the hype, delivering precisely what Santa Cruz promises: a true "downhill bike with a built-in chairlift.
First Impressions
Even at a standstill, the Bullit’s intentions are clear. Boasting 170mm of front and rear travel, a robust carbon frame (available in both CC and the more accessible C options), and aggressive lines, this is no casual trail companion. The enclosed downtube, one-piece link, and seatstay bridge immediately signal its gravity pedigree, further reinforced by the massive suspension platform and powerful brakes.
Our initial thoughts on the first climb revolved around the Bullit's uphill prowess, a common concern with long-travel eMTBs that can often feel front-end light and prone to lifting on steep inclines. However, the Bullit surprised us. Its steep seat angle effectively positioned us to keep the front wheel planted on some surprisingly challenging ascents. Furthermore, even with the rear suspension platform fully open, each pedal stroke was met with firm support, making the climb genuinely enjoyable, especially when paired with the consistently powerful Bosch CX motor
Descending with Confidence
Pointing the Bullit downhill revealed its true character. With each run, its full potential became increasingly apparent, quickly building our confidence. Having ridden these tracks infrequently before, each descent often felt semi-blind, demanding an initial cautious approach over every crest and lip as the trail ahead remained hidden. The instinct was to hold back, carefully navigating the rocky and highly exposed root sections. However, after just a couple of runs and a feel for the bike's capabilities, the need for such restraint diminished. We soon found ourselves confidently releasing the brakes on blind crests, trusting the Bullit to handle whatever lay beyond – a testament to its forgiving nature and sheer capability.
The 170mm of travel proved exceptional, effortlessly absorbing everything in its path to deliver a plush and controlled ride. The balanced MX wheel configuration offered superb front-end grip and stability, while the smaller rear wheel provided the agility needed for quick and precise handling through the dense forest tracks.
Pushing the Bullit harder through rougher sections at increasing speeds only solidified its composure. The stiff carbon frame and well-tuned suspension provided a direct and predictable feel, while the slack head angle (adjustable via geo adjust flip chips) inspired confidence on steeper gradients. The powerful brakes ensured consistent control, even at high speeds.
Built to Devour the Big Stuff!
The 170mm of rear travel, delivered through Santa Cruz's four-bar linkage suspension, truly shines when tackling rough, high-speed terrain. Plush yet remarkably controlled, it absorbs impacts while maintaining excellent handling. This instills a profound sense of confidence, knowing the suspension won’t be overwhelmed, whether charging through rock gardens or launching off less-than-perfect drops.
The MX wheel configuration proves its worth on descents. The 29” front wheel tracks confidently through significant impacts and maintains its line at speed, while the 27.5” rear wheel offers a quick and nimble feel through tight corners and technical features – a perfect balance of stability and agility.
The "Built-In Chairlift"
The Bosch Performance Line CX motor, boasting 85Nm of torque and paired with a 600Wh battery (expandable with a 250Wh PowerMore range extender), genuinely transforms brutal climbs into a manageable and even enjoyable experience.
From the outset, the Bosch CX motor impressed with its smooth, responsive, and confidence-inspiring power delivery. Steep pitches were dispatched with surprising ease, and traction remained consistent, even on loose and awkward terrain. The CX's overrun feature eliminates any anxiety when setting off on an incline. Furthermore, the ability to fine-tune power output via the Bosch Flow app adds a valuable layer of versatility, allowing riders to tailor motor performance to specific trail conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Bullit takes the best aspects of the Vala – particularly the refined Bosch system – and crafts an entirely new beast designed for riders who live for the descents. It possesses the travel, geometry, and aggressive attitude that gravity enthusiasts demand, combined with the renowned reliability and ride quality synonymous with Santa Cruz.
If you're seeking a gravity-focused e-MTB that refuses to be limited by the need for chairlifts or uplift vans, the Bullit deserves a prominent spot on your shortlist
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 959345.
Santa Cruz Bullit C (Kit: 70) 2026
Santa Cruz Bullit C (Kit: 90) 2026
Santa Cruz Bullit C (Kit: GX AXS) 2026
Santa Cruz Bullit CC (Kit: XO AXS RSV) 2026
Santa Cruz Bullit 2026 - Comparison Chart
