So, what's a tubeless setup? Traditionally, inner tubes are inflated with air to create a cushion between the rim and tyre. In contrast, a tubeless setup ditches the inner tube and relies on a specially designed rim with an airtight seal. A self-sealing liquid is added directly inside the tire, and air is pumped through a special valve to inflate the tyre. This allows riders to run lower pressures for better grip and comfort, and the sealant can plug small punctures on the fly, reducing flats.

However, it's important to note that bike manufacturers send their bikes to us in varying degrees of readiness to be set up tubeless. For example, some may supply suitable tubeless-ready tyres, but not the valves or sealant, while others arrive with everything you need. So here at MTB Monster we've checked and answered the following two questions;

Can the Santa Cruz Stigmata CC (Kit: Rival AXS 1X Rudy) be set up tubeless? Yes, this bike can be set up tubeless.

What option do I need to select, if I want the bike setting up tubeless before I receive it? Your bike is set up tubeless from the factory. If you’d prefer inner tubes instead, please let us know.

In the box, you'll find your owner's manuals with your Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist, signed off by our Cytec qualified mechanic. This details all the checks that have been completed along with an 'Important Information' sheet explaining the advised pre-ride checks to be carried out to ensure the bike is safe to ride and that it will perform at its best. We advise keeping this document safe in case it is required in the future.

We also include the relevant allen keys to assemble your bike (normally 2), brake separators to keep your brakes apart whilst the wheel is out of the bike along with any manufacturers manuals, and any extras the brand has included. Some manuals are now only accessible online and paper copies are not included, if you require any assistance accessing manuals for your new purchase please get in touch.

It is worth being aware that bikes are rarely supplied with pedals included. This information will be detailed in the specification of the model you choose. If your bike is not supplied with pedals and you don't currently have any suitable ones, we have a great range on offer here

Any promotional freebies such as an MTB Monster mudguard will also be included in your box.

If you feel you are missing any parts of your kit please contact us within 24 hours of delivery so that we can help.

Showroom Viewing

While we showcase Santa Cruz Bikes and often have the Stigmata model on display, we can't guarantee the exact bike you see online will be ready to view at any given time. This is because bikes might be recently sold, boxed in our warehouse, or still with the manufacturer. To ensure you see a specific bike you're interested in, please contact us before your visit & we'll do our best to have it available on the day of your visit or make alternative arrangements.

Can I demo & test ride the Santa Cruz Stigmata CC (Kit: Rival AXS 1X Rudy)?

We stock a wide variety of mountain bikes for you to test ride at our showroom in the North-West of England. Our selection features various sizes, brands, and motor options, allowing you to compare different types of mountain bikes. We offer test rides ranging from quick car park loops to more in-depth demos, tailoring the experience to your needs.

To see whether the Santa Cruz Stigmata CC (Kit: Rival AXS 1X Rudy) is available to view or try out, please contact us & we do our best to arrange something with you prior to your visit.

The bike is classed as a gravel bike is designed for riders who want speed, efficiency, and versatility beyond the limits of traditional road or mountain bikes. Blending road-bike agility with off-road capability, it’s built for long days across mixed terrain—everything from smooth tarmac and hard-packed paths to rough bridleways, fire roads, and light singletrack. For a high-end MTB audience, think of a gravel bike as the tool for exploring faster, further, and with more freedom, without sacrificing handling or durability. It’s the go-to option for endurance adventures, all-terrain fitness rides, and competitive gravel racing where stability, comfort, and speed all matter.

This bike excels on singletrack trails with some technical descents. Up to and including red routes at trail centres. A gravel bike is suited for riders who want performance and confidence across a wide range of terrain without committing to a full mountain bike. Its geometry, wider tyres, and adaptable setup make it ideal for fast off-road exploration, rough country lanes, bridleways, forest tracks, and multi-surface endurance rides. It’s built to handle long distances with stability and comfort while still feeling quick and efficient when the terrain smooths out. For riders who want to link trails, cover big miles, or race on loose, mixed surfaces, a gravel bike offers the perfect balance of speed, control, and versatility.

Cleaning a bike doesn’t need to be overcomplicated, a brush and hose pressure method is the best way. We advise against using a pressure washer as this often drives water behind seals, washing grease from bearings and also forces water into electrical components. It's also best to avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as these can damage the finish of the frame and components. MTB Monster offer a range of recommended cleaning products that are designed for ebikes and non-ebikes.

Born out of California in the early 90’s, Santa Cruz and mountain biking go hand in hand. Since the start over 30 years ago, Santa Cruz has created high quality, category-leading bikes combining both pedability and descending prowess that are built to last lifetimes of real world action. Several of our staff have a Santa Cruz in their personal fleets so if you want to know any details first hand from an owner, let us know and we will be happy to help. Quality is a by product of doing everything in house.

Getting started can seem daunting but there's only a couple of kit items that are essential for a safe and self-sufficient bike ride.

Above all else, a helmet is the most essential piece of kit. It dramatically increases safety when you're out riding. To put this in context, if you visited a UK mountain bike trail centre, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone riding without one. Rider protection wise, this can be extended to gloves, knee pads and elbow pads depending on type the terrain that you are looking to tackle.

We would always recommend riding with a spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump. Most riders have a story about the time they got caught out with a puncture, usually in horrible weather and miles from the endpoint of the ride, learn from our mistakes :) Additionally, a number of mechanicals can be resolved on the trail with a handy multi-tool, these usually contain a range of hex keys, torx keys and occasionally a chain breaker to help you get to the end of the ride and into a fully equipped workshop.

For any additional advice, feel free to contact us and we'll be more than happy to help.

Local to store, we have Longridge Fell, Gisburn Forest and also Darwen Moors & Rivington. Within around an hours drive, you have the Lake District, North Wales, Yorkshire Dales & the Peak District offering a wealth of amazing riding opportunities. If you're ever looking for a route nearby, let us know and we can point out some highlights.

Throughout the wider UK, there are over 20,000 miles of bridleway and over 16,000 miles of national cycle network. Additionally, canal paths, forest roads and cycle lanes all offer a great network to connect your ride and minimise the amount of time that you need to ride on busy roads. A good starting part to find some fun mountain bike specific routes that cater for all abilities are trail centres. These are designed specifically for mountain bikes and are often located through the UK's many forest areas. Some great websites to check out as a starting point are; mbwales.com (Wales), dmbins.com (Scotland), forestryengland.uk/cycling (England) and mountainbikeni.com (Northern Ireland). One of our personal favourite riding spots at MTB Monster, is within the Tweed Valley area in Scotland, where the design of the tracks are simply world class and cater for all abilities.