Santa Cruz Vala

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Santa Cruz Vala Sizing

Sizes for the Vala use the familiar small through large size names. There's a slight overlap in the size range for riders 6 feet tall, but other than that, there's one recommended size per rider height. If you're under five feet you're out of luck though, and you'll want to look for another model. Our bike shops have demo and test bikes of many models available. Contact us if you're interested in demoing different sizes of the Vala.

• 5'1"–5'5" (154–165 cm): Small
• 5'5"–5'9" (165–175 cm): Medium
• 5'9"–6'1" (175–185 cm): Large
• 6'0"–6'4" (182–193 cm): X-Large
• 6'4"–6'7" (193–200 cm): XX-Large

Q&A About the Vala

What kind of rider is the Santa Cruz Vala built for?

The Vala is designed for technical trail riders who want the best mountain bike that happens to come with pedal assistance for daily riding. It's for riders who value top-tier build quality, modern geometry, and premium suspension performance.

What drive system does the Vala use?

The Vala is equipped with the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor, which is known for its powerful pedal assist and seamless integration with Bosch’s Smart System. It’s paired with a 600 Wh internal battery and supports the 250 Wh PowerMore range extender for added distance.

Can I use a coil shock on the Vala?

Yes, the Vala frame is designed to fit both coil shocks and large air shocks, including the RockShox Vivid Air and Fox Float X2. This makes it highly customizable exactly how you want it.

What wheel sizes does the Vala use?

The Vala features a mixed wheel (MX) setup with a 29” front and 27.5” rear. This design provides stability and grip in the front while enhancing agility and maneuverability in the rear—ideal for aggressive trail riding.

Is the Bosch Flow App required to use the bike?

No, the Vala is ride-ready out of the box. However, the Bosch Flow App allows you to customize assist modes, track battery range, and lock the bike.

What frame material is used on the Vala?

Carbon. The Vala comes in two frame grades: Carbon C and Carbon CC. Both are carbon fiber, but the CC grade is lighter and stiffer. Both frames are designed to handle demanding trail use.

What is the maximum pedal-assisted speed?

In North America, the Vala provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph (32 kph). In Europe and most other markets, the limit is 25 kph.

Can I remove the battery for charging?

The Vala’s battery is designed to be charged while housed in the frame, using a charge port on the down tube. It can be removed, but only for service purposes.

Does the Santa Cruz Vala support range extenders?

Yes, the Vala supports the Bosch PowerMore 250 Wh range extender. It mounts to the forward set of bottle cage mounts on the downtube. If you're planning to use it on your ride, you should install it right at the start, since power is drawn evenly from the battery and the range extender and the range extender won't be able to provide full power if the battery is empty.

Can the Vala be powered using only the range extender?

Yes and no. While technically possible, it’s not recommended. The drive unit won't be able to reach full power or torque.

Is the Bosch Smart System included on the Vala?

Yes, all Bosch components on the Vala—including the Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor—are part of the Bosch Smart System, which enables app connectivity, firmware updates, and digital bike locking via the Flow app.

What is the recommended fork offset for the Vala?

The geometry of the Vala is optimized for a 44mm fork offset, which balances handling across its mixed wheel setup.

Can I install a 27.5" front wheel instead of 29"?

No, the Vala is specifically designed for MX (mixed wheel) geometry. Changing to a 27.5" front wheel would negatively affect handling and geometry balance. Of course, you can do what you like to your own bike and a 27.5" wheel should technically fit, but it's not recommended.

Is the Vala's geometry adjustable?

Yes, the Vala features an adjustable geometry chip so you can fine-tune the bottom bracket height by 4mm and alter the head tube angle by 0.3°. There’s also a progression chip to adjust rear suspension progression between 26% and 29%.

Is the Vala compatible with the Bosch 800 Wh battery?

No. The 800 Wh battery is physically larger and won't fit.

What cranks are compatible with the Vala’s motor system?

The Vala uses the Bosch Performance CX Gen 5 motor, which has an ISIS BB spindle. Cranks must match that standard, and 160mm crank arms come stock with the bike.

Can I power lights from the Vala’s motor system?

Yes, you can power front and rear lights using a Bosch-compatible light cable, which we can install for you.