2025 Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS

The 2025 Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS is built to keep you moving smoothly and efficiently on any trail. It blends a lightweight electric system with top-notch trail bike components, making it feel more like a natural extension of your ride than a bulky e-bike. If you want a bike that works with you instead of against you, this is worth a closer look.

The frame is lightweight, strong C-level carbon from Santa Cruz. While C is the "lower" end carbon frame that SC offers, it's still a durable, stiff, vibration-absorbing frame material that's rideable and fully enjoyable in all kinds of conditions.

Suspension

It is ready to handle rough ground with confidence. Out back, the Fox Float X Performance Elite shock offers 210mm by 55mm of travel, soaking up bumps so you stay in control. Up front, the Fox 36 Float Performance Elite fork gives you 160mm of travel. It's tuned to smooth out trail chatter and hold firm when the terrain gets gnarly.

Drivetrain

The Santa Cruz relies on the SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type setup. Wireless shifting means fewer cables and cleaner lines. The 10-52 tooth cassette gives you a huge range of gears, whether you're powering uphill or blasting downhill. You can pick between two cranks — the Race Face Aeffect R or Praxis eTor AL, both designed to deliver solid, efficient pedaling and built to last.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels and tires are carefully selected for grip and durability. The front sports a 29x2.5 Schwalbe Albert tire made with an ultra-soft compound for excellent traction. The rear runs a 27.5x2.5 Schwalbe Albert tire with a slightly firmer compound for a good balance of grip and rolling efficiency. The wheels combine DT Swiss 370 hubs with either Reserve 30 SL AL or Raceface ARC 30 rims, providing a solid, responsive feel whether you're charging steep descents or climbing technical sections.

Brakes and Handling

Stopping power comes courtesy of SRAM’s Maven Bronze Stealth brakes with four pistons. They deliver consistent, strong braking no matter the conditions, helping you keep control when the trail gets unpredictable. Handling is dialed in with an 800mm-wide Santa Cruz e35 Carbon Bar paired with a Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem. Together they offer responsive steering and rock-solid stability.

Comfort and Adjustments

For comfort and quick adjustments, there's a OneUp Dropper Post with a 31.6mm diameter, making it easy to drop your saddle when the trail calls for it. The SDG Bel-Air V3 Max Lux-Alloy Atmos saddle balances comfort with support so you can stay comfortable during long rides without losing responsiveness.

Motor and Battery

The heart of the Heckler SL GX AXS is the Fazua Ride 60 drive unit coupled with a 430Wh integrated battery. This system adds electric boost when you need it but stays light and unobtrusive, preserving that natural mountain bike feel. It's quiet too, so your ride isn't just faster; what's smoother and more immersive. The smart energy management helps you extend your outing without worrying about carrying a heavy battery.

Why Choose This Bike

It is impressively light for an e-MTB, thanks to the Fazua system and premium parts. The mixed wheel sizes (29” front, 27.5” rear) give you a blend of stability and nimbleness that works across a variety of trails. Plus, the build quality is unmistakably Santa Cruz — thoughtful design combined with high-end materials all around.

The Heckler SL GX AXS is a great fit for riders who want electric assistance that enhances their pedaling rather than takes over. If technical climbs, fast singletracks, or punchy descents are your scene, this bike steps up to meet the challenge and then some.