2025 Santa Cruz Vala C S

The 2025 Santa Cruz Vala S blends serious trail capability with smooth pedal-assist power, making it an ideal e-MTB for riders who want to go further, ride harder, and take on more technical terrain. With mixed wheels, a premium carbon frame, and Bosch drive technology, the Vala S is built to perform on both big climbs and demanding descents without compromising agility or control.

The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Float Performance fork up front with 160mm of travel, paired with a FOX Float X Performance rear shock sized at 205x60mm. This setup offers a composed, supportive feel when you’re charging through rock gardens, compressions, or steep chutes. The Grip damper in the fork keeps front-end tracking consistent, while the rear shock maintains traction and absorbs impact without feeling vague or soft.

Power delivery comes from the Bosch Performance CX motor, offering up to 85Nm of torque with a smooth, intuitive feel. The 600Wh Bosch PowerTube battery is fully integrated into the downtube and delivers enough range for long rides without weighing down the chassis or disrupting balance. Whether you're cruising mellow climbs or attacking punchy switchbacks, this system gives you the extra push when you want it, and stays out of the way when you don’t.

The drivetrain is built with SRAM’s GX Eagle 12-speed system, including a 10–50t cassette, single-click shifter, and robust rear derailleur for crisp, precise shifts under load. It’s matched with a 160mm E13 Helix eSpec crankset that’s optimized for e-MTB use. It's shorter for pedal clearance on technical terrain, yet stiff enough for efficient power transfer.

The Vala S rolls on a mixed-wheel setup, with a 29-inch Raceface ARC 30 HD rim up front laced to an E13 SL hub, and a 27.5-inch ARC 30 HD rear wheel paired with an e-Spec SL hub. This combo gives you stability over rough terrain and better clearance and maneuverability in tighter sections. The wheels are wrapped in Schwalbe Magic Mary tires: a 29x2.5 Ultra Soft compound up front for maximum bite, and a 27.5x2.5 Gravity Radial Soft compound in the rear to balance traction and rolling resistance.

Braking is handled by SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth 4-piston calipers, delivering strong, predictable power with solid modulation. Whether you're feathering speed on tight switchbacks or dropping hard into a descent, these brakes provide the control you need without feeling grabby or fading on long runs.

The cockpit features a OneUp aluminum bar (20mm rise on size S, 35mm on M–XXL) paired with either a OneUp or Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem, depending on configuration. It’s a setup designed for control and comfort, giving you confident leverage while keeping weight down. The OneUp dropper post offers between 120mm and 240mm of travel depending on frame size, and lets you quickly shift position for technical terrain. For the saddle, you can choose between the SDG Bel-Air V3 or WTB Volt—both proven, comfortable options for long days in the saddle.

The Vala S geometry is progressive and dialed for balance. A slack head angle and steep seat tube keep it stable when descending and efficient when climbing, while the mixed-wheel format delivers a confident feel on both tight and wide-open trails. The frame and spec together create a bike that’s playful without being twitchy, planted without feeling sluggish.

Whether you’re exploring backcountry loops, linking together bike park laps, or charging through after-work singletrack, the Santa Cruz Vala S gives you the performance, adjustability, and Bosch-powered support to push further into the ride. Built with the quality Santa Cruz is known for, it’s a tool for serious trail riders who want more range and less compromise.