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Santa Cruz Heckler MX XO1 AXS RSV Review

A versatile and well-rounded trail eMTB with a high-end price tag
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Santa Cruz Heckler MX XO1 AXS RSV Review (When we test bikes, we try to take them to their limits and ride them for weeks to tease out the differences in...)
When we test bikes, we try to take them to their limits and ride them for weeks to tease out the differences in handling and performance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $14,249 List
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Manufacturer:   Santa Cruz Bicycles
By Jeremy Benson, Joshua Hutchens, Chris McNamara  ⋅  Nov 17, 2022
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 11
  • Downhill Performance - 30% 8.0
  • Climbing Performance - 25% 8.0
  • Measured Effective Range - 25% 9.0
  • Power Output - 15% 8.0
  • E-Bike Controls - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The most recent iteration of the Santa Cruz Heckler MX builds off the foundation of the original with several notable changes. With mixed wheel sizes, 150/160mm of travel, and a modern trail riding geometry, this versatile bike can handle virtually any terrain you put in front of it. It is composed at speed, confident in the steeps, and remains maneuverable and fun to ride on mellower trails. Shimano's trustworthy EP8 motor delivers the power, and a sizeable 720 Wh battery gives it a very impressive range. The dialed high-end build we tested definitely contributes to its on-trail performance, and is also very expensive.
REASONS TO BUY
Natural handling feel
Excellent build
Well-rounded performance
Great range
REASONS TO AVOID
Build tested is very expensive
Weak casing on rear tire

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall E-MTB
Top Pick Award
Best for Range
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best Lightweight e-mountain bike
Price $14,249 List$7,000 List$6,999 List$2,899 List
$2,699 at Aventon Bikes
$8,000 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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87
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This high-end ride is impressively versatile and well-rounded on the trailContinued refinement keeps this well-rounded model at the top, and the highly adjustable geometry makes it more versatile than everA well-rounded trail riding e-MTB with a huge battery, nice build, and reasonable priceAny assessment of this bike has to follow the price tag; many people don't need or want a 5-figure e-bike, and Aventon delivers a bangerMore than splitting the difference between a trail bike and a full-power e-bike, this could be the ultimate trail bike
Rating Categories Santa Cruz Heckler... Specialized Turbo L... Canyon Spectral:ON... Aventon Ramblas Specialized Turbo L...
Downhill Performance (30%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
Climbing Performance (25%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Measured Effective Range (25%)
9.0
9.0
10.0
9.0
6.0
Power Output (15%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
10.0
6.0
E-Bike Controls (5%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
10.0
Specs Santa Cruz Heckler... Specialized Turbo L... Canyon Spectral:ON... Aventon Ramblas Specialized Turbo L...
Battery Size (Wh) 720Wh 700Wh 900Wh 708Wh 320Wh (+160Wh Range Extender)
Wheel size (inches) MX (29" front, 27.5" rear) MX (29" front, 27.5" rear) MX (29" front, 27.5" rear) 29 MX (29" front, 27.5" rear)
Motor System Shimano EP8 Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2 Shimano EP8 Aventon A100 Specialized SL 1.2 (320W)
Motor Power (torque) 85Nm 90Nm 85Nm 100Nm 50Nm
Measured Weight (w/o pedals) 49 lbs 3 oz (Large) 51 lbs 3 oz (S4) 51 lbs 15 oz (Large) 54 lbs (Large) 40 lbs 1 oz (S4)(2lbs 6 oz - range extender battery)
Measured Effective Range 33.0 miles 33.1 miles 38.5 miles 30.1 miles 21.1 miles
Fork Fox 36 Float Factory, 160mm Fox Rhythm 36, 160mm Fox 36 Rhythm Grip, 150mm Rock Shox 35 Fox 36 Rhythm 160mm
Suspension & Travel Virtual Pivot Point (VPP), 150mm Future Shock Rear (FSR) - 150mm Triple Phase155mm N/A Future Shock Rear (FSR) - 150mm
Shock RockShoz Super Deluxe Ultimate Fox Float X Performance Fox DPS Performance EVOL N/A Fox Float X Performance (FSR) 150mm
Frame Material Carbon CC M5 Premium Aluminum Carbon Fiber Aluminum FACT 11M Carbon Fiber
Frame Size Tested Large S4 Large Large S4
Available Sizes S-XXL S1-S6 S-XL S-XL S1-S6
Wheelset Reserve 30 front, Reserve DH rear Specialized 29 Alloy SunRingle Duroc SD37 Comp Double Wall Ally rims, 13g spokes, 110/148 hubs Roval Traverse 29, 30mm internal
Front Tire Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5" Specialized Butcher GRID TRAIL GRIPTON T9 29" x 2.6" Maxxis Assegai EXO 29 x 2.5 Maxxis Rekon 29x2.4" Specialized Butcher GRID TRAIL GRIPTON 2.3"
Rear Tire Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4" Specialized Eliminator GRID TRAIL GRIPTON T7 27.5" x 2.6" Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 27.5 x 2.6 Maxxis Rekon 29x2.4" Specialized Eliminator GRID TRAIL 2.3"
Shifters SRAM GX AXS SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed Shimano SLX 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle SRAM GX Eagle
Rear Derailleur SRAM XO1 AXS SRAM GX Eagle Shimano XT SRAM NX Eagle SRAM GX Eagle
Crankset Shimano EM900 Praxis M30 Shimano STEPS Aventon SRAM Alloy
Crankarm length 165mm 160mm 165mm 165 170mm
Cassette SRAM XG1295 Eagle, 10-50T SRAM XG1275, Eagle 10-52T Shimano Deore M6100 10-51T SRAM PG-1210 10-50t SRAM XG1275 10-52T
Chain SRAM XO1 Eagle SRAM NX Eagle Shimano CN-M6100 SRAM NX Eagle SRAM NX Eagle
Saddle WTB Volt Specialized Bridge Comp Fizik Terra Aidon X5 Aventon Padded Specialized Bridge Comp
Seatpost Fox Transfer Factory, 175mm X-Fusion Manic 175mm (S4/S5) Iridium, 175mm (size Large) 31.6, 150mm droppers (125mm on S) X-Fusion Manic 175mm (large)
Handlebar Santa Cruz e35 Carbon, 800mm, 35mm rise Specialized Alloy 780mm Canyon:ON HB0057 Riser Alloy 760mm, 35mm, 9 deg rise Specialized Trail 780mm
Stem Burgtec Enduro MK3 Specialized Alloy Trail Canyon:ON ST0031 35mm Ø, 40mm length Specialized Trail 50mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC SRAM Code R 4-piston 220mm front and 200mm rear rotor Shimano SLX M7120 4-piston SRAM DB8 200mm / 180mm SRAM Code RS 4-piston
Grips Santa Cruz House Specialized Trail Grips Canyon Lock-On Lock-On Specialized Trail
Measured Effective Top Tube (mm) 624 630 637 642 631
Measured Reach (mm) 475 477 485 455 470
Measured Head Tube Angle 64.8 High/64.5 Low Adjustable between 63.5 and 65.5-degrees in 1-degree increments 65.5 66.5 64.6
Measured Seat Tube Angle (effective) 76.7 High/76.4 Low 76.2-degrees 76.5 74.5 75.8
Measured Bottom Bracket Height (mm) 346mm 350mm 36-drop 324mm 348mm
Measured Wheelbase (mm) 1252 1255 1252 1230 1238
Measured Chain Stay Length (mm) 445 442 440 465 432

Our Analysis and Test Results

Santa Cruz is one of the biggest brands in mountain biking, so it came as no surprise when they joined the electric mountain bike market a few years ago with the first version of the Heckler. For the 2022 model year, Santa Cruz updated the Heckler in several notable ways including a revised geometry, a move to MX wheels (29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear), and a larger 720 Wh battery. While its geometry isn't 100% identical, it is essentially an electrified version of the popular Santa Cruz Bronson. With 150mm of VPP rear suspension paired with a 160mm fork and modern trail riding geometry, the Heckler MX slots squarely into the do-it-all e-MTB category. Read on for our impressions of this high-end electric mountain bike.

Performance Comparison


santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler mx is a balanced and well-rounded bike that performs...
The Heckler MX is a balanced and well-rounded bike that performs well in most situations and really comes alive at speed and can handle just about anything you're willing to pilot it down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Downhill Performance


The Heckler MX impressed our testers on the descents. It has enough travel to handle just about anything you're willing to ride down and its versatile geometry feels at home on a terrain ranging from mellow to fairly aggressive. Whether cruising some flow, negotiating technical sections, or blasting full speed down rough trails, the Heckler ate it up, a testament to its all-around trail riding intentions. The quality components of the top-of-the-line spec certainly don't hurt its downhill performance either.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler mx comes to life at speed but its trail-oriented...
The Heckler MX comes to life at speed but its trail-oriented geometry handles well at a range of speeds and situations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Mountain bike geometry has changed significantly in recent years, and modern trail bikes now sport numbers previously only found on downhill bikes. The Heckler MX has a geometry nearly identical to that of the latest version of the Bronson, in line with similar bikes made for aggressive trail riding. With a 64.5-degree head tube angle (low setting) a 475mm reach, and a 1,253mm wheelbase, it should come as no surprise that this bike feels confidence-inspiring and stable at speed or when pointed down steep terrain. Still, Santa Cruz has managed to keep it feeling fairly maneuverable with moderate length 446mm chainstays and the 27.5-inch wheel in the back. They do sell this bike with 29-inch wheels front and rear, but the mixed-wheel configurations are becoming increasingly popular on e-bikes for the snappier handling they allow. Such is the case with the Heckler. Considering its weight and length, it doesn't feel like a tank at lower speeds or in tighter terrain. It doesn't handle exactly like a regular trail bike, but it feels quite natural. Some of this can also be attributed to well-balanced weight distribution. Additionally, a flip chip in the lower shock mount can be used to make very minor changes to the geometry, 0.3-degrees at the head tube, and the suspension kinematics.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - given its moderate travel and trail-oriented geometry, we were very...
Given its moderate travel and trail-oriented geometry, we were very impressed by the Heckler's composure at high speeds and on rough, chunky trails.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

With 150mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork, the Heckler is ready for just about anything. This travel bracket seems like the sweet spot where it can handle virtually any terrain without being overkill for many riders. If that doesn't sound like enough for you, keep in mind that Santa Cruz also makes the longer travel Bullit. The rear travel is controlled by Santa Cruz's low-mount VPP suspension design. We appreciate VPP for its support in the mid-stroke and its very impressive performance on bigger hits and g-outs. Few designs handle big hits with the composure of VPP, in our opinion. The tradeoff, we have found, is that it isn't quite as calm over high-frequency chop and successive mid-sized hits as some other systems. That is not to say it doesn't work well, but some other bikes feel a little more supple. Regardless, the stout links keep the bike laterally stiff, and when combined with the Carbon CC frame and oversized junction at the head tube, it is very responsive to rider input and tracks nicely. Like other e-bikes, the weight is a contributing factor in its stability, as well as its impressive cornering abilities.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - vpp is one of our favorite suspension systems for really hard...
VPP is one of our favorite suspension systems for really hard compressions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

As the top-end build, Santa Cruz equipped the Heckler MX with an impressive parts package. The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and Fox Factory 36 fork are excellent suspension components that do their jobs well. Still, we wouldn't be disappointed if this bike came with a Fox 38, just sayin'. The cockpit is totally dialed and provides excellent steering leverage and a high level of comfort. Code RSC brakes and the new HS2 rotors provide speed control. The Reserve Carbon wheels are tough while providing a great combination of stiffness and vibration dampening, and we'll never complain about the cornering or braking traction of the Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II tire combo. A tougher casing on the rear tire, however, would be greatly appreciated.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler mx makes quick and easy work of the uphills. it's a...
The Heckler MX makes quick and easy work of the uphills. It's a well-rounded climber with a dialed geometry and loads of power.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Climbing Performance


As an electric mountain bike, much of the Heckler's climbing performance can be attributed to the power delivered by the Shimano EP8 drive unit, but that's not the whole story. The VPP suspension design provides a nice supportive pedaling platform, and the geometry helps to keep it quite maneuverable and comfortable. Whether blasting up a fire road or twisty technical singletrack, the Heckler has got your back.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler handles with relative ease, scrambling over technical...
The Heckler handles with relative ease, scrambling over technical obstacles feels fairly natural for a heavyweight e-bike.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The geometry of the Heckler has been well thought out to perform on the descents and on the climbs. The 76.4-degree seat tube angle (low setting) isn't the steepest, but it's plenty steep to position the rider nicely above the bottom bracket for direct power transfer down onto the pedals and in an up top position that works well when tackling steep sections or tricky technical uphills. It also keeps the 475mm reach measurement (size Large) feeling comfortably neutral and avoids being too stretched out. We found the body position to feel fairly relaxed while climbing, thanks in large part to the delightful Santa Cruz Carbon Riser handlebar. Still, uphill handling feels very responsive. The 1,253mm wheelbase is fairly long, and the Heckler feels great with some momentum when powering up and over obstacles in the trail, yet it remains more maneuverable than you might expect, given its length. You'll notice it in sharp switchbacks, but the smaller rear wheel, moderate-length chainstays, and balanced weight keep it feeling spryer than we expected. One thing worth noting is that even with the short 165mm crank length, the bottom bracket is fairly low at sag, and we experienced the occasional pedal strike while riding through technical bits of trail.

Santa Cruz's VPP suspension design is highly regarded for its supportive pedaling platform, and that holds true for the Heckler MX. This design isolates pedaling forces quite well, and there is very little suspension movement when pedaling either seated or out of the saddle. In fact, neither of our testers felt the need to flip the compression damping switch on the rear shock at any point during testing. The power on tap certainly doesn't hurt here either, as any power lost through pedal bob is easily compensated for. Regardless, VPP provides excellent support when pedaling and softens up nicely when you hit the inevitable bumps on the climbs.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - love long rides? so does the heckler. its 720 wh battery helps to...
Love long rides? So does the Heckler. Its 720 Wh battery helps to give it one of the best ranges of all the models we've tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Range


As battery technology continues to evolve, electric mountain bikes are coming equipped with larger batteries that provide more juice to ride more miles on a single charge. The Heckler MX comes equipped with a 720 Wh battery that helps to do away with “range anxiety” so you can stay out longer, do more laps, or tackle those epic rides without fear of your battery dying halfway through. While there are bikes that come with even larger batteries these days, the Heckler holds its own and is one of the top performers in our standardized range test. Numerous long and arduous test rides confirmed the findings of our range test, solidifying the Heckler as a solid companion for virtually any length of ride.


The new version of the Heckler comes with a 720 Wh battery, a sizeable jump from the previous version's 504 Wh capacity. The Shimano-approved batteries are manufactured by a company named Darfon. Despite the battery's larger capacity, it still integrates cleanly into the frame's downtube for a sleek and streamlined look. In our standardized range test, our tester rode the Heckler in boost mode with moderate pedaling effort from a full charge to a completely depleted battery, covering 32.96 miles with 4,874 vertical feet of elevation gain/loss in the process. This result is quite impressive and puts the Heckler at the top of the pack for its range potential, bested only by the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 and its massive 900 Wh battery and just barely edged out by the Specialized Turbo Levo. To see how this translates to real-world riding, our testers took the Heckler for several long test rides and had no problem riding over 30 miles with 6,000+ vertical feet of climbing while using a mix of trail and eco modes. If that doesn't sound like enough range for you, the integrated battery is easily removable with just a 4mm allen key so you can swap batteries mid-ride to take on the most epic of epics.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the ep8 motor has plenty of power on tap to grind up those steep...
The EP8 motor has plenty of power on tap to grind up those steep sections.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Power Output


Shimano's EP8 motor is a staple in the electric bike market, with many brands using this drive unit on their models. Since it is fairly commonplace, we have experience testing it on several other bikes in the past few years, and we've grown quite accustomed to it. While Shimano's EP8 may not be the most powerful or most refined motor system on the market, we've come to appreciate the consistent and reliable performance it provides.

The 250W motor provides up to 85Nm of torque with three output settings, eco, trail, and boost, that provide a nice range of support for your pedaling efforts and varying situations. This is just shy of the most powerful motors on the market that provide up to 90Nm of torque, and the difference is somewhat negligible. All three settings are customizable through the Shimano E-Tube app, giving the rider the ability to tailor them to their exact preferences. The default settings on the Heckler were okay, but we ended up dialing back the level of support in trail mode to get a bigger spread between it and boost mode. Compared to a system like Bosch, for example, the EP8 motor feels like it gives more power at higher cadences, and it doesn't seem to reward higher torque quite as well. This can feel a little funky when you really want to hammer up a climb and you shift into harder gears, the return often doesn't feel proportional to the effort. Instead, downshifting results in what feels like greater power delivery. We do like, however, that the power continues to be delivered very briefly when the cranks stop turning. This short “overrun” helps to keep you from getting hung up in technical sections and switchbacks.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the shimano em800 display is a common sight on ep8-equipped bikes...
The Shimano EM800 display is a common sight on EP8-equipped bikes. It's in a relatively easy-to-see location, and the color helps to identify your support level a little easier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

E-Bike Controls


The Heckler MX is one of many e-MTBs on the market that uses Shimano's trustworthy EP8 motor. As such, it also comes equipped with Shimano's controls and display. Anyone who's ridden a bike with an EP8 drive unit will likely be familiar with this system, and while it isn't necessarily ground-breaking, it works very well and leaves little to be desired.

The handlebar-mounted EM800 display sits right next to the stem and is relatively easy to see while riding. While it looks pretty much the same, this display is a step up from the more common monochrome E7000 display. One of the main differentiators is the color screen with color-coded support levels. While that doesn't sound all that exciting, it does make it quite a bit easier to identify your pedal assist level. The main screen shows your current speed in large numbers, battery charge as a small battery graphic with 5 bars, and your support level as both a color and a word (Eco, Trail, or Boost). Pressing the small button on the bottom of the display toggles between a number of data screens, though we find the main screen to be the most useful while riding.

The intuitive Shimano controls are low profile and have good...
The intuitive Shimano controls are low profile and have good ergonomics.
The power button sits below the rear shock, right above the motor...
The power button sits below the rear shock, right above the motor. It works fine even if it isn't in the most convenient spot.
The handlebar controls have great ergonomics. The power button, however, is in a somewhat awkward location.

As with any other Shimano EP8 equipped bike, you can sync to the Shimano E-Tube app to customize your support levels. This is a great feature for those who like to fiddle with things and dial the motor response and output to their liking. The app also helps with diagnostics and firmware updates. While most quality motor systems have a similar app, the Shimano E-Tube is quite user-friendly and straightforward.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the small rubber cover keeps moisture and dust out of the charging...
The small rubber cover keeps moisture and dust out of the charging port. While it doesn't seem particularly robust, ours stayed shut while riding throughout our test period.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The 720 Wh battery is housed within the downtube of the frame. It can be removed for charging or for battery swaps on super long rides with a 4mm hex key. We experienced some minor battery-related rattle while testing and a simple adjustment to the inner spring tension helped to mostly alleviate the issue. The charging port is located on the lower left side of the downtube just above the motor, and it is covered by a small rubber flap. The rubber cover doesn't seem particularly robust, but it stayed closed while riding and did not allow any dust or moisture to enter. Because the batteries are made by Darfon, the charging plug and port are different than the Rosenberger plug found on most Shimano motor/battery combos and are therefore not cross-compatible.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler mx has a carbon cc frame with the low mount vpp...
The Heckler MX has a Carbon CC frame with the low mount VPP suspension design providing 150mm of rear wheel travel. The battery is cleanly integrated into the frame with internal cable routing, frame protection, and flip chips to make minor adjustments to the geometry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Build


The XO1 AXS RSV build of the Heckler MX is the top-of-the-line option in Santa Cruz's range of build options, and it comes with a correspondingly top-of-the-line price tag. In fact, it's one of the most expensive electric mountain bikes you can buy. Fortunately, it comes in five different builds for those among us who can't justify the price tag of the model we tested. Our test bike is built around a Carbon CC frame, while all of the other builds utilize the slightly heavier, and less expensive, Carbon C frame. As one would expect, it comes draped with a very impressive component specification with loads of bling and all the bells and whistles.

The frame itself is unmistakably a Santa Cruz, and it looks like most of the non-electric bikes in their range, albeit with a significantly girthier downtube where the battery is housed. The now-ubiquitous low-mount VPP suspension design is quite familiar with a fixed rear triangle that moves on two counter-rotating links as the rear wheel goes through its 150mm of travel. A flip chip in the lower shock mount allows for some very minor changes to the bike's geometry. Cables are routed internally through the frame, and it has rubber chain slap protection as well as integrated protection at the bottom of the downtube covering the motor bulge. The Heckler MX comes in five frame sizes, S-XXL. The small frame comes with 27.5-inch wheels front and rear. Dual 29-inch wheels are also an option on sizes M-XXL.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the fox 36 factory fork handles the 160mm of front travel and is...
The Fox 36 Factory fork handles the 160mm of front travel and is paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Not surprisingly, this high-end ride comes equipped with high-end suspension components. The 150mm of VPP rear suspension is controlled by a Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock. The frame is also compatible with coil shocks or larger-bodied air shocks. A Fox 36 Float Factory fork handles the 160mm of front suspension. This fork is highly tuneable with external adjustments for high and low-speed compression and rebound. While this fork does work very well, we wouldn't complain if they specced the even beefier Fox 38 considering the bike's weight and thirst for high speeds.

The SRAM XO1 AXS derailleur is an incredible piece of kit, providing...
The SRAM XO1 AXS derailleur is an incredible piece of kit, providing excellent shifting performance.
The GX AXS shifter is fantastic, with stellar ergonomics and no...
The GX AXS shifter is fantastic, with stellar ergonomics and no cables to fuss with.
SRAM's AXS shifting is a thing of beauty, just don't forget to charge your battery periodically.

The XO1 AXS build comes with SRAM's excellent XO1 AXS wireless shifting and drivetrain. The derailleur, cassette, and chain all bear the XO1 moniker, while the shifter is GX AXS. While wireless shifting may have its detractors, it works impressively well with crisp, precise shifting and great ergonomics at the levers (which function more like buttons). The AXS battery also lasts a surprisingly long time, though it does need to be charged periodically. Speed control duties are tasked to a set of SRAM Code RSC brakes paired with the new, thicker HS2 rotors in a 200mm size front and rear. While our testers prefer other brands of brakes, there's no denying that this setup provided adequate stopping power for us during testing.

The Maxxis Assegai provides heaps of cornering and braking traction...
The Maxxis Assegai provides heaps of cornering and braking traction and does wonders for the Heckler's handling.
The Maxxis Minion DHR II is an excellent rear tire for aggressive...
The Maxxis Minion DHR II is an excellent rear tire for aggressive riding and loose conditions. The EXO+ casing is a little underwhelming on this bike, or any e-MTB for that matter, and we swapped it out for the beefier Double Down version.
Our test bike came with the excellent Reserve Carbon wheels that...
Our test bike came with the excellent Reserve Carbon wheels that have a great ride quality and are backed by a lifetime warranty.
Our test bike came with the comfortable and burly Reserve Carbon wheels with a Maxxis Assegai EXO+ and Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ tire combo.

The RSV in the build name refers to the Reserve Carbon wheels, while all of the other builds come with alloy wheels. This is a mixed-wheel, aka mullet or MX, setup, and the front wheel is a standard 29-inch Reserve Carbon while the rear is a burlier 27.5-inch Reserve Carbon DH. We love that they put a more rugged wheel on the back of this bike to help handle the forces associated with its heavier weight. The rims are laced to Industry Nine 1/1 hubs that roll nice and smooth with relatively quick 4-degree freehub engagement. Mounted to those wheels is a Maxxis Assegai EXO+ in the front with a Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ in the rear. We love this tire combo for its excellent cornering grip and braking traction. The EXO+ casings, however, are a little under-gunned for a heavyweight e-bike, particularly in the rear, and we swapped ours out for the beefier Double Down version after we destroyed the stock tire. We would love to see Santa Cruz, and most other manufacturers, start speccing burlier tires on bikes like this.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the cockpit setup is absolutely dialed. the beefy stem and wide bars...
The cockpit setup is absolutely dialed. The beefy stem and wide bars provide excellent control, and the Santa Cruz Carbon Riser handlebar absorbs chatter and increases rider comfort. The WTB Volt saddle is also a real crowd-pleaser.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Santa Cruz did a wonderful job with the cockpit of this bike. A short, stout Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem clamps a Santa Cruz e35 Carbon handlebar that is 800mm wide with a 35mm rise. This beefy combo provides great steering leverage for muscling around this heavy bike, and the carbon bar is among the best at dampening trail feedback. The Fox Transfer Factory dropper works great and adds some additional gold-colored pop, and it holds a super comfy WTB saddle (ours had a Volt, but they also come with a Silverado).

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - the heckler mx doesn't shy away from side hits.
The Heckler MX doesn't shy away from side hits.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Santa Cruz Heckler MX?


It's hard to not recommend a bike like the Heckler MX, but the reality is that very few people have the means to afford the top-of-the-line build we tested. This is a fantastic bike with all the bells and whistles, and if you can afford it, we highly doubt you'll be disappointed. For those of you who don't have as much disposable income, you'll be happy to know that Santa Cruz makes several less expensive builds, starting at $8,749. If you're searching for a well-rounded trail riding electric mountain bike, we definitely feel this is a great option to consider.

What Other Electric Mountain Bikes Should You Consider?


The electric mountain bike market is growing rapidly, and there are more options now than ever. If you're looking to spend a bit less, the direct-to-consumer brands offer the best value. The Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 is (comparatively) much more affordable and comes with a 900Wh battery that gives it the best range of any model we've tested. Despite its lower price, it comes with a carbon frame, the Shimano EP8 motor, and a shred-ready build. The Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy is another favorite. The highly adjustable geometry allows the rider to set it up in a variety of ways for varying riding styles and preferences. Specialized's motor and system integration is also very impressive, and the Comp build we tested is available at a fairly reasonable price.

santa cruz heckler mx xo1 axs rsv - it's expensive, but the heckler is a very capable and versatile...
It's expensive, but the Heckler is a very capable and versatile ride. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who can afford it.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Jeremy Benson, Joshua Hutchens, Chris McNamara