Santa Cruz Heckler 9 2022 first ride review – Mixed wheel sizes = more fun for everyone?

For 2022, Santa Cruz have released an updated version of the Heckler, which has a bigger battery than its predecessor and is available in two different wheel sizes. But does this necessarily make it more fun on the trail? We’ve already tested the new Heckler and can tell you exactly what it’s capable of.

In 2021, Santa Cruz expanded their eMTB range with the mixed wheel size Heckler MX model. For 2022, the Californian cult brand has redesigned the Heckler from the ground up, replacing the small 504 Wh battery with a bigger 720 Wh model and adding some exciting new features and details. All 2022 Heckler models feature a Shimano EP8 motor and combine 160 mm travel at the front with 150 mm at the rear. Prices range from € 7,999 to € 12,999. The big news for 2022 is that all new Heckler models are available in two different wheel sizes, a full 29er and an MX version with a 29″ wheel at the front and 27.5″ at the rear. According to Santa Cruz, the mullet version is more agile and inspires more confidence on steep descents while the 29er generates more traction and feels more composed at high speeds. As you may know by now, we’re always sceptical about marketing slogans, so put the Heckler through its paces to make up our own mind. After riding the CC XO1 AXS RSV flagship model in both wheel configurations, we can tell you what it’s capable of and which version will suit your riding style best.

The Santa Cruz Heckler 9 CC X01 AXS RSV 2022 in Detail

Like Santa Cruz’s analogue mountain bikes, the Heckler is available in two carbon layups. The high-end CC frame is manufactured with a larger proportion of higher-stiffness fibres, allowing Santa Cruz to achieve the same degree of stiffness at a lower weight (approx. 300g). The Shimano EP8 motor is seamlessly integrated into the frame of the Heckler and protected by a skid plate. The integration of the 720 Wh Darfon battery is just as neat, just like all the other components of the Shimano motor system. All cables are routed through the handlebars, ensuring a super-tidy look, particularly in combination with the wireless AXS drivetrain. Santa Cruz also have you covered if you need to charge your smartphone or other electronic devices, integrating a USB-C port into the power button of the Heckler. Unfortunately, the plug is positioned far down the downtube, making it hard to charge bar-mounted devices while riding. Placing the charge port closer to the cockpit would make more sense! Moreover, the cables aren’t clamped properly at the ports, causing a loud rattling noise on rough terrain.

The spec of the Santa Cruz Heckler 9 CC XO1 AXS RSV 2022

The size L, € 12,999 Santa Cruz Heckler CC XO1 AXS RSV 2022 hits the scales at 21.9 kg with the MX wheel setup and 22.1 kg with the 29″ configuration (manufacturer’s specifications). The suspension is a mix of FOX and RockShox components, with a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, controlling 160/150mm travel at the front and rear respectively. Although the shock is partly hidden inside the frame, the compression and rebound dials are easily accessible – great! The cockpit consists of a Burgtec stem and 800 mm handlebars, which were developed in-house by Santa Cruz specifically for the Heckler. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain while SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm HS2 rotors provide powerful and reliable deceleration. SRAM claim that the new HS2 rotor was designed to improve braking performance and increase heat dissipation.

Except for the dropper post and tires, the spec of the Heckler totally convinced us on the trail.

While the Heckler comes standard with MAXXIS EX + tires front and rear, our test bike was delivered with MAXXIS ASSEGAIs in the puncture prone EXO+ casing up front and robust DoubleDown casing at the rear, both with the soft 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound. As usual, we recommend using more robust tires with the tough DoubleDown casing at both ends, which offers increased sidewall support and better puncture protection, thus allowing you to run lower tire pressures for more traction without damaging the expensive carbon rims.

Other Santa Cruz Heckler 9 2022 models

Prices for the new Heckler models range between € 7,999 and € 12,999. If you’re not too fussed about the wireless drivetrain and bling Kashima coating on your fork and dropper post, the Santa Cruz Heckler XT is a very good option, offering a performance-oriented spec at a fair price – that’s the model we would pick!

The spec of the Santa Cruz Heckler GX AXS

The spec of the Santa Cruz Heckler XT

The spec of the Santa Cruz Heckler S

The spec of the Santa Cruz Heckler R

There’s one issue with the geometry of the Santa Cruz Heckler 9 2022: The dropper post

The new Heckler is available in five sizes, S to XXL. Across the range, the smallest S size rolls exclusively on 27.5″ wheels, with no MX version to choose from. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to switch between a high and low geometry setting. We recommend the latter, which is the one we ended up using the most during this test. In size L, the low setting gives you 472 mm reach and a moderately-high front with a 629 mm stack height. Chainstay length varies between 445mm for the MX model and 460 mm for the 29er, a difference that has huge influence on the handling of the Heckler and transforms its character – but more on this later.

At 430 mm in size L and 460 mm in XL, the seat tube of the Heckler is rather short. In theory, this should ensure good freedom of movement and inspire confidence on steep descents while allowing you to choose the frame size based on your desired reach and riding characteristics. However, in practice the dropper of the Santa Cruz doesn’t allow for any of the above. Although the stock FOX Factory Transfer dropper post is amongst the best on the market, the 200 mm model exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the Heckler. As a result, the post can’t be inserted all the way into the frame, sticking out by almost 4 cm. As a result, the short seat tube doesn’t offer any real advantages, with the dropper post heavily restricting freedom of movement on the bike and preventing you from choosing the frame size based on your desired reach and riding characteristics. On top of that, riders with short legs won’t be able to use all of the dropper post’s available travel.

Santa Cruz Heckler 9 MX 2022 geometry

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	390 mm	405 mm	430 mm	460 mm	500 mm
Top tube	572 mm	600 mm	625 mm	645 mm	675 mm
Steering tube	130 mm	100 mm	115 mm	135 mm	155 mm
Steering angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	76.7°	76.6°	76.4°	76.7°	76.8°
Chainstays	446 mm	446 mm	446 mm	446 mm	446 mm
BB height	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm
Wheelbase	1207 mm	1227 mm	1253 mm	1282 mm	1315 mm
Reach	427 mm	452 mm	472 mm	492 mm	517 mm
Stack	609 mm	618 mm	632 mm	650 mm	668 mm

Santa Cruz Heckler 9 29″ 2022 geometry

Size	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	405	430	460	500
Top tube	600 mm	625 mm	646 mm	675 mm
Steering tube	100 mm	115 mm	135 mm	155 mm
Steering angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	76.6°	76.4°	76.7°	76.8°
Chainstays	461 mm	461 mm	461 mm	461 mm
BB Drop	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1242 mm	1268 mm	1297 mm	1330 mm
Reach	452 mm	472 mm	492 mm	517 mm
Stack	618 mm	632 mm	650 mm	668 mm

The Santa Cruz Heckler 9 CC XO1 AXS RSV 2022 on the trail

On level ground, the pedalling position is relaxed, with the weight evenly distributed between the hands and saddle. Despite the firm suspension, the Heckler is comfortable and perfectly suited for long backcountry adventures. Going uphill, the pronounced kink in the seat tube positions the rider far back over the rear wheel. However, this isn’t a problem on moderate climbs, where the Heckler is intuitive and easy to control, both with the 29″ and mixed-wheel configuration. As soon as the climb gets steeper, it’s a whole different story. With the MX setup, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking, especially if you have long legs – here the 29″ version has a clear advantage with its longer chainstays. On the other hand, the short rear of the mullet version is a godsend for active riders, allowing them to accelerate out of corners on the rear wheel.

As soon as you drop into a trail, you’ll notice how evenly weight is distributed between the front and rear wheel of the Heckler. This ensures intuitive and predictable handling and allows you to negotiate open corners with confidence, regardless of your riding skills. Put simply, the Santa Cruz is a great bike for both beginners and seasoned berm carvers and without a doubt one of the most composed eMTBs we’ve ridden in recent times – in both wheel configurations! Furthermore, the suspension provides a good mix of traction, support and reserves, making the Heckler the ideal companion for technical and fast trails, where it always stays composed and even bails you out if you get yourself into a pickle. On the other hand, the Heckler doesn’t inspire much confidence: the dropper post can’t be inserted all the way into the frame, restricting freedom of movement and thus limiting the fun, no matter what kind of trail you’re riding.

29er or MX? Which wheel size suits you best?

We’ve tested the Santa Cruz Heckler CC XO1 AXS RSV 2022 in both wheel configurations and can tell you which wheel size suits your riding style best. But be aware, whichever version you’ll end up buying, you won’t be able to change the wheel configuration later! Although the 29″ and MX models share (almost) the same name, they rely on entirely different swingarms. As weird as it might sound, we like the fact that Santa Cruz designed individual rear ends, because both versions are extremely well-balanced.

If you value a comfortable pedalling position or if you’re looking for the most forgiving and intuitive handling possible, the 29er Heckler CC XO1 AXS RSV is your best option. While the MX model is still a great tourer, it puts a little more pressure on your hands and offers less predictable handling than its 29” counterpart. If you’re after a livelier bike, the MX model is far more playful and inspires more confidence on steep and technical terrain. As far as composure goes, both versions are excellent.

Santa Cruz Heckler 9 2022 conclusion

The Heckler 9 CC XO1 AXS RSV drifts into the new season with an elegant look and intuitive handling. Santa Cruz’s eMTB all-rounder is composed, good-natured and instills confidence on the trail – as long as the dropper post doesn’t get in your way! If you’re looking for a relaxed companion for long backcountry expeditions, the Heckler might be exactly what you’re looking for. As a plus, you can choose the wheel configuration that better suits your riding style and preferences.

Tops

• well integrated motor-system
• high level of riding stability
• good-natured riding characteristics
• strong touring potential

Flops

• rattling cables
• low insertion depth for long seatposts
• puncture-prone tyres

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For more information visit santacruzbicycles.com

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Words: Jonas Müssig Photos: Peter Walker, Max Schumann