2026 Santa Cruz Vala vs 2025 Santa Cruz Heckler SL
We can't match sizes for these two: one of them has no stack and reach for the sizes shown.
What changes on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL
- Frame stack
- −9 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Wheelbase
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Head angle
- −0.2°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
We can't draw these frames yet. The Santa Cruz Vala numbers we have for size L are missing the reach. The numbers below still compare.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Vala L | Santa Cruz Heckler SL L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | not listed | 477.5 | |
| Stack | 644mm | 634.9 | −9 mm |
| Head tube angle | 64.2° | 64 | −0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 77.5° | 77.2 | −0.3° |
| Effective top tube | 622 | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 443 | 443.8 | +1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1268 | 1262.7/1263.4 | |
| BB drop | 28 | not listed | |
| Standover | 734 | 733.4/729.3 | |
| Seat tube length | 420 | 430 | +10 mm |
| Head tube length | 130 | 120 | −10 mm |
| BB height | not listed | 341 |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Heckler SL minus the Santa Cruz Vala. Full charts: 2026 Santa Cruz Vala, 2025 Santa Cruz Heckler SL.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz ValaSanta Cruz Heckler SL
AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted
Each bike is ranked against the other trail bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Santa Cruz Vala70 | Santa Cruz Heckler SLGX AXS |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Santa Cruz Vala | Santa Cruz Heckler SL |
| Fork | RockShox ZEB Base | Fox 36 Performance Elite Grip X2 |
| Rear shock | Fox Float X Performance | Fox FLOAT X Performance Elite |
| Shifter | SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission | SRAM Pod Controller |
| Derailleur | SRAM 70 Eagle Transmission | SRAM GX Eagle AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Chain | SRAM 70 Eagle Transmission | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | e*thirteen Helix eSpec | Race Face Aeffect R |
| Motor | Bosch Performance CX BDU38 | Fazua Ride 60 |
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube Battery | Fazua 430 |
| Tire | Maxxis Assegai, Maxxis Minion DHR II | Schwalbe Albert |
| Hub | SRAM MTH 716, SRAM MTH 746 | not listed |
| Rim | Reserve 30|HD AL | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM DB 8 | SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth |
| Rotor | SRAM CenterLine | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Burgtec Alloy Bar | Santa Cruz e35 |
| Stem | OneUp Components Enduro Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 50 |
| Dropper post | SDG Tellis Dropper | OneUp Components dropper post |
| Saddle | SDG Bel-Air V3 Max | SDG Bel-Air |
| Accessory | OneUp Components Chainguide | not listed |
| Wheelset | not listed | Reserve 30|SL |
| Grips | not listed | Santa Cruz House |
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