Santa Cruz Vala 2025 - Bosch e-bike without VPP - NEW
With the Santa Cruz Vala 2025, the legendary Californian brand Santa Cruz has opened a completely new chapter. The new model, the Santa Cruz Bosch e-bike, stands out from the company's previous e-mountainbikes thanks to its innovative approach. There is no VPP rear suspension system, which is otherwise so typical of Santa Cruz, but a new, 4-bar suspension system. What does this mean for you and which model suits your requirements? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Santa Cruz Vala 2025.
The new Santa Cruz Vala with Bosch motor
The centrepiece of the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 is the new powerful Bosch motor, which stands for first-class e-bike performance. With an efficient Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor and a 600 Wh battery, the Vala delivers enough power for long and demanding off-road tours.
Bosch motors are known for their performance, smooth running and reliability. The fifth-generation CX motor in particular scores points with its natural riding feel and immediate response behaviour. Even on steep climbs, the motor takes you forward quickly and effortlessly without the riding experience being overly influenced by the electric drive. The motor is also significantly quieter and even lighter than its predecessor.
Why has Santa Cruz launched a new e-bike?
Santa Cruz is known for its innovative strength and uncompromising quality. But why an e-bike without the well-known VPP rear suspension system? The answer lies in the continuous optimisation of their rear suspension philosophy, which is based on many values such as anti-squat and anti-rise. Due to the design of the new motor, many of these values can be better achieved with the new four-bar linkage, which is why Santa Cruz has opted for this rear suspension system.
The Santa Cruz Vala 2025 is aimed at riders who are looking for a powerful e-bike with excellent suspension and lightness that doesn't feel too technical, but still offers the typical Santa Cruz qualities such as stability and durability.
What's new with the Vala?
In addition to dispensing with the VPP system, there are some other exciting new features on the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 that set it apart from other e-bikes and make it particularly interesting for demanding riders.
New 4-bar linkage on the Santa Cruz Vala
Instead of the VPP system, the Vala uses a 4-bar linkage design. This suspension system was developed for maximum comfort and optimum control on rough terrain. It ensures direct power transmission, reduces bobbing when pedalling and improves traction.
2 flip chips for more adjustment options
Another highlight of the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 are the two flip chips, which offer you even more adjustment options. With these flip chips, you can adapt the geometry of the bike to your personal preferences or to the respective terrain requirements. You can vary the steering angle and bottom bracket height, which gives you more flexibility and control on different types of trail. You can also change the progression of the rear triangle using the flip chip on the lower shock eyelet. These fine-tuning options make the Vala the ideal companion for a wide range of conditions and riding styles.
Mullet Only
The Santa Cruz Vala 2025 is designed as a mullet bike, i.e. it combines a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5-inch rear wheel. This setup offers the best of both worlds: The large 29-inch wheels roll more easily over obstacles, while the smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel provides more agility and better manoeuvrability. You will appreciate the advantages of the mullet design, especially in technical terrain and when changing direction quickly.
600 Wh Bosch battery with PowerMore option
The standard 600 Wh battery of the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 already offers a decent range, but with the optional PowerMore option you can increase the battery capacity to up to 850 Wh. This means that even epic, all-day tours in the mountains or long rides in remote areas are no problem. So if you are looking for an e-bike that offers you maximum freedom and flexibility, the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 is just right for you.
What equipment variants does the Vala come in?
The Santa Cruz Vala 2025 is available in several equipment variants to suit different rider types and budgets. Basically, you can choose between three main variants:
Santa Cruz Vala R-Kit - The R-Kit is the perfect entry-level model for riders looking for high-quality components at an affordable price. It is ideal for everyday use as well as for first experiences on trails. The solid equipment offers reliability and comfort without compromising on quality.
Santa Cruz Vala S-Kit - With the S-Kit you get a balanced combination of price and performance. This model already offers improved suspension components and provides a noticeably better riding experience. It is aimed at riders who regularly ride more demanding trails and are looking for higher performance.
Santa Cruz Vala GX AXS Kit - The GX AXS Kit is designed for ambitious bikers who demand maximum performance and precision. With electronic shifting and first-class high-end components, this model offers outstanding performance on any terrain. Perfect for e-bikers who don't want to compromise.
Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV - The X0 AXS RSV stands out with its exquisite premium components and is aimed at experienced riders who expect maximum riding enjoyment and efficiency. The electronic shifting combined with the advanced frame construction and the in-house Reserve wheels offer excellent trail performance and exceptional control.
Santa Cruz Vala XX AXS RSV - The flagship model of the Vala series. The XX AXS RSV combines state-of-the-art technologies and top components for unrivalled performance. Developed for professionals and enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their bike. This model offers the ultimate riding experience with uncompromising equipment and outstanding precision.
Every variant of the Santa Cruz Vala 2025 comes with the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 600 Wh battery. You can also choose the PowerMore option on most variants to expand the battery capacity.
Choosing the right model depends on your riding style, your budget and your equipment requirements. If you frequently ride technical trails and have the highest performance requirements, the XX AXS RSV model will be ideal for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a solid e-bike for occasional tours and weekend excursions, the R version may be enough.
Conclusion: Santa Cruz Vala 2025 - your next Bosch e-bike?
The Santa Cruz Vala 2025 combines innovative technologies and typical Santa Cruz qualities in a new, fresh e-bike design. Whether you are looking for a versatile mullet bike for challenging trails or simply a maintenance-friendly e-bike with a modern Bosch motor, the Vala offers you flexibility and performance at the highest level. With its different equipment variants and adjustment options, you are sure to find the model that perfectly suits your riding style and needs.