Santa Cruz Vala

Wheel Size: MX | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm | Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX | Battery Size: 600 Wh


The Santa Cruz Vala is a full-power electric mountain bike built to crush trails with confidence and capability. Powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivering 85 Nm of torque and a 600Wh battery (with 250Wh range extender compatibility), it tackles the toughest climbs with relentless, reliable assistance. The mixed-wheel mullet setup (MX) pairs a 29" front wheel with a 27.5" rear for nimble handling and planted stability. With 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, the Vala absorbs technical terrain with ease, while Santa Cruz's four-bar suspension design ensures efficient pedaling and controlled descents. Lightweight C & CC carbon frames keep it agile, while the new Vala AL features an aluminum frame, built to barrel through the toughest terrain. The flip-chip allows personalized suspension tuning to match your riding style. Built for durability with long dropper post compatibility and larger bearings, the Vala blends power, precision, and versatility for an unmatched e-bike experience.

Santa Cruz Vala
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Highlights and information

Santa Cruz Vala: Power Meets Precision on the Trail

Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm | Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX | Battery Size: 600 Wh

The Santa Cruz Vala electric mountain bike delivers premium performance on technical trails with 160mm front travel and 150mm rear suspension for superior stability and control. Available in lightweight carbon (C and CC) and aluminum (Vala AL) frame options, this eMTB combines durability with responsive handling across rugged terrain. Powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 600 Wh battery, the Vala conquers steep climbs and technical descents with exceptional range and quiet operation. Whether you choose carbon or aluminum, the Santa Cruz Vala offers legendary reliability and high-quality components for an unrivaled electric mountain bike experience.

Why the Santa Cruz Vala Stands Out

The Santa Cruz Vala electric mountain bike combines the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor (85nm torque) with Santa Cruz's proven suspension technology and precise handling. This eMTB delivers smooth, quiet power with natural-feeling assistance, while the 600 Wh battery provides extended range for all-day rides. Add the optional 250 Wh PowerMore battery extender for maximum riding time on demanding trails. With optimized eMTB geometry and advanced suspension design, the Vala excels on technical terrain and flowing singletrack, delivering the confidence and precision riders need for challenging mountain bike trails.

Who Should Ride the Vala?

The Santa Cruz Vala is designed for riders who demand top-tier performance on challenging trails. Whether you’re scaling steep inclines, tackling intricate descents, or simply searching for a stable, balanced ride, the Vala offers power, agility, and versatility. It’s crafted for eMTB enthusiasts who appreciate extended range, sharp handling, and the durability to tackle aggressive trails.

WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT the Vala

  • Bosch Performance Line CX Motor: This new motor delivers seamless, reliable power for technical climbs and long rides.
  • 250Wh PowerMore Extender: For those long days in the saddle, the extender provides the extra boost you need.
  • Mass Mounted Low: The 600 Wh battery positioning keeps weight low, enhancing traction and minimizing negative handling characteristics often found in e-MTBs with larger batteries. The optional 250 Wh PowerMore extender gives you the flexibility for longer rides when needed.
  • Four Modes: The sleek, wireless mode controller on the handlebars lets you switch between four standard modes (Eco, Tour, eMTB, and Turbo).

Frame Material

The Vala comes in either a lightweight, durable C or CC carbon frame for sharp handling and confidence on demanding trails.

For riders looking for a more approachable option, the Vala Aluminum delivers the same poised suspension, quality components, and Santa Cruz’s renowned reliability and warranty support in a more accessible package.

Suspension System

The Santa Cruz Vala features a high-performance suspension system engineered for demanding trail riding and technical terrain. With 160mm front fork travel and 150mm rear suspension travel, this electric mountain bike delivers exceptional bump absorption and control on rough trails. The advanced eMTB suspension design smooths out rocky descents and root-filled sections while maintaining responsive, agile handling. Whether tackling technical climbs or aggressive downhill runs, the Vala's suspension system provides superior comfort and precision for confident all-mountain riding.

Motor and Battery

Powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Vala delivers smooth, quiet power. Its 600 Wh battery offers impressive range, while the optional 250 Wh extender takes your exploration even further.

Geometry and Fit

  • Efficient Climbing: The steep seat tube angle ensures powerful pedaling, while the balanced rear center provides excellent traction on technical ascents. The adjustable geometry, with options for a lower bottom bracket, further enhances climbing stability and efficiency.
  • Confident Descending: A slack head tube angle, long wheelbase, and low bottom bracket provide stability, control, and composure on steep, rough terrain. The ability to fine-tune the geometry offers even more confidence on technical descents.
  • Balanced Handling: The adjustable reach, tall stack, and generous front center create a comfortable, tailored ride that blends agility and stability. The geometry scales well across sizes, offering a balanced fit for riders of all heights, perfect for tackling varied and challenging terrain.

Highlighted Models and Key Components

Santa Cruz Vala 1 C MX XT Di2

  • Frame: C Carbon
  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX BDU38 motor
  • Battery: Bosch PowerTube Battery 600Wh
  • Suspension: Fork: FOX 38 Factory, Grip X2, 160mm | Shock: FOX Float X Factory, 205x60
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT Di2 SGS 12spd
  • Wheelset: Reserve 30|HD AL Aluminum

Santa Cruz Vala CC XX AXS Reserve

  • Frame: Premium CC Carbon frame.
  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX BDU38
  • Battery: Bosch PowerTube Battery 600Wh
  • Suspension: Fork: FOX 38 Factory, Grip X2, 160mm | FOX Float X Factory, 205x60
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd
  • Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels

Santa Cruz Vala 1 AL MX 70

  • Frame: Aluminum
  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX BDU38
  • Battery: Bosch PowerTube Battery 600Wh
  • Suspension: Fork: RockShox Zeb Base, 160mm | Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Base, 205x60
  • Drivetrain: SRAM 70 Eagle T-Type, Mechanical 12spd
  • Wheels: Reserve 30|HD AL Aluminum

Additional Highlights

  • Renowned Santa Cruz Dynamics: Iconic handling and suspension tailored for eMTB performance.
  • Class-Leading Power: Bosch Performance Line CX motor guarantees smooth and natural assistance.
  • Impressive Range: 600 Wh battery with extender capability for enhanced long-ride flexibility.
  • Maintenance-Friendly: Durable pivots and lifetime-bearing replacement ensure reliability.

Not Exactly What You're Looking For?

  • Santa Cruz Heckler SL: The Santa Cruz Heckler SL seamlessly blends the nimbleness of a traditional trail bike with the robust power of the Fazua Ride 60 motor, delivering a dynamic eMTB experience. Equipped with 150mm of suspension, a mixed-wheel configuration, and modern geometry, it caters to riders who demand both performance and versatility. 
  • Santa Cruz Bullit: The Santa Cruz Bullit is a high-performance enduro eMTB with 170mm suspension travel, built for steep descents and aggressive trail riding. The integrated 600Wh battery provides a low center of gravity for superior handling and all-day range on technical terrain. Perfect for backcountry adventures, bike park laps, or marathon trail sessions, the Bullit combines long-travel suspension with powerful electric assist for demanding riders tackling challenging climbs and descents.
  • Orbea Wild: The Orbea Wild eMTB delivers premium trail performance with versatile suspension and wheel size options for all riding styles. Choose 170mm long-travel models for aggressive enduro riding or the new Wild ST short-travel version with 150mm suspension for agile trail handling. Available in mullet wheel setup (mixed wheel sizes) or full 29" configuration, the Orbea Wild features optimized weight distribution and powerful electric assist. This versatile electric mountain bike excels on technical climbs, fast descents, and all-day trail adventures for riders seeking adaptable eMTB performance.

The Bottom Line

The Santa Cruz Vala ranks among the best electric mountain bikes for serious trail riders. Powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85nm torque, this high-performance eMTB excels on steep climbs, technical descents, and challenging terrain. With exceptional battery range, and carbon and aluminum frame options, precise handling, and robust suspension, the Vala delivers an unmatched electric mountain bike experience. Ideal for aggressive riders who demand powerful motor assistance, long-range capability, and all-terrain versatility, the Santa Cruz Vala sets the benchmark for premium eMTB performance.

Santa Cruz Bikes
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a man riding a santa cruz vala electric bicycle on a dirt path with leaves
A still shot of a Santa Cruz Vala E-MTB laid on its side along a forest trail, surrounded by rough terrain and nature, highlighting the bike's rugged design, available at Contender Bicycles.
a person riding the santa cruz mullet through the forest.
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