Heckler
What Mountain Bike
November 2003
Classic Swingarm simplicity enhanced with the latest shock technology
After taking a break from the Santa Cruz line up to gather its thoughts, the Heckler returned earlier this year in a whole new burlier format that made it an instant hit. 'Cruz has left the classic forward/mid pivot swingarm layout exactly the same, but it's beefed up every tube of the new 6066 aluminium tubeset. The head tube is externally reinforced and then gusseted top, bottom and sides let it handle triple crown forks, while the swingarm itself uses a massive front post planted firmly on a big CNC main pivot plate. The large stays then curve round the seatpost and end at cantilevered CNC dropouts that wouldn't look out of place on a railway wagon. A complete lack of cross bracing behind the seat tube means massive mud room with stiffness retained by a big CNC horseshoe junction that also carries the single, non adjustable shock mount. Santa Cruz also gets extra cute points for the neat H-block cable and hose guides, and the thick powder coat Tonka Toy (or 'Scuba') yellow is a perfect match for the no nonsense aesthetics.
Despite all this structural strength, our sample Heckler still weighed in at a lightweight 30lb all up. The ride character is very much XC based too, with a decent 23.2in top tube stretch and 70.5 head/73.6 degree seat angles that wouldn't be out of place on a race bike. As a result it's a bike you feel instantly at home on, as though it's the bike you had before, but it's been spending some serious time pumping iron since you last saw it. Pedal pick up and chuck about agility isn't effortless but it's certainly well within the comfort zone for epic day rides or riders used to whippet rigs. Handling is incisive and perfectly balanced dropping into corners or sliding out the far side in a shower of muck, and we felt unusually confident trickling along the tops of walls. Plus it'll pop up and drop off serious ledges whether you hit them at walking pace or flat out in the big ring.
The Fifth Element shock forms a perfect partner for inciting riotous behaviour at any opportunity. Its demure lines belie an astonishingly controlled response to even the biggest chain and teeth rattling touchdowns, while the optional Progressive coil shock will add even more 'whump'. The adjustable pedal platform setup also smoothes out power delivery for even the worst bar heaving pedal pumpers, leaving you to run enough sag and succulent initial stroke to waltz and race over wobbly cobbles.
Actually it's probably better used for ensuring tenacious conering and climbing traction, but you get the idea...
Before we run out of gushing platitudes there are some flipsides. While the simple swingarm arc is totally predictable, you'll still feel noticable pedal feedback if you try and pedal through boulder sections and landings once the shock starts moving. The big Hope Enduro brakes also create a noticable rear kick up under braking which needs to be watched in loose or wet conditions. Finally, our well used test model was starting to rattle at the rear shock mount. A simple warranty job, but irritating nonetheless.
No complaints about the Santa Cruz X-F build kit though, which makes the complete bike impressive value for money, but the frame price is good too at just over a grand.
If you're looking for a super tough, inspiringly confident but essentially simple bike that'll turn it's hand to anything from boulder fests to epic mileage peak bagging, then here it is. Swwetly balanced handling, spot on ride position, masses of mud room and a shock that delivers superb pedal spinning climb and stomach churning drop performance complete the package.
It even comes in lots of nice colours...
Wherever we rode and whatever positions we ended up in, the Santa Cruz was a real good time bike. Despite masses of mud clearance for those really dirty moments and enough underwiring up front to cope with the biggest pair (of forks) it's still lively and responsive enough to keep you going all day. Add a shock that'll let you turn pedal tricks, then swallow your biggest shots happily, and you've got a perfect hot date for any occasion. At just over half the price of the Foes, you'll also have plenty of money left to equip it in the manner it's accustomed to.
WMB VERDICT
Light and XC enough to ride all day, heavy enough for moments of insanity
Performance: 9
Value: 9