The best e-mountain bike of 2025? Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV On Test
This bike is part of our big group test: The Best E-Mountainbike of 2025 – Featuring the 30 Most Exciting E-MTBs of the Year. Click here for the full intro, key takeaways, and all the bikes we tested.
21.5 kg in size L | € 11,499 | Manufacturer’s website
Santa Cruz Bicycles have long been a benchmark in the bike world, and are known for both performance and design. With the Bullit, Heckler, and Heckler SL, the Californian brand has already released three eMTB models – – each featuring the signature VPP rear suspension that has defined Santa Cruz bikes for years. But with the all-new Vala, they’re breaking tradition. Instead of the complex VPP system, Santa Cruz’s 21.5 kg eMTB adopts a Horst-link four-bar linkage. A sacrilege for die-hard Santa Cruz fans or a smart move? Whether traditionalists approve or not, the real question is: does the €11,499 Vala X0 AXS RSV have what it takes to be the best e-bike of 2025?
What Sets the Santa Cruz Vala Apart From the Competition?
While the Vala has clearly moved away from Santa Cruz’s traditional design language, it still delivers the manufacturer’s signature ride experience – – but more on that later. The new design language is both sleek and sporty, and at the same time refreshingly understated. Everything just feels like it’s in the right place, with no weird surprises in the overall aesthetics.
Inside the downtube, you’ll find the fully integrated 600 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, which feeds the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. The motor itself is neatly incorporated into the frame but adds some bulk around the bottom bracket. Compared to other full-power eMTBs like the AMFLOW and the Unno Mith, which feature a DJI system and a bigger battery, – the Vala looks a bit beefier.
Performance-wise, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers its usual punch: 85 Nm of torque and up to 600 W peak power. Charging is done via the port above the motor, but Santa Cruz opted for Bosch’s standard rubber cover, which doesn’t snap in place as securely as you’d expect from a premium bike.
Santa Cruz forgoes a display altogether and rely on a minimalist cockpit instead, with a Bosch System Controller in the top tube that uses five LEDs to show the current support mode and battery charge status in 10% increments. On the left side of the handlebars, the system is controlled via the wireless Bosch Mini Remote. If you want additional data like the exact battery charge status and navigation, you’ll have to rely on the Bosch app, which is very complete and intuitive to use, and offers additional features like eBike Lock theft protection.
The downtube can accommodate either a bottle cage or the 250 Wh Bosch PowerMore range extender, which boosts the total capacity to 850 Wh. A tool mount under the top tube allows you to secure a puncture kit directly to the frame – – handy for long rides. The generously-sized chainstay protector features big rubber fins that dampen chain slap and keep the bike quiet.. The internal cable routing through the frame is well thought out and makes it easy for home mechanics to work on the bike.
The Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV comes equipped with a top-tier FOX 38 GRIP X2 Factory fork, which generates 160 mm of travel and offers countless adjustment options, with high- and low-speed compression as well as high- and low-speed rebound settings. The forkis paired with a matching FOX Float X Factory shock, which controls 150 mm of travel at the rear, and offers slightly less adjustments – – compression and rebound damping, plus a climb switch. For maximum freedom of movement, Santa Cruz spec the OneUp V3 dropper post with a generous 210 mm of travel, which operates smoothly and reliably.
Shifting is taken care of by a wireless, 12-speed SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which delivers butter-smooth gear shifts and relies on a more robust, direct-mount rear derailleur. SRAM Maven Silver brakes do stopping duties, delivering the same brutal brake torque as the flagship Ultimate model, and only forgo the titanium hardware. Paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear, they deliver consistent braking performance even on long descents.
Santa Cruz fit their in-house Reserve 30 HD carbon wheels, backed by a lifetime warranty – – though with the right tires, they should be able to withstand plenty of abuse. The rims are paired with Schwalbe Magic Mary tires in the softest Ultra Soft rubber compound and Super Trail casing up front, and the tougher Super Gravity casing and the more durable Soft compound at the rear. Schwalbe’s new tires with radial casing are designed to adapt better to the ground without compromising puncture protection.
Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV
€ 11,499
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 600 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 150 mm
Seatpost OneUp V3 210 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Silver 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12
Stem Burgtec Enduro Mk3 42 mm
Handlebar Santa Cruz 35 Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Reserve 30 HD / Reserve 31 DH 29″/27.5″
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Trail, Ultra Soft / Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Gravity, Soft 2.5″/2.5″
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Weight 21.5 kg
Kickstand mount no
Specific Features
flip-chip
Tuning Tip: For home mechanics: design a better cover for the charging port! 😉
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 380 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 460 mm | 500 mm |
| Top Tube | 573 mm | 601 mm | 622 mm | 645 mm | 673 mm |
| Head Tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 145 mm | 160 mm |
| Head Angle | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° |
| Seat Angle | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° |
| Chainstay | 439 mm | 440 mm | 443 mm | 446 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Drop | 344 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1210 mm | 1240 mm | 1268 mm | 1297 mm | 1333 mm |
| Reach | 435 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm | 500 mm | 525 mm |
| Stack | 623 mm | 632 mm | 641 mm | 655 mm | 668 mm |
How Did the Santa Cruz Vala fare in our test?
The sporty riding position puts slightly more pressure on your hands than on the saddle, which can make long gravel sections or flat commutes feel tiring – but this quickly balances out on the climbs. The rear suspension is impressively sensitive, absorbing bumps without bobbing excessively on fire roads. However, the Vala really shines on technical climbs: the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor offers powerful, controlled assistance, while the rear suspension generates plenty of traction. This combination secures the Vala a top spot in our uphill ranking – beating even the Unno Mith, despite the Spanish competitor boasting up to 20 Nm more torque on paper with its DJI motor. On steep climbs, the sporty geometry pays off even more – the front wheel always remains planted, providing optimal control, even in tight uphill switchbacks.
The Santa Cruz Vala is built for pure performance – whether it’s the components, battery size, motor setup, or suspension.
Once you get to the trailhead and point its nose downhill, the Vala makes you feel at ease from the get go. The frame and suspension offer plenty of support, ensuring a lively, responsive character on flow trails. Whether you’re pumping through berms and rollers or popping off kickers, the suspension provides excellent feedback from the ground and spits you out of corners with speed.
The Santa Cruz Vala strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility, proving equally suitable for high-speed shredding and playful cruising.
On technical descents, the Vala impresses with a unique balance of agility and composure, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process. It’s nimble enough to weave around obstacles yet stable enough to charge straight through rough rock gardens. Santa Cruz really nailed the balance between composure and playfulness. As a result, the Vala is just as capable on fast, demanding trails as the GHOST while feeling even more agile and lively. This means that it can even keep up with lighter bikes like the Merida eONE-SIXTY SL on flowy trails, securing top marks in the fun department. Riding the Vala is a pure dopamine rush, and will leave you grinning long after the ride is over!
Who Should Take a Closer Look at the Santa Cruz Vala?
The Vala isn’t your typical Santa Cruz VPP rig, and the new concept might take some getting used to if you’re a die-hard fan of their signature suspension system. On the trail, however, the bike delivers a tremendous performance, striking the ideal balance between composure and agility, and thus proving the right choice for a wide range of riders.
With its permanently-integrated 600 Wh battery, it’s not the best choice for commuters, and if you opt for the 250 Wh range extender, you’ll have to find another way to carry your water bottle. Plus, small details like the charging port don’t quite meet Santa Cruz’s usual premium standards – which can be frustrating at this price point. But if that doesn’t bother you, the Vala delivers one thing above all: pure riding fun.
Conclusions about the Santa Cruz Vala
Santa Cruz stay true to their game – while simultaneously breaking with tradition. The design takes a radical new direction, but the ride quality remains as impressive as ever. The Vala might not look like your typical Santa Cruz, but it still delivers the same intuitive, high-performance,, reliable ride the brand is known for. It falls just short of the test win due to the lack of everyday features – no display, no removable battery – but if pure ride performance is your top priority, the Vala is a top-tier choice.
Tops
- Intuitive handling
- Perfect balance of agility, stability, and confidence
- Suspension provides excellent feedback and support
Flops
- Cheap charging port cover
More info via santacruzbicycles.com
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best E-Mountainbike of 2025” comparison test – 30 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro, Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD, FOCUS JAM² 6.0, GHOST E-RIOT LTD, Haibike HYBE CF 11, MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K, Orbea WILD M-LTD, Orbea Rise LT M-Team, R RAYMON Tarok Ultra, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL, Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV, SCOTT Patron ST 900 Tuned, Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, Transition Regulator CX XT, UNNO Mith Pro, YT DECOY SN MX CORE 3.
Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Peter Walker
