Mat's Custom Ohlins Heckler SL

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL is a versatile and capable bike that has quickly become a staff favorite. With its lightweight carbon frame and cutting-edge components, this bike is designed to tackle even the most challenging terrain with confidence and control.

In this in-depth blog post, I'll take you through the process of customising my Heckler SL, highlighting the key upgrades and modifications that have made this bike truly my own. From the suspension setup to the component choices, every detail has been carefully considered allowing me to push the limits of my riding.

Suspension Perfection: Unlocking the Potential of the Öhlins Coil Setup

One of the standout features of my custom Heckler SL is the suspension setup. I've opted for a full coil suspension, with an Öhlins TTX22 rear shock and an Öhlins RXF 36 coil fork. This combination has been a game-changer, providing unparalleled performance and responsiveness on the trail.

The Öhlins TTX22 rear shock is widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry, and for good reason. Its advanced design and tuning capabilities allow me to fine-tune the suspension to perfectly match my riding style and the terrain I'm tackling. The coil spring offers a supple and plush feel off the top, while the progressive ramping provides the necessary support and control when the going gets rough.

Complementing the rear shock is the Öhlins RXF 36 coil fork. This fork has been a revelation, delivering exceptional small-bump compliance and a smooth, controlled feel through the most technical sections of the trail. The coil spring design provides a level of sensitivity and traction that I've never experienced before, allowing me to maintain control and confidence even on the most challenging descents.

The combination of the Öhlins rear shock and fork has truly transformed the Heckler SL into a suspension masterpiece. The bike feels incredibly composed and stable, yet responsive and playful, making it an absolute joy to ride. I've found that the coil setup provides a level of feedback and connection to the trail that I simply couldn't achieve with an air-sprung system.

Wheels and Tires: Balancing Performance and Versatility

Another key aspect of my custom Heckler SL build is the wheel and tire setup. I've opted for a mullet configuration, with a 29-inch wheel up front and a 650b wheel in the rear. This combination offers the best of both worlds, providing the stability and rollover of a 29er on the front end, while maintaining the nimble and playful handling of a 650b wheel in the rear.

The wheels themselves are Roval Traverse SL's, which are lightweight, durable, and perfectly suited for the demands of general trail riding. The 30mm internal width provides an excellent platform for the tires, allowing me to run lower pressures for improved traction and big ole schralps! 

For the tires, I've been testing out the Panaracer Scorpion tires, which have so far proven to be a great choice. These tires offer excellent grip and cornering performance, with a versatile tread pattern that can handle a wide range of trail conditions. While I'm still in the early stages of riding these tires, the initial impressions have been very positive, and I'm excited to see how they perform over the long term.

That being said, I'm also considering swapping out the Scorpion tires for some of my personal favorites, the Maxxis Minion DHF and Minion DHR II. These tires have long been a staple in the mountain biking community, known for their exceptional all-around performance and durability. The combination of the Minion DHF up front and the Minion DHR II in the rear has been a winning formula for me in the past, and I'm confident it would complement the Heckler SL's capabilities perfectly.

Braking Brilliance: Hope Tech 4

When it comes to braking, I've opted for the Hope Tech 4 brakes, which have quickly become a favorite of mine. These powerful and responsive brakes provide the perfect balance of stopping power and modulation, allowing me to maintain complete control over my bike in even the most demanding situations.

The Hope Tech 4 levers offer a solid and reassuring feel, with a crisp and precise bite point that instills confidence. The E4 calipers, paired with Shimano Deore XT rotors, deliver exceptional braking performance, with ample power to scrub speed on steep descents and technical sections.

One of the key advantages of the Hope Tech 4 brakes is their ability to provide consistent and reliable performance, even in the most challenging conditions. Whether it's wet, muddy, or dry, these brakes have consistently delivered the stopping power I need to stay in control and tackle the most demanding trails.

Additionally, the visual appeal of the Hope brakes is a bonus. The machined detailing and the distinctive Hope branding add a touch of style and personality to the overall aesthetic of my custom Heckler SL. It's a small detail, but one that I can't help but appreciate every time I look at my bike.

Cockpit Comfort and Control: Dialling in the Perfect Fit

The cockpit of my custom Heckler SL has been carefully curated to provide the ultimate in comfort and control. From the handlebars to the grips and the stem, every component has been selected to ensure a seamless and intuitive riding experience.

I've opted for a Specialized carbon handlebar at 800mm, which offers a comfortable feel although potentially too wide for me, allowing me to precisely manoeuvre the bike through tight turns and technical sections whilst the carbon fibre construction means I get less vibration and less arm pump!

Complementing the handlebar is a Burgtec 42.5mm stem, which provides a stable and secure connection between the handlebars and the frame. This stem has been a staple in my bike builds and will continue to adorn all of my future builds. Best stem ever! 

For the grips, I've chosen the Peatys Monarch grip, which have quickly become a favorite of mine. These grips offer exceptional comfort and control, with a textured surface that provides a secure and confident grip, even in wet or muddy conditions.

The final touch to the contact points is the Burgtec Cloud saddle, which has been a game-changer in terms of comfort and support. This saddle is designed to provide a natural and ergonomic seating position, reducing pressure and fatigue on longer rides. 

Drivetrain and Pedals: Seamless Power Delivery and Confident Footing

The drivetrain and pedal setup on my custom Heckler SL have been carefully chosen to provide smooth and efficient power delivery, as well as a secure and confident connection to the bike.

For the drivetrain, I've opted for a SRAM AXS setup, which offers lightning-fast and precise shifting, even under load. The SRAM Eagle AXS rear derailleur and cassette provide a wide range of gears, allowing me to tackle steep climbs and maintain control on technical descents.

When it comes to the pedals, I've chosen the HT Components PA03 platform pedals. These pedals offer a large and stable platform, with tons of grip from the 3mm pins. The plastic construction of the pedals also helps to dampen vibrations a little.

Accessorising for the Trail: Enhancing Functionality and Convenience

To further enhance the functionality and convenience of my custom Heckler SL, I've added a few key accessories that have proven to be invaluable on the trail.

One of the standout additions is the Daysaver multi-tool, which is a compact and versatile tool that allows me to perform quick adjustments and minor repairs right on the bike. This tool has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions, allowing me to quickly address any issues that arise without the need to carry a bulky trail tool.

Conclusion: A Lightweight Speed Machine Built For Shredding

In conclusion, my custom Santa Cruz Heckler SL is a true testament to the power of personalisation and attention to detail. From the suspension setup to the component choices, every aspect of this bike has been carefully considered to create a ride that is both capable and tailored to my specific needs and preferences.

The combination of the Öhlins coil suspension, the Roval Traverse SLS wheels, the Hope Tech 4 brakes, and the carefully curated cockpit and drivetrain components have transformed the Heckler SL into a bike that I can truly call my own. It's a bike that inspires confidence, delivers exceptional performance, and allows me to push the limits of my riding abilities with every ride.

If you're in the market for a versatile and capable light weight E-Bike, I highly recommend checking out the Santa Cruz Heckler SL. And if you're looking to take your ride to the next level, consider the custom build route, as it allows you to tailor the bike to your specific needs and preferences. With the right components and a bit of creativity, you can create a bike that is truly one-of-a-kind and perfectly suited to your riding style.

To get started on your own custom Heckler SL build, be sure to visit the Heckler page on the BRINK website. And if you're in need of suspension service or maintenance, check out the Plush Suspension website to book your appointment.

To explore the Santa Cruz Heckler SL and other high-performance mountain bikes, visit the BRINK website. And for all your suspension service and maintenance needs, check out the Plush Suspension website.

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