Vala Vs Heckler SL

Im sure you're all aware that we are big big fans of the Heckler SL at Brink. Theres a reason its a staff favourite. 

Its power to wait ratio is almost perfect for the type of riding we love to do. Winch up on Eco mode, smash it back down again.

We have achieved over 1400m of climbing on the Heckler SL. Of course that means 1400m of descending aswell which for us is the main goal with the Heckler SL. Its light. You can hop it around, it feels planted like a DH bike due to the weight but you can still change direction super fast and it doesn't "truck on" in steeper stuff like a full fat E-Bike does.

So why buy the Vala then? Well thats what we wanted to find out. So we organised a demo day for our customers to ride the Heckler SL and the Vala Back to Back! 

The beauty of this is that each bikes little differences and nuance's are not lost on you because you can switch bikes in the same conditions on the same tracks.

So what did we find out?

The main thing is that these two bikes are incredible! They are super well thought out bikes and even ignore the fact they they have a motor, these are some of the best riding MTBs on the market! 

The Vala does have a similar ride feel to the Heckler SL. A very familiar Santa Cruz ride DNA that inspire confidence and rewards those willing to press on and hit stuff hard! 

It is heavier than the Heckler SL (19KG) at 22kg for the XO Reserve carbon wheel build which doesn't sound alot but you certainly feel it on the jumps and braking into steeper terrain or trying to haul the bike up and over logs etc but where its weight isnt an issue atall is climbing! 

I know the motor is (currently!!) only 85nm but the way the Bosch motor delivers the power is unbelievable! If you want to get to the top as fast as possible the Vala is your bike! The relative light weight couple with all that power just makes it a climb machine! 

Features wise the bikes are level pegging. Adjustable angles, great geometry, dialled suspension and drive systems with all the app bells and whistles. 

So what does all this mean? 

Its tricky to choose one. Throw the new Levo Gen4 into the mix, or the New Bullit or even the Unno Mith (if you have the patience to wait for one) and you've got a hard decision to make! 

The SL is our favourite bike for going down hill. The Vala is our 2nd favourite for going downhill but our very favourite for everything else! So if you are happy to sacrifice a small amount of DH performance for out and out trail speed and climbing joy then the Vala is for you! 

If you like the jumps and DH and are happy to grind a bit in Eco to get a full days riding in then maybe the Heckler SL is the one! 

But then Bosch after sales support is pretty great and the Vala angles are a little more future proof. 

But then again the Heckler SL corners like nothing else.

But then again the Vala can potentially do more laps.

Hmmm. I hope this article helps?! Lol!

Fancy riding one of these for yourself? Give us a call to arrange a demo!