
Mike's Bikes
Vala CC XX AXS Lite Reserve
Reviewed by the The Top Finds editors · How we test
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Our review
Built for riders who want a lighter, more natural ride feel, the Vala Lite delivers a more responsive ride on the trail, ideal for longer days and less aggressive terrain. It's everything you love about the Vala, just a bit lighter. Same full-power Bosch motor, same dialed suspension. Santa Cruz swapped in a Fox 36 instead of a 38, put on lighter tires and wheels, and pored over the spec sheet to save grams throughout the build. The result? A bike that weighs up to a pound and a half less than the standard Vala. And because a lot of the savings come from the fork and wheels, you'll feel the difference every time you lift the front end to clear obstacles, every time you accelerate out of a turn, and every time you push a little bit harder through the techy bits of trail. It's not a new bike, it's a new way to ride a full-power ebike. FEATURES: Bosch Performance Line CX Motor: With 85 Nm torque and 600 watts peak power (Now user upgradeable to 120 Nm torque 750 watts peak power), this system delivers a smooth, powerful ride with quiet, responsive performance, smart display, wireless controls, seamless Bosch Flow App integration, and proven reliability. Optimized Battery: A 600Wh fixed battery optimizes weight (2.2lbs lighter) and performance, with an optional 250Wh PowerMore Range Extender for longer trips, offering better range in a compact size. Familiar Handling: 150mm rear travel, 160mm fork travel, and an improved 4-bar suspension design for superior ride comfort, reduced anti-squat, and significant gains in anti-rise (braking) performance. Decoupled Flip-Chips: The geo chip raises or lowers the BB 4mm, and adjust the headtube angle 0.3-degrees. The progression chip changes the progression from 26-29%. MX Wheels: The 29" front wheel maintains momentum and clears obstacles, while the compact rear ensures quick transitions and smooth technical lines. Details Matter: Chainstays are longer. But is also matched to frame size to ensure that every rider, regardless of bike size, gets a consistent, responsive feel. Additionally, each bike is Spec'd with a longer dropper post (180mm on med, 210mm on large). Lifetime Warranty: The legendary Santa Cruz fit, finish and quality construction put this into a league of its own. The frame, bearings and optional Reserve wheels come with a lifetime warranty and any service is easy to do with their Rider Support pledge. SPECS: Frame Carbon CC MX 150mm Travel 4-Bar Fork FOX 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm Rear Shock FOX Float X Factory, 205x60 Rims/Wheels Front: Reserve 301HD Carbon, Rear: Reserve 301HD Carbon Hubs Front: DT Swiss 240, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 28H, Rear: DT Swiss 240 DEG DF, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h Spokes N/A Tires Front: Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO+, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 27.5x2.5", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Crankset e13 Race Carbon eSpec All Sizes: 160mm Chainrings N/A Bottom Bracket N/A Chain SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd Front Derailleur N/A Rear Derailleur SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd Cassette/Rear Cogs SRAM XX 1297 Eagle T-Type, 10-52 Shifters SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Handlebars OneUp Carbon Bar, 35mm S 760mm, 20mm Rise M-XXL 800mm, 35mm Rise Stem Industry Nine A35 All Sizes: 40mm Brakes SRAM Maven Ultimate Carbon (Front Rotor: SRAM HS2 200mm, Rear Rotor: SRAM HS2 200mm) Pedals N/A Saddle WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, Stainless Seat Post OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6 S: 120mm, M: 180mm, L: 210mm, XL-XXL: 240mm Motor Bosch Performance CX BDU38 Battery Bosch PowerTube Battery 600WH Display/Controller N/A Max Assisted Speed N/A Charger N/A Extras Headset: Chris King DropSet 3 Integrated Headset, Grips: Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips
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Vala CC XX AXS Lite Reserve
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Mike's Bikes
$13999