As far as we can tell, 2021 was the last year that Santa Cruz offered an aluminum full-suspension bike in their lineup. Now, four years later, aluminum is back in the mix, at least for one model: the electric Santa Cruz Vala AL trail bike. Why? The brand wants to give buyers a more affordable option that’s “within reach of more riders.”
Similar specs to the carbon Vala, with a couple of tweaks
Santa Cruz claims the Vala AL delivers the “same ride quality and specs as the carbon Vala, but [is] accessible to more riders.” Judging by the specs, they’re not wrong. The Vala AL features the latest Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which former Santa Cruz Brand Manager Garen Becker told me last year is “the best thing on the market.” Just like the carbon Vala bikes, the Vala AL comes with a 600Wh battery, and buyers can purchase a 250Wh range extender for even longer ride times.
The Santa Cruz Vala AL is a mixed-wheel bike with 160/150mm of suspension travel front/rear. It utilizes a four-bar suspension design, rather than VPP. Santa Cruz smartly specs a more puncture-resistant rear tire with Maxxis Double Down protection paired with a lighter, EXO+ protected tire up front.
One feature that’s missing from the aluminum Vala that’s found on the carbon bike is a flip chip to adjust the bike’s geo and suspension. Santa Cruz presents this as a positive, “no fuss” simplification that will surely frustrate some riders, though honestly, most probably won’t miss the feature.
The Vala AL is offered in sizes small through extra large. Buyers looking for an XXL will need to upgrade to a carbon Vala model.
Not surprisingly, aluminum Vala models are heavier than the carbon bikes. Both the Deore and Eagle 70 builds have claimed weights above 53lb, compared to just under 50lb for the least expensive carbon build.
How much cheaper is it?
Buyers will save $1,300 with the cheapest Vala AL build compared to the cheapest carbon Vala, though the component comparison between the two isn’t exactly apples to apples. The Vala AL 70 build is pretty similar to the carbon Vala 70 build, and is priced at $800 less. That’s real money, but it’s still only about 10% off the price of the carbon bike. A Vala AL build with Shimano Deore components is $5,999, while an Eagle 70-equipped build is priced at $6,849.
Could this aluminum offering hint at more affordable non-electric Santa Cruz mountain bikes in the future? We’re hopeful. Tell us which Santa Cruz bike you want to see offered in aluminum in the comments below. 👇
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