Introduction
Hey readers!
When it comes to the world of mountain bikes, there are countless brands and models to choose from. But if you’re in the market for a high-quality, full-suspension bike, two of the most popular options are the Santa Cruz Heckel and the Built. Both bikes offer exceptional performance, but they also have some key differences. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of each bike and help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Santa Cruz Heckel
The Santa Cruz Heckel is a versatile trail bike designed to tackle a wide range of terrain. It features 130mm of rear travel, a 65-degree head angle, and a 73.5-degree seat angle. This geometry provides a balanced and agile ride experience that’s perfect for both climbing and descending.
Suspension
The Heckel’s suspension system is a VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) design. This design uses a single pivot point to control the suspension, which provides a smooth and efficient ride. The rear shock is a Fox Float DPX2, which offers excellent adjustability and performance.
Components
The Heckel is available in a variety of builds, each with its own unique component package. Some of the highlights include a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Pike Select fork, and WTB ST i30 rims.
Santa Cruz Built
The Santa Cruz Built is another popular trail bike from Santa Cruz. It features 120mm of rear travel, a 66-degree head angle, and a 73-degree seat angle. This geometry is slightly more aggressive than the Heckel’s, making the Built a better choice for riders who prefer a more downhill-oriented bike.
Suspension
The Built’s suspension system is also a VPP design. However, the Built has a shorter suspension link than the Heckel, which gives it a more progressive feel. This makes the Built more responsive to small bumps and provides better support for bigger hits.
Components
The Built is available in a variety of builds, each with its own unique component package. Some of the highlights include a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Fox Float 34 fork, and WTB ST i29 rims.
Which Bike is Right for You?
Both the Santa Cruz Heckel and the Built are excellent trail bikes. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
If you’re looking for a versatile bike that can handle a wide range of terrain, the Heckel is a great option. It’s comfortable on climbs, agile on descents, and can handle everything from smooth singletrack to rocky trails.
If you’re looking for a more downhill-oriented bike that’s better suited for technical trails, the Built is a better choice. It’s more aggressive geometry and progressive suspension make it more capable on steep and bumpy terrain.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Heckel | Built |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | 130mm | 120mm |
| Head Angle | 65 degrees | 66 degrees |
| Seat Angle | 73.5 degrees | 73 degrees |
| Suspension | VPP | VPP |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 | Fox Float 34 |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Fork | RockShox Pike Select | Fox Float 34 |
| Rims | WTB ST i30 | WTB ST i29 |
| Price | $3,499 | $3,799 |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. But if you’re unable to do that, we hope this article has given you enough information to make an informed decision.
And hey, if you’re looking for more information on mountain bikes, be sure to check out our other articles! We’ve got everything you need to know about choosing the right bike, maintaining your bike, and finding the best trails in your area.
FAQ about Santa Cruz Hackel vs Built
Is the Santa Cruz Hackel a good bike?
The Santa Cruz Hackel is an excellent bike for mountain bikers of all levels. It offers a high-quality ride, great handling, and durability.
Is the Santa Cruz Built a good bike?
The Santa Cruz Built is another excellent bike for mountain bikers. It is known for its versatility, performance, and durability.
Which bike is better, the Santa Cruz Hackel or the Built?
Both the Santa Cruz Hackel and the Built are excellent bikes. The Hackel is more suited for aggressive riders, while the Built is more versatile. The best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What are the key differences between the Santa Cruz Hackel and the Built?
The key differences between the Santa Cruz Hackel and the Built are:
- Frame: The Hackel has a carbon fiber frame, while the Built has an aluminum frame. Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer than aluminum, making the Hackel a more responsive and efficient bike.
- Suspension: The Hackel has 130mm of front and rear travel, while the Built has 150mm of front and rear travel. This makes the Built a better choice for riders who want to tackle more challenging terrain.
- Components: The Hackel comes with a higher-quality component spec than the Built. This includes a better fork, shock, brakes, and drivetrain.
Which bike is best for trail riding?
Both the Santa Cruz Hackel and the Built are good choices for trail riding. The Hackel is more suited for XC trails, while the Built is more versatile and can handle a wider range of trails.
Which bike is best for enduro riding?
The Santa Cruz Built is the better choice for enduro riding. It has more travel, a more aggressive geometry, and more durable components than the Hackel.
Which bike is best for bikepacking?
The Santa Cruz Built is the better choice for bikepacking. It has more mounting points for racks and bags, and its more versatile geometry makes it more comfortable for long rides.
How much does the Santa Cruz Hackel cost?
The Santa Cruz Hackel starts at $4,299.
How much does the Santa Cruz Built cost?
The Santa Cruz Built starts at $3,799.
