Today, Santa Cruz launched aluminum-framed versions of the Vala, lowering the cost of entry for one of its most highly regarded eMTBs. Coincidentally, Ibis also launched new AF versions of the Ripley and Ripmo today, too. The bike industry is going all-in on aluminum today, apparently.
The Santa Cruz Vala made waves when it launched late last year. One reason was that Santa Cruz opted for a four-bar suspension layout over its typical VPP system. Apparently, packaging a mid-drive motor and battery on a frame was easier with the four-bar layout than the more complex VPP design. Another reason was that the four-bar Vala was incredibly well-received by bike testers and consumers alike and highly praised for its excellent on-trail performance.
As with most carbon bikes, and especially those with e-bike motors, the starting price for the carbon Vala is fairly high. The base model Carbon C Vala R sells for $7,299, and the seven complete builds top out at $13,899 for the tricked-out XX AXS RSV build with the higher-tier Carbon CC frame.
With the introduction of the Vala AL, Santa Cruz now has two more accessible options. The AL models share the same looks, almost identical geometry, the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor, and 600 Wh battery, just in a slightly more affordable aluminum-framed package.
Santa Cruz Vala AL Frame Details
As mentioned, the Vala AL has an all-aluminum frame, which Santa Cruz says has been engineered to the same strength and stiffness as the carbon version. The frame shares the same silhouette as the carbon Vala, as well as the same four-bar suspension layout, 150 mm of rear wheel travel, 160 mm fork, and mixed wheel sizes. It is essentially an aluminum copy of the carbon version, and Santa Cruz claims it even shares the same ride quality. That said, the complete bike weights of the Vala AL builds are ~4 pounds more than the carbon models.
Like its carbon siblings, the Vala AL uses the latest Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which is arguably one of the best on the market. It delivers up to 85 Nm of torque and up to 600 W of peak power. Additionally, the upcoming over-air update will allow users to bump those figures up to 100 Nm and 750 W. The 600 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery is housed in the downtube, and riders have the option of adding the 250 Wh Bosch PowerMore range extender for longer rides. The frame also has internal cable routing, mounts for a water bottle or range extender, and an accessory mount on the underside of the top tube.
Where the Vala AL frame differs from the carbon version is that it only comes in four frame sizes — S-XL — no XXL frame here. The other main difference is the lack of geometry and progression adjustments. There are no flip chips on the AL frame. Instead, Santa Cruz aimed for the happy middle ground of geometry and progression in an attempt to simplify the setup process. Still, those angles and measurements are all up to date and well aligned with the Vala’s travel numbers and all-rounder intentions.
Geometry Chart
Vala AL Builds and Pricing
The Vala AL is currently being offered in two complete builds: Shimano Deore and SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission. The color options are “Stormbringer” and “Lunar Gray.” It is worth noting that Santa Cruz’s lifetime warranty applies to the Vala AL frames and pivot bearings.
Vala AL Deore: $5,999
- Frame: Aluminum, Four-Bar, 150 mm
- Fork: RockShox Psylo, 160 mm
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120, Rotors: 220 F/200 R
- Wheels: WTB ST Tough 30 w/ WTB Frequency Sport hubs
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5”, EXO+, Rear: Maxxis minion DHR II 27.5” x 2.5”, DD
- Seatpost: SDG Tellis Dropper
- Saddle: WTB Silverado, Steel
- Cockpit: OneUp Enduro stem, Santa Cruz Alloy Riser handlebar, and Santa Cruz grips
- Claimed Weight: 53.11 lbs. / 24.09 kg
Vala AL 70: $6,849
- Frame: Aluminum, Four-Bar, 150 mm
- Fork: RockShox Zeb Base, 160 mm
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Base
- Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
- Brakes: SRAM DB8, Rotors: 220 F/200 R
- Wheels: Reserve 30|HD AL w/ SRAM MTH hubs
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5”, EXO+, Rear: Maxxis minion DHR II 27.5” x 2.5”, DD
- Seatpost: SDG Tellis Dropper
- Saddle: WTB Silverado, Steel
- Cockpit: OneUp Enduro stem, Santa Cruz Alloy Riser handlebar, and Santa Cruz grips
- Claimed Weight: 53.68 lbs. / 24.35 kg
It’s notable that carbon Vala also comes in an Eagle 70 build that is nearly identical to the Vala AL 70, costs $800 more, and weighs ~4 pounds less.
Santa Cruz Vala AL: Availability
The new Santa Cruz Vala AL bikes are available starting today. They are currently for sale on the brand’s website and should be arriving soon at local Santa Cruz dealers and online retailers. You can find out more about the Vala AL and everything else Santa Cruz makes at:
