While it might not seem so at first glance, Santa Cruz's updated Heckler gets a whole range of changes. Most obviously, there's now a mullet wheel size option but the bike now comes with a bigger battery for more range and there's a flip-chip that also adjusts the bike's leverage curve. Read on for all of the details.

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Just like the previous iteration of the Heckler, the 2022 model gets 150mm of VPP actuated suspension with 160mm at the front of the bike. What does change though is the Heckler is now compatible with coil shocks and larger-bodied shocks. That's in part thanks to a new flip-chip offering a low setting that's designed to make the leverage curve more progressive.

The more progressive leverage curve has been included to complement a new, more aggressive geometry. In the low setting, the bike benefits from a 64.5° head tube angle, a 461mm rear centre, and a seat tube angle that ranges from 76.7° to 77° depending on the size you pick. As the Heckler is now available with a 650b rear wheel, it gets a shorter rear centre at 446mm. The reach on a large frame measures in at 472mm on the 29" bike and 475mm on the mullet bike.

The bike is still built around Shimano's EP8 motor but it's now paired with a larger 720wh battery. While it adds a bit of extra weight, the intention is to get riders really exploring. It's also removable using a single 4mm Allen key.

As for sizes the Heckler is available from SM up to XXL, though the smallest size is only available with mullet wheels.

Prices start at £7,000 for the carbon-framed base kit which gets a RockShox Lyrik Select fork with a Super Deluxe Select shock along with SRAM NX shifting. At the other end of the range is the Heckler Carbon CC XO1 AXS Reserve that rocks a Fox 36 Factory fork, a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, SRAM AXS GX shifting and of course, Reserve carbon wheels. That one will set you back £11,700.

• www.santacruzbicycles.com

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