PREVIEWED: The 2007 Santa Cruz Heckler

Author:
BIKE
Jan 12, 2007

A few weeks ago we were privy to the details of the new Bullit frame from Santa Cruz and now they have sent us the specs on their redesigned Heckler model. The new frame combines some of the beefy elements of the Bullit’s front triangle with a Supelight-esque rear triangle to build one simple, but effective looking, trail machine.

One of the first single-pivot bikes to really soar to popularity in the late 90’s; the Heckler has been redesigned with a host of improvements while retaining its basic design elements. The stout 6069 aluminum front triangle features advanced gussets reinforcing the headtube. The shaped downtube leaves enough space for any single crown fork to fit with room to spare. The rear swingarm now pivots on an optimally placed, 15mm diameter axle, rides on lifetime guaranteed bearings and coughs up 5.9-inches of travel. A new replaceable rear derailleur hanger sits independently of the rear dropout, and all the frame components can be disassembled or put back together with a few Allen wrenches.

Frame details include:
— Plenty of tire clearance
— Burly 15mm main pivot with lifetime bearing guarantee
— 5.9-inch rear travel
— 6.4lb frame and shock weight (medium, Fox Float R shock)
— Clearance for 8-inch brake rotors
— Updated geometry designed around 140mm forks, able to take up to 170mm
— Super clean replaceable derailleur hanger
— Recessed, threaded shock mounts and tool friendly design
— Available in choice of five powdercoat, two anodized, and one polished finish

Production models expected to start shipping in April, Santa Cruz Bicycles will be accepting orders after January 15th.