E-MTB Brand Battle: Specialized vs. Santa Cruz

When it comes to electric motors used on the brand model, specialized and Santa Cruz have slightly different philosophies. Specializing its build Mid-drive engine In-house, often with collaboration of German brush manufacturing. The 2.2 specialized engine is typically the model of choice for the E-MTBS brand.

Santa Cruz, however, chooses its electric mountain bike and engines from other high-quality brands. And Santa Cruz actually selects three different providers for its three different E-MTB models. The Vala is powered by Bosch, the Bullit by Shimano’s latest drive unit, and the Heckler SL has the Phase Ride 60 engine. Both specialized and Santa Cruz use powerful, high -end engines that will reliably get you up the climbs, but it’s worth noting.