The Heckler and Bullit have a few more parts than your standard "analog" bike, so we added our FAQs below. If you need other info, check out our bike archive or shoot us a message.
Components
Can I mount a chainguide to my ebike?
Yes, but only the E13 LG1+ 34t Shimano STEPS one we spec.
Can I put a front derailleur on my ebike?
Nope
Can I put a Bronson shock on the Heckler?
No, we spec shocks that best fit and ride with this bike. You cannot run a Bronson shock, not even Bronson3 shock as it needs bushings on both sides. The Heckler is not coil shock compatible.
What rear shock can I run on my Bullit? What about a coil shock?
Shock size is 230mm x 62.5mm, but we tune the OE rear shock specifically for the Bullit model and yes! We do have OE Coil rear shock options for the Bullit.
What size tire fits on my ebike?
The Heckler is optimized for 27.5"x2.6", but can run 2.4's up to 2.8's, though tire changes will affect BB height, geometry, and maximum assist speed calculations.
The Bullit is optimized for 27.5" x 2.5", but can run most 2.6's if you like.
Where can I find additional technical information for my ebike?
Check out our ebike tech pages for Heckler and Bullit, Shimano STEPS, and the bike archive for more information.
Can I mullet my Heckler 27.5?
Yes, you can mullet your 27.5 Heckler, or buy a Heckler MX and it's already done for you. You cannot convert your Heckler or Heckler MX to 29, however. A 29 rear wheel will not clear the swingarm.
Can you run a the Bullit with a 29" rear wheel?
No. 27.5" rear wheel only.
Can you run the Bullit full 27.5"?
You can, but it's definitely not recommended. It would reduce BB height, pedal to ground clearance and negatively affect handling characteristics.
Are the electronics waterproof?
The Shimano STEPS System is water-resistant and our frame is designed to drain water however we don't recommend power washing any of our bikes.
How do I repair my ebike on the trail?
This bike uses Shimano STEPS for the drive unit so no special tools are needed. You may want to add a Di2 tool and 4mm for battery removal to your toolkit though.
Do I need an ebike fork for the Heckler?
Yes - all forks we spec on the Heckler are ebike compatible.
Our geometry is based off a 160mm fork with a 44mm or 46mm offset. You can run a longer fork, but it does affect the geometry as the bike was optimized for the fork we specified. Save the dual crown fork for your V10.
Can I change the fork that comes on the Bullit?
We spec eBike compatible forks as standard. You can swap out the fork with other eBike compatible forks. The Bullit is designed around 170mm/29er forks as standard - 583mm Axle to Crown.
Can I run a dual crown fork on the Bullit?
No, this is not compatible. Full stop.
How do I connect a headlight or other accessories to the battery?
Shimano supplies ports on the drive unit to support Shimano or Shimano approved accessories.
What is the difference between the ebike displays?
The E7000 has a black and white screen and is slightly smaller than the E8000 and EP800. The E8000 and EP800 display is larger, has a color screen, backlight brightness adjustments, power assist indicator (graph) and have the ability to change between profiles.
Motor and Battery
What is the range of the battery?
The battery capacity is 504 Watt Hours for Heckler and 630 Watt Hours for Bullit. Many factors deterimine range; weight, location, gradient, mode your riding in, ambient temperature, etc.. We suggest using the range function on the display unit for the best estimate.
What is the capacity of the battery?
504 Watt Hours for Heckler and 630 Watt Hours for Bullit
Can I run a Bullit battery in the Heckler?
No, the BT-E8036 Shimano 630Wh battery used in the Bullit is about 70mm longer than the 504Wh version used in the Heckler. It physically wouldn't fit inside the frame.
How do I get a spare ebike battery?
From Shimano - BT-E8035 (Heckler) & BT-E8036 (Bullit). Spare battery covers are also available. You can check out battery care in the STEPS manual as well.
Can I ride without a battery in my bike?
No - the cover is attached to the battery so if you take the battery out you'll have a gaping hole in your downtube
What do I do if I lose power while riding?
Your ebike can still be pedaled without the battery/motor active. If the loss of power wasn't due to fully draining the battery, first try turning it off and on again, if that doesn't help, contact customer service.
How do I take my Santa Cruz ebike on a plane?
View current TSA regulations here.
Can I replace my E-8000 motor with the new EP8?
No, each drive unit requires presets to be loaded onto it before being installed, as well as a new power button, speed sensor and display.
Software
How do I update the firmware on my ebike?
Detailed firmware update instructions are located on the Shimano STEPS app or software.
What does error W013 mean?
This code is caused by putting pressure on the pedal when turning on the system. Take a deep breath, calm down, turn it off, and try again with no pressure on the pedals.
How do I connect my phone or mobile device to the Shimano STEPS system?
For the E7000 display, you connect your device via the E-tube app. within 15 seconds of turning Steps system on or pressing any button on the display.
For the E8000 and EP800 displays, power the system on, go to Bluetooth-LE menu on the display by pressing the button on the bottom of the display and connect via the E-tube app.
Heckler MX
Heckler's parts spec was carefully chosen for its performance, reliability and after-sales support.
The new EP8 motor is specced on the Heckler, and the MX wheel size option features Reserve carbon wheels front and back.