I would say the value is more for experienced riders, but a beginner would learn a lot from riding one. It just might take some time to get used to the feel and the ability Santa Cruz bikes have.
Santa Cruz Bullit E-Bike Review
Written by: Robbie Ferri | August 3, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
The best part of mountain biking has always been the descent. The problem is, gravity usually makes you earn it. The Santa Cruz Bullit changes that equation. Built to charge through the roughest trails, devour technical descents, and fly back to the top.
More about the Author: Robbie Ferri
Robbie is a UK-based ultra cyclist, former bike shop worker, and qualified bike fitter. Deeply passionate about e-Bikes and adventure cycling, he combines hands-on experience with real-world riding to help others go further on two wheels.
Being a downhill rider comes with a lot of challenges. If it’s not the confidence to ensure you don’t pull the brake when you're on a chase from your best mate, it’s the relentless climbing to ensure you can keep hitting those trails, and remembering to turn your GoPro on.
The Bullit is going to help with your confidence, and it’s going to make getting to the start of the run so much easier than you might ever think. In this article, I am going to be telling you everything you need to know.
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Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Type | Full-Suspension Electric Enduro / Gravity e-MTB |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 5) |
| Maximum Torque | 85Nm |
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube 600Wh |
| Optional Range Extender | Bosch PowerMore 250Wh |
| Frame Material | Carbon C or Carbon CC |
| Fork Travel | 170mm |
| Rear Travel | 170mm |
| Wheel Size | MX (29" front / 27.5" rear) |
| Suspension Design | Four-bar link suspension |
| Fork Options | FOX 38 or FOX Podium (model dependent) |
| Rear Shock | FOX Float X, Float X2, or DHX2 (model dependent) |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Eagle T-Type (GX, X0, or XX AXS depending on model) |
| Brakes | SRAM Maven hydraulic disc brakes |
| Weight | Approximately 22–22.5kg (depending on specification) |
| Display | Bosch System Controller with Mini Remote |
| Claimed Range | Up to 55 miles (90km) under ideal riding conditions |
| Price | Approximately $7,500–12,000+ (depending on specification) |
Different Models Available
- Bullit 70
- Bullit 90
- Bullit GX AXS
- Bullit X0 AXS RSV
- Bullit XX AXS RSV (market dependent)
This is the main current lineup, but other versions are often available, such as the Bullit Deore and many more. They all come with that same Bosch motor and Battery. It’s mainly just the gearing and the level of carbon construction in the frame that make the difference.
What Is The Santa Cruz Bullit Designed For?
The Santa Cruz Bullit is an extreme e-Bike, made for trails that are going to rattle your bones and drops that might send you into shock. Enduro riding, bike parks, alpine riding, heavy technical trails, and big jumps.
It’s not the casual Sunday afternoon stroller bike or the commuter, which is going to take you to work on a sunny day on that canal path. It’s so much more than that and ready to give you some epic thrills.
What Makes The Bullit Different?
There are a lot of e-MTBs on the market, and it’s good to discuss what makes this so different and how it offers much more ability. Here’s what you need to know.
- 170mm suspension front and rear
- Downhill-inspired geometry
- Mixed-wheel (MX) setup (Large front, small rear)
- Four-bar suspension
- Huge braking power
Downhill bikes, although they look a little better statistically on paper, are made to give you the best control when the bike is pointing downward. The MX wheel setup alone makes a big difference. With the front wheel being bigger and the rear smaller, it helps you stay more horizontal.
What Are The Components Like?
The components change on the Bullit depending on the model you get. You can go with the basic Deore version and the basic carbon C frame, or you could go with the all-singing and all-dancing Bullit XT Di2 RSV with premium carbon CC frame and the electronic semi-wireless gearing.
Santa Cruz doesn’t cut corners, and it shows in the components. Even the basic levels still have something pretty special about them. Also, when it comes to 170mm travel forks, things don’t get cheaper. They get very expensive, but Santa Cruz makes it work in their costings. Not only are the bikes built to last, but the components are up to the job as well.
Motor And Battery
Santa Cruz is generally known for using Bosch motors, although on some of the newer models and more CX-focused ones they use Shimano. The Bulliet models all have the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5. Powerful, reliable, and it’s got some serious punch.
You get 85 Nm of torque, but this can be pushed to 100 Nm or higher using the application. The 600Wh battery is lightweight for epic riding but still offers a good range to help you get up those climbs. It’s a natural feel, and using a torque sensor over a cadence sensor makes it really smooth and responsive.
Is The Santa Cruz Bullit Good Value?
Santa Cruz bikes come at a premium cost. They are expensive compared to other electric bikes, but they are much better than most. Incredible carbon frames, great levels of components from suspension to gears, and some even have carbon fiber wheels. Not to mention the lifetime warranty on the frame and free pivot bearing replacement service.
Buying Or Trading In With Upway
Do you have your heart set on a Bullit now? Well, if so, why not check out what’s available on Upway. Upway offers reconditioned e-Bikes that undergo mechanical and electrical inspections before sale. Any required work is done, and you even get a year's warranty. The savings compared to new can reach up to 60%! You can also trade in your old e-Bike for cash. There’s a lot to like about Upway!
Comparing The Bullit With Other Brands
| Specification | Santa Cruz Bullit | Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL 2 | Trek Slash+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range (USD) | $7,500–12,000+ | $7,000–14,000+ | $6,500–12,000+ |
| Frame Material | Carbon C or Carbon CC | Carbon | Carbon |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 5) | Specialized SL 1.2 | TQ HPR60 |
| Maximum Torque | 85Nm | 50Nm | 60Nm |
| Battery | 600Wh (compatible with Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender) | 840Wh (compatible with 280Wh range extender) | 580Wh (compatible with 160Wh range extender) |
| Weight | 22–22.5kg | 20–22kg | 21–22kg |
| Suspension Travel | 170mm Front / 170mm Rear | 180mm Front / 170mm Rear | 170mm Front / 170mm Rear |
| Wheel Size | MX (29"/27.5") | MX (29"/27.5") | MX (29"/27.5") |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Eagle T-Type | SRAM Eagle T-Type | SRAM Eagle T-Type |
| Brakes | SRAM Maven hydraulic disc brakes | SRAM Maven hydraulic disc brakes | SRAM Maven hydraulic disc brakes |
| Best For | Bike parks, alpine adventures, steep technical descents, and aggressive enduro riding | Riders wanting a lighter, more natural-feeling enduro e-bike | Riders seeking a lightweight enduro bike with subtle assistance and excellent handling |
Final Verdict
The Santa Cruz Bullit isn't trying to be an all-round electric mountain bike. It’s here for the extremes. The big drops, the epic downhill speed, and the path which other riders don’t dare to follow. It’s a wonderful machine. I can mark it down on cost, and that can be justified.
Pros
- Outstanding descending performance
- Powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor
- Stable and confidence-inspiring geometry
- Premium components across the range
- Excellent suspension performance on technical terrain
- High-quality carbon frame backed by Santa Cruz's renowned warranty
- Optional Bosch PowerMore range extender for longer adventures
Cons
- Premium price tag
- 600Wh battery may not suit riders wanting maximum range without an extender
Who Should Buy The Santa Cruz Bullit?
Any rider who loves tough trails and pushing it to the extreme. If you're looking for a casual trail bike for popping out with the family or commuting, it’s not an ideal bike for that situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Santa Cruz Bullit good for beginners?
Does the Santa Cruz Bullit use a Bosch motor?
Most of the time, Santa Cruz chooses Bosch. There are times when you will see the Shimano EP8 motor on bikes such as the Heckler, but most are Bosch.
Can you fit a range extender to the Santa Cruz Bullit?
You can add a 250Wh range extender, which will give you a few more miles. It does add weight, but when going downhill it’s not always the worst thing.
Key Takeaways
- The Santa Cruz Bullit is built for serious gravity riding: It’s packed with great components and made by designers who get mountain biking.
- It's not an everyday trail bike: The Bullit is made for the extreme and those epic trails that most riders turn away from. It will be a good everyday trail bike, but for the most fun, take it off the beaten path.
- It carries a premium price tag: Although the Bullit isn’t budget, it’s definitely got value for money, and for the right rider, it’s a tiny cost for the fun that could be had.
