Santa Cruz claims a maximum range of around 75 miles (120km). I would be really surprised if it could do that. I would say 30 to 50 miles is more realistic, and that's in ECO mode.
Santa Cruz Skitch Review: Lightweight E-Bike
Written by: Robbie Ferri | July 23, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
The Santa Cruz Skitch takes a completely different approach. It's lightweight, fast, and so natural to ride that you can easily forget there's even a motor helping you along. Whether you're commuting, exploring gravel tracks, or simply trying to make cycling a little easier, the Skitch offers something special.
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.
E-Bikes generally are about high power, huge torque, and huge range, but Santa Cruz has taken a totally different route when it comes to the Skitch gravel bike. It’s about making the ride feel traditional, exciting, and powerful. In this article, we’re going to be discussing key specifications, what it’s like to ride, and components such as the motor and battery— then you can decide if it’s the bike for you!
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Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Type | Lightweight Electric Road / Gravel / Urban Bike |
| Motor | Fazua Ride 60 Mid-Drive |
| Maximum Torque | 60Nm |
| Battery | Fazua 480Wh integrated battery |
| Optional Range Extender | Not available |
| Frame Material | Carbon CC |
| Fork | Carbon CC fork |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
| Tyre Clearance | Up to 50mm (model dependent) |
| Suspension | Rigid carbon fork or RockShox Rudy XPLR 40mm suspension fork (flat-bar models) |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Apex Eagle, GX Eagle AXS T-Type, or Rival AXS (model dependent) |
| Brakes | SRAM hydraulic disc brakes |
| Weight | Approximately 13.5–15.2kg (depending on specification) |
| Display | Fazua LED Hub Controller with Ring Control |
| Claimed Range | Up to 75 miles (120km) under ideal riding conditions |
| Maximum Assisted Speed | 20mph (US) / 25km/h (UK & EU) |
| Price | Approximately $5,500–8,000+ (depending on specification) |
Different Models Available
- Skitch
- Skitch Flat-bar
There are a few different models to choose from with the Skitch, depending on what Santa Cruz is offering. The two main differences you will find, apart from components, are the original Skitch being a drop bar and the flat-bar version being, well, flat-barred.
What Is The Santa Cruz Skitch?
The Santa Cruz Skitch is a really cool bike in my opinion. It’s a gravel bike which has this wonderful do-it-all ability. It’s made for road riding, gravel tracks, light trails, bikepacking, and is pretty good at replacing short car journeys. You might even want to commute on it.
In a nutshell, it’s a performance e-Bike with a lightweight carbon fiber frame, a Fazua Ride 60 motor, wide gravel tires, and much more. It’s a great way to get around, and even with the motor, it’s surprisingly agile and fun to ride.
Santa Cruz Skitch Components & Performance
If you really want to understand a bike, it’s important to break it down and speak about the components. The Skitch comes in a few different build forms, ranging from affordable mid-range options with SRAM Apex gearing and other basic components to a crazy build with AXS wireless gearing and lighter, smoother wheelsets.
Performance
Overall performance is very good, and the components chosen are all about ability while still being fairly lightweight. These gravel bikes are not meant to feel heavy and practical. They are made to feel agile, and like you can freely throw them around.
For myself, the Skitch really ticked that box. It’s got lovely geometry for control, some great parts, and with that carbon frame, a stiffness which is going to transfer the power much better than you might think.
Motor And Battery
Santa Cruz has chosen the Fazua Ride 60 motor and battery system. It provides 60Nm of torque, comes with a 480Wh battery, and they claim you can get 75 miles worth of assistance. As an e-Bie expert, that claim seems pretty wild. I'd say 30 to 50 miles at a push in real-world conditions.
The system has three assistance modes, comes with a very lightweight advantage compared to other brands, and is incredibly quiet. Before you ask, the battery doesn’t attach to the bike. It's integrated into the frame itself, giving a lovely clean look.
Comfort
I really feel the need to discuss comfort in this review as Santa Cruz has nailed it even though they focus on race bikes. The geometry is relaxed, the tire clearance is huge, and the options of flat and drop bar are rarely seen. It’s the kind of e-Bike you could go on a bikepacking adventure and know it's going to do exactly what it needs to when it comes to keeping you riding.
The Adaptability Of The Skitch
My favorite thing about the Skitch is the adaptability. They really have gone above and beyond here. Not only do you get to choose between flat bar and drop bar models, but with the tire clearance you could treat the bike like a road, MTB, or gravel bike. I feel there's a lot of scope for fine-tuning it to exactly what you want.
Is The Santa Cruz Skitch Good Value?
The Skitch is a premium bike at between 5.5k and 8k. It’s not your basic unbranded bike with huge claims of everything and no number on the box when something goes wrong. You are not just paying for the Santa Cruz name and support but the premium carbon fiber frame, the warranty, and the strong, reliable components. I feel like it definitely has its value.
Santa Cruz Skitch Compared to Similar Bikes
The Skitch is quite a unique bike because it comes in flat and drop bars. If I were to compare it to some other bike, it would be the Trek FX+7 and the Specialized Turbo Creo 2. Both are very different bikes in their own way, but with a similar concept.
| Specification | Santa Cruz Skitch | Specialized Turbo Creo 2 | Trek FX+ 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range (USD) | $5,500–8,000+ | $5,500–12,000+ | $4,500–6,500+ |
| Frame Material | Carbon CC | Carbon | Carbon |
| Motor | Fazua Ride 60 Mid-Drive | Specialized SL 1.2 Mid-Drive | TQ HPR50 Mid-Drive |
| Maximum Torque | 60Nm | 50Nm | 50Nm |
| Battery | 430Wh integrated | 320Wh integrated (range extender compatible) | 360Wh integrated (range extender compatible) |
| Weight | 13.5–15.2kg | 14–16kg | 17–18kg |
| Wheel Size | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Tyre Clearance | Up to 50mm | Up to 47mm | Up to 50mm |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Apex Eagle, GX Eagle AXS T-Type, or Rival AXS | SRAM Apex, GX, or Rival AXS | Shimano CUES or SRAM Apex (model dependent) |
| Brakes | SRAM hydraulic disc brakes | SRAM hydraulic disc brakes | Shimano hydraulic disc brakes |
| Best For | Fast commuting, gravel adventures, fitness riding, and everyday versatility | Long-distance road and gravel riding with lightweight assistance | Urban commuting, fitness riding, and everyday practicality |
Final Verdict
You might be commuting to work, heading out bikepacking or credit card touring for the weekend, or just going to see some friends on the local club ride. Whatever it may be, the Skitch is an ideal bike for general mixed-terrain cycling. I absolutely love it and deem it a very good investment when it comes to electric bikes.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Smooth and natural Fazua Ride 60 motor
- Premium Carbon frame
- Comfortable on lots of terrain
- Excellent handling and responsive ride quality
- Choice of flat-bar or drop-bar models
- High-quality components
- Lifetime Santa Cruz frame warranty
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Less motor power than full-power e-Bikes
Who Should Buy The Santa Cruz Skitch?
The Skitch is perfect for riders who want one bike that can do almost everything. It’s the bike that you can pretty much go anywhere and do most things within reason. If you like the idea of just having an awesome general bike, this is for you. If you want to tackle super technical terrain, want the bike to do all the work for you, or are on a very tight budget, it might not be for you.
Buying Or Trading In With Upway
Do you have your heart set on a Skitch 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!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the Santa Cruz Skitch travel on one charge?
Is the Santa Cruz Skitch good for commuting?
Yeah, it’s perfect for commuting. It’s got electric assistance to stop you getting too sweaty, great in cities and towns, looks like a traditional bike, and it’s fast so you won’t be late to work.
Can the Santa Cruz Skitch be used for bikepacking?
Yes. While it isn't designed for extreme off-road expeditions, it can get off the beaten path and let you enjoy some nights under the stars.
Key Takeaways
- The Santa Cruz Skitch blends road, gravel, commuting, and adventure riding into one bike: It's light, agile, and feels much closer to a traditional bicycle than most electric bikes.
- The Fazua Ride 60 motor: Provides smooth, natural assistance without adding unnecessary weight, making the Skitch ideal for flattening hills, tackling headwinds, and extending your rides.
- Although it carries a premium price tag: The Carbon CC frame, high-quality components, and outstanding versatility make the Skitch an excellent investment for riders wanting one bike that can do almost everything.
