Testimonials
USER'S OPINIONS
The Ultimate E-Enduro Machine
"Just finished up my new Bullit build. Got to ride the bike at a dealer event at the Santa Cruz HQ and absolutely loved it. It descends just as good as my Nomad 6, and honestly the added weight isn't too noticeable. I have a 7-month-old, so I figured at least for the next couple of years, I will be able to make the most out of my riding time with an e-bike."
Power When You Need It Most
"I really like e-bikes because they allow me to fine-tune my suspension and become much better at riding. With analog bikes, I was too tired to think clearly to fine-tune my suspension. It was too much of a chore. The Bullit fixes that on the climbs so I can do truly epic long trail rides."
Built to Handle Anything
"Coming from a Kenevo SL that I loved but needed more power, the Santa Cruz Bullit delivers. The 170mm of travel eats up everything I throw at it. I've already put a coil fork and shock on it—this bike responds incredibly well to coil suspension."
USER'S OPINIONS
Confidence on Every Trail
"The Bullit is a game-changer. I was worried about the weight at first, but once you're on the trail, it disappears. The Bosch motor is quiet and powerful, and the bike feels planted on the gnarly descents. Best decision I've made for my riding."
Built for the Long Haul
"I've had my Bullit for two seasons now and it's still going strong. The carbon frame with lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind, and the bike has held up to everything from rocky chunder to steep, loose climbs. Santa Cruz knows how to build a bike that lasts."
From Skeptic to Believer
"I was skeptical about e-MTBs until I rode the Bullit. It doesn't feel like a motorized bike—it feels like a downhill bike that just happens to have superhuman climbing abilities. I'm faster, fitter, and having more fun than ever."
Perfect for Busy Riders
"With work and family life, I don't have time for long, exhausting rides anymore. The Bullit lets me get in quality trail time without being completely gassed. I can do multiple laps of my local trails and actually enjoy every minute of it."
Descent Dominance
"The Bullit is a monster on descents. The 170mm of travel front and rear absorbs everything. I've taken it on bike park laps, enduro races, and long backcountry epics. It does it all without breaking a sweat."
Value That Speaks for Itself
"I got the base model and have been upgrading over time. Even stock, the Bullit is incredibly capable. The frame is the heart of the bike, and Santa Cruz nailed it. I'll be riding this for years to come."
The E-Bike That Changed Everything
"I've been riding for 25 years and never thought I'd go electric. The Bullit changed my mind. It's still a mountain bike—it just gives you that extra push when you need it. I'm riding more now than I did in my 20s."
The Perfect Trail Companion
"I just got a Vala after 4 years on a Bullit. Even though it's supposed to be 85Nm, the Bosch has more power down low than the Shimano and it's quieter too. Santa Cruz makes a great product—the Vala is great, the Bullit is great."
Lightweight Agility
"The Vala is incredibly playful. It's not just a smaller Bullit—it's a completely different riding experience. The bike feels alive under you, and the lower weight makes it so much easier to pop off roots and pump through rollers."
Climbing King
"I've never had a bike that climbs like the Vala. The Bosch motor is smooth and responsive, and the lightweight frame means you're not fighting extra weight on switchbacks. It's the best trail bike I've ever owned."
The Perfect Balance
"The Vala strikes the perfect balance between power and agility. It's not as heavy as full-power e-MTBs, but it doesn't feel underpowered either. I can ride all day and still feel fresh at the end."
Built for Adventure
"I've taken my Vala on multi-day backcountry trips with the range extender, and it's been flawless. The geometry is spot-on, the suspension is plush, and the motor is reliable. This bike opens up a whole new world of riding."
From Analog to Electric
"I was a purist who swore I'd never ride an e-bike. Then I tried the Vala. It still feels like a real mountain bike—just one that makes you feel like a superhero on climbs. I haven't touched my analog bike since."
Worth Every Penny
"The Vala is expensive, but it's worth every dollar. The build quality is exceptional, the components are top-tier, and the riding experience is second to none. If you're on the fence, just do it. You won't regret it."
Technical Terrain Master
"I ride some of the most technical trails in the country, and the Vala handles them with ease. The suspension is dialed, the geometry is confidence-inspiring, and the motor delivers power exactly when you need it."
The Ultimate Dad Bike
"Like many riders, I don't have time for marathon rides anymore. The Vala lets me squeeze in laps around my kids' schedules and still feel like I got a proper ride. It's the ultimate bike for busy parents."
Durability Tested
"I've put over 1,000 miles on my Vala in under a year, and it's been bulletproof. The motor is quiet, the battery holds a charge, and the frame is rock-solid. Santa Cruz built this thing to last."
Incredible Value
"The Giant Trance X E+ is the best value e-MTB on the market. The motor is punchy, the Maestro suspension is impeccable, and the climbing performance is outstanding. You get so much bike for the price."
Lightweight Powerhouse
"The Trance X Elite is a real smack in the face—in a good way—when you first jump on it! The power-to-weight ratio is incredible. Giant have done a great job with their carbon fibre frames, and this bike certainly continues that tradition."
Nimble and Playful
"Despite its length, the Giant Trance X rides with a very lively and playful handling feel. The nimbleness makes the bike 'feel' even lighter on the trail!"
The Travel Sweet Spot
"Giant hit the nail on the head as far as travel and geometry go for the trail bike category. The lower front end and nimble back end lead you toward riding aggressively and attacking the trail. Flowing single track is where the Trance X Elite thrives."
App Connectivity at Its Best
"Giant's RideControl App is one of the best e-MTB apps on the market. Easy setup, reliable connection, automatic uploads to Strava, and fully customizable power modes. It's great fun dialing in the bike to your preferences."
Maestro Suspension Magic
"The Maestro suspension is smooth and composed on the choppiest terrain, doing its hardest to provide grip and control. There's plenty of pep to its feel—push the bike into the ground to pump or pop and it rewardingly bounds aloft."
Climbing Confidence
"Uphill, there's little standing in the way of the powerful motor. The seated position fills you with confidence. Lifting and placing the front wheel to weave up technical sections is remarkably fun—you point and the bike goes."
A Game-Changer for Health
"My wife has exercise-induced asthma. Her first couple days on the Orbea Rise she did climbs she couldn't have attempted before, and comfortably rode 8-10 miles. She's getting far more exercise than she was able to get before."
Worth the Investment
"Nearly 5 years into Rise ownership now and they are wonderful bikes. I've had my Rise LT H10 since January this year and have loved every ride on it. 300 miles so far, with hopefully many more to come."
Climbing Champion
"With the Rise, you're supposed to forget that you have an e-bike except for the whine the motor makes sometimes. On steep climbs, I try to make it as far as I can before pushing it harder. The lightweight package really changes how you ride."
Reliable and Low-Maintenance
"The Orbea Rise has been incredibly reliable. After 1,200 miles of single track, I've only replaced a chain and rear brake pads. The bike is built to last and the motor is efficient and quiet."
A Rider's Best Friend
"I love the Orbea Rise. It feels like a real mountain bike that just happens to have a little extra something when the trail goes up. It's allowed me to ride more, explore further, and enjoy every minute on the trail."
The Smart Choice
"I chose the Rise because I wanted an e-bike that didn't feel like an e-bike. It delivers. The handling is natural, the weight is manageable, and the power is there when you need it. It's the smart choice for any rider who loves the feel of a traditional MTB."
Age-Defying Performance
"I've been riding for 35+ years. Had one knee replaced and have a heart issue. The Orbea Rise keeps me on the trails when I otherwise couldn't be. It's not just a bike—it's a lifeline to the sport I love."
The Perfect Upgrade
"I upgraded from a heavy full-power e-MTB to the Orbea Rise, and it's night and day. The Rise is so much more playful and responsive. I'm having more fun on the trails and riding better than ever."
Fantastic Starter e-MTB
"Got a Kado S and it's been fantastic in the 3 weeks I've had it. Highly recommended. One serious bike to start your e-MTB career with—a budget-friendly e-ripper."
Confidence-Inspiring
"The Kado S is our most affordable e-MTB ever. With confidence-inspiring handling, the range to go for miles, and Bosch's refined motor, it's ready to help you push back your riding boundaries—everywhere."
Rides Like a Dream
"We've poured everything into the Kado S to give you the best handling and ride performance possible. Optimized low center of gravity, custom-tuned suspension, and confidence-inspiring geometry—all masterfully combined."
A Community of Riders
"AP Rides isn't just a store—it's a community. The team knows bikes inside and out, and they genuinely care about getting you on the right ride. I've recommended them to all my riding buddies."
Expert Guidance
"I had so many questions about e-MTBs, and the AP Rides team answered every single one. They didn't just sell me a bike—they educated me, helped me choose the right one, and supported me through the whole process."
Fast and Reliable
"My bike arrived in perfect condition and was a breeze to assemble. The team at AP Rides made the whole experience seamless from start to finish. I'll definitely be coming back for upgrades and accessories."
Exceeded Expectations
"I was nervous about buying a bike online, but AP Rides exceeded my expectations. The bike is incredible, the customer service is top-notch, and the 30-day trial gave me total peace of mind. Couldn't be happier."
USERS OPINIONS
"The Santa Cruz Bullit ruined analog bikes for me. I'll never go back."
"Best money I've ever spent. Period."
"My Orbea Rise is the only bike that makes 20-mile climbs actually fun."
"Skip the car, buy the e-bike. Best decision of my life."
"The Giant Trance X? It's basically cheating on climbs."
"If you think e-bikes are cheating, you haven't ridden one."
"Vala feels like a trail bike, not a tank. That's the whole point."
"My commute went from miserable to my favorite part of the day."
"Buy once, cry once. Get the Santa Cruz."
"Riding a heavy e-MTB made me hate trails. The Rise saved my love for riding."
"AP Rides knows bikes. Trust them."
The Do-It-All Bike
"The Trance X is versatile enough to suit a wide range of riders. It loves to attack the trail at top speed with enough travel to be smooth yet efficient over choppy trails. It has all that you could want, without anything that you don't need."
True Trail Performance
"The Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 1 blends full-power assistance with an SL e-bike weight. The SyncDrive Pro2 motor is powerful—even when torque and power are turned down—helping the bike ascend effortlessly. Power is controllable and easy to master."
A Rider's Dream
"The quality of the carbon frame is fantastic, with attention to even the smallest details. The bike handles superbly on steep climbs and technical descents. Giant's engineering really shines through."
Perfect for All-Day Rides
"The 400Wh battery paired with the efficient motor is enough for most local trails. With the optional range extender, you can open up a great deal more doors for long-range riding. It's the perfect setup for trail center days."
Confidence on Any Terrain
"The Giant Trance X delivers consistent cutting performance even in tough conditions. Whether it's loose rocks, wet roots, or steep climbs, this bike keeps you in control and moving forward."
The Lightweight Innovator
"I've used my Rise for nearly 3 years now. It's hard to compare my skill level before and after because it was such a huge leap thanks to the light package and closeness to a regular MTB. I was originally worried it wouldn't be as powerful as a full e-MTB, but I'm very happy to have made the move."
Solid and Dependable
"Bought my Rise in March of 2025. I have 1,200 miles of single track on it. Replaced one chain and a set of rear brake pads. The bike has been solid for me. I have been cycling for 35+ years and an e-bike does wonders as you age."
Perfect for Beginners and Pros Alike
"My initial feeling was that the handling was smooth and stable, which is great for my wife since she's very much a beginner. The longer/lower geometry provides better weight distribution while seated. The 540Wh battery lasts forever—we rode 30-40 miles before dropping to 50%."
Fitness Without the Fatigue
"Before switching to the Rise, I was dead tired after each ride and didn't feel like I was getting any better. After switching to e-MTB, I really felt like I was getting the hang of things and doing more technical moves. I'm really happy I chose the lighter bike."
The Best of Both Worlds
"The Orbea Rise feels very similar to my previous mountain bike rather than a full heavy e-MTB. Many of my peers have lost fitness after switching to heavy e-bikes, but the Rise keeps you working while giving you that extra boost when you need it."
