2024 Santa Cruz Skitch Review
Dive into the world of premium electric cycling with the Santa Cruz Skitch, a bike that redefines versatility and performance. With its sleek design and robust capabilities, the Skitch isn’t just any e-bike—it’s a beacon of innovation in a rapidly evolving market. Priced starting at $6,000, this high-end offering from the renowned mountain bike company blends the thrill of sport cycling with the practicality of urban commuting. Whether you’re navigating the daily grind or taking a detour through rugged trails, the Santa Cruz Skitch is engineered to enhance every ride. In this review, we’ll explore what sets the Skitch apart and why it might just be the perfect addition to your cycling adventures.
Design and Features:
The Skitch offers two handlebar options: flat bars for a mountain bike feel and drop bars that mimic a road bike’s setup. The tested version had flat bars and it’s a standout. At the heart of the Santa Cruz Skitch ebike is an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame, both strong and agile. Within this sleek frame, a 450-watt Fazua 60 motor pairs with a 430-watt-hour battery. Although not the most powerful on the market, the battery’s 60-mile range is ample for giving that extra boost on challenging hills.
Selection of the Fazua System:
The choice of the Fazua system, known for its lightweight and compact design, was due to its efficiency and the positive experience with Fazua’s support and innovation in power delivery and analytics.
Riding Experience:
One of the most notable features of the Skitch is the subtlety of the Fazua system. It integrates so smoothly that it doesn’t interfere with the aesthetics or the functionality of the bike. There’s a simple toggle on the left handlebar for powering the bike and switching assistance levels, and small buttons near the right grip allow for easy shifting with the high-end SRAM electronic transmission.
Speed and Performance:
Classified as a class-3 ebike, the Skitch can assist up to speeds of 28 mph. This setup provides an exhilarating experience, especially when zipping past traffic. Riding this bike serves as a reminder that while it offers assistance, the experience still demands active cycling skills like shifting gears and pedaling effectively.
A Road Bike That Handles More:
The Santa Cruz Skitch may be labeled as a road bike, but it’s clear that this label barely scratches the surface of its capabilities. Despite lacking suspension, the Skitch manages to handle park rides and multiple laps on a cyclocross circuit complete with hills, banked turns, and single-track challenges with aplomb. While it may not offer the plush comfort of a full-suspension bike, its lighter build contributes to a nimble and enjoyable riding experience. This makes the Skitch ideal for those who commute to work by bike and appreciate the versatility to venture through the park after a day’s work.
Battery Life and Customization Options:
After riding for about 30 miles, the battery indicator on the top tube showed approximately 30 percent remaining, a testament to its endurance, though individual results may vary based on factors like rider weight. For those who lean more towards bike commuting, the option to switch to drop handlebars is available, and for those inclined to tackle rougher terrains, adding suspension to a flat bar setup enhances the bike’s ruggedness. Additionally, the inclusion of a dropper seat post, which allows for adjusting the seat height on the fly, underscores the Skitch’s adaptability, making it a practical choice for varied biking needs.
Considerations for High-Value Bikes:
Owning a high-end bike like the Skitch, which can cost around $7,000, brings with it certain practical considerations. For instance, using such an expensive bike as a primary mode of transportation involves risks, especially when it comes to leaving it parked in public places like grocery store bike racks. The fear of theft might deter some users from enjoying the Skitch as freely as they might want, limiting its use to secure locations or for commuting to places with guaranteed safe storage.
Tech and Maintenance Insights:
Some riders have expressed concerns about the less common Fazua system, which powers the Skitch. Its rarity in the United States could pose challenges for repairs. However, this shouldn’t be a major issue as, generally, any maintenance on electric bikes tends to require specialist intervention, whether it’s from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. Regarding the companion app, while currently it lacks intuitiveness and demands frequent updates, there’s potential for improvement given Santa Cruz’s ongoing involvement in its development.
Santa Cruz Skitch Price
The Santa Cruz Skitch is available starting from $6,000. This pricing positions it as a premium option in the electric bike market, reflecting its advanced features, lightweight carbon fiber frame, and the versatility it offers to both commuting and leisure riders.
