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Fast gravel tracks, hilly forest paths or flowing trails: gravel bikes feel at home on many surfaces. Manufacturers have long had specialised models for this purpose. With the new Stigmata, Santa Cruz has opted for the all-in-one solution and offers the new model in five equipment variants, which are designed to appeal to bikepackers, racers and MTB fans.
New stigmata: the most important facts at a glance
- Stack/Reach/STR: 600/420 millimetres/1.42 (size L)
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.5 to 9.5 kilogrammes
- Maximum tyre clearance: 50 millimetres
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Gearshift groups: Apex, Rival AXS and Force AXS
- Prices: 3999 to 8299 Euro >> available here
The carbon platform with sporty frame geometry (STR: 1.42) and standardised paintwork is shared by all versions. A small storage compartment is integrated into the down tube, in which the puncture repair kit can be stowed in small pockets. The Stigmata rolls on 45-millimetre Maxxis tyres as standard, but the US manufacturer allows the frame and fork to be fitted with tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. Mounts for mudguards or a third bottle cage on the underside of the down tube are now standard equipment on modern gravel bikes.
Santa Cruz Stigmata: Rockshox Rudy with 40 millimetres of travel
Thanks to its expertise in the MTB sector, it is not surprising that Santa Cruz also offers a version with a suspension fork (Rockshox Rudy Ultimate XPLR) with 40 millimetres of travel and a telescopic seatpost (Rockshox Reverb AXS XPLR) with 75 millimetres of travel. All other equipment variants come with a carbon rigid fork and a choice of single or double drivetrains from SRAM. Thanks to the UDH standard of the rear derailleur, the Stigmata can also be equipped with the new Transmission shifting from SRAM without derailleur hanger.
Lightest model weighs 8.5 kilos
According to the manufacturer, the different models of the Santa Cruz Stigmata weigh between 8.5 and 9.5 kilograms. The lightest version is the 7499 euro Stigmata with electronic double Force (43/30, 10-36 t.). The heaviest and most expensive model is the suspension version, which is available with Force AXS (40, 10-44 t.) for 8299 euros. The basic version with new Apex XPLR (40, 10-44 t.) costs 3999 euros. There is a choice of five frame sizes.
Julian Schultz
Editor
