Last updated: December 2025
TL;DR: Choose the Santa Cruz Heckler SL if you ride aggressively and care most about descending confidence and trail-bike handling. Choose the Trek Fuel EXe if you want the most subtle, analog-like e-MTB experience possible.
Quick Verdict
- Heckler SL wins for: aggressive trail riding, downhill confidence, playful handling
- Fuel EXe wins for: riders who want e-assist to disappear into the background
- Bottom line: This is not a power battle—it’s a ride feel decision
If you’re cross-shopping the Santa Cruz Heckler SL and the Trek Fuel EXe, you’re already looking at the top tier of the lightweight e-MTB category. These bikes share a similar philosophy—keep weight low, preserve trail-bike handling—but they execute it in very different ways.
For full bike breakdowns, see our complete Santa Cruz Heckler SL review (coming soon) and our guide to the best lightweight e-MTBs.
Heckler SL vs Fuel EXe: Key Differences at a Glance
| Category | Santa Cruz Heckler SL | Trek Fuel EXe |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Personality | Playful, aggressive, downhill-focused | Ultra-natural, analog-like |
| Motor System | FAZUA Ride 60 | TQ HPR50 |
| Travel (F/R) | 160mm / 150mm | 140mm / 130mm (varies by model) |
| Wheel Size | MX (29 / 27.5) | 29” front & rear |
| Descending Focus | High | Moderate |
Ride Feel: The Real Deciding Factor
Climbing: Technique vs Subtlety
Both bikes climb well—but they do it differently. The Fuel EXe is famous for how quietly and seamlessly it assists. Power delivery is extremely subtle, rewarding smooth cadence and efficient seated climbing. Many riders describe it as “just feeling stronger” rather than riding an e-bike.
The Heckler SL offers more noticeable assistance from the FAZUA Ride 60, especially when terrain gets steep or punchy. That extra support pairs well with its traction-focused suspension, making technical climbs easier to manage without feeling overpowering.
Verdict: Fuel EXe feels more natural; Heckler SL feels more capable when climbs get rough.
Descending: Where the Heckler SL Pulls Ahead
Descending performance is where these two bikes clearly diverge. The Santa Cruz Heckler SL has more travel, a slacker front end, and a mixed-wheel setup that gives it noticeably more confidence at speed. It stays composed in rock gardens, pushes harder into berms, and feels more willing when trails get steep or fast.
The Fuel EXe descends well for its category, but it feels closer to a high-end trail bike than an aggressive one. It’s precise and controlled—but not as forgiving when you start pushing limits.
Verdict: If descending confidence matters, the Heckler SL is the clear winner.
Cornering & Handling
The Fuel EXe’s strength is balance. It tracks predictably, changes direction smoothly, and never feels awkward—but it doesn’t beg you to attack corners. The Heckler SL, by contrast, feels more playful. The mullet setup helps the rear wheel rotate naturally through tight turns, and the suspension provides strong mid-stroke support when loading corners.
Verdict: Heckler SL for aggressive riders; Fuel EXe for smooth, controlled riding.
Motor Systems Compared: FAZUA vs TQ
FAZUA Ride 60 (Heckler SL)
- More noticeable assist
- Better support on steep, technical climbs
- Encourages active riding and power modulation
TQ HPR50 (Fuel EXe)
- Extremely quiet and subtle
- Feels closest to riding an analog bike
- Less punch when terrain gets demanding
Neither system is “better” universally—it depends on whether you want assistance you can feel, or assistance you forget about.
Battery Range & Ride Planning
Both bikes live in the same reality: battery range is something you manage, not ignore. The Fuel EXe often feels slightly more efficient on rolling terrain thanks to its subtle motor engagement, while the Heckler SL can burn battery faster if you rely heavily on higher assist modes.
The tradeoff is flexibility. Many riders find the Heckler SL’s extra support worth the battery planning because it expands what’s possible on technical trails.
For a deeper dive, see our guide to lightweight e-MTB range explained.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Santa Cruz Heckler SL if:
- You ride aggressive trail or technical terrain
- Descending confidence is a top priority
- You want e-assist that helps you push harder downhill
Buy the Trek Fuel EXe if:
- You want the most analog-like e-MTB possible
- Your trails are smoother, flow-focused, or endurance-oriented
- You value subtlety over outright capability
Final Verdict
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL vs Trek Fuel EXe comparison isn’t about specs or watts—it’s about how you want the bike to feel. The Fuel EXe is brilliant if your goal is to forget you’re riding an e-bike. The Heckler SL is the better choice if you want your e-MTB to actively help you ride harder, descend faster, and have more fun on demanding trails.
If you’re leaning toward the Santa Cruz, read our full, in-depth 2026 Heckler SL GX AXS review (coming soon) for real-world ride impressions and long-term ownership insights.