Test Santa Cruz Stigmata: In the fourth model generation, the dropbar bike from the MTB specialists is closer to the brand core than ever before - especially in the version with dropper post and suspension fork. Can this bike do more than other gravel bikes?
The Santa Cruz Stigmata is currently in its fourth generation on the market. It goes back to an aluminum cross bike that the US company introduced in 2007, was first released in 2015 as a carbon bike with disc brakes and, with the third version in 2019, finally became what is now called a gravel bike. Now the MTB specialists have significantly redesigned the bike and turned it into a “gravel bike for mountain bikers,” as Santa Cruz describes it. While the product manager who arrived with the crosser in 2007 was still stigmatized in the company (hence the name of the model), the racing handlebar is now mainstream and also accepted in biker circles - especially when it is mounted on a bike like the Stigmata 4 .
Santa Cruz Stigmata: Lots of new things in geometry
Santa Cruz has completely changed the geometry of the Graveller to bring it closer to the core of the brand. The look hasn't changed much, but you're essentially dealing with a new frame: up to 45 mm longer reach, depending on the size over 70 mm longer wheelbase, and a uniform head angle of 69,5°, while it previously moved between 71,5° and 72°.
The only relevant value that has hardly changed is the “stack”, although the head tube has been shortened by 25 to 30 mm. This created space for a longer rigid fork or a suspension fork with up to 40 mm travel, as is mounted on the test bike. The longer “reach” is meanwhile compensated for by a correspondingly shorter stem; The sitting posture remains compact to upright when you grip the top link. Oh, the tire clearance has also been increased – 50 mm tires now fit through the frame and fork.
Handy despite the suspension fork
With the RockShox fork, the gravel bike has finally arrived where mountain bikers want it to be. Anyone who comes from a drop bar bike will initially approach the Stigmata with caution, but their fear is unfounded: despite the air fork and lowerable seat post, it can be ridden just like a normal gravel bike - albeit one that has a lot of reserves. Despite the flat steering angle, the handling is unobtrusive in a positive sense - the Santa Cruz appears agile and can be easily steered through tight bends. This is certainly also due to the chainstays, which are only 423 mm short; The long front frame leads to safe straight-line stability. With pedals, the bike weighs a good ten kilos, but that's not noticeable. The extremely low weight of the wheels - ready to ride and tubeless, just 3,3 kilos - can be felt when accelerating.
Effective vibration dampening
But what effect does the fork have? If you want, you can block it and then notice practically nothing about the suspension; if it is open, it offers noticeable comfort advantages. The spring travel is short, but the fork responds so sensitively that it effectively absorbs vibrations and medium shocks. You can also overcome roots that are perpendicular to the direction of travel without pulling up the front wheel (if they are not too high) and without the fork bottoming out. Of course, you shouldn't forget the unsprung rear - so an active driving style is also necessary with the RockShox. This of course also applies to descents, where another MTB feature of the Santa Crux comes into play: the dropper post, also a RockShox product and electronically controlled by the shift paddles of the SRAM Force AXS. If you lower it by 75 mm, which is the maximum stroke of the support, you sit very compactly on the bike and can just barely pedal. In the lower handlebar position, this is a very comfortable downhill position; On extremely steep sections, the lowered saddle makes it easier to shift your body weight backwards. If you retract the support by about a centimeter, you can also benefit from a certain amount of shock absorption; however, in practice it is difficult to push it down such a short distance.
Santa Cruz offers the Stigmata in a total of five model variants, of which only this one (the most expensive) comes with a suspension fork and dropper post. Completing it with SRAM Force AXS is of high quality, but not entirely consistent, especially since the XPLR version with a 10-44 crown is used. On the MTB-style Graveller, an Eagle cassette would probably be more suitable for easier mountain climbs. The tires designed for dry conditions are not ideal for autumn-winter route conditions: the Maxxis Ramblers hardly build any grip on wet leaves and mud and should be reserved for the warm season. On the other hand, they appeal with a round contour that allows controlled, even leaning, especially from asphalt.
Super light wheelset with innovative valves
One of the highlights of the Stigmata is the reserve wheelset with 25 mm internally wide gravel carbon rims and the solid 350 hubs from DT Swiss. The flat rims are reinforced in the area of the spoke holes, which should ensure high stability and low weight - and 350 grams is really not much for such a wide rim. The special valves called “Fillmorewhich, according to the manufacturer, allow three times as much air to pass through as conventional valves. This should make tubeless assembly much easier, especially since ideally you don't need a compressor and you don't have to remove the valve core to fill in sealing milk.
Santa Cruz has a sporty ride in mind for the Stigmata, whether with or without a suspension fork. Mudguards and three bottle holders can be mounted, but no carrier systems - not even on the carbon rigid fork. However, there is a spacious “secret compartment” in the down tube, which already contains two elongated fabric cases. Mini pumps, tools, etc. can be stored there permanently, which is quite practical.
Also attractive as a rigid bike
The Stigmata 4 – in MTB trim or as a rigid bike? The plus in comfort speaks for the support and fork; It remains to be seen whether you can use it to ride trails that gravel bikes cannot without this technology. On the other hand, the fork and support alone cost 1.550 euros in the aftermarket, so the surcharge is considerable. With SRAM Rival AXS and a simpler wheelset, the Stigmata costs 3.000 euros less as a rigid bike; With a mechanical SRAM Apex, the bike is available for just 3.999 euros. The decision for the suspension should therefore be made very consciously - the Santa Cruz definitely delivers sporty driving fun off-road.
