Ride Like Keegan: The Santa Cruz Stigmata htSQD Is Now Available

If you've followed the professional gravel racing circuit, you've seen the distinctive bikes of the Santa Cruz htSQD dominating the podium. After a stellar season with major victories at iconic races like Unbound, Sea Otter, and Big Sugar, Santa Cruz is giving 50 lucky riders the chance to own the very same platform used by their elite team.

The company has just announced a limited-edition run of the Stigmata htSQD frameset, painted in the identical team-issue colorway ridden by Keegan Swenson, Tobin Ortenblad, Alexis Skarda, and Ruth Winder. This is a rare opportunity for fans and aspiring racers to build their dream bike starting with a frame that is both a proven winner and a collector's item.

The Pedigree: The Stigmata Platform

The Stigmata has long been a cornerstone of Santa Cruz's lineup, evolving over the years to remain at the cutting edge of gravel performance. The current iteration is a testament to modern gravel bike design, built to be both incredibly fast and highly versatile.

Key features of the Stigmata CC frame include:

• Lightweight Carbon CC Frame: Constructed from Santa Cruz's premium Carbon CC material, the frame and fork weigh in at a claimed 4.12 lbs (1.87 kg), providing a light and responsive foundation for any build.
• Progressive Gravel Geometry: The geometry is engineered for stability at high speeds on rough terrain without sacrificing the agile handling needed for technical sections and sharp corners.
• Massive Tire Clearance: With room for tires up to 50 mm wide, riders can tailor their setup for maximum comfort and traction, from smooth hardpack to chunky, technical gravel.
• Glovebox™ In-Frame Storage: A clever and convenient storage compartment is integrated into the downtube, perfect for stashing tools, a tube, and snacks, keeping pockets free and weight low on the bike.
• Suspension Ready: The frame is fully compatible with modern gravel suspension forks, allowing riders to add extra compliance for the most demanding courses.

What You Get: The Limited Edition Offering

This exclusive release is being sold as a frameset only, which includes the Stigmata CC frame and a color-matched carbon fork. Beyond the unique paint job, the frameset is identical to the standard version that the htSQD has ridden to victory all season.

This "frame-only" approach targets riders who prefer to meticulously select each component to create a truly custom build, whether it's a lightweight race machine or a rugged bikepacking rig. For those looking to complete the pro look, Santa Cruz points enthusiasts toward Velocio for the official htSQD team apparel.

Pricing and How to Get One

The Santa Cruz Stigmata htSQD frameset is priced at $2,799 USD ($3,499 CAD) and is available in five sizes, from XS to XL.

With only 50 of these frames being produced worldwide, they are expected to sell out quickly. Whether you’re a die-hard htSQD fan or simply covet the pro-level aesthetic, now is the time to act.

Reference: For more information or to find a local dealer, visit the official Santa Cruz Bicycles website:santacruzbicycles.com