Santa Cruz Updates the Stigmata Gravel Road Bike
Santa Cruz has unveiled a revamped version of its Stigmata gravel bike, incorporating a more advanced geometry inspired by its mountain biking collection.
This involves a more relaxed head tube with a 69.5-degree angle consistently applied across all sizes from S to XXL, reduced from the prior model’s 71 to 72 degrees.
The reach has been extended by an impressive 30mm compared to the former version, and Santa Cruz has added shorter 70mm stems to balance the change. This alteration has resulted in an increase in wheelbase, ranging from the earlier bike’s 1,009mm to 1,053mm, to a new span of 1,043mm to 1,130mm depending on the size.
Both the higher fork crown’s design allows for an easy switch from a rigid to a suspension fork. It’s a modification that brings in a shorter head tube coupled with a higher crown rigid fork, allowing the replacement of a 40mm-travel suspension fork without altering the geometry. Off-road riders will appreciate this adaptability.
These changes aim to enhance the Stigmata’s off-road capabilities.
The bike now provides space for 50mm tires on 700c gravel wheels, a growth from 45mm, and the frame is designed to accommodate a 27.2mm dropper post. It also utilizes the Universal Derailleur Hanger, promoting compatibility and simplifying the procurement of spare parts. The absence of internal cabling makes maintenance more straightforward.
According to Santa Cruz, they have continued to use external cables for the cockpit, allowing the bike to be fitted with a standard IS tapered headset. This approach eliminates any complex routing issues when replacing parts.
Furthermore, there’s a threaded bottom bracket shell in the CC carbon fiber frame. Santa Cruz’s fundamental philosophy with the Stigmata is to ensure it is “easy to work on, easy to find parts for, built to last.”
Santa Cruz Stigmata’s sizing details include:
- S: Reach 390, Stack 564
- M: Reach 405, Stack 576
- L: Reach 420, Stack 600
- XL: Reach 435, Stack 612
- XXL: Reach 450, Stack 631 (All measurements in mm and angles in degrees)
Target Audience and Features: Santa Cruz emphasizes that the concept of 2x gear set-up is still relevant in the gravel biking world.
The company notes the diverse applications of gravel riding, from all-road and gravel racing to quasi-MTB adventures.
The new Stigmata has been designed as a versatile bike suitable for a wide range of uses. Keegan Swenson’s victory at Unbound 2023 on the new Stigmata attests to its racing pedigree.
The build kits include both 1x and 2x configurations, along with an optional suspension fork/dropper post.
A novel addition is a cubbyhole in the down tube for miscellaneous storage, like waterproof items or emergency supplies. Extra mounts have been kept minimal to maintain a sleek, boss-free frame appearance.
Build Options and Pricing: Five build kit options are available for the new Stigmata, all of which include SRAM 12-speed groupsets. These range from the latest Apex 1 mechanical to 1x and 2x Rival AXS and Force AXS as upscale alternatives.
The premium Force AXS 1x RSV version features a Rockshox Rudy Ultimate 40mm-travel fork and a Rockshox Reverb AXS XPLR 75mm-travel dropper post, whereas the others come with a standard rigid fork and seatpost. The bike is offered in one color: ‘brick red.’
