Deep Loam 8 - The Stigmata V3

The Stigmata was originally launched in 2007. The V1 Stigmata was a steep angled, aluminium, rim braked cyclocross weapon. Gradually riders have been taking traditional cyclocross race bikes and using them for a multitude of off road adventures and escapades, due their ability to cover distances on mixed surfaces quicker than the MTBs of the time. However with their limited ability to accommodate tyres over 33c and aggressive pin sharp geometry, these bikes did have their downfalls when riding for such durations. Riders began to demand comfort in order to make longer days in the saddle a pleasure not a boneshaking experience landing them with a steep bill from the chiropractor.

Santa Cruz recognised this demand and the Stigmata was resurrected in 2015 with the V2. This was a huge departure from the previous incarnation. Santa Cruz fused a number of MTB standards and design features, combining with their knowledge of Carbon manufacture to create their spin on a modern CX bike. Something must have clicked, because within months of it’s launch the V2 raced to victory at the legendary Three Peaks cyclocross race and has continued to contend at elite cyclocross races around the world.

SO WHAT’S NEW WITH THE V3

Nowadays, features like internally routed disc brakes, generous tire clearance and thru-axles that made the V2 Stigmata so popular have become more of a norm. So Santa Cruz took a fresh look at which standards the riders of tomorrow wanted access to today when it came to redesigning the V3. As senior engineer Ty Buckenberger explains, there was a keen demand for it to broaden its horizons.

‘The feedback from dealers was that people were certainly doing a lot more on them than just cross racing,’ he says. ‘Where we live, with the mountains and the trails we have here, people tend to want to push the limits of their equipment and their bikes.

Even looking around the Santa Cruz office, there were all kinds of modifications people had made to try to adapt the Stigmata to make it more capable. So we wanted to sort of re-invent it and make it a more versatile bike straight out of the box.’

Some of the changes are easy to spot, such as the new tube shapes that Buckenberger says have been fashioned with comfort in mind, again reacting to feedback that the V2 was a bit on the harsh side. The frame now also features an external threaded Bottom Bracket, an essential for UK riding. Tyre clearance has gone up, and the frame will now accept a 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.1in tyre.

Comfort is the main characteristic and focus of the new V3 Stigmata. Previous incarnations of the Stigmata have been purposely developed for the rigours of racing with the ability to undertake longer off road adventures only every once in a while when the race calendar permitted. Therefore the V2 was super-efficient in terms of power transfer, enabling rapid acceleration on the cyclocross circuit, however this was at the sacrifice of comfort, which could result in the onset of early fatigue on long off-road rides.

In response to rider feedback, the V3 Stigmata’s carbon construction was developed using the knowledge gained in the R&D of the Highball V3 and also Danny MacAskill’s trials bike to gain that elusive combination of stiffness and offroad compliance. The refined carbon lay up through the rear stays allows for an increased amount of flex to absorb high frequency trail chatter. As our Staff member and Stigmata aficionado Adam says…

‘I had the previous Stigmata, which was a lot sharper in terms of handling and was a great road bike, taking it into the Dales was tiring and a constant fight for traction. Jumping on my new Stigmata for the first time had me checking the rear, thinking I had a flat due to the level of comfort from the in-built compliance and slight flex. This flex is certainly noticeable especially when applying big power on a steep road climb, so it’s not the most efficient, however the level of traction from the rear on mixed terrain is unreal.’

With the ride feel dialled for all day comfort, the geometry was also tweaked for the V3, with a slightly taller stack and shorter reach across the size range to place the rider in a more upright riding position keeping rider weight distribution further rearward, reducing fatigue of the upper body. The head angle remains the same for that perfect balance of nimble handling and surefootedness.

Tweaks have been made to improve handling for smaller riders and reduce toe overlap. Santa Cruz have reworked the 52/54cm framesets so the Stigmata now comfortably suits riders from 5’3” and up by introducing different fork offsets. 50mm for the 52-54cm sizes, and 45mm for the 56-61cm sizes.

Features

The threaded bottom bracket is a new addition to the Stigmata and a perennial favourite due to it’s proven robust, cost-effective and compatible design, allowing for a multitude of crank options to be fitted. The frame can also accommodate three bottle cage mounts so it can still hold at least one normal bottle even when running a front triangle bag. The new V3 also has fender mounts in built highlighting it’s ever-widening scope of purpose. Like each Santa Cruz frameset the Stigmata is available in a ‘mild’ and ‘wild’ colourway. This year’s choice is the striking lavendar or the classic bronze/pewter Brut finish.

Deeper adventures, bigger tires perhaps? The frame now clears up to a 45mm 700c or a 2.1” 650b tire, although our Stif staffer Adam has been pushing it a little in this regard…

‘As you can see in the photos, I’m at the limit of clearance with a 700c configuration and 47mm tyres with a front mech. Luckily a file tread doesn’t pick up to much debris and so far even on the sloppiest rides the rear stays have remained clear.’

He also slung a set of 650b wheels in his and ran it with 2.1s and commented on how much of a riot it was to ride…

"This was possibly the most fun riding experience of last year. It transformed the handling of the Stigmata and gave it a heap of traction off road. Riding it up and down some very technical Lakeland trails, the smaller wheels and bigger tyres found climbing traction anywhere they were placed and enabled me to thread techy lines through rock strewn descents with ease. Although it was a little harder to maintain speed on undulating road sections, it wasn’t too noticeable on the flat and certainly a sacrifice worth paying on shorter more off road orientated ‘gravel’ rides.”

Adam also runs his with a set of 35mm Carbon Reserve wheels on 28mm road tyres for some huge road rides.

‘With the designed flex and compliance and it’s relaxed nature, it is compromised as an out and out road bike, but with a set of fast road wheels thrown in it, it’s an absolute dream to take on a long haul into the Dales and cover some big distance.’

The debate continues to rage over whether 1x or 2x drivetrains are better for gravel bikes. Santa Cruz have a dedicated band-on fitment for the front mech, which is simple to remove and won’t leave any unsightly bolt holes should you favour a 1x setup. With Sram’s wireless eTap AXS components (available as an off the peg build option), you could feasibly switch between 1x and 2x in little more than the time it takes to make a brew. This combined with the 650b wheel compatibility, means Buckenberger has definitely delivered on his promises. This new Stigmata oozes versatility.

Build Kits

In keeping with the Stigmata’s versatility Santa Cruz have made it available in a broad range of build kits. Available off the peg in two mechanical options, either SRAM Rival or Shimano GRX 2x groupsets. The next step-up would be SRAM RIVAL AND FORCE 1X AXS groupsets, which are available with either alloy or carbon Reserve 25 GR wheelsets.

Shop All Stigmata Build Kits

Custom Build Options

You pick it we build it! The Stigmata is also available as a CC frameset is available making for the perfect base to begin your dream custom build.

Due to the versatility and light weight construction of the frameset there are several configurations which could be pursued when building a Stigmata from the ground up. We can work together to build a bike that perfectly fits your demands. So it you’re looking to build a lightweight Cyclocross 1x ‘race weapon’, big tyred adventure machine or even a comfortable super relaxed and compliant road bike.

Ultimately, we are geared up for any custom build and our experienced sales team contains the knowledge to steer you in the right direction. Whatever the demands or wants for your new dream build, give us a shout, we’re here to help and the sky is the limit.

Lifetime Warranty.

Any option you choose is covered by Santa Cruz' Lifetime Warranty. This also covers the Carbon Reserve wheels if specced on your new Stigmata.

For more information or to take a look through all the build options for the Santa Cruz Hightower, you can also contact us by phone, email, live chat or pop in store for a coffee and take a look at the bikes we have built in both of our showrooms.

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