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2026 Santa Cruz

Stigmata Apex

A carbon frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and sram apex hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$4,149
Weight20.9 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetApex
BrakesSRAM Apex Hydraulic Disc
View on santacruzbicycles.comLearn about Santa Cruz
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Stigmata Apex
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

36 mph

Stigmata Apex

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Stigmata model range

View Comparison
Sizing
XS

5'2" – 5'6"

SM

5'4" – 5'9"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'9" – 6'2"

XL

6'0" – 6'4"

XXL

6'1" – 6'5"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Price History
Reviews

Summary

The Santa Cruz Stigmata is a versatile gravel bike with progressive geometry inspired by mountain biking, offering excellent handling and comfort on rough terrain. It features a suspension fork and dropper post for enhanced off-road performance, though it may feel stiff or limited in gear range on certain surfaces. Overall, it excels in mixed off-road conditions and provides a fun, capable ride.

Pros
  • Progressive geometry for excellent off-road handling

  • Suspension fork and dropper post enhance comfort and control

  • Versatile and fun on rough gravel sections

  • High-quality build and design

  • Integrated storage compartment (Glove Box)

Cons
  • Limited gear range for steep climbs

  • Stiff frame and wheels on smooth surfaces

  • Few mounting points for accessories

  • Premium price tag

  • Mud-collecting design behind bottom bracket

Key Quotes
The Stigmata Force-1x AXS RSV is a brilliant companion for gravel riding.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
I think this may just be my new benchmark gravel bike for the type of mixed off-road rides and simplified bike ownership I seek.
Escape Collective logoEscape Collective
The Glove Box (a.k.a. integrated storage compartment) is one of our absolute highlights.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine
The Stigmata is a mountain bikers' gravel bike.
NSMB logoNSMB

Feedback?

View all reviews

Escape Collective
Santa Cruz Stigmata gravel bike review: Vanilla no more - Escape Collective

Jul 2024 · Dave Rome

An example of where I see more off-road-centric gravel bikes headed and I want one.

Highs
  • Dialled ride quality

  • Wonderful build construction

  • Progressive geometry that encourages silly terrain

  • Modern tyre clearance

  • Welcoming reach and stack figures

  • Not a single dumb feature that means easy ownership

  • Doesn’t feel fragile.

Lows
  • Off-road-centric geometry

  • Limited mounting points

  • Average weight

  • And a premium price tag make this the ideal bike for a more limited group. A mud-collecting shelf behind the bottom bracket. The 10-44T XPLR gearing feels too limited for a

Read Review

BikeRadar
Santa Cruz Stigmata Force-1x AXS RSV | Gravel Bike of the Year contender | BikeRadar

May 2024 · Warren Rossiter

Premium MTB-inspired gravel bike

Highs
  • Awesome spec

  • Inspired technical off road handling

Lows
  • Few fixtures fittings

  • Stiff frame and wheels

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Santa Cruz Stigmata – Put to the test in our big adventure gravel bike shootout

Jan 2024 · Martin Staffa

At home wherever you go? The 2023 Santa Cruz Stigmata claims to do it all, from gravel racing to multi-day adventures. Too much of a good thing, or good for everything?

Highs
  • High-quality, classy design

  • Comfortable and fun handling off the beaten track

  • Confidence-inspiring thanks to plenty of damping and grippy tires

  • Integrated compartment in the down tube offers onboard storage space

Lows
  • Limited gear range for steep off-road climbs or long, loaded drags

  • Lacking mounting points

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Santa Cruz Stigmata Carbon CC Apex

Nov 2023 · Joshua Hutchens

The Santa Cruz Stigmata nearly aced our tests and delivered in the important metrics, it's easily our top-rated gravel bike This svelte carbon model was...

Highs
  • Confident

  • Nice ergonomics

  • Efficient yet compliant

Lows
  • More expensive

  • Only offered in CC Carbon

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
Santa Cruz Stigmata Review: Seven Thoughts on V4

Nov 2023 · Neil Beltchenko

The Santa Cruz Stigmata v4 was updated with a new geometry and intriguing features that extend its capabilities. Here's our full review...

Highs
  • Fast, light, and efficient + Playful Gravel Geometry = new ride opportunities

  • Race-worthy geometry and build

  • Glove Box is such a great use of space

  • Lightweight frame and build keeps bikepacking rig weight low

  • Handles weight well and remains efficient

Lows
  • 50mm tire clearance is limiting

  • Expensive

  • Would love to see rack mounts

  • Rudy fork doesn’t lock out completely

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Santa Cruz Stigmata Force AXS RSV review – this gravel bike goes more MTB than ever

Oct 2023 · Guy Kesteven

Is Santa Cruz’s Stigmata Force 1X AXS RSV the new pedigree standard for progressive gravel performance or a drop bar mountain bike mongrel?

Highs
  • Super confident MTB style geometry

  • Extensive internal storage

  • Lifetime frame and rim warranty

  • Terrain smoothing suspension fork and seat post

  • UDH hanger and 50mm tire clearance

Lows
  • Heavy frame

  • Limited cargo attachment points

Read Review

Bikerumor
New Santa Cruz Stigmata Gains Progressive Geo, Glovebox & Suspension Compatibility

Aug 2023 · Zach Overholt

Fresh off a win at Unbound, the new Santa Cruz Stigmata breaks cover with progressive geo, suspension, and room for sandwiches.

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NSMB
Santa Cruz launches the all new 2024 Stigmata gravel bike.

Aug 2023

Santa Cruz releases a new longer, lower, slacker gravel bike. Is this the downhiller's gravel bike?

Highs
  • Progressive geometry inspired by mountain bikes

  • In-frame Glovebox storage compartment

  • 50 mm tire clearance

  • 40 mm fork compatible

  • Subtle fender mounting points

  • Snappy and efficient on pavement

  • Capable on steep climbs and loose descents

  • Comfortable and roomy cockpit

  • Dropper post and suspension fork enhance fun

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon CC Gravel

Tire Clearance50c

ColorsBritish Racing Green (Stigmata 2026); Matte Carbon (Stigmata 2026)

Fork

Carbon

Shock

N/A

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB 68mm Road Wide BB

Headset

FSA IS-2/47/42 ACB

Stem

Zipp Service Course Stem All Sizes: 70mm

Handlebar

Zipp Service Course 70 XPLR AL Bar, 31.8 XS/S: 42cm, M: 44cm, L/XL/XXL: 46cm

Saddle

WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo

Seatpost

Zipp Service Course, 27.2 All Sizes: 350mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Apex Eagle, 12spd

Crank

SRAM Apex, 42t XS/S: 165mm, M/L: 170mm, XL: 172.5, XXL 175mm

Shifters

SRAM Apex

Cassette

SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Chain

SRAM SX Eagle, 12spd

Chain Guide

N/A

Brakes

SRAM Apex

TypeSRAM Apex Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: WTB ASYM i25 28h 700c, Rear: WTB ASYM i25 28h 700c

Front Hub

Front: DT Swiss 370, 12x100, Centerlock, 28h, Rear: DT Swiss 370, 12x142, XDr, Centerlock, 28h

Rear Hub

Front: DT Swiss 370, 12x100, Centerlock, 28h, Rear: DT Swiss 370, 12x142, XDr, Centerlock, 28h

Tires

Front: Maxxis Rambler, 700x45c, DC, EXO, Rear: Maxxis Rambler, 700x45c, DC, EXO

Disc Rotors

Front: SRAM Centerline, Centerlock, 160mm, Rear: SRAM Centerline, Centerlock, 160mm

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added August 23

Last updated June 13