Review: Santa Cruz 5010
The Santa Cruz 5010 CC (click to enlarge).
Lowdown: Santa Cruz 5010 CC
Considering the current Santa Cruz Bicycles lineup, the 5010 is not your best option if you are a shuttle-happy trail rider with very little interest or need to face extended and/or numerous climbs in the course of your average ride. The Bronson, or even the Nomad, would be a far better option for that style of riding. But if you are a more pedal-happy XC type (like myself), the 5010 will suit your more rounded riding preferences with impressively limited compromises in terms of riding ability in any specific condition.
| Build: SRAM XX1 with ENVE wheels | Seat tube: 73.8 degrees |
| Use: cross country, trail | BB height: 13.1” |
| Size tested: Large | Chainstay length: 16.7” |
| Frame material: Carbon | Fork: 130mm |
| Rear travel: 130mm (VPP3) | Price (as tested): $10,100 |
| Wheels: 27.5” | Base price: $3,599 (5010 C-R) |
| Head tube: 67 degrees |
Rating:  5 Chilis-out-of-5 (industry leading bike in intended application) |
In the same league: Ibis Ripley 29, Specialized Camber, Giant Trance
Pluses |
Minuses |
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| long-and-low riding platform makes for agile | suspension setting), but don’t expect this bike to |
| cross-country weapon that encourages its rider | out climb thoroughbred XC race bikes |
| to take a more dynamic and playful riding position |
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| at high speeds | a terrific option for those riders interested in a |
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single tool for doing it all…doing it all really |
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well |
| the faster, harder downhill lines |
Full Review: Santa Cruz 5010 CC
The Santa Cruz 5010 (originally called the “SOLO”) was first introduced in 2013, billed as a bike “built to serve the most technical [of] backcountry missions.” I like that description, and I love the concept for the bike that it inspired. The original 5010 brought a smile to my face for the bike’s ability to please on highly variable terrain and in highly variable riding styles. So when I heard that bike was being redesigned, just a couple of years after its initial release, I was excited to check out the changes.
With the new 150mm dropper post compatible design, even a park setting feels comfortable on this playful all-access bike (click to enlarge).
My own riding style is highly variable. I’m a speed freak, cross-country racer at heart. But I often find myself packing my lunch (along with everyone else’s) and enough survival/maintenance supplies to satisfy a drill sergeant, then following large groups down trails that are new to them at a very low rate of speed. Guiding is my job in the warm months. But on my own time, I enjoy riding up hills. I also very much enjoy riding down hills. And the most enjoyable form of riding for me is when I’m doing both as fast as I can.
So, like many of my readers, I’m always on the hunt for that one bike to satisfy a wide range of needs. I’m looking for a “Swiss Army knife” of a bike, if you will, that allows for reduced spending on an already expensive sport.
Continue to page 2 for more of our full review of the Santa Cruz 5010 CC »
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