The Santa Cruz 5010 Review

Mountain biking can be a very enjoyable hobby and activity whether it be for fun or taken seriously as a sport. One undeniable factor that plays a major role in how successful your mountain biking adventures will be is the bike that you choose to use on your journey. There are several different features that you need to look for when choosing the right mountain bike option for your preferred riding style and experience level.

Every trail cand mountain that you come across will present a different set of challenges that you need to be prepared to overcome. By having a high-quality mountain bike under you, you’ll be able to take on any challenges that the road may throw your way. The body of your bike is one of the most important features to pay attention to and you want to ensure that it is made from a durable material that will last a long time.

The tire size, speed, gears, and more also play a crucial role in how effective your selected bike will be at taking on all of the trails in your way. You always want to consider your safety when choosing the perfect mountain bike that will meet your exact needs. Depending on the brand of the bike that you select, you may be able to modify your bike after purchasing it however not all companies build their bikes to be modified afterward so this is something else that you’ll want to consider before making your final purchase decision.

Every mountain bike option on the market today is designed with a specific type of rider and terrain in mind. Because of this, it can be a tedious process trying to find the bike that meets all of your needs in one comprehensive package, however, we have good news.

Many companies are beginning to produce all-mountain bike options which are crafted to take on a wide variety of different terrains and local trails.

One of the leading mountain bike brands available on the market right now is Santa Cruz, the company produces various mountain bike configurations that are created for a broad audience of riders. A very popular bike model offered by the company is the 5010, the bike comes made out of very durable carbon material in addition to having a lot of advanced integrations which will make your ride much more comfortable and efficient when in action.

To help you decide on whether or not the 5010 is the right fit for your riding needs, we’re going to take an in-depth look at every aspect of this bike so that you can get a good view into what benefits it has to offer you in terms of optimizing your ride.

To begin, let’s take a look at exactly who this bike was made for and who will benefit the most from its design.

Who is the Santa Cruz 5010 for?

The Santa Cruz 5010 was made for the intermediate to advanced rider who wants to enjoy a wide range of different terrain types. It comes with wide tires as the default configuration which allows you to breeze over a wide variety of obstacles and features on your path without having to worry about your tires becoming damaged. It’s an extremely lightweight bike that packs a lot of power and capabilities that you can use to optimize your riding experience overall.

The bike is perfect for taking on small obstacles and jumps without damaging the suspension on the bike or any other related components for that matter. The bike is made from a carbon material which provides long-lasting performance and durability for the rider. The bike features a very stable yet versatile design which will allow you to take on different tracks without worrying about your bike underperforming in the specific terrain or environment that you’re in.

Santa Cruz bicycles are also perfect for downhill racing as many professional riders choose Santa Cruz bikes for their competitions. The top seat tube on this bike has a long-framed design and the head angle (head tube angle) is fabricated to be compatible with the top seat tube perfectly. The bike has been officially approved for over-forking which gives riders the freedom to move the way they want while out on the trail.

Later in this guide, we’ll cover these features in more detail however we’re going to go over the core specifications of the bike in the next section.

Core Specifications: Santa Cruz 5010

Now that we’ve gone over exactly who this bike was designed for, it’s time to look at the core specifications that you can expect to enjoy when choosing this model as your preferred bike. We’re going to list all of the core specifications below in a summary so that you will be able to have a good view of what to expect when purchasing this bike.

Make sure that you read this entire section in full so that you will be able to make an educated decision about whether or not this bike is the right option for you.

Core Specifications

• Frame- carbon cc 130mm
• Fork- Fox 34 float performance 130mm
• Shock- Fox Performance DPX2
• Brakes- SRAM Guide RSC
• Handlebar- Santa Cruz AM Carbon 760mm
• Headset- Cane Creek 40 IS
• Saddle- WTB Silverado Team
• Seatpost- Rock Shox Reverb 150mm
• Shifter- SRAM X01 Eagle 12s
• Stem- Race Face Aeffect 50mm
• Hubs- ST Swiss 350
• Rims- Santa Cruz Reserve Carbon
• Tires- Maxxis Minion 2.3”
• Bottom Bracket- Threaded Bottom Bracket
• Cassette- SRAM XG-1295 10-50t
• Cranks- SRAM X1 Eagle 175mm 32ft
• Derailleur- SRAM X01 Eagle 12s

All of these features combine to provide you the rider with an incredibly capable, durable, and versatile bike that can withstand tough terrains and conditions without any issues. The bike itself features an incredible amount of design ingenuity and specifications that will aid any biker on their ride.

Everything from the seat design, shock type, shifters, tires, and more were all created and installed on this bike to provide you with a comprehensive bike build that doesn’t require any aftermarket modifications or adjustments.

Now that we’ve gone over all of the core specifications about this bike, let’s take a look at the company who makes it so that you will be able to get a glimpse of the overall culture behind the product.

Behind the Company: Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz was started in 1994 in a garage located in Seabright Cannery which is a locality of Santa Cruz, CA. The first bike ever created by the company was a single-pivot dual-suspension configuration which was quite innovative and disruptive at the time. During the time of their first commercial product release, full-suspension bikes were not that common nor were they readily available in the bicycle industry at large.

The fact that the first bike the company produced had a rear suspension set them apart in the industry which would lead to them beating out their competition as a whole as they developed over the years. The company itself was founded by a skateboard icon in Rob Roskopp which only helped the advancement and development of their operations over the years.

Since its inception, the company has grown substantially and now produces bikes that come in all sorts of configurations. All of their bike options are made from either high-quality aluminum or carbon fiber which means that you’re getting a solid and reliable build no matter which model you purchase.

They also produce all of their bike options in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities used exclusively by the company, these facilities are equipped with innovative manufacturing technology and tools which allows them to produce premium biking options all-around. The company is also known for producing one-of-a-kind reserve carbon bike wheels which lead the industry in terms of durability, handling, and overall design strength.

The company puts an intense focus on maintaining superior build quality standards and ensures that each of their bikes is produced using nothing but love, dedication, and passion.

Now that we’ve gone over a little history about the company, it’s time to take a look at the specifications of the 5010 in a more detailed and comprehensive manner.

In-Depth Review: Santa Cruz 5010

As you can tell from the features we’ve covered above, the 5010 is packed with a lot of integrated design features and elements that will allow you to take on virtually any terrain and conditions without having to worry about your bike losing its efficiency or power.

There are so many different and unique aspects to this bike which is why you need to become educated about all of them before making your final purchase decision. In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the primary benefits, features, and specifications of the 5010-mountain bike in detail so that you will be able to confidently decide on whether or not this bike is the correct option for your specific needs.

Keep in mind, this bike comes in many different configurations and model types which will allow you to get the perfect fit regardless of your riding style or preferred trail. You always want to take into consideration your desired needs as they pertain to the features and functionality of the bike that you select as it will play a direct role in how efficient you can be while out on the trail.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 5010-mountain bike comes in various different sizes including an XS, S, M, L, and XL configuration which means that you’ll be able to get the exact fit for your body dimensions and riding needs without any problems.

Weight

This bike is fairly lightweight coming in at only 15.18kg or 28.5lbs which makes it a very well-balanced model which has enough weight for you to ride solid without the weight impacting your ability to remain mobile and agile. When compared against other bikes in the same category, the 5010 is relatively lighter than all of them which makes it great for high-performance biking and taking on light to moderate terrain types without experiencing any issues. The weight of the bike allows for easy management while riding in addition to offering versatility in terms of the spectrum of movement that you can accomplish while riding it.

Fork

This bike is equipped with a Fox Rhythm 34 130mm fork which provides agility and versatility in terms of allowing you to ride on a variety of different terrains. The fork on this bike provides more responsive action and exceptional support for your body and posture while out on the trail. It’s also made from a very high-quality material so that you don’t have to worry about it breaking or becoming damaged while riding.

Frame

The frame on this bike is an Alloy 130m 650b configuration that is highly durable and very resilient against damage and breakage. It provides an immense amount of support for the rider while on the saddle and keeps you level regardless of the terrain or climate that you may be traversing. It’s ergonomic design and geometrically stable machined body provides comfort, performance, mobility, and versatility for riders of all sorts.

Whether you’re hitting switchbacks, taking steep dives, running over rocks and branches, or any other terrain that you may hit while riding, this frame has enough structural integrity and stability to help you keep breezing through the trail without any issues. Because of its material design, the frame is built to last a very long time and will provide you with a nearly endless amount of riding hours for you to enjoy so that you can remain on the trail without experiencing any problems.

Shock

The shock system on this bike is incredible, equipped with Fox Float Performance DPS shocks, you will be able to absorb intense amounts of impact and take on steep dives without worrying about you feeling the after-effects.

Its shock system uses highly absorbent technology which protects the rider from direct energy transference when encountering bumpy terrains or rocky features so that you can remain efficient and perform at optimal speeds without having to worry about anything slowing you down. The shocks are also very responsive so you’ll be able to react quickly to any changes in your immediate terrain or landscape.

Shifters

This bike is equipped with high-performing shifters which allow you to easily change gears quickly and efficiently without having to worry about your mobility is limited. The shifters are very easy to use and are very responsive so you will be able to change speeds in the blink of an eye without having to worry about interfering with your own mobility. Due to their high-quality material composition, you also won’t have to worry about them breaking while engaging them.

Tires

This bike comes equipped with a Maxxis Minion DHF 650×2.6in tire (Minion DHF) and a Maxxis Rekon 650×2.6in tire. This configuration gives this bike enhanced performance capabilities well beyond that which you would normally expect out of a mountain bike.

These tires have a very wide design and are designed for taking on very tough terrain types so you won’t have to worry about your tires being punctured due to encountering obstacles on the trail. If you ride on very rough terrains on a regular basis, these tires are perfectly capable of taking it on without any damage occurring.

Saddle

This bike is equipped with a WTB Silverado Race saddle that is designed for comfort and performance at the same time. The saddle is made from a very weight absorbent and balanced material which makes your ride comfortable regardless of how long you stay on the trail. It’s designed for a wide range of different weight classes which makes it suitable for just about anyone who is looking for a durable and premium bike selection that can handle whatever you throw at it.

Brakes

This bike is equipped with SRAM Guide T 180/180 brakes which produce a lot of braking force very fast so that you will be able to stop exactly when you need to without any hesitation. The brakes on this bike were designed for immediate stopping power and maximum responsiveness in all sorts of terrain types and conditions. If you ride your bike at really high speeds and need to brake at frequent intervals, these brakes are the ones that you want to have on your bike.

All of these features combine to make one really durable bike that is packing a lot of power in terms of being versatile and functional. Depending on your preferred riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be encountering on a regular basis, these features can provide a lot of benefit in terms of helping optimize your overall riding experience in addition to helping boost your performance overall.

Now that we’ve gone over all of the core specifications about this bike, it’s time to look at the main pros and cons of this bike.

Pros & Cons: Santa Cruz 5010

The 5010 has a lot of integrated features and specifications which make it easily one of the most high-performing bikes currently out on the market. We’ve already gone over all of the most important features and capabilities of the bike above so now it’s time to take a look at the main pros and cons of this bike to help you make a more educated decision about whether or not it’s the right option for your intended needs.

Use this section to get a clear overview of all the primary pros and cons that you’ll experience when using this bike for your rides.

Santa Cruz 5010 Pros

• SRAM NX Eagle shifters that provide you with the ability to efficiently and quickly change your variable speed without having to worry about the process interfering with your mobility or versatility.
• SRAM Guide T 180 brakes that deliver astonishing braking power on a near-instant basis which ensure that you remain safe regardless of the terrain that you’re traveling
• Maxxis Minion DHF 650×2.6in tires that have a wide tread pattern which allows you to take on a wide range of different conditions without worrying about your tires becoming damaged or punctured
• WTB Silverado Race saddle that is designed for comfort and performance on long rides without losing it’s grip or firmness
• Fox Float Performance DPS shock system that provides maximum resilience and resistance to high-impact on virtually any terrain that you may be traversing
• Fox Rhythm 34 130mm fork that provides more agility and balance when encountering dips and steep trails
• Lightweight design and overall frame model which makes it a very easy bike to ride and manage while on the trail without the weight impacting your ability to move forward or achieve maximum performance capabilities when our riding.
• Comes in multiple sizes and configurations allowing you to get the perfect fit regardless of how large or small you may be

Santa Cruz 5010 Cons

• Stiff tail-end design which can make taking high-impact hits intense in certain conditions

Now that we’ve gone over some of the main pros and cons of the 5010 bike, it’s time to look at some alternative recommendations if this option simply doesn’t meet your needs.

Santa Cruz 5010 Alternative Recommendations

If after reading this guide you don’t think that this bike is the right option for your intended riding style and use, you have nothing to worry about because we’re going to list some of our top alternative recommendations below.

Keep in mind, all of these Santa Cruz model options come in various different configurations and styles which is why you’ll need to consider your personal riding style and habits before finalizing any purchase.

#1 SANTA CRUZ Bronson

The SANTA CRUZ Bronson is made from a Carbon C metal composition (carbon frame) which ensures that you have a reliable bike to use without worrying about it breaking. This bike is also equipped with a VPP suspension design which is very responsive and fast-acting so that you can always adapt to a wide range of different terrain and trail types.

The total chain size is 32ft. long which means that you’ll be able to maintain a steady ride without worrying about any breakage (common with short chainstays and cable routing). It also comes with a RockShox Super Deluxe R rear shock which adds extra support for your ride while out on the trail. This bike comes with an SRAM GX Eagle Derailleur that allows you to maintain a safe and stable ride in all sorts of conditions and terrain types. 

#2 Stumpjumper Expert 27.5

The Stumpjumper Expert 27.5 comes with an integrated SRAM GXP bottom bracket that maintains stability on your bike overall. This bike also has SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed shifters which provide you with the ability to easily change your variable speed at any given time without worrying about the transition impacting your gears or agility.

This bike is also packing a Truvativ Descendant Aluminum Boost 148 170mm crankarm crankset which gives you an insane amount of power while out on the trail. It also has a body geometry phenom comp hollow C-Mo 143mm saddle that was designed for maximum comfort and performance handling while out on the trail.

It also comes with a RockShox Deluxe RT3 Rx Trail Tune rear shock which provides you with extra support and stability while out on the trail. It also has an integrated specialized bolt-type alloy seat binder which protects your rear-end from becoming hurt or sore while riding. 

#3 JEFFSY 27 CF PRO RACE

The JEFFSY 27 CF PRO RACE comes equipped with Fox Float DPX2 factory shocks that provide maximum absorption while out on the trail. This bike comes with a Renthal Apex 35 stem that provides ultimate durability and stability to your ride overall.

This bike also has an E*Thirteen TRS race carbon crankset that provides efficient speed variable changes and exceptional performance while out on the road. It also uses a Shimano CN-H6601-11 chainset which ensures that you’ll be able to maintain a smooth ride all the way around.

In addition to all of that, this bike also has a Shimano XTR shifter which allows you to change gears smoothly and quickly regardless of the specific terrain or conditions that you may be in. JEFFSY 27 CF PRO RACE

Our Honest Opinion

In our honest opinion, the Santa Cruz 5010 mountain bike is a great option for those casual to medium enthusiast riders who want a long-lasting bike that can keep up with the demands of their riding style. It has a lot of integrated features which make riding it very performance-driven and very versatile in terms of what you can accomplish while on it. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stable bike that is fairly affordable.

FAQs

Conclusion

Use this guide to figure out all of the most important information that you need to know about whether or not the Santa Cruz 5010 is the right bike option for you so that you can ensure you’re making the right purchase decision.

We’ve covered all of the most important details related to features, capabilities, and functionalities that you will encounter when deciding to choose this bike over other options available on the market.

Honestly, there are a ton of great mountain bikes out there, and the Santa Cruz 5010 is one of them! We recommend this bike with certainty that it will deliver awesome results for riders of all levels.

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