Santa Cruz 5010 Review: Turns the fun up to 11

[@CODE-BROWN]

3 years later, I used your review to justify my purchase today. I had a mullet previously and wasn't impressed with it. Felt way too big. Just picked up a 5010 CC for $3700 with what looks to be an assortment of parts they can't get rid of lol

[@bikersedge]

Nice! Enjoy.

[@carlosrobertonunez458]

where did you get the assortment of 5010 V4 ? I´m looking for one

[@LukeEmbley]

Purchased one today. Can’t wait for better weather. Thanks Brock.

[@talonmills873]

Just road my new 5010 for the first time yesterday. It rips! So playful, I just found myself jumping off everything I could.

[@therover65]

I bought an old 2013 model aluminium frame 5010 brand new for cheap. Best. climbing bike ever. Traction and stability, climbs better than some lighter bikes.

[@NDURcycling]

You spoke out of my heart. Many people can benefit from the smaller wheelsize. I think the 5010 could be for a lot of people the only bike. I got the old v3 and now the new one and it makes everything better. As Addition to the 5010 i ride the nomad for bikepark and alpine riding. For me the best combo.

[@bikersedge]

And I'm a #29forlife kind of guy. It's always fun to jump on a 27.5 again and just focus on messing around and having fun.

[@jeffreyccv]

You have a v3 and a v4.. which one do you like better? ,cheers

[@NDURcycling]

Jeff mckinley i think the v4 makes everything better what the v3 already had done great. It climbs better because of the steeper seattubeangle and it descends better because of the new shock location, but at the same time its very playful and poppy. Hard to describe but it feels like a bigger bike but also stays amazingly playful. Yes its a little bit heavier but you dont feel it. I dont regret the change.

[@jeffreyccv]

@@NDURcycling sweet!!.. i have a pimped 15k v3 still mint. Ive been less than stoked about the change in the frame for warrantys sake. And how it feels. I'm relieved to hear its still poppy and playfull. I'm 46 and am still wanting that bmx feel in a mountain bike. I've rocked single speed for close to 25 years . And I think your reply puts me at ease. I don't want to have to replace the frame with something thats not what I wanted.. thanks for the great review.

[@TPV07]

@@NDURcycling A new nomad is on the horizon looks like you're gonna have to get that one too buddy :)

[@dylanrush3345]

Thanks bro. Been looking into getting one of these... helped a lot.

[@colestroh9468]

fantastic video! great audio and video, and good layout with specs before the riding!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! I appreciate the feedback.

[@bryantmccallson8963]

This trail looks amazing what’s its name and where is it? I live in Utah and you’re always riding trails that look amazing that I’ve never been to.

[@bikersedge]

These are all at Solitude.

[@D_Allsen]

Great work on the reviews👊👊👊

[@bikersedge]

Why thank you!

[@Magoodigan]

Awesome review! Love the format. Maybe dive into the spec lines the bike is available in?

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@unkle037]

Great review! If I were to get 1 do-it-all 27.5 mountain bike, would it be the 5010 or Bronson?

[@bikersedge]

Tough call- I like them both so much. I think most folks would be better off on the 5010. If you're constantly riding tough (black diamond and double black diamond) trails, you'd be better suited with the Bronson.

[@unkle037]

Biker's Edge you think the 5010 Climbs better than the Bronson?

[@bikersedge]

@@unkle037 Much better.

[@unkle037]

Biker's Edge thanks! 5010 it is!

[@mikeh9949]

Great review, I'd be curious about how this compares to the Yeti SB140.

[@bikersedge]

Trying to get my hands on one. I’m curious too.

[@tom2038]

Great review man. How do you think that bike compares to the yeti 130 and ripley!/ripmo

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! It's not even in the same category so it's tough to compare. The 29ers are way more capable. they're a lot faster too. the 5010 is all about fun.

[@tom2038]

@@bikersedge hmmm well I only ask because im trying to buy a bike one I can demo them once the pandemic ends Im a roadie converting to mountin

[@bikersedge]

@@tom2038 I think the bikes you listed are all solid. The Ripmo and 130 are fairly similar. the 5010 is the odd man out there. The Ripley is quite a bit more XC than any of the others.

[@tom2038]

@@bikersedge how do you think the hightower fits into the mix? any other bikes you recommend i check out? I live in northern California

[@bikersedge]

@@tom2038 The HT is in the same boat with the SB130 and Ripmo. It's a great bike that will get the job done almost anywhere.

[@dansburns]

Nice review. What about this versus the new Ibis Mojo 4?

[@bikersedge]

Our Mojo 4 is on the way.

[@LiftandGo]

This bike is definitely on my radar. I’m riding a 29er HT w/ a 140 travel Pike Ult up front and want a more mid travel bike. Only thing I’m concerned about is the 27.5 wheelset-I’m 6’4” and 250-260. Would you recommend a tall boy for my size? I definitely like to hit little trail root pops and baby heads to get off the ground and hit up small

[@bikersedge]

That’s the beauty of suspension. You can tune it to suit rider weight, style and terrain. I don’t think bugs guys need more travel. Add more air to the shock and now it’s set up for you. Go with the bike that suits your riding style best regardless of travel length.

[@bimmerfan729]

Nice review! I need to try this bike out as everything you said is really what I'm looking for in my next bike. Any chance an aluminum version is coming soon?

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! We haven't heard of an alloy version.

[@TPV07]

I think SC is ditching almost all alloy frames due to them not selling well at all and due to covid induced manufacturing issues. As far as I know the cost of manufacturing is almost the same or the same as carbon frames so I understand the decision. W ehad some of the 5010s in already in the shop, they ride amazing mate, definitely try out a demo if you have a chance.

[@bimmerfan729]

@@TPV07 Does make sense from a business perceptive when looked at that way. I'll have to track one down. Been a long time since I rode a 27.5 wheeled bike, but this one does look super fun.

[@teddancin8339]

@bikersedge Hello, I am seriously considering a 2022 5010. I have been riding the Transition Spur the last two seasons (which I absolutely love).. Its super poppy, snappy, light and super capable for Vermont riding. Being that you own a Spur as well, how do you feel like the 2 bikes compare as far as fun factor?

[@bikersedge]

It's tough to compare the two. they're not really all that similar. The 5010 is going to feel like a way bigger bike. It is fun in a different way. the Spur is fun because it's quick and nimble. The 5010 is fun because it's got small wheels and its poppy.

[@byza101]

Awesome review, thanks mate. How do you reckon this goes vs the SB130?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Tough to compare with the different wheel sizes. I’d say the 5010 is right in the middle of the trail category while the 130 is a lot more all mountain.

[@tonybasoni8443]

I have a 2021 Hightower ordered, and wondering how you compare this to a Hightower? Advantages/disadvantages? Thanks. Great review by the way.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. The Hightower feels like it's in a different category. More travel, bigger wheels, and deeper suspension feel make it ride a lot harder than the 5010. It's still pretty zippy and fun, though. The 5010 climbs better, but the HT goes downhill better.

[@tonybasoni8443]

@@bikersedge ,....Thanks for the feedback. So by "rides harder", what exactly do you mean? Suspension feels stiffer, feel more small bumps, chatter? What do you attribute the better climbing of the 5010 to, the smaller wheels? Lighter wheels? Something else? Sorry for all the questions, just want to understand the dynamics correctly.

[@bikersedge]

Happy to answer questions. By "rides harder" I mean you can ride bigger, harder terrain on it. It's a more capable bike. Not only does the HT have more travel, it rides deeper in that travel and smooths out the trail very well. The 5010 has a more supportive suspension design that makes it more efficient and better at climbing. you still get the traction, but there's less pedal bob. Not only does it make you more efficient, it keeps your weight further over the middle of the.

[@tonybasoni8443]

@@bikersedge ,....What do you think would be the result of putting a set of 27.5 wheels on my Hightower when I get it? Is there really much difference in the frames?

[@bikersedge]

Yeah there's quite a bit of difference in the frames. While technically you can put 27.5+ tires on a Hightower, it get's a little awkward with having to bump up your fork to 160mm and only run the bike in the high geometry setting. If you want 27.5 but in a more capable package than the 5010, get the Bronson.

[@millermeinhart6519]

Awesome review! I was wondering how you think this compares to the Tallboy?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you liked it. I'll refer you to 7:43 for the Tallboy vs 5010 comparison.

[@zsanterre]

I slapped a fox 36 factory 160 on this. How stupid is this decision? Should I drop the travel down?

[@bikersedge]

I felt like the front end was really tall already. To each their own though.

[@zsanterre]

@@bikersedge yeah I think I might bring it down to 150. 140 wasn't cutting it though, I drop down a lot of chunk

[@bikersedge]

@@zsanterre At some point the rear suspension wont be able to keep up with the fork. If you need 160mm up front to ride your trails, then maybe it's time to consider a Bronson or another bike with more travel.

[@zsanterre]

@@bikersedge Well I'm on a budget and building a fankenstein. The frame calls for 150mm max. It rides just fine with the 160 but ya I don't want to ruin the rear shock (125mm from a 47mm stroke). I would be open to replacing the rear shock but it seems rather complex so I'm trying to learn everything I can about it. At the end of the day its a 10$ part to drop the 160 down to 150.

[@bikersedge]

@@zsanterre You're not going to ruin the rear shock. I'm just saying if you feel like you need way more travel than the bike comes with, then maybe there's a better option out there for you. The 5010 wasn't designed to be the "smash through rock gardens as fast as possible" bike.

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

Apples to oranges but the 5010 in an r Build (what’s available) or a yeti sb115 c2? Which one would you recommend

[@bikersedge]

Build kit doesn’t matter so much as does frame and suspension design. I think personally I’d go 5010 even though I’m usually a 29 guy. It fits my riding style better with more of a DH emphasis.

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

@@bikersedge done and done. Grabbed it and couldn’t be happier!

[@darylprice1]

You had me at FUN, take my money!

[@bikersedge]

They can take mine too.

[@jeffwy5164]

I am looking at an “uphill” bike. I mainly rode shuttles and bike park until I moved to interior bc last year and now my current pedalling bike, a Nomad, is not proving ideal on the ups I now deal with. I was thinking of getting something like this but I’ve never rode a 29er and was also considering a Norco Sight, which they market similarly to the 5010 as a capable lower travel bike that is playful. Do how have a view on how they would compare? I was also considering selling the nomad for an AM bike like the Bronson, as I still have a dual crown but I’m kind of attached to having a big bike that can also pedal.

[@bikersedge]

The 5010 and Sight are very different bikes - not only wheel size, but geo and travel category as well. The 5010 is much more of a play bike, while the Sight is an all mountain/pretty burly bike. I'd say if you have the Nomad or DH bike, skip the Sight and get the 5010.

[@jeffwy5164]

Biker's Edge thanks. I meant the optic, though. I don’t know why I said sight...

[@bikersedge]

@@jeffwy5164 Ahhh. That makes a little more sense. Those two are closer in terms of capability. Both are pretty fun on jumps, flow trails, and slightly mellower trails. They will both get outgunned in the really rough stuff. It's been a bit since I've ridden the Optic, but I'd say it's probably more capable on the descents. The 5010 will have it beat in the fun and climbing departments.

[@jeffwy5164]

Biker's Edge thanks so much

[@chocoloco911]

How does it compare to the 2021 SB140? Great video mate, cheers!

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t been able to ride one of those. Can’t say.

[@chocoloco911]

@@bikersedge That’s a shame man! I can’t decide whether to get the solo or the SB140. The SB140 doesn’t really have many videos like the 5010, I haven’t been able to find a video comparing the two. Thanks for the quick response! Keep shredding !

[@matrix31003]

Do you think it is more difficult to navigate technical tracks with the 27.5" wheels as opposed to the 29" such as climbing over rocks of decent size without peddle strikes? I'm riding a 27.5" and sometimes I find it difficult to ride technical climbs and was wondering if it was my technique or if my wheel size could play or role or maybe a little of both? I'm an intermediate rider.

[@bikersedge]

You shouldn’t have more pedal strikes with 27.5 vs 29. A 29er has more bottom bracket drop than a 27.5 bike. Meaning, the bottom bracket on a 29er is further below the axles than a 27.5 bike’s bottom bracket. The increased BB drop should counteract the bigger wheels and keep your bottom bracket at a similar height off the ground. Shorter cranks can help a bit with pedal strikes as well as good technique. Some bikes sit a little lower and have more active suspension platforms and can be more prone to pedal strikes.

[@matrix31003]

@@bikersedge Thanks for your response. I wasn't sure exactly what it was. I'm riding a 2017 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp usually in the fully open position and seem to have consistent trouble getting over rocks that extend out of the ground 6" - 8" or more, especially when climbing. It's probably more technique than my bike but I'm trying to find videos on how to improve this currently.

[@henning9541]

just got the 5010 v4 in size xl as well. I am very curious to know how much sag you went with, and what tire pressure?

[@bikersedge]

I ran 30% sag in the shock and 15% front (while seated) For tires I ran my standard 30 PSI front and rear.

[@zsanterre]

@@bikersedge wow. I run 19psi tires. Now I feel weird

[@bikersedge]

@@zsanterre We have a lot of sharp rocks out here. Tires wouldn't last long at 19 PSI.

[@zsanterre]

@@bikersedge Ya it's all granite out here in the north east. The goal is to climb on the rocks like a gecko :P

[@IBRAKEFORBEDROCK]

Thanks for the review ! Wonder how some 2.3 " tires would do on there ..

[@bikersedge]

They'd be fine. I think I'd want to go the other way on the front though. Probably 2.5 to get a little more traction.

[@yarrik8580]

5010 or Tallboy? I'm also 6ft2 so was thinking that 29s will be better, although tallboy has 490 reach where as 5010 is at 500. My current bike is 500 reach and perfect fit. I ride mostly easy trails and just want a bike for fun.

[@bikersedge]

If you are all about having fun, it’s tough to beat the 5010.

[@BritAcrossThePond]

What size would you recommend? I’m 5 10 with my biking shoes on and fall in between a medium and large. Also have a medium v2 5010 which does feel cramped

[@bikersedge]

Size advice over the Internet can be so tricky. Everyone is a bit different and has different preferences. My general rule of thumb for people between sizes would be to go to the bigger size. I think the majority of risers will benefit more from the added stability of a bigger frame vs the added agility of the smaller frame. That’s just one internet kook’s opinion though. Take that with a grain of salt.

[@RU2AIM]

@@bikersedge No, that's good advice.

[@earlmergelsberg6127]

hi do you run the flip chip in high or low setting? thanks

[@bikersedge]

I ran both. I think I landed on low for the video. If we are being honest, there's very little difference between them.

[@earlmergelsberg6127]

@@bikersedge ok cool thanks. i'm down in florida and my new 5010 should be here in a week or so. I'm currently riding a 2018 giant trance 2 (alloy frame) with carbon rims. i've never ridden a SC before in my life but i gambled on the 5010 XT build. I hope I like it lol

[@bikersedge]

It’s a solid bike. You’re going to dig it!

[@xandercl1819]

Where are these trails?

[@bikersedge]

Solitude Resort, UT

[@jamesdorsijiuhjuh6151]

Evil put the calling out 3 years ago, and it's still THE fun bike! Better late then never .

[@verymental6999]

Yep, here on a V2 from 2016, and even the V3 (I suspect very much the V4 too), is less “fun” to me. Tested them back to back. Tested the Evil Calling too, and it was a similar feel to my V2. Both like to jump, climbs okay’ish, feel best when doing clean bikepark features such has berms and jump lines. If Evil update their Calling, I hope for them it’s not too much like 5010 V4... imo.

[@j.l.5966]

James Dorsijiuhjuh In 2013, Santa Cruz launched the Solo as the fun bike to do it all. Because of trademark issues, they had to change the name to 5010 (a number play on the word Solo). Then 4 years later, Evil decided to try their hand a a fun bike too. Better late than never!

[@israelmarcus5419]

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