Santa Cruz 5010 V5 Review | All Grown Up?

[@masonsmtb]

I just got myself a 5010 v5 and its the most fun I've ever had on a mtb. Crazy how big you can send on such a little bike. Nice video.

[@NICADV]

Thanks! Agreed, I'm looking put a 36 or lyrik on the front to really unlock its potential.

[@fraserjudd9483]

Nice review. I love the look of the trails you're riding. I picked one of these up last month, coming from a V3 5010. Can't wait to get outside and ride!

[@NICADV]

Thanks, have fun out there!

[@scottthorson1040]

Great review! I’ve been wanting a second bike that’s more versatile them my 180mm enduro bike but can still handle similar trails you rode in your review. A lot of the big loops I enjoy have some flow, tech and rough trails and the enduro bike is just numb if I’m not bombing the gnarly stuff all the time. I think you just convinced me the 5010 would be a perfect second bike. Thank you!

[@NICADV]

Glad I could help!

[@Spencer_Bikes]

Absolutely LOVE that trail One of my favorite. Great review!

[@NICADV]

Thanks dude, it’s great for a quick rip!

[@petersullivan5834]

Great review. I have the Bronson v3, I still want the 5010 and as I get better and better I want it more. You nailed it though, one bike, I still need my bike to save me from myself from time to time. The 5010 can’t - it’s not its job.

[@NICADV]

Yup, but it is soooo much fun!😂

[@danielray1558]

Have you had a chance to test out a forbidden Druid v2 - it’s right at the top of my list along with this and the smuggler which you also recently reviewed

[@NICADV]

I have not but it at the top of my list to try as well. It's been great trying the different suspension platforms and how they compliment the geometry. Unfortunately, the weather has taken a turn in this area and I am not sure when I'll be able to ride one.

[@grantwilliams2912]

Looking forward to the vid’

[@NICADV]

Thanks!

[@axiomshift]

Great review! I'm getting into mountain biking again after moving to Germany 20 years ago (also from Colorado originally). I've been riding fixed gear for about 15 years so I'm used to being really on my toes when riding, which is why the 5010 really speaks to me. I know you didn't recommend it for noobs, but northern Germany is super flat and I'll be doing mostly bike parks and chiller trails. If not the 5010, got any other suggestions for a first MTB?

[@NICADV]

@@axiomshift it depends a lot on terrain and your ambitions. The V5 5010 is the friendliest to date, but specifically for the terrain I was riding it definitely keeps you on your toes. If your terrain is more flat and chill it would be great. If you see yourself hitting lift assisted bike parks then the Bronson or Trek Fuel EX maybe a good middle ground.

[@Chance.B]

Great review man. I used to own a Switchblade, so I'm curious how the two compare in climbing and capability?

[@NICADV]

Thanks! I prefer the 5010. I feel it has more traction climbing and a steeper seat tube. As far as capability, the taller stack helps around here on the steeps but the Switchblade I reviewed had a 36 and coil so it was definitely setup for descending. I think a 36 on the 5010 would go a long way in adding confidence to the bike.

[@Chance.B]

@@NICADV Thanks!

[@pippinrush1520]

Any updates on the 5010..? love to see your longterm review.

[@NICADV]

Nothing much, but I did put a 36 on it and I will follow up with a long term review.

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Really tempted to maybe pick up a 5010 to maybe replace my hardtail as my secondary bike later this year (also thinking maybe Yeti SB140 LR or Forbidden Druid V2). I have an 170mm Enduro sled, but want something shorter travel bike with solid geo that can still ride everything (and maybe still be able to race an Enduro in a pinch), but has more pep on easier and flowier terrain. My Nukeproof Scout hardtail is super fun and capable, but it is just too fatiguing for this aging body on long rides trying to be so active dealing with the lack of suspension in the rear unless the terrain is mostly smooth.

[@NICADV]

That's what I did. I have a Devinci Chainsaw as my scary day ride.

[@superawesomefuntimego]

@@NICADV I am still tempted to build up a 5010, can get a new frame for $2000. Do you think that a 150mm lyrik up front would get along with it instead of the stock 140mm? Wondering if the slight extra cushion and 0.5 degree extra slackness might give it some extra capability without ruining the fun factor?

[@NICADV]

@@superawesomefuntimego Yeah Jenson has new frames for under $2k depending on what size you need. If you rode it in the high setting it should feel very similar to mine in the low setting. I also have my bars setup pretty high and you could run them lower with the taller fork. I do think the burlier Lyrik fork will be nice for this area and it is pretty easy and inexpensive to install a 140 air spring if you end up wanting to reduce the travel.

[@superawesomefuntimego]

@@NICADV Thanks for the info. I found I can get a complete new XT 12sp groupset including 8120 brakes for $650 and a new 2023 150mm Lyrik Ultimate for $650, which would have me almost there with a new build, why I was asking.

[@NICADV]

@@superawesomefuntimego That will be a killer build!

[@jessezarate6571]

Awesome vid! Would you size any different than other brnands? At 5’7 I’ve been thinking I need a reach at 425mm. 80cm inseam. The small I think would be super playful but do you think it’s bettter to go even longer. Looking to maximize playfulness and downhill skill

[@NICADV]

Probably not, but it does depend on the brand. I ride a large in the vast majority of the brands, but some really long bikes I prefer a medium or M/L like Trek offers. My gut tells me you’d get along better with the medium. It will add stability and maybe a touch more playful as you have more room between saddle and bar. The small loses stand over quickly with the 29” wheel and tall front end.

[@zanducu]

Great review! Super silent bike!

[@NICADV]

Thanks, I'm a big fan of quiet bikes!

[@MenSmartWomenSmarter]

Blake did his best to make that not look easy 😂😂

[@NICADV]

😅

[@franzinigiuseppe4969]

What do you think about the specialized stumpjumper? in the technical climb which do you think is better? while in the technical descent? thank you and good evening

[@NICADV]

They are both great bikes. I’m going to assume you are referencing the standard Stumpy and not the Evo. Back to back I think the efficiency and body position of the 5010 are better, especially on technical climbs. When it comes to descending the 5010 has great traction in the steeps and is more lively with a very supportive mid stroke and the smaller rear wheel.

[@aaronblonden6774]

I feel like this bike is calling for me. Geo and sounds more planted but still playful to swap the frame for my 140 status. Running this 150, 130 in low.

[@NICADV]

Definitely more playful than the Status and certainly lighter. While I’ve had to be more focused on gnarlier terrain, I’m continually surprised at what it can handle.

[@Skifishbum91]

I live in Bham and I’m looking to pick up a bike to compliment a patrol for bigger pedal days (6-8k feet). Cross shopping with a spur. What are your thoughts ? I personally need the patrol to survive the areas shown in the video. 5010 will mostly be used for galby.

[@NICADV]

@@Skifishbum91 same here, mostly riding the Nomad but love railing Galby on the 5010. I always “test” the bikes on the gnarlier stuff to see the potential even if it does mean I take it a bit slow. The 5010 has a surprisingly stout frame and on steep jumps or fast berms really holds its line. While you do get bounced around a bit on rockier sections it’s what I expected. The Mx wheel setup I also like for really steep trails and jumps. I found the Spur to be light and quick, but the frame definitely flexed on the faster downhill stuff and got real squirrelly if things got chunky. From what I’ve ridden recently if I was looking at dual 29er that Commencal Tempo was really good and the crazy low top tube allowed for a lot of movement on the bike.

[@Skifishbum91]

@@NICADV thanks! Pretty torn if that second bike is worth the extra coin..

[@NICADV]

@@Skifishbum91 yeah, I’ve always been a one bike person, but being this close to Whistler I bought a DH bike and then when this frame was heavily discounted I couldn’t help myself. The truth is I don’t ride it nearly enough but it’s so much fun when I do!

[@tomc0240]

I was thinking of buying a 5010 C S as my first mtb. I live in Kansas tho..

[@NICADV]

I think it’s a great bike especially for that area. The S build needs no upgrades out of the box, especially if it’s your 1st bike

[@NICADV]

What size are you looking for?

[@tomc0240]

Sorry, @@NICADV I didn't see that you had replied. I went for it and bought a large S build

[@grantwilliams2912]

I really like my 5010 V5.. Would the bigger Bronson be your choice for where you ride?

[@NICADV]

Probably, or the Nomad. I have a Devinci Chainsaw currently and wanted something different.

[@tylertruksa1378]

Thank you for cutting footage before you caught me peeing

[@NICADV]

Haha, I didn’t even notice

[@DarrenSmith-x6h]

Hi ,how do u think it would go with a fox 36 ,150mm travel fork

[@NICADV]

I think it would be pretty good, but I'm sticking with a 140 fork for now. Friday's video is an unboxing and install of the Ohlin's RXF 36 140.

[@123456cullen]

What fork would you have preferred on this? Cheers

[@NICADV]

Probably the Fox 36. I may give the Ohlins a chance or even a Lyrik but I’ll have to see what I can get a deal on

[@powskier]

What size crank did it ckme with?

[@NICADV]

I believe it comes with a 170 crank. I built mine up from the frame and went with 165mm.

[@rivi2263]

How tall are you riding the large??

[@NICADV]

5’ 11”

[@and2244rew]

I would call none of those trails mellow.

[@NICADV]

Agreed, the second ride was just mellower😉

[@ts-rf7er]

​@NICADV where are these trails ?

[@a8f235]

Hard to try any bikes where I live, and when I was in purchase mode last year the market was pretty funky to say the least. I came by a Pivot Switchblade that was just sitting there ready to rock off the shelf, so I hopped on it and that was it. I was mostly determined to get a 5010, but I just couldn't find it at the time, nor any of the other models. I checked all kinds of brands, and it was just always something that did not add up. At the end of the day most people(myself included) can only afford one proper rig, and you won't really know what you're missing(or not) once you're out there. Personally I've been back and forth with my Switchblade, mainly because of the slack seat tube angle and the more downward forcused kind of bike. I've condluded that you learn to live with what you got, and adapt your ride style and so forth. To be honest I'm just gonna keep it and maintain it, and of course upgrade a thing or two over time. Selling it will just rip out a kidney in the same go, so I just feel it's better to keep a thing like this given how quickly prices drop on bikes. I've paid enough already.

[@NICADV]

Haha, all true

[@Coors1974]

How tall are you on large

[@NICADV]

5' 11" with a 74cm saddle height (bb to top of saddle)

[@Grant-m4z]

This is the V6, not the V5.

[@Grant-m4z]

My mistake, I got it confused wit the Nomad.

[@NICADV]

@@Grant-m4z Yeah its a bit confusing with the move toward versions/generations vs model years