Santa Cruz 5010

90/100
BikeRide Score
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Users (4 ratings)
100
Experts (2 reviews)
84
Santa Cruz 5010

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz 5010. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

17 reasons to buy

  • The Santa Cruz 5010 is a lively, 27.5” trail bike with VPP suspension that provides riders with comfort over rocks and roots.
  • Experts rarely experienced harsh bottom-outs with the VPP suspension, following jumps or drops.
  • The long reach, slack head tube angle and wide handlebars provide riders with excellent stability on the Santa Cruz 5010.
  • Adjustable rear pivot points and flip chip adjustments on the bike's geometry allow riders to fine-tune the bike to best suit their riding style and the trails they ride.
  • The Santa Cruz 5010 is a fast and efficient climber.
  • Experts found that even with the shock in the open position, climbs were bob-free on the bike.
  • The steep seat tube angle puts riders in a stable position for technical and rocky climbs.
  • Santa Cruz has different chainstay lengths on each size of the 5010 to provide riders with balance and control on the bike.
  • A small mudflap protects the shock on the bike.
  • The Santa Cruz 5010 has an easy-to-maintain, threaded bottom bracket.
  • The bike’s geometry, 27.5” wheels and grippy Maxxis tires allow it to smoothly maneuver through corners.
  • The stiff carbon frame and efficient VPP suspension allow riders to accelerate quickly on the Santa Cruz 5010.
  • The bike has internally routed cables. Tunnels through the frame prevent the cables from rattling.
  • The Santa Cruz 5010 is available in sizes XS through XL, fitting a wide range of riders.
  • Experts agree that Santa Cruz Palmdale grips and a WTB Silverado saddle are comfortable.
  • The bike's high-quality carbon frame comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • The Maxxis DHR II tires provide riders with excellent traction.

2 reasons not to buy

  • The bike is expensive.
  • Experts agree that the bike is not as fast-rolling as 29” options.

Bottom line

The Santa Cruz 5010 is a playful 27.5” trail bike. The bike has 130mm of travel in the rear and 140mm of travel in the front fork. The bike has a carbon frame that comes with a lifetime warranty, adjustable geometry and internally routed cables. The VPP suspension system allows room for a water bottle in the frame. Experts agree the bike climbs and corners with ease. The 5010 is expensive.
Where to buy
$3,179.00 evo See it $3,599.95 Mike's Bikes See it $3,710.00 eBay See it $4,399.94 Jenson USA See it $4,699.95 Con­tender Bicycles See it $4,999.00 Comp­etitive Cyclist See it
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Mountain, Trail, Non-Electric
Release Year
2020
Brand
Santa Cruz
Wheel Size
27.5”
Number of Gears
12 (1x12)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
31.34, 30.84, 31.02, 29.55 lb
Suspension
Full
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber

Expert Reviews

84/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
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90
Bike Perfect
Level 4 expert

Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 RSV Review

Level 4 expert

The fourth-generation 5010 builds the lower linkage VPP suspension of all the other Santa Cruz trail bikes into a longer, slacker chassis. The result is more capable than ever but detail changes and dynamic ride feel mean it’s still as much of a hell-raiser than ever, even at higher speeds in bigger terrain.

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80
BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 RSV Review

Level 5 expert

Yet while the new 5010 isn’t quite as restless or fidgety as the old bike, it’s still an easy bike to throw around and remains a serious amount of fun on the trail.

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The Loam Wolf
Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 Review

Level 5 expert

The new 5010 is still designed around the 27.5in wheel and is meant to pop, pump, and jump over every nub or bump you can find.

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Pinkbike
Level 5 expert

First Ride: 2021 Santa Cruz 5010 – Get Jibby With It

Level 5 expert

I will say it doesn’t quite have the same level of snappiness as its predecessors – some of that sharpness had been dulled a bit, but that does make it feel better in rougher terrain. It’s become more versatile, even though the amount of travel hasn’t increased.

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JC Trails
Level 3 expert

2021 Santa Cruz 5010 Test Ride & Review: Still the BMX Mountain Bike?

Level 3 expert

Basically, the bike is a BMX mountain bike.

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BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz Totally Updates 5010, and It Doesn’t Have 29er Wheels

Level 5 expert

The new 5010 feels efficient and really comfy on the climbs thanks to the stable platform the VPP suspension manages to create, with very little movement from the back end when sat down and pedalling.

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Bike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Bible Review: Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Carbon

Level 5 expert

By the time we rolled away from the trailhead, the 5010 was already the undisputed parking lot champ of the test, and the good times just kept rolling throughout our test lap. This bike has a way of inviting you to jib, skid and wheelie like you’re a high schooler ditching class to go ride. It’s nothing but fun.

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Canadian MTB
Level 3 expert

Reviving 27.5: Santa Cruz 5010 Reviewed

Level 3 expert

Santa Cruz bills its 5010 as the “fun size” play bike for trail riding. While the 27.5″ bike is definitely fun, the major update to the 5010 makes it much more well-rounded without losing touch with what made it so exciting to start with.

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mtbr
Level 5 expert

First Ride: Santa Cruz 5010 Version 4.0

Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz is unveiling the latest edition of its short-travel 27.5 trail bike, the 5010, and the women’s version, the Furtado. Now in its fourth iteration, the new 5010 shares the lower-link shock design introduced over the past three seasons in the company’s enduro and trail bikes, and key geometry updates to keep it current with the competition.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz 5010 4 First Test – A Bike With One Purpose: Maximum Fun!

Level 5 expert

If you’re used to measuring the amount of fun you’re having on your bike based on the size of your grin rather than the speed you’re smashing down the hill, the Santa Cruz 5010 might be the bike you’re looking for.

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Mountain Bike Rider
Level 5 expert

Santa Cruz 5010 CC XO1 Reserve First Ride

Level 5 expert

The new Santa Cruz 5010 arrives with a lower-link driven shock, proportional sizing and the aim of letting you get creative with your surroundings.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 4 ratings
  • 5 star
    100%
  • 4 star
    0%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#50 Best Mountain
Top 50%
#30 Best Trail
Top 50%
#10 Best Santa Cruz Bike
Bottom 30%
#265 Best of All Bikes
Top 40%

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Bike Comparison

Santa Cruz 5010 in comparison to averages
Santa Cruz 5010
90
Average All Bikes
86
Average Santa Cruz Bike
91
Average Mountain Bike
87

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