Santa Cruz V10
93/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Type
Release Year
Brand
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
36.81, 35.6 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz V10. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
14 reasons to buy
- Santa Cruz's V10 is available in two builds: DH S or the higher-end DH X01.
- Experts praise the well-rounded V10’s nimble and lively character that feels at home in bike parks, jump trails, or race tracks.
- Reviewers say the V10 wants to ride fast and feels planted at high speeds.
- Experts relish how the DH X01's supportive suspension provides stability and traction for pumping out of corners.
- Testers enjoy jumping the V10, saying it moves effortlessly in the air.
- One tester says the V10 responds well to precise steering inputs without feeling twitchy.
- The V10 holds its line while staying high in the travel, encouraging speed build-up, according to a reviewer.
- One tester says the balanced but aggressive geometry inspires confidence to attack technical sections.
- The V10's geo can be modified using headset cups (reach), a rear axle flip chip (fore-aft weight balance), or a lower link flip chip (BB height and HA).
- Reviewers appreciate the easy-going and comfortable ride quality.
- The Reserve 30|HD aluminum rims hold up well to abuse in testing, and experts say they add compliance to the stiff frame.
- Reviewers are amazed by how quiet the V10 is on the trail.
- Experts appreciate the suspension setup guide provided by Santa Cruz on the V10's webpage.
- Santa Cruz offers lifetime warranty on frames and pivot bearings.
7 reasons not to buy
- Two reviewers complain the DH X01’s SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes are underpowered for steep descents, and can overheat.
- Some testers find the numerous geometry and suspension adjustments overwhelming and time-consuming at initial setup.
- Two experts note the FOX DHX2 Factory shock (DH X01) topping out, especially with a fast rebound setup. One says this causes slight rear-end instability.
- A reviewer would prefer to choose the spring rate for the rear shock instead of receiving a stock spring based on frame size.
- Changing the rear axle flip chip requires carrying an extra derailleur hanger and brake adaptors.
- The XL frame comes with 29" wheels and cannot be set up mixed-wheel. All other frame sizes come with a mullet setup.
- An expert dislikes the use of carbon cranks (DH X01) for downhill.
Bottom line
The Santa Cruz V10 is a downhill mountain bike available in two builds: DH S with SRAM GX and FOX Performance components and DH X01 with SRAM X01 and FOX Factory. XL frames are 29" only; S-L are MX only. Experts praise the V10's performance in the air, its agile, lively character, the planted feeling at speed, and the aggressive yet balanced geo. The frame has three adjustments, but this requires time and swapping components. The DH X01's brakes and rear shock disappoint for a downhill MTB at this price. Regardless, experts laud the "legendary" V10, one saying it makes weekend warriors feel like superheroes.Expert Reviews
89/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsReview: Santa Cruz V10 – Hard to Ignore
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Bike Comparison
Santa Cruz V10 in comparison to averages
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