The 5010… pretty much everyones favourite Santa Cruz trail bike and one of the most revered models in the range underwent a big overhaul in 2022. Previously known as the ‘little bike’ in the Santa Cruz lineup, the full 27.5” wheeled bike developed a reputation as simply a play-bike, perfect for jibbing around on. That all changed with the introduction of version 5, which has had some both subtle and more obvious changes!
With the newest iteration of the 5010, the bike has made the jump from full 27.5” to an MX setup, which has added a whole new dimension to the bike, bringing it back to its fun trail bike roots. The playful nature of the previous model remains, while the larger front wheel and refined suspension platform further adds to the capabilities of the 5010. Some hardcore 5010 fans were initially concerned that adding the larger front wheel would take away the original character and feel of the bike - however any concerns soon vanished once people started to throw their leg over the new model! The 5010 has always been the bike made for maximum fun on the trails and It’s hard not to use the word ‘playful’ when talking about the 5010, as that describes the ride so well - It turns everything into a take-off.
Obvious Changes
Gaining a 29” front wheel means the 5010 v5 can roll faster and smooth out trail obstacles, allowing you to go faster over challenging terrain without getting hung up in braking bumps or holes out in the trail. Grip is also increased with wheel size, due to the bigger tyre contact patch with the ground allowing for more stability and better braking traction. The smaller rear wheel allows for quicker acceleration and added manoeuvrability and is further out of the way while descending, which helps you get lower for more stability. MX really is the best of both worlds!
The v5 has also gained some smart frame features over the v4. Most obviously is the addition of the award winning Santa Cruz Glovebox. In-frame storage is more than just a gimmick - once you have ridden a bike that has it you won't go back. Santa Cruz’s take on frame storage is super refined with a high-quality latch and panel in the 5010's downtube. The Glovebox comes with a fitted Tool Wallet and Tube Purse, tailored for the frame to keep your tools close to hand - The Tool Wallet has plenty of room for a pump, multi-tool, tire plugs, the ever important trail snacks, and whatever else you might need, while the Tube Purse fits a 29 or 27.5 tube.
Subtle Changes
Suspension wise, the travel has remained the same as the previous model, pairing a 140mm fork with a 130mm shock. In our opinion this is the sweet spot for an everyday trail bike that will be ridden on a wide range of terrain. The refined suspension kinematics of the v5 do an incredible job of smoothing out rougher trails without giving up any of that liveliness that the 5010 is renowned for. Santa Cruz significantly reduced anti-squat by 16% at its peak, which creates a more sensitive, ground-tracking ride and reduced effects of pedal kickback. The 5010 also now has a very straight, highly progressive leverage curve to give the rider plenty of support when pushing through corners and bottom-out resistance when sending it a bit too deep. This means the travel is more accessible and bigger impacts aren’t as harsh as you’d expect from a 130mm travel bike.
As for the geometry, there have been some subtle tweaks to the from the v4 to the v5. The 5010 has a slacker head angle and has gained a few millimetres of reach compared to the previous model. The wheelbase of the V5 has grown too by around 15mm, to accommodate the larger front wheel. This longer wheelbase coupled with size specific chainstay length allows the rider to benefit from the approach angle and grip up front that MX wheels bring without needing to leave the cornering sweet spot for good weight distribution. The bottom bracket height remains where it’s always been on the 5010; close to the ground for maximum berm slapping, corner shredding fun! Other subtle frame refinements include a neat mud flap to protect the rear shock plus tidy cable routing within the frame and swingarm and rubberised downtube protectors to shrug off any rock strikes.
Ride Feel
So how have these changes added up out on the trail? When the v4 finally received the lower-link VPP treatment, the playful 5010 spirit became even more spritely with a progressive lower-link VPP design that put the centre of gravity down low, however the bike still felt slightly trapped in its jib-bike persona with the dual 27.5 wheel setup. The v5 has solved this by adding the larger 29” front wheel, slightly more forgiving suspension and more aggressive geo. The 5010 feels like more of a fully fledged trail bike, ready for anything - from a week cruising around the big mountains to an afternoon ripping your local trails! You can really feel the reduced anti squat when out on the trail, the bike feels much more sensitive over the rough stuff meaning you can ride harder and faster for longer, but with with the smaller rear wheel it still handles like it always has in the corners - it really is one of the best handling bikes on the market! The 5010 is now an incredibly well rounded and capable trail bike, much more so than the travel numbers suggest, without losing any of its inherent playful character that so many riders loved.
The 5010
Interested in a 5010? Selected models currently have 40% off RRP! Unsure if a 5010 is the best bike option for you? Give us a shout on the phone, drop an email to sales@stifmtb.com or to head to either of our stores for a brew and a chat! We have a full showroom plus a range of demo bikes in all sizes for you to ride.