Description

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 2.1 R Complete Mountain Bike

 

Emphasizing playful handling over the brute force of an enduro sled, the Santa Cruz 5010 2.1 R Complete Mountain Bike is a razor-sharp trail scalpel that’s efficient enough for epic rides in the mountains and responsive enough to challenge friends on hot laps around the local loop. This 5010 features Santa Cruz’s aluminum construction for reliable strength without dropping all your precious loot on a pricier carbon model. Budget-conscious riders will be happy to know that geometry stays congruent with all frames in the 5010 line-up, allowing those without stacked bank accounts to reap the same benefits of playfulness and agility on the trail.

Seeing the first generation of 5010 drew inspiration from the nimble leanings of the Blur TR, it was inherently more playful than anything else in Santa Cruz’s line-up when it was launched in 2013. Now that bikes have grown slacker, longer, and lower, it only makes sense the second-gen 5010 has adapted to reflect the push towards modernized trail geometry, with a longer reach and wheelbase in conjunction with a slacker head tube angle of 67 degrees. These changes create a roomier cockpit, so you’re more comfortable and confident on the descent, as well as making it inherently more stable at high speeds. Best of all, these geometry changes don’t alter the quick-handling nature of the 5010, as it features snappy 16.7-inch chainstays and a low-slung bottom bracket of 13.1 inches.

Looking at the 5010’s VPP suspension, you’ll be pleased to note it underwent a subtle redesign for 2017, which improves the suspension durability and overall performance. The upper link is now connected to the top tube for greater stiffness, as well as more stand-over clearance for shorter riders. The lower link resides above the bottom bracket, protecting it from damaging rock strikes and flinging trail debris. These changes extend to the suspension’s performance as well, with the VPP suspension exhibiting heightened sensitivity to small bumps, as well as greater mid-stroke support. However, the suspension is still progressive at end-stroke, ramping up dramatically to prevent you from harshly bottoming out.

Delving into this particular “R” kit, you’ll find it’s equipped with a nice balance of reliable and smooth-performing components. Case in point, the SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain delivers crisp shifts over a wide range of usable gears, all without dealing with a pesky front derailleur. Plus, the Fox Rhythm 34 fork offers a stiff chassis with its 34-millimeter stanchions, meaning you’ll reap the benefits of precise handling over rough terrain.

Santa Cruz’s quintessential trail bike with nimble handling

Aluminum frame for reliable strength without lofty price tag

130mm of VPP suspension for a responsive pedaling plaform

67-degree head tube balances stability with steering response

Longer reach keeps you comfortable and confident on descents

Short chainstays and low bottom bracket for cornering prowess

SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain for wide range of usable gears

Fox Rhythm 34 fork with 130mm of bump-smoothing travel

 

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 2.1 R Complete Mountain Bike

Frame Material:

aluminum

Suspension:

VPP

Rear Shock:

Fox Float Performance DPS

Rear Travel:

130mm

Fork:

Fox Rhythm 34

Front Travel:

130mm

Headset:

Cane Creek 10 IS, Integrated

Shifters:

SRAM NX

Front Derailleur:

n/a

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM NX

Crankset:

Race Face Aeffect (32t)

Bottom Bracket:

BSA threaded

Cassette:

SRAM XG1150 CS (10-42t)

Chain:

SRAM PC1110

Brakeset:

SRAM Level T

Brake Type:

hydraulic disc

Rotors:

Avid Centerline, 180mm

Handlebar:

Race Face Ride, 35mm

Handlebar Width:

760mm

Grips:

Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on

Stem:

Race Face Ride, 35mm clamp

Stem Length:

50mm

Saddle:

WTB Volt Race

Seatpost:

Race Face Aeffect

Seatpost Diameter:

31.6mm

Wheelset:

WTB ST i25 TCS

Hubs:

[front] Novatec D711, [rear] Novatec D462

Front Axle:

15 x 110mm Boost

Rear Axle:

12 x 148mm Boost

Tires:

[front] Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, [rear] Maxxis Crossmark II TR EXO

Tire Size:

[front] 27.5 x 2.3in, [rear] 27.5 x 2.25in

Recommended Use:

trail

Manufacturer Warranty:

lifetime on frame

 

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 2.1 R Complete Mountain Bike

GEOMETRY CHART