Santa Cruz 5010 X01
- RRP: $10,649
- Travel: 130mm rear, 140mm front
- Frame: Carbon
- Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate
- Tires: 29″ / 27.5″ Carbon
- Drivetrain: 1 × 12 Electronic
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
What we like about it: Owning the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 means you’ll have the newest star in endurance racing with 140mm of travel under a CC carbon frame. It’s a more upgraded 1×12 electronic drive combination hybrid with 27.5″ tires for a better ride and more agility.
What we don’t like about it: Pricey brand, components that are not easy to maintain.
Rating (4.8/5)
Introduction
If you see the Santa Cruz 5010 for the first time, you will be surprised at how small and nimble it is. This is thanks to its Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4” rear tire. But that doesn’t mean compromising on performance. The full carbon body is equipped with 130mm rear and 140mm front travel for even the most demanding endurance rides.
The SRAM 1×12 electronic drivetrain is easy to ride even in the face of steep extended uphill climbs. There’s also adjustable dimensional stiffness which means every Santa Cruz 5010 driver gets the same ride quality. So within the $10,649 price tag, it can promise to provide a lifetime warranty on the frame, bearings, and optional spare tires. You just need to focus on the ride itself.
Climbing
The Santa Cruz 5010 is a natural climber with its 27.5″ hybrid wheelset. Compared to the classic 29″ tires, the Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4” mixes 27.5 “x2.4”. As a result, it can steer and lift one step ahead of the others to the maximum.
As I was riding through a significantly rising section of the forest road, it was very smooth, even though it was rugged. So I cranked up the SRAM X01, 1x12spd drive to max speed. Combining SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon 148 DUB, 32t crank technology, I didn’t find this acceleration too difficult. Combined with the Maxxis 29 “x2.4” front tire, the rough outer tread provides big traction instantly and without losing speed. You can hear the RockShox Pike Ultimate, 130mm fork snapping in the process. This combined with Santa Cruz’s exclusive VPP suspension technology allows the Santa Cruz 5010 to quickly absorb pressure from the ground.
Experience
Compared to the longer travel full shock, the moderate value allows you to save more effort. There is no possibility of being deflated by the output of more force. The efficiency of the ride will allow you to understand what I am talking about, “the hidden heroism of the Santa Cruz 5010’s small and flexible body”.
I was surprised by how well the CC carbon-brazed dimensional body handled the stress of the outdoors, being lightweight and sturdy at the same time. As I navigated through the forest roads, I inevitably encountered some intentional obstacle setups. Sometimes at high speeds, my 27.5-inch rear tire combined with the 123mm trail length would react and steer before me. The process was very smooth and did not lose control of my body.
When your track has some artificial obstacles, such as a tree trunk that suddenly appears across the road, try the SRAM G2 RSC. This is the time to try the SRAM G2 RSC, which will surprise you with its speed and responsiveness. The signature guide bar feels and adjustable contact points ensure that this brake works well for every rider. Of course, we started with a significantly less anti-squat (than the previous generation 5010) to provide sensitive, ground-tracking qualities and reduced pedal kick.
Descending
If the climbs were more one-sided in their physical output, then we would only feel more excitement in the face of the intense descents. Because I’ve reviewed enough bikes, the Santa Cruz gave the 5010 a very straight, highly progressive leverage curve to give the rider plenty of predictable support, bottom-out resistance, and playful response.
The aggressive response to being forced to pop up quickly on rough pro-tech sections and then face an even harder descending slap. And I think the 130mm travel may not be able to do what the Santa Cruz V10 does with ease in the rock garden. But at least with the performance in the enduro, you’ll feel like it’s going to feel like you’ve got a V10 under the hood.
Experience
I know there will be a lot of riders who want to run over obstacles as if they were trucks while descending. To be honest, I think the Maxxis Minion DHR II 29″x 2.4″ hybrid 27.5″x 2.4″ wheelset is not only effective at ignoring these bumps. Even with fairly low tire pressure, it gives you the confidence to apply pressure on rocks and roots. Also, in the face of some steering, the 27.5″ rear tire can track the correct path much faster.
At this time I also tighten the SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brakes just to be on the safe side. The active brake shaft keeps the vpp suspension working, and the high-speed response mechanism is such that it will immediately take up pressure when it hits a rumble. This allows the Santa Cruz 5010 to take up the squeezing pressure faster. Despite the sudden stop, I didn’t feel any more difficulty sitting across the Santa Cruz 5010, which has a 77.1°seat tube angle. By this time, nearly 3h had passed since the start, and with the body effectively resting at the bottom of the hill, I knew it was time to end the ride.
Main Features
Frame
The Santa Cruz 5010 is equipped with exclusive VPP suspension technology, which efficiently and intelligently self-adjusts whether you’re hitting it at full power or a bumpy road makes your pedaling hindered.
Compared to other brands (such as Trek), it has a huge headtube with an IsoSpeed damping system set up inside, which tends to work in the same way. Moreover, further weight reduction has been made on the body. Also, CC carbon material is more friendly and friction resistant for outdoor riding.
The built-in storage space can hold the necessary toolkit, making your endurance ride more secure. Because it is completely lightly loaded. Further detailing, including a rear-mounted fender neatly protects against rearward impacts. The efficient internal wiring effectively reduces the risk of hose-dragging on the ride. And you’ll notice there’s still protection at the downtube, as I elaborated, “Santa Cruz is small and nimble, but not too heroic”.
Geometry
The Santa Cruz 5010 X01’s head tube angle of approximately 65° in the headtube allows for an upright but efficient pedaling position. The rider’s center of gravity is kept in the right position. As the size of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 increases, the rider’s riding position does not change. The attitude of adventure remains the same. In addition, the seat tube of the 77.1° shows its friendly features for riding. Even a novice can fully handle this “good horse”.
Of course, I would like to mention here that although the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is a small off-road bike, it still has enough stretch in the body, with a tire base distance of 1239mm. This means that even when dealing with some drop-offs, it can absorb the impact well with the folded bodywork. And I should mention here that the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 gives the body a very straight, highly progressive leverage curve. This provides the rider with plenty of predictable support, bottoming resistance, and interesting response.
Components and Specifications
Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4” Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”
I would like to call the hybrid 29″ and 27.5″ wheelsets a collision of two worlds. When riding, we often have a hard time letting go of our obsession with speed. A bigger wheelset is the choice we insist on. But when faced with the unknown sharp turns in the woods, I would honestly want a more nimble, smaller wheel to help me. So when faced with the choice, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 retains both.
The front tire is tall enough to provide enough traction and stability for the ride going forward. And the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for quick rear tire steering and lift. Even if you want to play a few tricks, you don’t need to worry. If you pay attention to their appearance, the rough surface texture can aggressively handle some mud skids. And in the face of the road’s obstacle protrusions, even the rocks and dark potholes of gravel roads, the compact Santa Cruz 5010 X01 can simply ignore them.
SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12 Electronic Drivetrain
The SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain adds technology to the classic 1×12, upgrading it to an electronic drive. The combination of SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon 148 DUB and 32t crank technology adds stiffness and thickness to the hollow structural design. It also makes further weight reduction. Even if the climbing acceleration is bland, SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12 electronic drivetrain can make you notice more fun.
Compared to a mechanical drivetrain, an electronic drivetrain provides more powerful performance. It will take your riding to a whole new level immediately. And the extremely fast response time makes the shifting process more stable and efficient. In addition, you don’t need to worry about maintenance, although it is an electronic device, this system is much more powerful than you think.
SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc Brake
The SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brake meets the new standard for hard-hitting, heavy-duty braking. It is also designed with 15% more additional piston power and 30% more lever reservoir volume for optimal performance throughout the operation.
With lever pivot bearing technology, the linear braking process still feels smooth and progressive, no matter how much tension is applied. Also, the free extension and contact point adjustment make it easy to operate once you have the idea of stopping the bike.
It would be difficult for a rider to gain more confidence on more adventurous terrain without such an SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brake.
Other Versions Of Santa Cruz 5010
Santa Cruz 5010 R
Viewed against the more price-friendly Santa Cruz 5010 R, it continues the classic frame of the 5010. So just a step back in the version of components. The exclusive vpp suspension is equipped with 130mm rear and 140mm front travel, SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain combination SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes.
Compared to the electronic drivetrain of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01, the traditional mechanical drivetrain is not as efficient as the electronic drivetrain in terms of ease and speed of speed regulation. In addition, the 5010’s hybrid wheelset is still retained in the tire set-up. That is Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”.
Santa Cruz 5010 S
The Santa Cruz 5010 S, which makes concessions on price, also makes the ultimate in some key components within its capabilities. While the RockShox Pike Select of the Santa Cruz 5010 S is no match for the RockShox Pike Ultimate of the Santa Cruz 5010 x10 in terms of the toughness of the fork.
In addition, the Santa Cruz 5010 x10 has a more technologically-enhanced 1x12spd electronic drivetrain. As a result, the extremely fast response time makes the shifting process more stable and efficient. But whether it’s the vpp suspension travel values of 130mm rear and 140mm front, or Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”, the classic continues.
All things considered, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 would be more suitable in the face of more stringent competition requirements.
Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Specs
| Kit | R | GX AXS |
| Price | $5299 | $8399 |
| Weight | 14.07kg / 31.02lbs | 13.95kg / 30.76lbs |
| Material | Carbon C | Carbon C |
| Fork | RockShox Pike Base, 140mm | RockShox Pike Select+, 140mm, 29″ |
| Shock | FOX Float Performance DPS | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX AXS Eagle, 12spd |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX AXS Controller |
| Crankset | SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB, 32t | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB, 32t |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide T | SRAM G2 RS |
| Brake Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm/180mm | Avid Centerline 200mm/180mm |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
| Bars | Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm |
| Grips | Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips | Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips |
| Front Hub | SRAM MTH 716, 15×110, Torque Cap, 32h | i9 1/1, 15×110, Torque Cap, 28h |
| Rear Hub | SRAM MTH 746, 12×148, 32h | i9 1/1, 12×148, XD, 28h |
| Rims | RaceFace AR Offset 30 29″ Rim (F) / RaceFace AR Offset 30 27.5″ Rim (R) | RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29″ Rim (F) / RaceFace ARC Offset 30 27.5″ Rim (R) |
| Front Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR | Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR |
| Tubes | Reserve Tubeless Sealant | Reserve Tubeless Sealant |
| Seat Post | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo |
What we like about it?
- Small off-road bike with adjustable dimensional stiffness means every driver gets the same ride quality.
- The cc carbon body with a lifetime warranty is more aggressive in dealing with challenges.
- Exclusive vpp suspension technology equipped with 130mm short travel, and shock absorption without losing efficient climbing more effort.
- Hybrid 29/27.5″ wheelset to accommodate more ground travel.
- 1x12spd electronic drivetrain, easy and smooth, dense gears, strong power support.
- SRAM-rated hydraulic disc brakes provide stable suspension even on slippery surfaces.
- The internal alignment is simple and efficient.
What we don’t like about it?
- Expensive, components that are not easy to maintain.
- The color cannot do more than select.
FAQs
What is the tire size of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01?
Tire size for Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4” Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”.
What is the drivetrain of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01?
The Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is powered by the SRAM X01 Eagle, 12spd electronic drivetrain.
What is the brake on the Santa Cruz 5010 X01?
Santa Cruz 5010 X01’s brake is SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc.
How do you recommend the size of Santa Cruz BRONSON?
| SIZE | Rider Height |
| XS | 142 – 155cm |
| S | 155 – 165 cm |
| M | 165 – 175cm |
| L | 175 – 185 cm |
| XL | 185 – 193cm |
| XXL | 193 – 201cm |
video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Gear | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 | $5499 | 1×12 | SRAM G2 RHydraulic Disc | 29×2.4″ | Click view |
| Ibis Ripley GX | $5899 | 1×12 | Shimano SLX M7100, 2 Pistonhydraulic disc | 29×2.4” | Click view |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT | $6549 | 1×12 | Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc | 29×2.4″ | Click view |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 | $5500 | 1×12 | SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc | 29×2.5″/29×2.4″ | Click view |
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 vs Santa Cruz 5010 X01
The Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R, which is priced differently, does not make more concessions in terms of performance. On the contrary, it is not a bad choice if you consider the overall economic strength. Of course, responsibly, we compare the upgrades.
The RockShox Lyrik fork chosen by Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R is not as tough as the RockShox Pike Ultimate chosen by Santa Cruz 5010 X01. In addition, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 chose a more expensive cc carbon material, which is lighter and stronger. And for the configuration of important components, they are 1×12 speed range. But Santa Cruz 5010 X01’s electronic technology gives the driver smoother and more rapid power support.
Most importantly if you look at the wheelset setup, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is a bolder choice with a mix of 29″ and 27.5″. The front tire is tall enough to provide enough traction and stability for the ride going forward. The 27.5″ rear tire allows for fast rear tire steering and lift, so even if you want to play some tricks, you don’t need to worry.
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R Review – Enjoy Rushing Down Hill
Ibis Ripley GX vs Santa Cruz 5010 X01
For the Ibis Ripley GX, the shorter travel of 120mm rear and 130mm front means that it is not as efficient in handling bumps as the Santa Cruz 5010 X01. Although from climbing some difficult terrain, the shorter travel may have less impact on the letdown. In addition, the Ibis Ripley GX also makes concessions on some important components within the $5899 price frame.
The traditional mechanical drive SRAM XG 12-speed is not as efficient as the SRAM G2 RSC electronic drive of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01, both in terms of swiftness and simplicity of speed regulation. And, if you notice some bold design choices in the Santa Cruz 5010 X01, the 29″ and 27.5″ hybrid wheelset is even more impressive.
The Maxxis Minion’s 29-inch front tires are tall enough to allow you to follow the acceleration for no reason. And the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for responsive steering bounce. There’s nothing like the meeting of two worlds.
Looking at it all together, investing in the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is essential for riders with the more demanding competition.
Learn More: Ibis Ripley GX Review – Want To Take A Trail Ride?
Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT vs Santa Cruz 5010 X01
For the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT, I think it would prefer to be in the middle of the pack and not waver. 120mm rear and 120mm front both up and down, it takes a consistent approach to handle the road.
Readers who are familiar with me can sense that I have always had a preference for mixing values for the front and rear travel of the suspension. In my opinion, this is the only way to adapt to local conditions. Better proactive action. In addition, for the drivetrain view, 1×12 is a trend. But the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 adds a technological component that makes the 1×12 electronic drivetrain much quicker and easier to adjust.
Compared to mechanical drives, electronic drives offer more powerful performance. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT does anything obnoxious. Also on the topic of more fun, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 opted for the Maxxis Minion
The Maxxis Minion’s 29-inch front tire is tall enough to allow you to follow the acceleration for no reason, and the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for responsive steering bounce.
All things considered, whether it’s a fun choice or a track preference, I think the seemingly compact Santa Cruz 5010 X01 would be a better fit.
Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review – Speed And Passion On Fire
Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 vs Santa Cruz 5010 X01
The Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 opts for the same 130mm rear and 140mm front travel in a $5500 frame. For cycling, it’s not a case of longer travel being more advantageous, but rather a combination of all aspects of the bodywork.
And we can also see from the drivetrain that the Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 is optimized. Compared to the Santa Cruz 5010 X01’s 1×12 electronic drive, the traditional mechanical drive can’t completely surpass it in terms of performance. But for some newcomers is also enough.
In addition, in the mix of wheelsets, it has also done some thinking. The 29×2.5″/29×2.4″ design is used, but it still doesn’t jump out of the 29″ frame. But the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is more daring with the Maxxis Minion 29″/27.5″ wheelset. The front tire is tall enough to allow you to follow the acceleration for no reason. The rear tire is responsive enough to allow for a nimble steering bounce. This will make it more suitable for riding overlapping sections of multi-terrain. And for more challenging terrain, a sturdy fork is a prerequisite for trickery.
Compared to the RockShox Pike Select of the Cannondale Habit Carbon 1, the RockShox Pike Ultimate of the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 with its CC carbon body is more resilient.
When you look at them all together, both use more thought in their design. But for strict competition, the Santa Cruz 5010 X01 is more worthy of your investment.
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learn more: Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review -Get On It And Ride Down The Hill
