Enduring middleweight

The Santa Cruz "5010" rides easily uphill, even if the 13? kilograms do not suggest a mountain goat. You won't feel out of place on longer climbs on day tours. The pleasant and balanced trail geometry contributes to this. At 73 degrees, the seat angle strikes a good balance between uphill and downhill suitability. The bike is easy to maneuver on difficult climbs and cranks nimbly up hairpin bends. The 750 millimeter Easton handlebar does not interfere with this. This width proves to be predestined for trail use. The trail now winds its way through the terrain over countless roots. You hardly notice that the wheels are bigger than on a 26-inch bike. On the one hand, this is good, as the handling hardly differs from that of the 26er, on the other hand, you don't notice much in terms of the theoretically better rollover behavior. The mounted Maxxis "Ardent" tires turn out to be true all-rounders with their grippy rubber compound. Thanks to the strong carcass, the tires can also cope with many a relentless manoeuvre.

Play equipment for flow trails

The suspension with 25 percent negative suspension travel set at the front and rear - the sag - is progressive and can be ridden even with more sag. Thanks to the progressiveness, the fork and suspension strut do not sag when riding actively. The "5010" is lively and playful around corners and tempts you to jump off at every bump. When accelerating powerfully, you quickly notice where the weight has been placed. The frame is stiff despite the VPP suspension of the rear triangle. Downhill, the fun continues unabated. The trail bike can be chased down the descent almost like an enduro bike - except that the suspension travel is less. Controlled drifting, quick changes of direction and steep sections are no problem for the Santa Cruz. Even at high speeds, the 27.5-inch wheels remain surprisingly stable on the trail. It is also good that the bike with its 125 millimeters of travel does not quickly reach its limit when the terrain gets a little rougher. The Fox "32" fork with its 140 millimeters of travel definitely does a good job. The fact that it cannot be lowered is not a problem. As a rule, you don't have to lower the Reverb Stealth dropper post all the way on the 5010. This gives you even more reserves if you dare to ride down a steep wall or if the descent is rough.

Conclusion: Whether on an after-work ride or on multi-day tours in alpine terrain, the Santa Cruz "5010" cuts a fine figure everywhere. There is no such thing as the "egg-laying wool-milk sow", but this bike comes very close. No clear weaknesses could be found in either the technical or the perceived area, except that the "5010" leaves the trail segment, in which it is located, in both directions.

Manufacturer:
www.santacruzbikes.ch

Test report published in issue 02/2014 of Ride magazine