Santa Cruz 5010 Carbon C R+

The 5010 is the most fun you can have on two off-road wheels and Danny MacAskill’s wee bike of choice. Turning trails into pump tracks and logs into launches, this bike begs to spend as much time above the ground as on it. It's a laser-sharp, agile trail whip that turns on a dime and loves to pop and play. The 130mm-travel 5010 sports short chainstays and a low BB for a uniquely playful character and an insatiable appetite for negotiating steep, technical climbs. When it’s time to descend, the bike’s 66.2/66.5-degree head tube angle (adjusted via flip chip) and generous reach/short stem combo equate to precise, confident handling. The upper-link driven shock VPP suspension is configured to be sharp and responsive. A firm beginning stroke makes for responsive, snappy pedaling and provides support for small bump, bump-jump playfulness, while the progressive curve offers the bottom-out resistance to make it feel like there’s a lot more travel than there actually is. There’s also more than enough tire clearance to run just about any size tire, with room to run 2.8-inch tires if that’s your thing.

The 5010 Carbon C R+ is a great entry point into the 5010’s carbon lineup and features SRAM's NX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain for all-out speed as well as mountain goat-like climbing ability. Fox keeps you on target and soaks up landings with a Rhythm 34 fork and DPS shock. SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes keep this 5010 under control on fast descents, and 27.5+ tubeless-ready WTB rims paired to Maxxis Minion tires put more fun in backcountry adventure.

It’s considered the deep cut in the Santa Cruz range by the riders who really know. While people busily overbike, 5010 owners get to the source. It’s the thrasher’s tool.