History lesson: Santa Cruz 5010 vs Solo
Who remembers the name Solo? No, it doesn't refer to Harrison Ford in Star Wars, but to the predecessor model of the 5010, which explains the sequence of numbers: if you read them in a digital-edged font (e.g. on an old pocket calculator), you will see "SOLO".
However, the fifth generation of the 5010 has little in common with the former 125-millimetre bike from 2013. Now the 2023 model with the 27.5-inch front wheel is saying goodbye to one of the last similarities with the Solo.
Known to many as the fun bike of YouTube superstar Danny MacAskill, the previous 5010 the last pure 27.5-inch bike from Santa Cruz. Like the new Nomad 6 the Californians have now given the 2023 version of the 5010 a 29-inch front wheel. The smaller 27.5-inch wheel remains at the rear.
This so-called MX wheel mix is intended to retain the playful character of the bike and at the same time give the 5010 more confidence when it gets down to business on the trail. As already known from the Nomad and Bronson MX models, the combination of a large front wheel and small rear wheel promises good rollover behaviour combined with high agility. The new 5010 also retains the suspension travel of 130 millimetres at the rear and 140 millimetres at the suspension fork.
In BIKE 10/2022 we attest the pure 27.5 inch predecessor model a lot of riding fun and recommend it to bikers with a preference for jumps, tricks and gimmicks. At high speeds in rough terrain, however, the "old" 5010 lost out to the 29-inch competition on trail bikes. Has this changed with the larger front wheel and the adapted geometry? Read more about the 5010 Generation Five and our first ride impressions in BIKE 11/22.
Now with "glove compartment"
However, the changes for the fifth generation do not stop with the MX update. Santa Cruz is consistently pushing ahead with the development of the latest models and has equipped the new 5010 with the familiar "glovebox", a storage space under the bottle cage mount in the down tube. Space smuggler Han Solo would be delighted! The smuggler's stash on the bike ensures that the multitool and spare tube are always with you. This means you don't need a rucksack for a quick after-work ride. The bag supplied keeps the "glove compartment" organised.
Optimised VPP rear triangle
The VPP rear triangle was not left untouched for the new development of the 5010. This was revised with the aim of offering an optimised balance of support and grip. This is made possible by reduced anti-squat values, which promise greater sensitivity in response behaviour and less pedal kickback. At the same time, thanks to its progressive characteristic curve, the new rear triangle should offer enough counter-pressure for big jumps, better bottom-out protection and constant feedback with a playful riding style.
Optimised geometry
In terms of geometry, the declared aim of the Santa Cruz developers was to integrate the larger front wheel into the existing bike concept without limiting the 5010's strengths on bends and when jumping.
For agile handling and quick changes of direction, the bottom bracket is still low and the standover height is low. The size-specific chainstay length is also familiar from the previous version. However, these are significantly longer on the new model and have grown by seven millimetres compared to the predecessor in all frame sizes (even by 10 millimetres in size XXL).
Together with a size-specific seat angle, this should give the 5010 a balanced weight distribution in all sizes, even with the new 29-inch front wheel.
Another new feature of the 5010 is the size-specific carbon layup already familiar from the Nomad 6. Santa Cruz wants to offer every rider a frame stiffness appropriate to their height. Even taller and therefore heavier riders should be able to enjoy direct handling thanks to a stiff chassis.
The head tube length has been reduced for more pressure and therefore grip on the large front wheel. Overall, the geometry has been designed with relatively short chainstays for playful trail biking. A slacker steering angle of 65.2 or 64.9 degrees, depending on the flip-chip setting, and the longer wheelbase promise more riding stability on trail descents. The geometry brings the 5010 so close to its big brother Hightower 3 with 29-inch wheels front and rear.
The 5010 number five takes over other details from the previous version. The rear triangle accepts 27.5-inch tyres up to a width of 2.5 inches. The bottom bracket uses the threaded BSA standard and the rear brake is mounted via a 180 millimetre post mount without an adapter. The frame is prepared for a chain guide with an ISCG05 mount and the rear triangle is designed for proven Boost 148 axles. Headsets fit into the carbon frame using the IS standard.
Santa Cruz 5010: 2023 models and prices
As usual for Santa Cruz, the carbon frame of the new 5010 comes with a lifetime guarantee and a choice of the more affordable C or the weight-optimised CC layup. Every biker should be able to find the right one for them from a total of six sizes from XS to XXL. A frame kit with the Super Deluxe shock from Rockshox is available for 3799 euros. Santa Cruz also offers the 5010 as a complete bike in six different equipment variants:
- 5010 R C (5399 Euro)
- 5010 S C (6299 Euro)
- 5010 GX AXS C (7699 Euro)
- 5010 GX AXS C RSV (9199 Euro)
- 5010 CC X01 (8699 Euro)
- 5010 CC X01 AXS RSV (10,999 euros)
Photo gallery: Details of the new Santa Cruz 5010
Jan Timmermann
Editor
