I love my v5 so much, I think it’s my favorite bike I’ve had so far. Your first review riding that thing in bigger terrain than I’ve seen before helped seal the deal in that. Noted on going with a stiffer fork 👍. I’d say the new Ripley, a Druid V2, or a Rascal V2. Those are all the other bikes I was looking at when I was shopping around.
don't know if it's a fair comparison because my previous bike was about as low end as they come, but recently upgraded to the V5 5010 and am absolutely in love with it. it's crazy how much confidence can come from just trusting that your bike can handle what you're riding into. i did upgrade the shock to a DVO gen 3 topaz after finding out it's not super well suited to coil shocks, but haven't had a chance to test it out yet. glad to see somebody who has a lot more experience and has ridden many more bikes and much more difficult terrain feels so positively about the bike
Great review! Never thought I'd see a 5010 ride like that! I'm riding a 2024 Carbon Optic, its quite the capable bike. I was able to remove the travel reducer in the Vivid to make it around 137mm travel. I installed a -1 angle set and a 160 lyrik. This bike is fast and fun going downhill and can climb pretty well for a high pivot. It's been really good so far and the mods made it better in my eyes. I'll be trying the mullet link next on this bike. Can't lose with either short travel option you pick.
Good review. I have have the 5010 V5 and had the new High Optic Pivot. First the Optic is a beast but I rode and purchased the 5010 and it brought smiles to my face. The Optic to me felt much quicker than the 5010 but the Santa Cruz just feels easier to toss around and have fun on. I will use my 5010 for anything from XC style riding, single track to chunk, on the later if it gets too aggressive I just have to pick lines and be smart about it.
Interesting take on the fork. I have a Tallboy that I'm gradually ruining/beefing up and the pike feels a little undergunned now I have a SD ultimate on the rear. I have a Lyrik that just needs an air rod to fit so I think you've inspired me to give it a go. I'm really digging your channel - great content, ripping riding, and quality footage. As for the next bike, I would recommend a Tallboy but for something different it's hard to go past the new Optic. I had the old one and it absolutely shredded, and the idea of a short travel high pivot is super interesting.
I just swapped out my tallboy frame for a 5010, I would definitely give it ago if you get the chance to try one. Slightly longer reach and wheelbase than the tallboy so you get the increased stability but corners just as well.
@@MTBMcPhee I’ve tried hard not to just make it a short travel nomad and with lighter wheels and tires it’s still almost 4lbs lighter. I agree about the Optic, but still trying to decide.
I just put an old 160 Lyrik (from my e-bike) on my 2020 Chameleon, which is built around a 130 fork (it came with a 34 Rhythm, which was pure blegh), and it makes the bike sing. I also upped the travel on the stock 36 on my 2023 Norco Optic from 140 to 150, which has made that bike sing even more beautifully than before. In short, bigger fork=bigger fun. Also, Lyrik front/SiD rear feels like the suspension equivalent of Assegai front/Forekaster rear, which is the stock configuration on the Forbidden Druid.
Built mine up last week with a 34 and some lighter tyres. It’s nice to have a contrast between bikes as I have a megatower 2. I found it difficult going back and forward between the tallboy and the MT2, but the 5010 is a lot more confidence inspiring.
Great review as expected. I ride in central New Mexico, not to different from Nic's Colorado, although I'm 75 (been riding since 1990 then on a Diamondback EX rigid). I've been on a Yeti SB 135 for about a year, a great bike, but felt cramped and the 27.5s just aren't that great on the boulders we have here. I had a SC 5010 V4 and didn't like it. I just got a 2024 SC 5010 CR and it feels very different. I ride flow trails, and rocky technical trails with some large boulders, and lots of baby heads. I haven't decided whether I'll flip the chip from high to low yet. I often need the clearance I get with the high setting and I get into the high 20s mph on the flow downhills. I got the bike on a great sale from Airpark in Phoenix and their set-up was just about perfect. Again, I appreciate the review and ask which way you rode the chip - high or low.
Definitely consider building the norco optic 24 up. I did the alloy frame with a vivid and it's likely a lot like this bike with more capability at an increase in weight but comfort in chunky tech trails. My initial alloy setup hit 36 pounds. Rides fantastic as a mullet or 29r
@NICADV yep. Appreciate your videos per this review I put a friend on the 5010 and her confidence has gone through the roof. Perfect bike for her. I almost bought the 5010 but the optic is my pseudo long travel bike. I take it shuttling and it's really helped me feel confident in tech. I'm in WA and it sorta feels like a perfect everyday trail bike that leans a little more towards descending. Optic is paired with my 160 hardtail and 120 modern xc. (Seems close to the optic but it's not - often can be my big day or solo ride bike / daily driver)
Great look at the 5010. I feel like this bike and the tall boy are totally overlooked in their line up these days. For a replacement, I’m really curious on the new trek top fuel. Lots of adjustability with that new bike.
@@bimmerfan729 thanks, I agree. I think they got too specialized and are now getting back to everyday trail bikes. The Top Fuel maybe on I should check out. I felt the last model was just too racer and firm, but I could be worth swinging a leg over the new.
I have a 5010 v5 with a Lyrik in 140mm.. The fork seems to suit and overall, I do like the bike. I keen to try a different suspension feel/performance, so am likely to switch the frame to a Druid v2
Love the channel. Thanks for the quality reviews. Would love to see your thoughts on the knolly endorphin mx. Not as common place as other brands, mx, short travel with a great looking geo chart for a short travel shredder.
Can confirm, that generation of VPP really beats you up on square edge hits, hence the new VPP they are softening the dynamics. If you're riding in an area that doesn't have a lot of square edge, vpps are fine. For that travel, I prefer Yeti's suspension design. Need more time on my Deviate for full enduro, but its pretty close to the feel of a previous gen Commencal. I think the new live valve might allow for moving back more to super plush suspension designs.
Hello, Thanks for the video and the test, it's great! A question, I have the Bronson V4 and I wonder if the 5010 would suit me better. For my local trails it will definitely suit me better, but for a few enduro spots during the year I don't know. I was thinking of putting a Fox 36 150, changing the brakes and tires (EXO+ instead of EXO). Do you think it's worth it or not?
The V5 5010 is definitely a bike that can handle some light enduro. Especially with a 36 and some heavier duty tires. I would probably recommend exo+ front and DD rear. If you wanted to full on get into enduro racing then the new Bronson would probably a better choice, but if you're just hopping into an enduro every once in a while, go for it!
Thank you for your answer! Yes I was thinking about these kind of changes on the bike. But from a Bronson V4.1, the bike I have currently, there is an interest to change for the 5010 (fun ride, pedalling performance...) , or you will keep the Bronson? Thanks in advance!
@@stephaneherondelle8188 Sorry, what I was meaning to say is yes I think the new 5010 would be a great choice maybe even better than the Bronson V4.1 for the occasional enduro race. Just if you were looking to get more into racing the new Bronson 5 is nearly as capable as the Nomad.
Great video, Agree with a lot of the stuff you said. I have this frame build up with a fox factory 34 , float x shock and some lighter components. I Manage to get her around 29 pounds. To me this big feel like it as more travel than it does, I took her to Finale Ligure in italy and the bike handle all the jank admirably. yes, you do have to pick your lines more carefully and you hands will be more tired but i can go down anything around there. Now looking for a big travel bike , for Jank and bike park. What bike travel big will you recommend? I am looking into a Megatower
@@federicomarmolejo1952 I’m currently on the Nomad for that and love it, but I had a Megatower and that would be a great option as well. Are you looking for a dual 29 or Mx? Did you have any other brands in mind?
@@NICADV I want to try a full 29rd, and want to stay with SC. I think perhaps the nomad a bit similar to the 5010. Megatower more of a plow, which kind of want to tried.
@@federicomarmolejo1952 Then I would definitely recommend it. I loved my first gen Mega, but the new one was noticeably better. It was the first 29 that I really felt comfortable on.
I'm curious about trying to bring some weight savings to my Norco Optic, which even with 27.5 wheels front and rear comes in around 35 lbs. I've made a lot of changes that have hugely improved the capability of the bike or made it prettier, but are weight negative, such as 155 Hope AL cranks, Cascade link, and Cush Core/Rimpact. Do you use inserts? I'm a pretty big guy, so I've been using them more or less since the beginning of my time in MTB, and with it, I've never had any issues running EXO+ tires, even on my e-bike. I really only use DD tires for the bike park (the 27.5 wheels do have a DD tire in the rear as I intended them mainly for that purpose). Where did you find the best weight savings on this one? PS: hugely recommend the Optic, and I'm super curious about the high pivot version. I'm also extremely tempted by the color and price point on the AL framekit, which would be even more weight penalty lol. I've been doing a lot of research on high pivots recently, with their exploding onto the market. Though I've never ridden one yet sadly, I feel like for people who aren't downhill racers, high pivot shines more on short travel bikes. I would love to see the 2024 Optic and its dinky lil chainstays put up against the Forbidden Druid, which feels like it has geo from 2029 with the long stays and high pivot.
That’s a bit of a hard one but I always try to lose weight at the wheels first. I usually only run inserts when racing but have been leaning away and more toward good tires and maybe a little higher pressure. Are you running inserts front and rear. Outside of racing I only run one in the back, but currently I’m just running a DH casing rear on as exo+ on most my bikes. It can be expensive but high end cassette can save a surprising amount of weight. I’m talking XTR or XX nothing boutique, but it’s generally a quarter pound or more.
@@NICADV Gotcha! I have this same 5010 bike and I am trying to figure out what "big bike" to get, was thinking have a nomad and 5010 might be too similar but not sure
@@snoochies4256 Nomad and 5010 is a great combo. Not to say there aren’t other enduro bikes to consider but if you like how the SC suspension works I’d go Nomad or for a little more playfulness in the big bike the Evil Insurgent is great. At the other end of the spectrum if you want something glued to the ground the Rocky Altitude is a great option.
I love my v5 so much, I think it’s my favorite bike I’ve had so far. Your first review riding that thing in bigger terrain than I’ve seen before helped seal the deal in that. Noted on going with a stiffer fork 👍. I’d say the new Ripley, a Druid V2, or a Rascal V2. Those are all the other bikes I was looking at when I was shopping around.
Thanks for the input, leaning Ripley but you're the second person recommending the Rascal so I should probably look a bit more into it.
Great video, thanks for doing a long term review!
@@Chance.B I’m always stoked to do it when I can!
don't know if it's a fair comparison because my previous bike was about as low end as they come, but recently upgraded to the V5 5010 and am absolutely in love with it. it's crazy how much confidence can come from just trusting that your bike can handle what you're riding into. i did upgrade the shock to a DVO gen 3 topaz after finding out it's not super well suited to coil shocks, but haven't had a chance to test it out yet. glad to see somebody who has a lot more experience and has ridden many more bikes and much more difficult terrain feels so positively about the bike
Thanks, enjoy the ride!
Great review! Never thought I'd see a 5010 ride like that! I'm riding a 2024 Carbon Optic, its quite the capable bike. I was able to remove the travel reducer in the Vivid to make it around 137mm travel. I installed a -1 angle set and a 160 lyrik. This bike is fast and fun going downhill and can climb pretty well for a high pivot. It's been really good so far and the mods made it better in my eyes. I'll be trying the mullet link next on this bike. Can't lose with either short travel option you pick.
@@russellmontez3936 thanks for the input. If I go Optic I’ll definitely check it out mullet, but I’d love to try both options.
Good review. I have have the 5010 V5 and had the new High Optic Pivot. First the Optic is a beast but I rode and purchased the 5010 and it brought smiles to my face. The Optic to me felt much quicker than the 5010 but the Santa Cruz just feels easier to toss around and have fun on. I will use my 5010 for anything from XC style riding, single track to chunk, on the later if it gets too aggressive I just have to pick lines and be smart about it.
Thanks for the insight. I still want to try the Optic, hopefully I can sling a leg over that, the Ibis and maybe one other.
Interesting take on the fork. I have a Tallboy that I'm gradually ruining/beefing up and the pike feels a little undergunned now I have a SD ultimate on the rear. I have a Lyrik that just needs an air rod to fit so I think you've inspired me to give it a go.
I'm really digging your channel - great content, ripping riding, and quality footage. As for the next bike, I would recommend a Tallboy but for something different it's hard to go past the new Optic. I had the old one and it absolutely shredded, and the idea of a short travel high pivot is super interesting.
I just swapped out my tallboy frame for a 5010, I would definitely give it ago if you get the chance to try one. Slightly longer reach and wheelbase than the tallboy so you get the increased stability but corners just as well.
@@MTBMcPhee I’ve tried hard not to just make it a short travel nomad and with lighter wheels and tires it’s still almost 4lbs lighter. I agree about the Optic, but still trying to decide.
I just put an old 160 Lyrik (from my e-bike) on my 2020 Chameleon, which is built around a 130 fork (it came with a 34 Rhythm, which was pure blegh), and it makes the bike sing. I also upped the travel on the stock 36 on my 2023 Norco Optic from 140 to 150, which has made that bike sing even more beautifully than before. In short, bigger fork=bigger fun. Also, Lyrik front/SiD rear feels like the suspension equivalent of Assegai front/Forekaster rear, which is the stock configuration on the Forbidden Druid.
I like the niche that SC addresses with the 5010. As for headsets I think the head tube is also to blame.
That's for sure, other brands using the same head tube style (Trek) suffer just as much.
Built mine up last week with a 34 and some lighter tyres. It’s nice to have a contrast between bikes as I have a megatower 2. I found it difficult going back and forward between the tallboy and the MT2, but the 5010 is a lot more confidence inspiring.
@@MasterChronometer good to hear
The Revel Rascal could be a good small bike option. Been wanting to try one
@@tttass I had the last gen Rascal and really liked it, but it definitely rides more like a Bronson or Hightower, but who knows.
I went from a 5010 to the Rascal and wouldn’t go back to the 5010, even for how good the 5010 is.
Great review as expected. I ride in central New Mexico, not to different from Nic's Colorado, although I'm 75 (been riding since 1990 then on a Diamondback EX rigid). I've been on a Yeti SB 135 for about a year, a great bike, but felt cramped and the 27.5s just aren't that great on the boulders we have here. I had a SC 5010 V4 and didn't like it. I just got a 2024 SC 5010 CR and it feels very different. I ride flow trails, and rocky technical trails with some large boulders, and lots of baby heads. I haven't decided whether I'll flip the chip from high to low yet. I often need the clearance I get with the high setting and I get into the high 20s mph on the flow downhills. I got the bike on a great sale from Airpark in Phoenix and their set-up was just about perfect.
Again, I appreciate the review and ask which way you rode the chip - high or low.
I ride mine mostly in the low. I tried it both but as long as I’m not hitting bb on steep rolls I’m happy.
Definitely consider building the norco optic 24 up. I did the alloy frame with a vivid and it's likely a lot like this bike with more capability at an increase in weight but comfort in chunky tech trails. My initial alloy setup hit 36 pounds. Rides fantastic as a mullet or 29r
The high pivot? One of the reasons I was consider it was the alloy option with the vivid. I'm glad you're liking it!
@NICADV yep. Appreciate your videos per this review I put a friend on the 5010 and her confidence has gone through the roof. Perfect bike for her. I almost bought the 5010 but the optic is my pseudo long travel bike. I take it shuttling and it's really helped me feel confident in tech. I'm in WA and it sorta feels like a perfect everyday trail bike that leans a little more towards descending. Optic is paired with my 160 hardtail and 120 modern xc. (Seems close to the optic but it's not - often can be my big day or solo ride bike / daily driver)
Great look at the 5010. I feel like this bike and the tall boy are totally overlooked in their line up these days.
For a replacement, I’m really curious on the new trek top fuel. Lots of adjustability with that new bike.
@@bimmerfan729 thanks, I agree. I think they got too specialized and are now getting back to everyday trail bikes. The Top Fuel maybe on I should check out. I felt the last model was just too racer and firm, but I could be worth swinging a leg over the new.
You could also check out the norco fluid. It’s similar to the 5010 where a 36 or lyrik goes a long way to improve the descending performance.
I almost jumped on one this Spring when they were on sale I may have to take another look.
I have a 5010 v5 with a Lyrik in 140mm.. The fork seems to suit and overall, I do like the bike.
I keen to try a different suspension feel/performance, so am likely to switch the frame to a Druid v2
@@grantwilliams2912 nice, the Druid is definitely a different feel almost more like the old Hightower or Bronson
Love the channel. Thanks for the quality reviews. Would love to see your thoughts on the knolly endorphin mx. Not as common place as other brands, mx, short travel with a great looking geo chart for a short travel shredder.
Thanks! I’ve been wanting to look further into Knolly, I'll have to see if I can check one of those out.
Can confirm, that generation of VPP really beats you up on square edge hits, hence the new VPP they are softening the dynamics. If you're riding in an area that doesn't have a lot of square edge, vpps are fine. For that travel, I prefer Yeti's suspension design. Need more time on my Deviate for full enduro, but its pretty close to the feel of a previous gen Commencal. I think the new live valve might allow for moving back more to super plush suspension designs.
Valid, it will be interesting to see how those new suspension products influence overall suspension design.
Have a 5010 (older model) and just got a HecklerSL. I am set.
Sounds like a great quiver!
Naa keep your sick bike and keep shredding!
I’d go high pivot if you’re really considering a change.
My TLDR thoughts.
It's always hard to let it go, but gotta keep the new and longer term reviews coming.
Hello,
Thanks for the video and the test, it's great!
A question, I have the Bronson V4 and I wonder if the 5010 would suit me better. For my local trails it will definitely suit me better, but for a few enduro spots during the year I don't know.
I was thinking of putting a Fox 36 150, changing the brakes and tires (EXO+ instead of EXO). Do you think it's worth it or not?
The V5 5010 is definitely a bike that can handle some light enduro. Especially with a 36 and some heavier duty tires. I would probably recommend exo+ front and DD rear.
If you wanted to full on get into enduro racing then the new Bronson would probably a better choice, but if you're just hopping into an enduro every once in a while, go for it!
Thank you for your answer! Yes I was thinking about these kind of changes on the bike.
But from a Bronson V4.1, the bike I have currently, there is an interest to change for the 5010 (fun ride, pedalling performance...) , or you will keep the Bronson?
Thanks in advance!
@@stephaneherondelle8188 Sorry, what I was meaning to say is yes I think the new 5010 would be a great choice maybe even better than the Bronson V4.1 for the occasional enduro race. Just if you were looking to get more into racing the new Bronson 5 is nearly as capable as the Nomad.
gooood info for an ex Moto guy in the market for something fun for northeast Pennsylvania mountains
You're welcome, feel free to hit me up if you have any specific questions.
Great video, Agree with a lot of the stuff you said. I have this frame build up with a fox factory 34 , float x shock and some lighter components. I Manage to get her around 29 pounds. To me this big feel like it as more travel than it does, I took her to Finale Ligure in italy and the bike handle all the jank admirably. yes, you do have to pick your lines more carefully and you hands will be more tired but i can go down anything around there. Now looking for a big travel bike , for Jank and bike park. What bike travel big will you recommend? I am looking into a Megatower
@@federicomarmolejo1952 I’m currently on the Nomad for that and love it, but I had a Megatower and that would be a great option as well. Are you looking for a dual 29 or Mx? Did you have any other brands in mind?
@@NICADV I want to try a full 29rd, and want to stay with SC. I think perhaps the nomad a bit similar to the 5010. Megatower more of a plow, which kind of want to tried.
@@federicomarmolejo1952 Then I would definitely recommend it. I loved my first gen Mega, but the new one was noticeably better. It was the first 29 that I really felt comfortable on.
I'm curious about trying to bring some weight savings to my Norco Optic, which even with 27.5 wheels front and rear comes in around 35 lbs. I've made a lot of changes that have hugely improved the capability of the bike or made it prettier, but are weight negative, such as 155 Hope AL cranks, Cascade link, and Cush Core/Rimpact. Do you use inserts? I'm a pretty big guy, so I've been using them more or less since the beginning of my time in MTB, and with it, I've never had any issues running EXO+ tires, even on my e-bike. I really only use DD tires for the bike park (the 27.5 wheels do have a DD tire in the rear as I intended them mainly for that purpose). Where did you find the best weight savings on this one?
PS: hugely recommend the Optic, and I'm super curious about the high pivot version. I'm also extremely tempted by the color and price point on the AL framekit, which would be even more weight penalty lol. I've been doing a lot of research on high pivots recently, with their exploding onto the market. Though I've never ridden one yet sadly, I feel like for people who aren't downhill racers, high pivot shines more on short travel bikes. I would love to see the 2024 Optic and its dinky lil chainstays put up against the Forbidden Druid, which feels like it has geo from 2029 with the long stays and high pivot.
That’s a bit of a hard one but I always try to lose weight at the wheels first. I usually only run inserts when racing but have been leaning away and more toward good tires and maybe a little higher pressure. Are you running inserts front and rear. Outside of racing I only run one in the back, but currently I’m just running a DH casing rear on as exo+ on most my bikes. It can be expensive but high end cassette can save a surprising amount of weight. I’m talking XTR or XX nothing boutique, but it’s generally a quarter pound or more.
Would be interested to hear your take on one of the new Yetis. The sb160 or the 165 mullet
@@twoplank9731 those are pretty high up the list for replacing my Nomad. We’ll have to see
I would like to see you do a Hightower review
@@bullseye0112 I hoping to get that going at the end of the month but nothing totally solid
Hi, will it be ok if i put a 150mm fork on it?
@@Silverlance1986 I know many people have but I do not think Santa Cruz recommends it. For me the stiffer 36mm fork made all the difference.
@NICADV well noted thanks for the information bro.
Ibis Ripley with a Fox 36 or Ohlins 36.2 set at 140
@@sirvince7853 that’s probably the top of my list
Can I ask why you are getting rid of the 5010? Too similar to the Nomad but with less travel?
@@snoochies4256 just to make room for another short travel bike. I can only make so much content with a bike and people stop watching.
@@NICADV Gotcha! I have this same 5010 bike and I am trying to figure out what "big bike" to get, was thinking have a nomad and 5010 might be too similar but not sure
@@snoochies4256 Nomad and 5010 is a great combo. Not to say there aren’t other enduro bikes to consider but if you like how the SC suspension works I’d go Nomad or for a little more playfulness in the big bike the Evil Insurgent is great. At the other end of the spectrum if you want something glued to the ground the Rocky Altitude is a great option.
5010 feel a little under gunned on Grafton?
@@joshjohnson5902 oh yeah, I had a Nomad waiting in Moab.
Oregon drop steeze
@@Seebema 🤘
gloves....
@@51249ca sometimes, mostly when it’s real hot or wet