Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 2.0 Carbon CC XX1 Complete Mountain Bike 2017

For 2017, the 5010 2. 0 Carbon CC XX1 Complete Mountain Bike remains relatively unchanged from the previous model year. This restraint is rare from Santa Cruz Bicycles, as the CA based brand tends to favor tinkering over just letting a multiple BOTY winning design enjoy its time in the sun. Ever since it first introduced the Blur, the predecessor to the 5010 and Bronson, SC has been reluctant to rest on its laurels with the 2. 0 geometry tweaks to the 5010, we think it's finally earned a year off. SRAM sure hasn't taken the year off, though, as evidenced by the all new Eagle XX1 drivetrain included here. Eagle takes one by to its logical conclusion by tacking a 50t granny cog onto SRAM's top racing groupset, giving you range on par with a double while maintaining the simplicity and low weight of a one by setup. The 5010 2. 0 represents a marked departure from the original 5010, which SC first rolled out in 2013 and which was itself a marked departure from the Blur DNA from whence it sprang. The redesign is so pervasive that it touches on virtually every important frame dimension, with the biggest change coming in the head tube angle. The front end slacks out a full degree, dropping from 68 to 67 in a move that brings it in line with the previous Bronson model. The frame's reach and bottom bracket follow suit, with the former stretching out and the latter dropping slightly. Capping the whole thing off with a short stem helps preserve steering while taking advantage of that slack aggression. The rear triangle enjoyed similarly thorough tweaks that tightened it up for more pedaling efficiency and cockpit versatility. The seat tube is steeper, longer, and wider, which benefits both the ups and downs of all mountain riding. While grunting over the crux of a climb or grinding speed on singletrack, the steeper angle nets a more efficient pedaling posture, making it easier to stay on top of the pedal stroke. The new seat tube also accommodates a longer dropper post, ...