Santa Cruz has always been an aspirational brand, but its latest complete carbon bikes only cost slightly more than its flagship composite frames.
Can they cut that much cost without cutting corners, and is the chassis more important than the componentry?
- Highs: Outstandingly stiff and light carbon frameset at an almost alloy price, VPP suspension suits the aggressive frame character superbly
- Lows: Aggressively involving rather than lazily surefooted, basic kit works but you’ll be gagging to upgrade it
Frame and equipment: quality frame with decent kit and great upgrade potential
Bargain fans who want boutique kudos will be delighted that there are no external differences between the cheaper Carbon C and flagship Carbon CC frames. They use the same moulds but a lower grade of carbon, so each frame needs 200 to 250g more fibre (depending on size) to provide the same stiffness and strength.
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As Santa Cruz’s premium carbon chassis are properly light, that means the 5010 Carbon C frame is still lighter than most at 2.5kg (5.5lb).
You get the same grease guarded, DIY adjustable collet bearings for the twin-linkage VPP suspension system, just with alloy rather than carbon linkages. You also still get a DT Swiss RWS 142x12mm rear axle threading into full-carbon dropouts, with the same Shimano direct-mount mech options too.
Ride and handling: guaranteed good time
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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