1 year ago

Full First Ride Write-up & Press Release:
https://theloamwolf.com/2022/09/09/release-and-first-ride-the-new-santa-cruz-5010/

There’s no use beating around the bush and trying to come up with some clever way to say this: the new 5010 is really fun to ride. I’ve been testing the bike around my home trails in Bellingham, WA, and have loved riding it on familiar and new terrain alike. My very first impression when riding the new whip is just how perfect the handling feels. It never felt like I had to learn the quirks of a new bike, change my cornering habits, or find the right balance point. Immediately I was pushing hard through corners and gapping trail features like it was my daily driver. With time, this feeling has only gotten better, as I dial in the setup and spend more time on it. I’m not entirely convinced that you can ascribe playfulness to any one bike in particular, as you can really set up most frames to ride in a wide variety of ways, but the new 5010 certainly streamlines that process and makes good times the priority, over all-out charging. All that being said, it still feels impressively capable for a 130mm bike, thanks in large part to the roomy geometry and the refined suspension kinematic.

The only downside to that improved suspension feel is on the climbs, where you do notice that lower anti-squat, especially on fire roads and steeper sections of trail. The bike climbs through technical sections very well, thanks to the improved grip and easy handling, but can feel a little bit soggy when you’re just trying to motor up to a descent. Luckily there’s a climb switch, and the ever-useful human trait of adaptation, which is sure to kick in sooner or later as you get used to a new bike. For me, I really like an upright pedaling position, so the relatively slack actual seat tube angle has been a bit frustrating, but with the saddle slammed forward things feel pretty comfortable.

Visit santacruzbicycles.com to learn more and find your local Santa Cruz dealer.

#trailbike #mtb #trailmtb #loamwolf #santacruz5010 #bikereview

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - NEW UPDATE!
1:02 - Geo Changes
2:24 - How it handles
3:46 - Stack and Reach
4:20 - Suspension
5:51 - Impressions
6:45 - Build Spec
8:54 - The ONE problem?
10:36 - Who is it for?

Get your Loam Wolf gear here:
https://store.theloamwolf.com
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