Santa Cruz 5010 CC XTR - 2016

Santa Cruz's 5010 CC roams the trails with mountain goat agility and bear-like strength. It features VPP suspension providing 135mm of cush to tackle the steeps, the drops, the bumps, and the backcountry. A low bottom bracket and short chainstays translate into a snappy ride, while the lightweight, strong carbon construction makes the 5010 more than just a bike: it's a well crafted, trail-slaying tool. If you're not familiar with Shimano's 2 x 11-speed XTR drivetrain, prepare to be blown away. Fast? Smooth? It's all that and more, everything you would expect from the component group that has defined high-end mountain bike gear since its debut. You even get to choose between a pair of Easton hoops with DT Swisshubs or ENVE's unstoppable carbon m60/40 rims laced to I9 hubs. The included Stan's NoTubes sealant will get you rolling out the garage in search of dirt straight away. Throw in a 148mm rear axle and angular contact bearings for lateral stiffness, and you'll be howling through the corners. It's topped off with ISCG-05 tabs, carbon bars, and a Reverb Stealth dropper post.