Santa Cruz Bikes

Test Riding the Santa Cruz V10 Carbon

Source: Vital MTB

In June of 2010, engineers from Santa Cruz, Cane Creek, Edge Composites and The Hive came together for riding, testing and brainstorming in Whistler. They rode 33.5lb V10 Carbon downhill bikes with prototype Edge carbon rims and bars, Cane Creek Angleset headset, the new e.thirteen cranks and a variety of suspension including the 2011 BoXXer World Cup and Vivid Air rear shock.

Test Riding the Santa Cruz V10 Carbon - More Mountain Bike Videos

The media was invited along for a couple days to experience what might be the ultimate downhill bike by today's standards. The V10 features 8.5 or 10 inches of adjustable travel and adjustable head angles anywhere from 63 to 66 degrees. The frameset will retail for $2999 with Cane Creek Angleset including 0, .5 and 1-degree adjustable cups.

View the Carbon V10 Photo Gallery

Here are some highlights from my 2 days on the bike
I've always wondered if a bike can be too light and I figured a 34lb DH bike was hitting that mark. I was wrong. There was never an issue with the bike being deflected or moved around by the terrain. The combination of the lightweight frame and lightweight wheels seemed to be a match made in heaven. The Edge carbon rims decreased rotational weight which seemed to allow the suspension to be able to work more efficiently. Additionally, the damping quality of the carbon rims was noticeable when compared to the same runs on aluminum rims. My hands were less-fatigued and vibrated, especially on the higher speed, rougher sections of trail. I really want to try these wheels out on terrain I ride frequently to make sure I'm not "drinking the Kool Aid," but when given the option between aluminum rims or the Edge carbon rims, I would jump at the Edges…something I never thought would happen.

Regarding frame durability, when you see and feel the frame up close, all your ignorant carbon fears will go right out the window. The frame is stout. I had a lot of rocks hitting the downtube during my 2 days of riding and when I looked at the downtube, there were no noticeable dings or chips.

I preferred the frame in 10-inch mode and had no problem moving the bike around with that amount of travel. The term "plow bike" can beat it.

Conclusion? I would consider this bike, as built, a true dream bike considering the weight, handling, adjustability and potential durability. I'm glad the future is here!

Thanks to Santa Cruz, Cane Creek, Edge Composites and The Hive.

-gordo Credit: gordo

Thanks to Vital MTB for the use of this article.