Building on what made the original such a smashing success while still innovating for the future, for the 2019 model year, Santa Cruz pushes the 5010 Carbon 27. 5 S Complete Mountain Bike into slacker and longer realms for increased competency at higher speeds demanded by modern trail bikes, yet made sure to retain the original bike's agile handling and pedaling efficiency. The features that cemented it as a highly versatile rig for all-day epics in the mountains and spirited rides winding across the local forest network. Slacker than ever, this version of the 5010 drops to a 66. 5-degree head tube angle in its high setting and a more gravity-friendly 66. 1-degree head tube angle in the lowest setting. The addition of a flip-chip makes this all possible, meaning you'll have the ability to adapt the bike's geometry for different terrain and riding styles, whether you're seeking a bit more balanced feel with greater efficiency and climbing competency or you'd like it to flat out rip on steep descents with imposing rocks and roots threatening to derail your balance. Santa Cruz outfits this particular 5010 with their 2. 3-inch tires, which deliver all the traction and bump-smoothing benefits of a traditional tire, but without feeling overly vague or excessively heavy. This 2. 3-inch tire really gives you confidence to monster truck your way across the rockiest stretches of trail, but without worrying about the tire squirming under hard breaking and cornering like a larger tire. Another major update to the design of the third generation 5010 lies in a slightly longer reach that's grown by 15 millimeters for a bit roomier feel in the cockpit, as well as increased composure at those higher speeds you'll be pushing this bike to. The seat tube is a full degree steeper to keep you in an optimal pedaling position when you're climbing for thousands of vertical feet or simply muscling up a short, punchy climbs with rocks and roots standing in your way. As you'd expect with...