I've been mulling this bike over for awhile. I ride in the Boston area but travel all over the place. Our local trails are super techy with punchy ups and downs. We don't have a lot of huge drops or jumps but the bigger lines can be pretty legit. Most people, like myself, that are hitting the bigger lines tend to ride "bigger" bikes. So my main ride for the past 2 seasons has been the Nomad4. Before that it was the Nomad3. I also ride with a lot of younger faster skilled riders, so trying to keep them in sight on the bigger bike is becoming more and more difficult. I figure it's time to admit my age and get something a little faster. Enter the 5010.
The Build:
5010CC Size Small w/DPX2
Fox36 FIT4 150mm
Enve M60HV wDT Swiss 240 (54t)
BikeYoke Dropper 125mm w/Wolftooth trigger
RF Next R Bars 760mm
RF Next R Stem 50mm
CC40 Headset
XT brakes M8020 170 x 170
XTR Cranks 170 w/XTR BB
One Up Flat Pedals
Shimano XT 11 speed drivetrain 32t x 11-46
Tires - Currently 2.6 DHF, 2.6 DHR
Ergon G1 Grips
Side water cage
Bell
Frame Weight w/DPX2, headset, BB, seatpost collar = 6.5 lbs.
Total Weight as seen = Just under 29 lbs.
My Riding weight - 160 lbs
My Height - 5'4'' w/long arms and torso and short legs
Fork Setup - 150mm, 60-ish PSI, Rebound on the faster side, minimal LSC, always ride in Open
Shock Setup - 200PSI as recommended. Rebound on the faster side to match the fork. LSC - 4 out from open.
Tires - 2.6 Maxxis 20-ish PSI
Overall build was easy. Running the brake and der cables took a little trial and error. It'll be easier next time. Dropper cable zipped right in. 125mm dropper has plenty of room. Probably could've gone w/the 160, but I really don't need it. I expect the 9.8 and the Fox 150 would work as well. Full size water bottle fits w/o hitting shock. Bike is clean and quite (except for my Shimano pads).
I built it up yesterday and got a 2 hour ride in the dark and then an hour today at lunch. Yesterday's trails were on the sloggy side, w/today's totally frozen. Not enough time for deep thoughts but here's what I have:
- Bike is literally a rocket. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast it gets going and keeps it going. Makes boring fireroads fun.
- Bike is very playful. First jump I hit I've done a million times on my Nomad. This time I was boosted but completely in control.
- Bike crushes the moves. Steep rock ups, big rock/log overs, loading dock style ups, etc are so much less work. We have a lot of this on our trails.
- Bike is heavier than I would've thought for a small CC. Was hoping to be closer to 27 lbs. Dropping weight would require some major concessions.
- Only have tried the bike in LO setting. Rides slightly higher than my Nomad. Don't see a reason to change.
- Was a little concerned about 150 upfront, but felt very balanced. No problem on snappy climbs and tight rock gardens.
- Rear suspension feels stiff with recommended settings. Not terrible but on the stiff side. Will play...
- Hit a couple of G-outs and drops to flat pretty hard. Used all travel but no clanking. Actually kind of surprised at how well it handled it.
- Have to be more precise than on my Nomad. No more plowing through things. Need to plan accordingly when riding this bike.
- Not sold on 2.6's in general. I can see how it helps smooth things out and help with traction but I don't like the vague feeling and the thin sidewalls. Gonna try 2.4/2.5's next.
That's all for now. Cheers!