Frame
I've been riding Santa Cruz bikes for the past five seasons. I originally chose this brand because I weight around 280 lbs and felt I needed a frame I wouldn't brake. I watched the PinkBike video showing how Santa Cruz tested their frames and was infinitely impressed. I was very happy with the Bantam but I've been lusting over a new 5010 for a few years now and when they release the 2019 version with the new geometry I know this was the one I wanted.Link to Santa Cruz 5010
Frame Protection
Since this is my first carbon bike, I decided to invest in some frame protection. I bought the All Mountain Styles Wolf XL frame protection and the XXL clear frame protection. I chose the Wolf design for the top tube protection and the XXL clear protections for the bottom tube and rear triangle. I've been pretty happy with how easy the protection is to apply to the bike and how well it protects the bike. The frame protection is a thick and rugged material that real has done a great job protecting my bike.Link to All Mountain Styles Wolf XL
Pedals
At the beginning of this season I started using Tenet FPD pedals. I've been pretty happy with the pin placement and the overall quality of the pedals. These are a bit beefier than my previous pedals but I've been very happy with the beating they have taken.Link to Tenet FPD
Grips
Typically I've used Ergon grips but I've recently switched to Deity Knuckleduster lock-on grips. They have been very comfortable and I'm super happy with their performance. I prefer a thicker grip than what came with my bike.Link to Deity Knuckledusters
Saddle
I took the Volt saddle that came with my bike after a couple rides. I prefer a longer saddle and I really like the comfort of Ergon saddles. I rode a Ergon SME on my previous bike and decided to buy one for the new bike. The saddle is probably the most important contact point on your bike so find a good one and stick with it.Link to Ergon SME3 Saddle
Dropper Post
After a few months of running the Reverb, I decided to make the change to a Fox Transfer post. The Fox Transfer is a reliable, fast post that works in all weather conditions. I've used the Fox Transfer on my previous bike so I knew I could trust it's performance. I chose 150mm post because of my height and wanted a little higher seated position when the post is down. I prefer the look of the Performance model since it matches my shock and fork.Link to Fox Transfer post
Handlebar
I've been rocking a Santa Cruz 760 bar on my bike for two years now. I pulled this one off my old bike to put on the 5010. I know some people won't trust a carbon handlebar but this bar has been super solid. I really like how this bar absorbs the harshness of the trail.Link to Santa Cruz Handlebar
Stem
I've got 35mm bars so I need a stem that to match After reading the review about the Tenet bar, stem and pedals on Bike Magazine, I decided to give the stem a shot. I bought the Nora stem in 45mm length. So far I've been pleased with the performance I enjoy the look of the component.Link to Tenet Nora Stem
Brakes
The 5010 S+ build comes with the SRAM Guide R brakes and so far they have been working just fine for me. I'm not sure how long these brakes will work for me but for now they work. The joke is you don't bleed SRAM brakes, you just replace them with Shimano brakes. That may end up happening but so far I'm pretty content with the Guide Rs.Link to SRAM Guide R brakes
Rims
I chose to buy Nobl TR38 carbon rims for the 5010. I've really enjoyed the confidence I've gotten since riding wider rims on the Bantam and knew the stock rims on the 5010 would be too narrow. I ended up buying the Plus build for the 5010 because I think I might actually use those rims in the winter. I've been really happy with the Noble rims. Not uncomfortably stiff but way stiffer than my old aluminum rims.Link to Noble TR38s
Hubs
I love my Industry Nine Torch hubs. That 120 pints of engagement is awesome and I definitely feel the difference in slow tech like rock gardens. These do feel loud when I first got them but I've grown used to the noise and barely notice it while riding.Link to i9 Hubs
Tires
I am a WTB convert! After only running Maxxis tires for the past five year, I gave the WTB Vigilante and Trailboss a shot and love them. I'm running the 2.6" 27.5 versions on my bike. Both are the Light Casing with Slash Guard. I've had great success with this setup and have had zero issues.Link to WTB Vigilante
Link to WTB Trailboss
Drivetrain
The 5010 S+ build comes with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain but I have always preferred Shimano. I have recently swapped out the shifter and derailleur for Shimano XT's 12 speed products. I have also replaced the GX cassette with a e*thirteen TRS+ 12 speed cassette. I've never used an e*thirteen product before so this is a bit of an experiment. The cost of modifying my rear hub to support Shimano's Microspline driver was too prohibitive for me. I am keeping my SRAM GX 170 cranks. I prefer the shorter crank arms and they work fine with the Shimano chain.Link to Shimano XT
Link to e*thirteen TRS+
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