Santa Cruz 5010 and Juliana Furtado

Saving weight means little without retaining an appropriate level of stiffness and responsiveness too. So we've taken all the acceleration and out-of-the-saddle sprint qualities of a carbon XC race rocket and fused them with a rear-end that still rails corners like a hardcore trail bike. This unique XC-trail attitude is also reflected in the geometry. The head tube angle (67.1 degree) and reach (425mm) is a little steeper and shorter than a Joplin to meet the demands of aggressive climbing, yet the Wilder's seat tube angle is a touch slacker and the chainstays a little longer than a Joplin too in order to retain that familiar Juliana confidence on descents. And talking of chainstays, each chainstay length is specific to the individual frame size; meaning riders of every height enjoy the same handling and performance no matter what. Beyond the details, there are some bigger features that amplify this XC wild child's abilities. Rapid rolling 29-inch wheels are paired with a 120mm fork to tame the feral lines and smooth the sketchiest of passing maneuvers. There's even room for two water bottles within the front triangle for bigger training and racing days.

Get creative with your surroundings. The 5010 turns obstacles into features. Its nimble, poppy feel makes even the most mundane rides feel like they're loaded with features to hop, skip, and jump over. It's the kind of bike that makes new trails feel as familiar as the back of your hand. 27.5 is the fun-sized wheel size. Smaller wheels provide an ideal balance between toughness and weight saving making them the most fleet-footed (or quick fingered) whether launching logs or weaving through stumps. With its quick and agile character, the 5010 has become a go-to plaything for progressive riders the world over and the only contender on any backyard trails. It's a bike that goes harder than its vital stats may suggest. A 140mm-travel fork is paired with 130mm at the rear, the lower-link VPP configuration of which leaves you feeling there's a lot more travel at hand. And, you can choose how out of hand you want to get, as this pocket rocket fits all sizes and types of rear shocks. It's no handful, either. The relatively slack head angle makes it predictable to steer, the relatively low BB height turns like it's on tracks, and the short chainstays make this plaything easy to pick up and throw around. No matter how much of a big kid you are, the bike grows with you. We've tailored the geometry so frame size is matched to size-specific chainstay lengths and super-low standover heights make it feel (almost) like that BMX you had as a kid. Okay, perhaps that's a bit nostalgic, but the 5010's certainly a perfect gateway to the highs only proper mountain biking can offer. The 5010's balance and poise can turn any rider from cautious neophyte into a full-fledged flyer. The legendary Santa Cruz fit, finish, and quality construction make this pocket rocket tougher than a Tonka toy. Fun and games are guaranteed, and the frame and linkages come with a lifetime warranty. So don't be afraid. Roll up your sleeves, and go get creative.

THE MOUNTAIN BIKE, DISTILLED With 29-inch wheels, 145mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) travel and a versatile personality, the newest Santa Cruz Hightower delivers mountain bike thrills over a wide range of terrain. Big on wheels, medium on travel, and short on fuss, this do-it-all model shines with a versatile balance of geometry, spec and durability. It’s mountain biking, distilled.