Santa Cruz's New V10 - Fort William World Cup DH 2018

May 31, 2018
by Paul Aston  
Santa Cruz V10


Fort William hosts the second round of the downhill World Cup this weekend, and our man on the ground, Ross Bell, just beamed over these shots of a 'prototype' 29" wheeled V10. The bike has the No.11 plate on the front, which according to the start list belongs to Greg Minnaar. Unfortunately, Greg won't be racing but we wish him the best of luck in his recovery after a broken arm sustained in practice.

The 29" wheeled V10 bike that caused a storm and consequent panic in the pits at Lourdes last year was a mongrel. This looks like it could be the specific 29" V10 chassis, re-designed from the ground up. No details or official word yet, but it is rare to have a prototype rig, at this time of year, in a full carbon finish, that isn't ready for imminent launch to the public.


Santa Cruz V10
The first giveaway that it might not be a full production version are the aluminum links marked with black ink. This could be because the team requires a slightly different feeling than Joe public, or they haven't been finalized. I would bet that production versions will have carbon links and they simply haven't turned up yet.

Santa Cruz V10
There is a small flip chip on the lower VPP linkage that we can assume will adjust ride height, angles, and travel a few digits either way.

Santa Cruz V10
If we look behind that coil sprung Fox DHX2, it looks like there could possibly be two mounting locations where the top link connects to the swingarm, these could adjust ride dynamics or make the bike work for more than one wheel size?

Santa Cruz V10
The rear axle also looks to be adjustable, using a flip chip. Again, this could be for dynamics or to swap wheel diameters.

Santa Cruz V10
The second giveaway that it might not be ready for production is the use of rubber tape on the rear triangle instead of an injection molded protector.

Santa Cruz V10

Santa Cruz V10
The frame appears to use a straight King headset instead of a BuzzWorks reach adjuster to give Greg more space. My guess is that he will be riding a XXL version which will have a 510mm reach.

Santa Cruz V10
Rear brake hose routing is fully external.

Santa Cruz V10

Santa Cruz V10
The shock is set in the higher of the two flip-chip positions.

Santa Cruz V10

More news on the bike as soon as we get it, but in the meantime, you can drool over the pictures and talk to your bank about payment plans.

Santa Cruz V10


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Santa Cruz Bicycles


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125 Comments
  • 196 4
 I like big bikes and I can not lie
  • 116 19
 That bikes bigger than Troy Brosnan's forehead.
  • 67 5
 @scottay2hottay: He's got a fivehead.
  • 15 174
flag takeiteasyridehard (May 31, 2018 at 7:31) (Below Threshold)
 @scottay2hottay: wow, real mature....I'm glad you left our country, and I hope they dont let you back in. Grow up.
  • 12 36
flag goflowz (May 31, 2018 at 7:32) (Below Threshold)
 All these brand new this and that and they still havent fixed the horendous carble routing on ALL VPP bikes.
  • 56 2
 You other racers can’t deny.
When a bike rolls in
With a itty bitty weight
And those two big wheels
Smack in your face
You get Sprung!
Want to pull up tough...
  • 93 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: And your username is takeiteasy?
  • 61 1
 @mtbikeaddict: good point, clearly the guy Takes it Hard and Rides Easy..
  • 6 4
 @goflowz: Totally agree. I love my new Blur, but man is the cable routing crap. I thought we had moved past the "fish housing through downtube and hope it comes out the right hole" days.
  • 8 1
 @goflowz: honest question, what’s wrong with it? I have a nomad 3 and feel the cable routing works great.....
  • 4 1
 Yet no one mentioned about the new demo 29 at vital.
  • 1 0
 @chyu: thanks for the tip!
  • 2 0
 @PAmtbiker: I didn't think the Blur was that bad, and I've never had to run internal cables before. Hint: it's easier to get a cable close enough to the port to grab it with needle nose pliers than it is housing. Shoot a cable through first, then use it to feed the housing.
  • 2 0
 @nickkk: Now we know why he is so grumpy... wouldn't you be too if you had to take it hard?!
  • 34 6
 Rumors are the V11 will be 3.5K long with 1K of travel. All you will need to do is get it to the starting line and it will cover the entire course. Supposed to be excellent at absorbing the entire hill.
  • 3 2
 And it climbs like a goat......but still has no water bottle mount
  • 16 0
 According to dirt it's ready for production, but with no release date set: dirtmountainbike.com/gear/bike-reviews/downhill-bikes/first-look-loris-vergier-s-new-santa-cruz-v10-29

Not a fan of the aesthetics personally but I bet it's quickkk
  • 8 3
 The seattube goes forever before being supported. I'm sure Santa Cruz did their research on this but still, my head can't wrap my head around why they made it like that.
  • 10 2
 @dirtworks911: The seat tube won't be under much stress, It's a DH bike, nobody is sitting down on it.
  • 2 0
 @wellsb: Except the seat tube on a V-10 where the top linkage attaches half way up....
  • 22 2
 "Spotted". I don't think it means what you think it means.
  • 5 0
 "Spotted" then "Borrowed" then "Photographed in detail" then "Posted online for everyone to start bitching about its looks"
  • 4 0
 @Odinson, what, you don't see all the spots?
  • 1 0
 as in spotting? gnarly!
  • 1 0
 xoxo
  • 39 24
 A form design smartass clue: draw the downtube straight and bend it near the BB giving it a belly only down there. The current model looks preagnant. You should have learned from Transition bikes that downward bent downtubes look bad. They do. Now off to instagram surfing for XC female racer profiles, it’s a good day for that, I tell ya...
  • 5 4
 Don't know why this gets downvoted... a beautifully clean frame horribly marred by a gruesome kink. Whether pregnant, or collided with a skip, couldn't say. Shame!
  • 3 2
 I thought the belly started with the 2010 specialized demo
  • 14 0
 then we only have to wait 9 months for the next one ;-)
  • 2 0
 Transition's carbon tube bends look amazing. Better than most bikes out there actually.
  • 5 6
 @Lotusoperandi: I meant previous gen of Transitions, most of them were preagnant. Like this Scout www.vitalmtb.com/features/First-Look-2017-Transition-Scout-Carbon,1422 off course you are fully allowed to like it, I don't care, please do. I only reserve myself a right to assume that you are in minority. Which means nothing and is perfectly fine. So my comment was kind of: "I assume most people will find this unattractive". Anyhoo, at least it doesn't look like a Session. That's a giant plus
  • 8 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I definitely prefer the "slight beer belly" bend to the "hey let's wait til the last moment and put this gawd awful J bend right before the bottom bracket" bend. I guess it's an aesthetic preference for a well rounded badonkadonk vs. a sagging badonkadonk. Ya know? And I know where my heart lies on that one.
  • 7 7
 @Lotusoperandi: world needs people like you. Makes me think how awful my thinking is to go in tune with majority. It's the fear of ending up with the ugly chick. There's always a chance that this ugly chick will turn into a kind of Scarlett Johanson, but well... chances are slim. These are my deep fears...
  • 13 0
 This is the bike equivalent of that less attractive girl that you become friends with because she has a great personality only to discover she's a closet nymph that will do ANYTHING for you no questions asked
  • 1 0
 Funny bc is true ????
  • 18 5
 Smells like Bigfoot's dick.
  • 31 5
 Whoever it was you were tripping together with in the woods, he lied about the big foot...
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: aha
  • 2 0
 that's the smell of desire my lady
  • 12 2
 Headline: "Santa Cruz's New V10" like it's some secret snap shot a reporter got that Santa Cruz wouldn't want...

Reality: All out photo shoot permitted by Santa Cruz
  • 4 0
 Pretty sure those secondary bolts by the upper link mount are for a fender. They don't look big enough to be a pivot mounting bolt. It would also make sense, as there's no mud protection for the link and shock with the swingarm that is mounted.
  • 3 0
 true! Already saw the Fender mounted in another pic Smile
  • 8 3
 "I was doing my morning walk in the forest when I spotted this V10 prototype hidden in a boulder..." ????
  • 1 0
 Does anyone (with carbon manufacturing exp) know why we still design bikes as of the rockers, pivots, swing arms, stays etc, can't be made to integrate more smoothly into both the front and rear triangles? So much of the hardware still looks like an after thought bolt on. I understand ease of maintenance and hardware removal but surely we can do better? YT are half way there however it seems like there's a lot of scope for improvement and refinement just from a ' won't catch your shorts on this' and 'mud ain't caking on here' POV?
  • 1 0
 You are adding complexity for complexity sake. The tubes are designed to be strong and light and the links attach from there. Why add complicated shapes around high stress areas for only asthetics ? Admittedly the top link on the v10 looks like a bit of a tack on but most other bikes nowdays are pretty tidy.
  • 4 0
 Not that different from the 275 version, but for sure it will be at kidney-worthy pricepoint.
  • 1 0
 Looks pretty good to me! Don't think it will fit multiple wheel sizes, the adjustable chainstay length won't raise the BB, the links don't look like they have more than one hole, the BB height at the lower link looks minimal. Minnaar will probably always be on something custom with his linkage too. Good to see the swingarm has a symmetrical wishbone shape unlike the prototype. I like how the front of the shock in nestled into the front triangle. The mainframe does have that smooshed 29er look though but what else are they gonna do?? Will there still be 27.5 models in small and medium sizes or will small people just have to buy a Nomad or another brand??
  • 1 0
 Isn't the new Myst wheel size adaptable? If I recall correctly there is a triangular chip that simultaneously adjusts geometry and wheel size. I'm sceptical I must admit.
  • 1 0
 Correction: I am wrong, there are two Myst frames
  • 3 0
 The flip chips are to run plus tires then. Mystery solved. Wink
  • 4 1
 So the guy who was riding the 26 front/24 rear at Whistler opening now has the option of a 29 front/27.5 rear...modern old school
  • 4 0
 Funny how they say "spotted". Maybe they were near the back of the pack of photographers and finally got a glimpse.
  • 1 0
 So many comments on the appearance. I would think with Santa Cruz's race lineage, the riders the Syndicate has developed, and the riders that helped develop this bike, appearance shouldn't be at the top of people's lists. I'm assuming this bike does what it is designed to do, does it better than the last iteration and likely does it as well or better than most others in the category. Price might be an issue but I don't bitch about the cost of Ferraris because that's just what they are and I there are other options out there in my price range...and I think I prefer my Toyota...
  • 4 0
 Does it come with health insurance?
  • 6 3
 Go look at dirt magazines photo on a flat surface and see how ridiculous it looks.
  • 2 0
 It's not the flat that does that, its because Dirt mag had Vergier's Medium bike while this one is Greg's (i believe an XL) so this is much longer which helps detract from the bikes height with those big wheels (it also makes that pregnant bulge look less ridiculous)

The medium look short and tall and in all honesty a little ugly but the big frame makes it a bit more in proportion and almost quite nice.
  • 5 9
flag fecalmaster (May 31, 2018 at 8:05) (Below Threshold)
 Making fugly bikes is their specialty at SC.
  • 3 2
 @fecalmaster: I have to agree with ya on that one.. They used to have good lines not all that long ago.. For me yeti wins in the aesthetics game!
  • 2 0
 @maglor: yeh that makes sense the one pictured in this thread isnt so bad.. but loris one looks like its been rode into a wall.
  • 3 0
 Lucky to just spot a wild V10 in its natural habitat! Just standing there minding it's own business..
  • 1 1
 Krieke! She's a beaut! Such a lovely specimen
  • 1 0
 Never been a major fan of the v10 look and this has taken a turn for the worse...others have mentioned that down tube kink. No man! Wonder if they have Minnaar proofed the front triangle?
  • 13 10
 Where's the water bottle mount though?
  • 2 8
flag sdaly (May 31, 2018 at 9:01) (Below Threshold)
 It's a DH bike. Water is at the bottom of the run, quit whining about where you're going to stash your bubba and go ride your bike.
  • 6 1
 @sdaly: whoosh
  • 4 2
 @sdaly:

Joke




Your head
  • 1 0
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1d3EAEtgF0
  • 2 0
 @sdaly: Clearly understanding sarcasm isn't your forte.......
  • 4 2
 Cheap bikes are starting to look better while expensive bikes are getting soooo ugly wtf
  • 2 1
 Sweet! Doesn’t look too different, but the lines have become more angular and no rear mud guard. Hoping GM heals up quick and gets back to the track soon.
  • 2 1
 General Motors?
  • 1 0
 I thought if a company raced a prototype at a WC, there was a limited about of time (12 months) before they had to offer it for sale to the public?
  • 2 0
 nope
  • 1 0
 I thought there was something about that too, but I think it's 24mo with various caveats?
  • 2 1
 Not a fan of the bend downtube. They should have made it straight. I just don’t like the look of this wagon wheel machine now Frown
  • 3 0
 Too bad the wheels are too big..lame af
  • 2 0
 With that amount of stand over even I could ride an XL! Having gorilla arms helps Smile
  • 2 0
 Of 2 brands that uses vpp I think Intense M29 looks much better.
  • 7 4
 I think it looks fugly.
  • 3 1
 Yup, I think all the new SC bike range is uglier than the previous Gen. If I had to put it into my perspective, new SC bikes look like the new dodge challengers, all boxy and shit. That TT and seat mast is hideous if you actually just look at it for more than 10 seconds.
  • 9 11
 Are those special links that’s only the pros get? Or are they just prototypes?

As a dentist who actually bent over, took it in the seat and paid full retail for one of these, it annoys me thst they still sell a compromised version. They never sold the pro links for the current version - that makes me think the one out now was detuned and less good than the pro ones.

No, I’m not close to as good as the Syndicate guys. But see how marketing works?

Next time I’ll just buy the full bore YT and live out my DH dreams that way.

Santa Cruz knows their customers are morons and treats them as such. Thanks for the money, now beat it.

I still want one of these badly though.
  • 11 4
 If you rode a Syndicate team bike that used team-specific rocker links your riding would suffer. Fact. You don't reach the speeds nor hit things as hard as these guys do. That's why you don't need what they ride. Enjoy the fact that you ride a bike that is 98% based on what the Syndicate uses and their feedback shaped what you have.
  • 4 0
 @ka-brap:
Logged in to say similar. The top WC guys run a much more aggressive setup than even a good national level would be able to make work. They don't sell the public a 'detuned' model, they sell a model that the general public will be able to run hard, the pros just run them even harder.
Even Gwinn admits that his shock is different internally than the 'mob' spec Tues so are YT fleecing customers with a detuned version too? No. It's just 'upped' to cope with WC speeds.
  • 4 3
 @ka-brap: of course I don’t need it. But if they want to charge me ten grand for it, I want it.

This line of thinking is what lead to years of Specialized Stumpjumpers that felt super plush in the parking lot and horrible when ridden at any kind of speed
  • 4 0
 @wibblywobbly: I support you wibbly. realest commenter on PB.
  • 4 0
 @wibblywobbly: " Next time I’ll just buy the full bore YT and live out my DH dreams that way"
Gwin also had a modified link and custom seat stays on his Tues.
Specialized factory riders always have custom linkages. Same with kona, Trek, GT ...
  • 2 0
 Agree, if your putting up the cash, you should at least have the choice, then you can decide yourself. But it should be obscene amounts of cash, because that's how you feel special when you can afford it. Would be pointless if it were just a few hundred $, what sort of satisfaction would that buy you.
  • 1 0
 @Braindrain: They're one-off custom machined parts, so they WOULD be obscene amounts of cash if you wanted one.
  • 2 0
 Whats the difference...looks like the same one they had in 2009!
  • 2 0
 Intense got it right with their M29... that's for sure!
  • 1 0
 Oh wow, I've never seen one of these in the wild before!
  • 4 5
 Nice but, wheel swap between tweener an niner? I wouldnt think any amount of flip chips could take up the difference of over 1.5inch wheel size?
  • 9 1
 It's only a 0.75in (or whatever) difference in radius.
  • 2 1
 I think it is doable, with a chip to change the geo and a separate shock mounting point to keep the leverage ratio the same? Brendog's new Gambler has the same option AFAIK
  • 2 1
 29er with nomad linkage please Santa Cruz! Chop Chop!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a trials bike.
  • 1 0
 How about some industrial design when you build a new bike?
  • 1 0
 Previous V10 looks better, was more fluid in design, Alien like.
  • 1 0
 Seat tube is only a problem if you fall off the bike.
  • 1 0
 Loving the flat grey color!
  • 2 2
 front triangle reminds me of karpiel disco volante
  • 1 2
 Swoops up like norco/spesh
  • 4 1
 Turner DHR lives!
  • 1 0
 29er but still sexy Smile
  • 4 4
 too bad they are going to cost 2 times more than what i can afford :/
  • 2 2
 Dead sexy! Lines like a super car but only slightly more attainable.
  • 2 2
 That thing looks sick! Love the swooping low top tube.
  • 2 2
 Looks like the a nomad...
  • 1 1
 Dead sexy !!! The 27.5" wheeled V10 bike >>>>> yessss !!!!!
  • 1 0
 26" version when???
  • 1 0
 No bottle mount!
  • 1 1
 front triangle looks like a norco
  • 1 1
 Hey is that a Santa Cruz m16?
  • 1 0
 Noice!
  • 1 2
 I talk about this 10 years ago 29er will rock the down hill W.C. race's
  • 3 5
 looks like a bus has hit it
  • 2 5
 blab blib
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