Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Emmanuel
This article examines the ten top Santa Cruz mountain bikes at Mike’s Bikes, from classic hardtails to full-suspension enduros and other options.
Mike’s Bikes retails the best selection of models of mountain bikes carefully chosen for their design features and performance.
Experienced staff can also answer questions concerning these MTBs’ technical specifications or offer other support.
Table of Contents
Santa Cruz Highball C R.
Key Specifications.
| Frame | Frame Carbon C 29″. |
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Base, 100mm w/ Remote. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed w/ 34T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 27 29″ Rims w/ Maxxis 29 “x2.4. |
| Brakes | SRAM Level T. |
| Price | $3,299.99. |
Description.
If you are looking for the best Hardtail bike, the Highball C R can be ideal; it is one of the flagship hardtails from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz highball mountain bike rolls on 29-inch wheels, built around lightweight carbon.
That combination alone makes Highball C R a good XC race bike. Moreover, Highball C R has a clever design around the tube profiles.
It also has a lower angle of the bridgeless seat stays that offset it from the top tube, allowing more vertical flex to avoid trail chatter.
Santa Cruz Chameleon AL S MX.
Key features.
| Frame | Aluminum 29/MX Hardtail. |
| Fork | FOX 34 Float Performance, 130mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset & 10-50T Cassette. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 30 w/ Maxxis 29 “x2.5 front, 27.5” x2.5 rear. |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R. |
| Cost | $3,749.99. |
Description.
As the name implies, you can fit Chameleon AL S MX at any trail condition.
Let’s say you need a multi-gear for nailing technical terrain once and change to single-speed to race to the finish line another time.
With Chameleon AL S MX, everything in between is possible thanks to its adjustable dropouts and plenty of tire clearance.
You can choose between a full 29 and MX Setup. Pick a full 29 for better traction, or choose a mix between 29″ and 27,5″ to get both grip and maneuver.
RELATED: tThe ten best Giant mountain bikes in the US.
Santa Cruz 5010 C R.
Key Specifications.
| Frame | Carbon C 27.5″ 130mm Travel VPP™. |
| Fork | RockShox Pike Select, 140mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 30 27.5″ Rims w/ Maxxis 27.5 “x2.4. |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide T. |
| Price | $4,799.99. |
Description.
This model features 27.5-inch wheels for better maneuverability. This bike is so responsive that it will enable you to ride confidently on challenging routes.
Plus, it has a combination of a 140mm fork, 130mm rear, and a lower-link VPP configuration that makes you feel like there is a lot more travel than it appears.
5010 C R provides more creativity while riding; you make the most of your trails as you jump over.
Santa Cruz Bronson C R.
Key Features.
- Carbon C MX 150mm Travel VPP™ w Frame.
- RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm Fork.
- SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset.
- Weels: RaceFace AR Offset 30 Rims w/ Maxxis 27.5 “x2.4”.
- SRAM G2 R brakes.
- This bike costs $5,049.99.
Description.
Bronson C R features mixed tires for better cornering performance and better acceleration. The bike also has Santa Cruz’s lower-link mounted shock.
Moreover, this bike has stability and agility in the best possible balance.
On top of that, the VPP suspension setup combined with 160mm RockShox Lyrik makes this bike a downhill monster.
Another point worth mentioning is that Bronson C R has a chainstay that matches the frame size.
The bike fits every rider, regardless of their height. Bronson C R is a perfect choice if you want a bike that can go downhill and climb.
Santa Cruz Nomad C R
Key Specifications
| Frame | Carbon C 27.5″ 170mm Travel VPP™/ |
| Fork | RockShox Zeb, 170mm, 27.5″ |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 30 27.5″ Rims w/ Maxxis 27,5 “x2.5. |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE. |
| Price | $5,149.99. |
Description.
Have you ever considered riding a trail you think no bike can handle? Well, Nomad exists for that kind of challenge.
Even the Santa Cruz website stated that Nomad C R is the ready-to-use bike on their mountain bike lineups.
There’s no need to hesitate when you face long descents, gnarly climbs, or tight bends. For Nomads, those challenges are like fun rides.
The sealed bearing in all pivots, lower link grease port, and shuttle guards make Nomad C R superior.
Moreover, the bike comes with a lifetime warranty and crash replacement support.
Santa Cruz Blur C S.
Key Specifications.
| Frame | Frame: Carbon C 29″ 100mm Travel VPP™ w/ RockShox SidLuxe Select+/ |
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Select+, 100mm w/ Remote. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed w/ 34T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 27 29″ Rims w/ Maxxis 29 “x2.4. |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TL. |
| Price | $5,199.99. |
Description.
Blur is such a cool name for a bike. The name blur is because the bike can roll so fast on a straight path that it blurs. LOL!
Seriously though, Blur C S is best for claiming first place at a bike race as it is light at approximately 23lb.
Riding a light bike does not necessarily make you a race winner, but it helps.
Indeed, Santa Cruz combines that lightness with the Blur’s 100mm travel suspensions on both rear and front, making the Blur an exciting XC mountain bike.
Santa Cruz Tallboy C S.
Key Features
| Frame | Carbon C 29″ 120mm Travel VPP™ w/. |
| Fork | FOX 34 Float Performance, 130mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 30 Rims w/ Maxxis 29 “x2.4. |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R. |
| Price | $5,699.99. |
Description
As a short-travel bike, Tallboy C S surpasses riders’ typical expectations.
Not only that the bike is better at going uphill, but Its 120mm travel can also accelerate over rough trails or down the hills.
Santa Cruz has cleverly mimicked a longer travel geometry into the Tallboy design.
Besides, it also features a 65.5 degrees head tube angle with a generous front center and short offset fork.
In summary, Tallboy C S will let you sit on the saddle to go over rough terrain or enjoy a weekend stroll with friends.
Santa Cruz Hightower C S.
Key Specifications.
| Frame | Carbon C 29/27+ 145mm Travel VPP™. |
| Fork | Fork: FOX 36 Float Performance, 150mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed w/ 30T Crankset. |
| Wheels | RaceFace AR Offset 30 29″ Rims w/ Maxxis Minion 29 “x2.4”. |
| Brakes | RAM Code R. |
| Price | $5,949.99. |
Description.
This full-suspension bile is one of the best-selling bikes at Mike’s Bikes. It has a little bit of every technology and engineering Santa Cruz has.
The Hightower features a flip chip that allows riders to drop the bottom bracket and slacken 0.2 degrees the head tube.
Also, with the Hightower’s adjustable geometry, this bike can serve your need from XC to high-speed jump trails.
Not sure which riding style is right for you? Go with a Hightower C S; the bike is your safest bet as it can conquer many trails.
Santa Cruz V10 CC S MX.
Key features.
| Frame | Carbon CC MX 215mm Travel VPP™ and w/ FOX DHX2. |
| Fork | FOX 40 Performance, 203mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX 7-speed w/ 36T Crankset & 11-25T Cassette. |
| Wheels | Maxxis Assegai 29″x2.5″ front, 27.5”x2.5 rear. |
| Brakes | SRAM Code R. |
| Price | $6,699.99. |
Description.
Riders like enjoying the feeling of riding downhill or aiming to get to the podium in a downhill race, and the V10 bike suits downhill.
Professional racers’ high-level feedback over the years is the foundation that makes the V10 such a perfect downhill bike.
The MX variant features a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel combination.
With 200mm of front and 215mm of rear travel, V10 has a downhill bike’s most refined suspension performance.
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Santa Cruz Heckler C R 29
Key Description.
| Frame | Carbon C 29 150mm Travel VPP™ w/ RockShox Super Deluxe. |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm. |
| Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 12spd, 11-50T. |
| Wheels | Maxxis Assegai 29″x2.5″ front, 29”x2.4 rear. |
| Drive Unit | Shimano Drive Unit DU-EP800 w/ 720Wh removable battery. |
| Price | $8,199.99. |
Description.
Heckler C R 29 is for people who want Bronson to have a power assistant to go the extra mile.
This electric mountain bike offers pedal assists while retaining off-trail performance.
It features a mid-drive motor that will give extra power on the roughest terrains.
Plus, a 150mm rear suspension paired with a 160mm fork will absorb most trembles and bumps to your body.
Heckler C R 29 is your perfect partner for a fun off-road journey all day.
However, this company also sells hundreds of other bicycles from big brands like BMC, Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, etc.
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Is Santa Cruz bikes the same as Santa Cruz Skateboards?
Despite sharing part of their names, the Santa Cruz Bicycles company differs entirely from Santa Cruz Skateboards.
“Santa Cruz Skateboards” was founded in 1973 to offer sports equipment, including cruisers, decks, skates, reissues, completes, etc.
Some pros skaters using Santa Cruz Skateboards gear pieces are Blake Johnson, Devin Flynn, Eric Dressen, Fabiana Delfino, Jake Wooten, etc.
Are Santa Cruz bikes made in China?
This company assembles its mountain bikes and other top-quality bicycles in Santa Cruz, but the frames and a few other parts are made in China and Taiwan.
Final thoughts.
These top ten Santa Cruz mountain bikes at Mike’s Bikes are among the best options currently on the market.
They provide an incredible ride to experienced riders and newbies just starting the mounatin biking sport.
A suitable mountain bike also depends on your riding needs and the budget to devote; choose accordingly.
This is just the right list of mountain bicycles that I was looking for. I have always been a fan of Santa Cruz mountain bikes, and now I have the money, I can afford to buy the one I have always dreamed of.
After reading this detailed article, I think my choice will be Santa Cruz V10 CC S MAX. The price is slightly high, but the features this mountain bike comes with are worth the investment.
Thanks for the detailed review here.
This is just the right list of mountain bicycles that I was looking for. I have always been a fan of Santa Cruz mountain bikes, and now I have the money, I can afford to buy the one I have always dreamed of.
I think my choice will be Santa Cruz V10 CC S MAX. The price is slightly high, but the features this mountain bike comes with are worth the investment.
Thanks for the detailed review here.
Thank you, Dave, for your comment. It’s a pleasure to learn that you have found your preferred mountain bike.