Santa Cruz, a name synonymous with high-performance mountain bikes, needs little introduction to seasoned riders. And neither, arguably, does the Santa Cruz Bronson. However, the newest iteration of the Bronson warrants a fresh look. This isn’t your grandpa’s Bronson; it’s a drastically evolved machine compared to the original Bronson Mk1.
- Price: £8,599.00
- From: santacruzbikes.com
- Tested by: Ben Haworth
Santa Cruz Bronson mountain bike full view, a versatile trail bike for adventurous riders.
While still categorized as a 150mm travel trail bike, the modern Bronson sports a mullet wheel setup – a 29-inch wheel up front for confident rollover and a 27.5-inch wheel in the rear for agility. Beyond the mixed wheel size, the geometry has been significantly updated, boasting a longer reach and a considerably slacker head angle, almost three degrees slacker than previous versions. This shift marks a significant evolution for the Bronson, potentially signaling the end of the era for pure 27.5-inch wheel trail bikes as the standard.
Delving Deeper into the Santa Cruz Bronson
Close-up of valve cap on Santa Cruz Bronson, highlighting the attention to detail in components.
RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock on the Santa Cruz Bronson, showcasing the VPP suspension system.
Integrated headset on the Santa Cruz Bronson, contributing to a sleek and modern design.
SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain on the Santa Cruz Bronson, providing precise and reliable shifting.
Despite the significant changes in geometry and wheel size configuration, the Bronson maintains its core identity as a versatile, do-it-all mountain bike. In the past, the Bronson was often the default Santa Cruz choice, considered a reliable and well-rounded option. However, with the rise of 29er popularity, bikes like the Tallboy and Hightower have captured the attention of riders seeking big-wheel stability and speed.
The mullet Bronson seems to be Santa Cruz’s way of reasserting the Bronson’s position in their lineup. It’s a statement that the Bronson is still a relevant and exciting option for trail riders. In a market increasingly dominated by 29ers, the Bronson carves out its niche as a bike for riders who prioritize playfulness and agility. While 29ers offer speed and rollover capability, and longer travel bikes like the Nomad cater to bike parks and aggressive terrain, the Bronson aims for a sweet spot of versatility and fun.
Like other modern Santa Cruz bikes, the Bronson Mk4 utilizes the refined VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) rear suspension design. This iteration places the suspension low in the frame, with the shock nestled in a tunnel. This VPP design is lauded for its stable pedaling platform and improved consistency and predictability on varied terrain. Santa Cruz’s VPP suspension has consistently delivered excellent rear-end performance, and the Bronson Mk4 is no exception.
While some riders perceive the Bronson Mk4’s rear suspension as firmer or prone to catching on square-edged impacts, this sensation might be attributed to the 27.5-inch rear wheel attempting to keep pace with the 29-inch front. However, this characteristic contributes to the bike’s playful and responsive nature.
Comparing the Bronson Mk3 to the Mk4, the geometry updates are noticeable, but the most apparent visual change is the more angular frame aesthetic. The shock tunnel is also enlarged to accommodate modern, larger shocks, including coil options. This enhanced shock tunnel design improves accessibility for adjustments, sag checks, and post-ride cleaning, adding to user-friendliness.
The rear shock mounting utilizes a bearing instead of a bushing at the end with significant rotation, enhancing sensitivity. Santa Cruz’s commitment to durability is underscored by their lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings, a truly impressive offering.
The VPP suspension on the Bronson Mk4 has been tweaked to be more progressive, around 30% compared to the previous generation’s 20%. This increased progression provides more ramp-up towards the end of the travel, beneficial for handling bigger hits and preventing bottoming out. This adjustment also accommodates the current trend of air shocks being less progressive and more supple off the top, maintaining a balanced suspension feel. The frame design is also explicitly compatible with coil shocks, further expanding rider customization options.
Chainstay lengths are now size-specific, increasing with frame size (427mm on XS to 442mm on XL). This proportional chainstay design aims to maintain balanced handling across all frame sizes. A flip chip in the lower linkage is present, but the reviewer considers it largely unnecessary, suggesting the “Low” setting is the optimal position for most riders.
The overall geometry is described as “very Bronson” – not radical or outdated, but familiar and safe. However, the geometry chart alone doesn’t fully convey the Bronson’s on-trail personality.
Riding the Santa Cruz Bronson: A Mullet Experience
Santa Cruz Bronson in action on a trail, demonstrating its playful handling and trail capabilities.
So, how does the Santa Cruz Bronson ride? In essence, like a mullet bike – a bike of two distinct halves. Whether you appreciate this dual nature depends largely on your riding style and expectations.
The Bronson doesn’t mimic the ride of a full 29er or a pure 27.5-inch bike. It distinctly embodies the mullet character. Setting up the bike optimally takes some experimentation. Initially, the front end might feel stable yet somewhat vague, while the rear can feel firm and potentially distracting. This sensation might be more pronounced on smaller frame sizes, ironically considering mullet bikes are often favored by shorter riders seeking to avoid rear wheel snag on technical terrain.
However, the Bronson rewards perseverance and potentially component adjustments, although modifications on a bike at this price point can be a tough pill to swallow. Running less sag to raise the rear end is discouraged, as it compromises suspension performance, leading to a harsh and less forgiving ride. The rear suspension truly shines with 30% or more sag.
The key to unlocking the Bronson’s full potential lies in the front end setup. Lowering the handlebars is crucial. While increasing fork sag (compensated with low-speed compression and volume spacers) is a free method, it sacrifices valuable fork travel and performance. The recommended solution is to install a low-rise handlebar. This adjustment brings the bike to life and creates a more balanced and intuitive ride.
The Bronson excels when ridden with a forward-biased weight distribution. Leaning into the front end provides ample grip, allowing for playful rear-end drifts and slides. Conversely, the bike is also eager to pop wheelies and engage in playful maneuvers when exiting berms or simply for fun.
Interestingly, the Bronson, despite being a trail bike, might be the least interested in traditional, mundane trail riding within its category. It thrives on steep climbs to access exciting descents. And it’s not just about grinding uphill; the Bronson climbs fire roads with remarkable efficiency, exhibiting minimal bob and impressive forward propulsion.
The Bronson truly shines on terrain that encourages showmanship – bike park flow trails, jump lines, and trails with abundant features and line choices. It’s designed for riders who like to express themselves on the trail and take the “fun line.” It’s not built for outright speed or ploughing through rough terrain. Nor is it a dedicated jump bike. It’s a bike built for carving, pumping, and injecting maximum fun into every ride.
The Bronson might not be the fastest descending 150mm bike, but it encourages a more engaging and playful descent. It’s about taking the “scenic route,” which translates to the most fun line. Or even stopping and sessioning a particularly enjoyable section. The Bronson is not a stopwatch-focused bike; it’s a playbike through and through.
The component specification is briefly mentioned, with the reviewer noting that modern components generally perform well regardless of price. The Fox 36 fork received specific praise. A minor annoyance was noted with the Industry Nine front hub end cap occasionally detaching during front wheel removal, a detail that feels particularly irksome on high-end bikes and wheels.
Overall Impression: Santa Cruz Bronson
Rider enjoying the Santa Cruz Bronson on a mountain trail, highlighting its fun and engaging ride feel.
The Santa Cruz Bronson initially presented itself as a perplexing bike to understand. It’s conceivable that some riders might test ride the Bronson and opt for the more conventional Hightower instead, and for many, that might be the more sensible choice. The Bronson, even when optimally set up, has arguably moved away from being the quintessential 150mm trail bike it once was. That title may now belong to its big-wheeled counterparts.
The tall front end and the distinct feel of the mixed wheel sizes create a bike that demands an active and expressive rider rather than a passive passenger. It can be a physically demanding bike to ride at its full potential. However, the effort is rewarded with an ear-to-ear grin and the satisfaction of conquering trails in a uniquely playful and engaging way. Prepare for both a sore face from smiling and tired muscles from pushing your limits.
Santa Cruz Bronson Specification
| Frame | Carbon CC 150mm |
|---|---|
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, 205x65mm |
| Fork | Fox 36 Float Factory GRIP2, 160mm, 44mm offset |
| Wheels | Industry Nine 1/1 hubs, Reserve 30 V2 Carbon rims |
| Front Tyre | Maxxis DHF 29×2.5 EXO |
| Rear Tyre | Maxxis DHR II 27.5×2.4 EXO |
| Cranks | SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon, 170mm, 32T |
| Drivetrain | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, GX AXS shifter |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 200/180mm rotors |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 42.5mm |
| Handlebars | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon, 800x35mm |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth |
| Saddle | WTB Volt |
| BB | SRAM DUB, BSA |
| Size Tested | XL |
| Sizes Available | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | 14.17kg |
Geometry For Our Size XL Test Bike
| Head Angle | 64.7° |
|---|---|
| Seat Angle | 76.7° |
| Seat Tube Length | 460mm |
| Head Tube Length | 135mm |
| Chainstay | 442mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,284mm |
| Effective Top Tube | 653mm |
| BB Height | 344mm |
| Reach | 500mm |
Review Info
| Brand: | Santa Cruz |
|---|---|
| Product: | Bronson |
| From: | Santa Cruz Bikes |
| Price: | £8,599 |
| Tested: | by Benji for 2 months |
About the Reviewer
Ben Haworth is a seasoned cycling journalist with two decades of experience writing for prominent mountain bike publications. A skilled photographer and passionate mountain biker for over 30 years, Ben brings extensive riding knowledge and technical expertise to his reviews. Based in West Yorkshire, UK, he’s an avid explorer of the South Pennines and a dedicated rider across diverse terrains.
