Issue #036, Review - December 21, 2018

Santa Cruz Bronson CC Review

The Santa Cruz Bronson has already won a prize for the best release video of the year! But is the bike really as much fun as Josh “Ratboy” Bryceland suggests in the clip?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike you can buy

**Santa Cruz** Bronson CC | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 13.58 kg | € 8,599

“Huh, this bike isn’t new?” some people probably thought when Santa Cruz introduced the new evolutionary stage of the Bronson. At first glance, the bike looks very similar to the Nomad enduro bike and the geometry differs only very slightly. But it’s the details that make the difference because the new Bronson relies on 150 mm of rear travel and a 160 mm fork. In the case of our € 8,599 test bike, this is a FOX 36 Performance Elite with a GRIP2 cartridge. The bike is completed by Santa Cruz’s high-end Reserve carbon wheels, SRAM CODE RSC brakes, an X01 drivetrain and a 170 mm RockShox Reverb dropper seatpost. The Bronson can be ridden with tires up to 2.8″ wide thanks to ample tire clearance at the rear, but Santa Cruz offers the bike with either 2.4″ or 2.6″ wide tires as standard – we decided on the narrower version. As with the Nomad, the geometry of the Bronson can be adjusted via a flip-chip. While we always preferred the high setting with its big brother, we mainly rode the Bronson in the slack setting.

„YOLO!“ is the motto – not only because of the handling but also because of the price.

The Santa Cruz Bronson CC in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Performance Elite 160 mm
Schock RockShox Super Deluxe Air RCT 150 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/180
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth 170 mm
Stem Race Face Aeffect R 50 mm
Handlebar Santa Cruz AM Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Santa Cruz Reserve 30
Tires MAXXIS Minon DHF/DHR II
Weight 13.58 kg
Price € 8,599

**Extra long**
The chainstay protector on the Bronson is extra long to make the bike as quiet as possible – with success!

**As good as it gets**
The SRAM CODE RSC brake is the best in the test field. It convinced us with excellent power, modulation and ergonomics.

**Just right**
The Santa Cruz carbon wheels offer the perfect mix of stiffness and flex for a comfortable ride. Their low weight make the Bronson very lively.

**Practical**
Santa Cruz continues to rely on a threaded BSA BB, making it much easier to replace the bottom bracket for those who like to work on their own bikes. It’s a pity that the brake line of the Bronson is now routed internally.

Geometry of the Santa Cruz Bronson

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	370 mm	380 mm	405 mm	430 mm	460 mm
Top tube	541 mm	574 mm	598 mm	621 mm	656 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm	145 mm
Head angle	65.4°	65.4°	65.4°	65.4°	65.4°
Seat angle	75.3°	75.3°	75.3°	75.3°	75.3°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Height	344 mm	344 mm	344 mm	344 mm	344 mm
Wheelbase	1134 mm	1167 mm	1191 mm	1215 mm	1252 mm
Reach	389 mm	419 mm	436 mm	459 mm	489 mm
Stack	584 mm	593 mm	602 mm	611 mm	625 mm

**Helmet** Specialized Ambush | **Glasses** Smith Barra | **Backpack** EVOC STAGE 12L | **Jersey** Specialized Enduro Jersey | **Short** Specialized Enduro Shorts | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Flat

The Santa Cruz Bronson CC on the trail

If you’re in the market for a Bronson, you’re probably not the kind to put a lot of emphasis on uphill performance, seeing as Santa Cruz has better bikes for that kind of thing in its portfolio. Still, the Bronson doesn’t climb badly. The sitting position is central and the rear end remains unaffected by pedalling forces. In combination with the lightweight wheels, the bike is quick to accelerate. The long front triangle ensures that the front end stays on the ground no matter how steep the climb. But where the Bronson really shines is on the downhills. After only a few meters you will clearly feel the difference to its big brother, the Nomad: the bike is whole lot more poppy, feeling much more lively and direct in its handling, proving how much the suspension influences the handling. The most impressive thing is how the bike stays planted on the ground as you pick up speed. The faster you ride and the rougher the trail gets, the more the rear end shines. It feels like the rear soaks up everything without lacking mid-stroke support. The Bronson’s limits are generally hard to reach, so you shouldn’t have any problems racing enduro with it. Through corners, it convinced us with its agility. However, you can only realise the bike’s full potential if you put in the work yourself. The Bronson wants to be ridden actively, it demands it. Otherwise, the front wheel might lose grip and understeer through corners.

Conclusion

The Santa Cruz Bronson is the best bike for those who value direct handling and lots of agility. It impressed us with its excellent rear linkage, great spec and high-quality workmanship. If you’re looking for maximum fun on flow-trails, but you would also like to take part in an enduro race or two, this is the perfect companion for you. But beware: the Bronson is only able to unfold its full potential with an active riding style.