Santa Cruz Bronson

89/100
BikeRide Score
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Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Santa Cruz Bronson. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

17 reasons to buy

  • Santa Cruz offers both aluminum and carbon builds of the Bronson.
  • The bike has internally routed cables. This gives it a neat appearance.
  • Molded tubing allows cables to stay in place, preventing them from rattling.
  • The bike has space for a water bottle.
  • Fantastic small-bump compliance is offered by the VPP suspension setup.
  • The VPP suspension setup and Maxxis Minion tires give the bike a planted feel.
  • A flip-chip allows riders to adjust the bike's geometry to a high or low position.
  • The VPP suspension setup and RockShox Super Deluxe R shock combined to excel on downhill runs.
  • Fox 36 Float Performance and RockShox Yari RC forks provide riders with excellent mid-stroke support.
  • The bike’s geometry puts riders in a centered pedaling position that allows them to accelerate quickly.
  • Experts agree that the Bronson exhibits minimal pedal-bob when climbing.
  • The Santa Cruz Bronson has clearance for tires up to 2.8” wide.
  • SRAM hydraulic disc brakes are extremely responsive, according to one expert.
  • A short seat tube allows riders to run a longer-travel dropper post.
  • The molded chainstay, downtube and shuttle guards protect the bike from trail debris.
  • Santa Cruz provides riders with a lifetime warranty on the frame of the bike.
  • The Bronson's threaded bottom bracket is easy to maintain.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The bike is expensive.
  • According to experts, the slack head tube angle reduced the Santa Cruz Bronson’s climbing efficiency.
  • The bike is not the most nimble in rocky terrain.

Bottom line

The Santa Cruz Bronson is a bike that excels on the downhills and accelerates quickly. The bike has a VPP suspension setup and Maxxis Minion tires that offer riders stability and control. SRAM brakes are extremely responsive on all builds of the Bronson. It isn't the nimblest over rocky terrain, according to experts. Neither is it the most efficient climber in its category.
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
33.85, 33.41, 31.69, 31.23, 30.88 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Expert Reviews

83/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
92
Switchback Travel

Santa Cruz Bronson Review

The Bronson really shines on steep and technical trails, and the new rear suspension design makes for one of the better riding bikes I’ve been on in a long time.

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83
Riding Feels Good

Tested: Santa Cruz Bronson CC

Five years after being unveiled in 2013, Santa Cruz Bicycles presents its latest vision for their original 27.5” trail bike, the Bronson. Now in its third design cycle, this rowdy all-mountain bike has been meticulously refined with little room for improvement.

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79

Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon S 2019 Review

The redesigned Santa Cruz Bronson slays downhills and delivers adequate climbing abilities.

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Bike Magazine

Bible Review: Santa Cruz Bronson X01 CC

Some testers felt climbing efficiency has declined with this iteration of the Bronson, while others felt that it was still satisfactory for a bike of its travel and weight. The slackened head tube certainly prefers to be slammed downhill more than it likes to pick through tricky climbs, but quick power to the pedals will be rewarded with a nimble response.

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Review: Santa Cruz Bronson V3

The Bronson delivers a balanced blend of playfulness and plowability.

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Steady Spin

Santa Cruz Bronson Long Term Review

I would say the Bronson allows you to take on anything really.

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Nick Evenson

Santa Cruz Bronson Review: Can I Handle This Much Travel?

Overall, I thought the Bronson was a great bike.

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MTB yumyum

2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Test Ride & Review

I wish it was a better climbing bike.

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Loam Troopers

Santa Cruz Bronson: One Year Overview

This is my favorite bike I’ve ever owned hands down.

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Bikes and Beers

Does It Live Up To the Hype? – 2019 Santa Cruz Bronson CC Review

It’s a great platform but I feel like there are a lot of bikes out there that would accomplish the racing better.

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Mountain Bike Rider

The New Santa Cruz Bronson First Ride Video

Santa Cruz Bronson has borrowed the Nomad’s new suspension layout, grown fatter wheels and longer geometry.

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Morgan Bishopp

First Impressions: Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon C

I think it is such an awesome experience.

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MTB Holden

Santa Cruz Bronson Ride and Review

This bike is designed for going fast downhill and it does just that.

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Bikepark167

2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Review and Ride!!

This bike is awesome.

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2019/2020 Santa Cruz Bronson Version 3 Test Ride and Review

I’m really digging the smaller wheels for the turns and berms and it just feels more nimble and playful, but still plush at the same time.

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MTB Trail Rider

2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon Mountain Bike: Test Ride & Review

I’ve really been loving the Bronson.

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2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Test Ride & Review

I feel like they definitely kind of made this thing more enduro.

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Guy Kesteven

Santa Cruz Bronson Live Ride Review

Santa Cruz Bronson, 150mm, all-around good times.

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2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Ride & Review – Better Than the Megatower!

I love this bike. This is by far my favorite Santa Cruz bike that I’ve ever ridden.

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Santa Cruz Bronson III CC – A Bike Review in 3 Acts

It took me a few runs to find the middle of the brand new Bronson. I felt a little skittish at first, over steering and finding myself in places I didn’t want to be.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Santa Cruz Bronson CC Review

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.

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Tested : Pete’s Santa Cruz Bronson CC XO1 Reserve Review Starts Here

In short, the Bronson is a riot. Speed and control aplenty with more in the tank with some subtle tweaks.

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Mountain Bike Action

Bike Test: Santa Cruz Bronson CC

The Bronson CC is ideally suited for riders who enjoy playing around on the trails.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 3 ratings
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Bike Comparison

Santa Cruz Bronson in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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