Bike Review:
Santa Cruz Bronson
Peak Trail Bike
My new long term test bike is the Santa Cruz Bronson V5. It’s been awhile since I had a proper all mountain trail bike in rotation and I am excited to ride this for the next few months!
Geometry:
I definitely expected the geometry update, the v4 Bronson by far felt like the most outdated Santa Cruz on that front, but bike geometry seems to be leveling out so I wasn’t sure how far Santa Cruz would go.
And I’m happy to see where they settled.
While the reach is marginally longer at 478 or 480 than I would have told you was my ideal even last year with the higher front end 643 it works, especially when you compare it to something like the Transition Spire with the same reach but lower front just makes it feel stretched. The rear center is lengthened to 442 a point that adds stability and makes for a perfectly centered climbing position when combined with the steeper seattube angle.
One note on the geo is I really wanted to see their flip chip make a more of an adjustment. .3 degrees really, lets make it half a degree and call it good. Now I know that it would then have a larger impact on the suspension, but then say that. It seems to be something they avoid talking about, but they said it in the marketing material, millimeters matter.
Descending:
It’s not a nomad or my Devinci Chainsaw so I was a bit timid. It was also very wet and a storm cut my riding short so I’ll have to get back up there soon.
I did get an amazing day in Squamish coaching some friend on slabs and those Maven bronze brakes are really impressed me.
The standard things I look for on the descent are how a bike gets off the ground, how it runs over high speed chunk and handling on slow speed steeps. High speed and chunky terrain I feel the new suspension working as advertised.
Final Thoughts:
Similar to the old bike the rear end stays plenty active even under heavy braking on gnarly steep terrain. Moving around the trail it rides like the new Rocky Mountain Altitude in that you can feel the weight has shifted lower. Again it maybe my setup so far, but it’s a bit sluggish to get airborne. However, once at cruising speed it’s really not something you notice.
I only opted for one additional volume spacer, now 3 in the Fox 36 so I do have to remedy that, but over all on some good size jumps, steep trails, slabs and plenty of wet roots the new Bronson is good.
Climbing is still very efficient and the new geo gives it a very neutral and comfortable climbing position. Switchbacks are no problem and you have efficiency for days.
Its in that sweet spot and if these first 4 days were all I had on the Bronson, compared the new Trek Fuel EX and Specialized stumpjumper 15, the Bronson V5 is peak trail bike at least for me and the terrain I call home.