The Santa Cruz Bronson already had considerable potential. With 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, it was happy to cross the line from all-mountain to true enduro. With a new frame, the former 27.5-inch bike has switched to the so-called MX wheel mix - for even more riding fun.
As with the motorised cross models, a large front wheel (here: 29 inches) should provide more traction, control and confidence, while the 27.5-inch rear wheel provides momentum and agility. And: As if in passing, Santa Cruz points out that the new Bronson is easier to pull into the manual, while the rear end enjoys more clearance compared to a pure 29er bike.
New geometry concept, higher prices
Longer shocks correct the leverage ratio of the 150 mm rear suspension, whose response behaviour Santa Cruz claims to have improved even further. The biggest highlight of the new Bronson frame: the chainstays grow with the frame size from 427 (size XS) to 442 millimetres in size XL. The rear triangle always remains identical. The mounting points in the main frame change from size to size, moving the rear axle to a different position each time.
With the front wheel, the frame grows slightly higher, the steering angle flattens out to well below 65 degrees. The 2022 Bronson also increases in length: The reach in size L grows by a good two centimetres. In return, the seat tube moves further towards the vertical and the seat tube angle is between a steep 76.4 and 77.6 degrees.
As usual, a flipchip provides two slightly different geometry setups. Thick rubber pads protect the frame and there is plenty of space around the bottle cage. The internal cable ducts and lifetime warranty round off the package.
Santa Cruz offers the fourth generation Bronson in a total of six variants at prices between 4999 and 11499 euros. The frameset made from the more sophisticated CC carbon including the Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock is also available as a stand-alone build.
According to the manufacturer, the weight of the complete bikes ranges between 14.8 kilos for the entry-level model and 13.9 kilos for the top-of-the-range version. At the time of publication, it was not yet clear when the 2022 bikes will be available, nor was the price of the frameset.
Santa Cruz Bronson MY 2022: facts and figures
- MX wheel mix: 29 inch front, 27.5 inch rear
- Front/rear suspension travel: 160/150 millimetres
- Carbon frame in two quality classes C and CC
- Tyre clearance: 2.6 inches maximum
- Five frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (XS frame only with 27.5-inch wheels)
- Weight: 13.9 to 14.8 kilograms (manufacturer's specifications)
- Chainstay length grows with the rider
- Six model variants between 4999 and 11499 euros
- Lifetime warranty on frame, individual bearings and spare carbon rims
Sebastian Brust
Editor
