Santa Cruz Bronson: Everything remains different - new colour, specs and geometry in the 5th generation

The Santa Cruz Bronson has been part of the bike circus for many, many years. And that's exactly why the US bike manufacturer - or rather bike bakery, when it comes to carbon frames like the Bronson - has repeatedly updated its all-mountain models. Santa Cruz is currently presenting the 5th generation with a few new features that go beyond two hot, albeit unusual, colours. There have been changes to the rear triangle in particular. It may only be a matter of millimetres, but with modern frames these often bring big changes - and hopefully improvements.

Santa Cruz Bronson: Less anti-squat for the Gen. 5

The anti-squat value of the latest Santa Cruz Bronson has been further reduced. This value is a decisive factor in the development of an optimised chassis. Santa Cruz have therefore worked intensively on the development and minimised the influence considerably. This led to an adapted design of the Bronson and a further development of the frame structure. The position of the lower link and damper has been moved further down the front of the frame to achieve the desired anti-squat level. The result is a smooth, free riding behaviour with excellent traction.

The term anti-squat describes the extent to which the pressure on the pedals influences the suspension. If the anti-squat value is too low, the mountain bike bobs under load. If the value is too high, on the other hand, the bike appears stiff and cannot effectively absorb bumps when pedalling under load. According to the manufacturer, the Gen. 5 of the Bronson should now:

• have reduced pedal kickback on hard strokes
• Stay active when pedalling in rough, technical terrain
• be more sensitive due to less anti-squat in downhill due to the reduced pedal kickback

The geometry has also been revised. The slightly longer chainstays enable a more central riding position on the bike. Together with the improved suspension, the Santa Cruz Bronson should transfer propulsion to the trail more efficiently and at the same time ensure controlled and stable handling. For example, the steering angle is now 63.9° or 64.2° - depending on whether the flip chips on the MTB frame are set to the HI or LOW position. In contrast to the 4th generation of the bike, where the angle was still 64.5° or 64.7°. The seat angle has also been straightened: While the previous model still had an angle between 76.4° and 77.6° depending on size and flip chip, this is now at a minimum of 77.3° and goes up to 78.3°. Santa Cruz is also following the current development in MTB frames, where the rider is positioned further forward above the bottom bracket (steep seat angle), while the reach is extended and the head angle is flattened further.

The features of the Santa Cruz Bronson models

Basically, the Americans from Santa Cruz now offer 5 equipment variants of their carbon all-mountain bike:

• Bronson C R - 5499 Euro
• Bronson C S - 6399 Euro
• Bronson C GX AXS - 7399 Euro
• Bronson CC X0 AXS - 8799 Euro
• Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV - 9999 Euro

And: Oh yes, the top model "only" costs € 9999, while the Gen. 4 of the 2021 Bronson was still in the shop for € 11,499. New specs in the latest generation include the Sram Maven brakes on the AXS bikes, a Fox 36 suspension fork and Fox Float X shock on the Bronson S and higher. All bikes come with a Maxxis Assegai and DHR2 tyre combination.

Some things are good and can stay for the (near) future: The Bronson continues to roll on a mullet setup with 29 inches at the front and 27.5 at the rear. Santa Cruz is also retaining the 160 mm travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear, which is actually suitable for enduro bikes.

There have also been changes to the sizing. The new Bronsons are still available in 5 sizes, but instead of XS there is now XXL.

Note from the manufacturer: The RESERVE 30 HD carbon rims are initially only fitted to the top-of-the-range Bronson XO AXS RSV model. The RESERVE aluminium rims, which were planned for the other equipment variants, will be replaced by RaceFace AR30 (R and S Kit) and RaceFace ARC 30 (GX AXS and XO AXS). They will therefore be fitted to the production bikes in the course of the year.

All Santa Cruz frames, Pivot bearings and spare carbon rims come with a lifetime warranty.