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2017 Santa Cruz

Bronson S

A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,899
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 150mm front
ForkRockShox Pike RCT3
ShockRockShox Monarch Plus RC3
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXX1 Eagle, XT
BrakesSRAM Guide Ultimate Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Bronson S
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Bronson S

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Santa Cruz Bronson is a versatile enduro bike praised for its balanced travel, direct handling, and updated geometry that enhances both climbing and descending. Its VPP suspension system offers a responsive ride, though some note occasional harshness. The Bronson stands out for its genre-bending versatility, capable of handling a wide range of trails with poise.

Pros
  • Balanced travel for poised handling

  • Direct and predictable handling

  • Updated geometry improves ride quality

  • Versatile performance across various trails

  • High-quality construction and durability

Cons
  • Potential for occasional VPP harshness in the rear suspension

  • Suspension may feel stiff on small rocks and roots

  • Higher price point compared to some competitors

Key Quotes
The Bronson is for someone whose trails and riding style are more rowdy than the 5010 is made for, but not as rowdy as the Nomad is made for.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Bronson expanded the universe of trails I was able to ride and I fell hard for it.
Bicycling
The Bronson never felt outgunned.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor

Feedback?

View all reviews

Pinkbike
Review: Santa Cruz Bronson V3

Dec 2018 · Mike Kazimer

It's more than just a mini-Nomad. Find out how the new Bronson stacks up.

Highs
  • Outstanding blend of plush and playful

  • Ideal all-rounder for riders who prefer technical trails

  • Build kit leaves little to be desired

Lows
  • Taller riders may want even more reach

Read Review

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Santa Cruz Bronson CC Review

Dec 2018 · Christoph Bayer

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 suggested in the clip?

Highs
  • You're guaranteed to have fun

  • Superb rear linkage

  • Excellent workmanship

Lows
  • Requires an active riding style

  • Chain comes off due to lack of a guide

Read Review

MBR
The new Santa Cruz Bronson first ride video - MBR

Jul 2018 · Jamie Darlow

Santa Cruz Bronson has borrowed the Nomad’s new suspension layout, grown fatter wheels and longer geometry. Can it retain its Best Ever Trail Bike status?

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BIKE Magazine
First Ride: Santa Cruz Bronson and 5010

Jul 2018

To each its own: While the third-generation 5010 argues its case for evenly matched travel, the latest Bronson proves it's here to eat its own slice of the pie too.

Read Review

Bikerumor
Long Term Review: Four Seasons with the Santa Cruz Bronson

Nov 2017 · Zach Overholt

What's it like to live with a Santa Cruz Bronson through the four seasons? Not surprisingly, it's quite enjoyable though it wasn't perfect...

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Review: Santa Cruz Bronson CC

Apr 2017

Santa Cruz Bronson CC carbon fiber mountain bike review. We tested this 27.5 rig to see if it was one of the best mountain bikes on the market.

Read Review

NSMB
Kaz's 'Ride the Lightning' Santa Cruz Bronson

Mar 2017

Kaz's Metallica-inspired custom decal job turns the already stunning Santa Cruz Bronson CC into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Read Review

Revolution Mountain Bike Magazine
[R]eviewed: Santa Cruz Bronson CC

Oct 2016 · October 27, 2016

With their first installment of the Bronson frame back in 2013, Santa Cruz were leaders in the industry with one of the first Carbon 650b 150mm travel bikes to market. Whilst it seriously impressed the industry as a whole, being a trailblazer is not so easy to get perfect the first time. Come 2016 however, it’s fair to say the geometry trends have now developed somewhat compared to what Santa Cruz had initially gone for with the first Bronson. Bikes […]

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon CC

Fork

Rock Shox Pike RCT3 150 Solo Air

Travel150mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3

Bottom Bracket

Included w/ crankset

Headset

Cane Creek 110 series tapered, cartridge bearing

Stem

Race Face Turbine R; 35mm

Handlebar

Santa Cruz Carbon 800mm Bar, 35mm clamp

Saddle

WTB Silverado SLT

Seatpost

Rockshox Reverb Stealth; 31.6x125mm (S), 150mm (M-L), 170mm (XL)

TypeDropper

Grips

Santa Cruz Palmdale Lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM XX1 Eagle

Front Derailleur

Shimano XT M8020 Side Swing

Crank

SRAM XX1 Eagle, 32 Tooth

Shifters

SRAM XX1 Eagle

Cassette

SRAM XG1295; 10-50t

Chain

SRAM XX1 Eagle Powerlock

Brakes

SRAM Guide Ultimate

TypeSRAM Guide Ultimate Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Race Face ARC 27

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition Double-Butted

Front Hub

Industry Nine Torch Torque Cap; 110x15mm

Rear Hub

Industry Nine Torch 148x12

Tires

Front: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR; 27.5x2.3, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR2 TR; 27.5x2.3

Disc Rotors

Avid Centerline; 180mm

Rider Notes
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First added March 15

Last updated March 15

Not listed for 3,362 days