Expert Rating: 9.7 ( 3 Reviews )
9.5
Vital MTB
Sep 14, 2023
The Bronson V4 showcases impressive performance improvements, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a bike that can handle a wide range of trail conditions while maintaining a playful and capable demeanor
9.5
Overall Rating
The Bronson V4 showcases impressive performance improvements, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a bike that can handle a wide range of trail conditions while maintaining a playful and capable demeanor
9
Weight
Santa Cruz Bronson is particularly heavy, making it more suitable for downhill and aggressive riding styles.
10
Front Travel
The fork provides 160 millimeters of suspension travel.
10
Rear Travel
The rear suspension offers 150 millimeters of VPP travel.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
The Bronson is described as an excellent climber, even without the need to use the rear shock's climb switch.
9.5
Handling
It offers a playful and responsive handling experience, with improved reach and maneuverability compared to the previous model.
9
Frame Stiffness
The frame features a noticeable shock tunnel, which could affect frame stiffness.
9.8
Capital MTB
Sep 14, 2023
The customized 2023 Santa Cruz Bronson, featuring upgrades like the RockShox Zeb fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil shock, offers a responsive and playful ride, particularly well-suited for technical climbs and lively trail riding, making it a versatile choice for riders looking for an agile and capable bike.
9.8
Overall Rating
The customized 2023 Santa Cruz Bronson, featuring upgrades like the RockShox Zeb fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil shock, offers a responsive and playful ride, particularly well-suited for technical climbs and lively trail riding, making it a versatile choice for riders looking for an agile and capable bike.
10
Weight
The weight of the Santa Cruz Bronson bike varies depending on the build kit and size but in general the bike weighs approximately 14kg
10
Front Travel
The front fork has been upgraded to a RockShox Zeb
10
Rear Travel
The rear shock is now a Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil
9
Pedaling Efficiency
The bike is comfortable for climbing, and the smaller rear wheel is noted for its ability to spin up quickly.
9.5
Handling
The bike is praised for its snappiness and poppy feel, which is attributed to the mullet wheel setup.
10
Frame Stiffness
CC level Bronson bikes are specced with the best materials from the C carbon frame for the lightest and best-handling bikes
9.7
Mike's Bikes
Sep 14, 2023
The Santa Cruz Bronson in its latest iteration continues to be a versatile and popular choice
9.7
Overall Rating
The Santa Cruz Bronson in its latest iteration continues to be a versatile and popular choice
9
Weight
The weight of Santa Cruz Bronson varies, ideal for downhill and aggressive riding
10
Front Travel
The front travel of the Santa Cruz Bronson is 160mm.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel of the Santa Cruz Bronson is 150mm.
10
Pedaling Efficiency
The bike is noted to have good pedaling efficiency, with its VPP suspension system.
9.5
Handling
The Santa Cruz Bronson is praised for its stable and confident front-end handling, allowing riders to pick their lines with ease.
9.5
Frame Stiffness
CC-level frames prioritize lightness for optimal handling.
Want a comprehensive overview of the Santa Cruz Bronson? You got it! I’ve gathered precious info from three YouTube videos led by experts. These videos went beyond the basic specs, offering in-depth analyses of the Bronson’s capabilities and features. The experts discussed the bike’s latest updates, focusing on its revised geometry that strikes a perfect balance between agility and stability, making it ideal for a variety of terrains. They also explored the innovative suspension setup, which enhances both the bike’s climbing efficiency and its smoothness on descents. I’ll break it into smaller components for you.
Weight – A Sturdy Performer
First things first, let’s talk about weight. The Santa Cruz Bronson is not lightweight. In fact, it’s particularly heavy, which makes it more suitable for downhill and aggressive riding styles. The exact weight of the Santa Cruz Bronson can vary depending on the build kit and size, but as a general guideline, the bike weighs approximately 14kg. This weight is a testament to its robust construction, designed to handle the rigors of challenging trails and aggressive riding.
Front Travel – Ready to Absorb
Now, let’s delve into the suspension. The front fork of the Santa Cruz Bronson provides a respectable 160 millimeters of suspension travel. This is crucial for absorbing impacts and maintaining control when you’re tackling rough and challenging terrain. But wait, there’s more! Some versions of the bike have even been upgraded to feature a RockShox Zeb fork, further enhancing its capability. So, whether you’re hitting drops or navigating technical descents, this bike’s got the travel you need.
Rear Travel – Balanced Bliss
Matching the front, the rear suspension of the Santa Cruz Bronson offers a balanced 150 millimeters of VPP travel. This balanced setup contributes to a smooth and responsive ride, making it an excellent choice for riders who demand versatility from their bikes. Some models also come with a Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil rear shock, adding to the bike’s overall performance. With 150 millimeters of rear travel, you can confidently take on a variety of trail conditions.
Pedaling Efficiency – Climbing with Ease
When it’s time to climb, the Santa Cruz Bronson proves to be an excellent performer. Climbing is a breeze, and you won’t even need to fiddle with the rear shock’s climb switch. The bike’s design ensures comfort during climbs, and the smaller rear wheel is known for its ability to spin up quickly. Thanks to its VPP suspension system, the Bronson maintains good pedaling efficiency. So, whether you’re tackling technical ascents or grinding up steep hills, this bike keeps you moving efficiently.
Handling – Playful and Nimble
Now, let’s talk about handling, a critical aspect of any mountain bike. The Santa Cruz Bronson offers a playful and responsive handling experience. It has improved reach and maneuverability compared to its previous model, giving riders the confidence to navigate challenging trails with ease. The bike’s snappiness and poppy feel are attributed to its mullet wheel setup, making it a joy to ride. The front-end handling is stable and confident, allowing you to pick your lines with precision and agility.
Frame Stiffness – Built to Last
The frame of the Santa Cruz Bronson features a noticeable shock tunnel, which could affect frame stiffness. However, when it comes to CC-level Bronson bikes, they are specced with the best materials, resulting in a C carbon frame that’s both lightweight and exceptional in terms of handling. CC-level frames prioritize lightness for optimal handling. So, you can trust the frame’s durability and stiffness, even when you’re pushing the bike to its limits on technical descents.
Overall Notes – A Versatile Performer
In summary, the Santa Cruz Bronson V4 showcases impressive performance improvements, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a bike that can handle a wide range of trail conditions while maintaining a playful and capable demeanor. The customized 2023 Santa Cruz Bronson, featuring upgrades like the RockShox Zeb fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil shock, offers a responsive and playful ride, particularly well-suited for technical climbs and lively trail riding, making it a versatile choice for riders looking for an agile and capable bike. The Santa Cruz Bronson in its latest iteration continues to be a versatile and popular choice among riders.
Curious to see how the Santa Cruz Bronson bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.
Best Downhill Bikes
Best Enduro Bikes
So, there you have it – the Santa Cruz Bronson, a sturdy and versatile performer who’s ready to conquer a variety of trails. We value your feedback! Share your review of the Santa Cruz Bronson and help others make informed decisions.
John