Curious about the 2024 Santa Cruz Bronson? I recently had the opportunity to put this freshly updated trail slayer to the test on Moab’s iconic Captain Ahab Trail, and let me tell you—it’s an interesting ride. Here’s everything you need to know about this mullet-wielding machine, straight from the desert.
First Impressions of the Santa Cruz Bronson
Santa Cruz pulled out all the stops with the latest Bronson. The size medium carbon frame, which I tested in its striking pink colorway, is spec’d to impress. With 160mm of travel up front and 150mm in the rear, it’s designed for riders who love big terrain. Oh, and did I mention it’s a mullet setup? This was my first time riding a mixed-wheel bike, and I couldn’t wait to see how it performed.
Santa Cruz’s Key Geometry Updates:
- Head tube angle: 64.2 degrees (slacker than the previous model)
- Reach: 460mm (medium size)
- Stack height: Taller than before
- Chainstay: Longer for added stability
Santa Cruz also updated the suspension kinematics, reducing anti-squat and pedal bob for a smoother climbing experience. Would these tweaks live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the ride.
Climbing Performance: Comfortable but Not a Climber’s Dream
On the climb up Captain Ahab, I immediately noticed how comfortable the climbing position felt. The bike’s geometry made it easy to lift the front wheel over obstacles and pedal efficiently. However, things weren’t perfect.
Bronson Pros:
- The pedaling platform felt stable and efficient, with minimal bob.
- The cockpit gave a tall, upright feel, which was great for long climbs.
Bronson Cons:
- On technical climbs, the suspension occasionally felt like it worked against me, especially when tackling square-edge rocks.
- Pedal strikes were a recurring issue, likely due to the suspension travel and movement.
- The rear wheel slipped a few times on punchy technical sections, possibly due to the mullet setup’s smaller rear tire.
If you’re riding desert terrain with lots of technical ups, this bike might not be your best friend. But if climbs are more straightforward, the Bronson gets the job done.
Descending: Built to Go Fast and Play Hard
As soon as I turned the Bronson downhill, it came alive. While Captain Ahab isn’t the fastest or steepest trail, the bike’s downhill performance left a big impression.
What Stood Out:
- Confidence in chunky terrain: The 160mm Fox 36 fork up front smoothed out rocky sections, letting me charge through without hesitation.
- Playful yet planted: The Bronson felt nimble in tight corners while staying stable at speed.
- Easy to get airborne: Though Ahab doesn’t have many jumps, the bike made quick work of small side hits and drops.
This bike feels like it wants to go fast. On flowy or bike park trails, it would absolutely shine. Compared to my personal Evil Wreckoning, the Bronson feels lighter and more playful, though slightly less planted.
Components: Room for Improvement
While the Bronson’s build kit checks most boxes, there were a few things I’d swap out.
What Components I’d Change:
- Saddle: The stock SDG saddle was hard as a rock. For long days in the saddle, an upgrade is a must.
- Grips and bars: The grips felt too thin, making my hands tired and tingly. The bars were also too wide for my taste but are easy to customize.
Components I Liked:
- SRAM DB8 brakes: While not as familiar as my TRPs, these brakes offered solid stopping power and responsiveness.
- Race Face wheels with DT Swiss hubs: Smooth and dependable on technical terrain.
- OneUp dropper post: Reliable and easy to use.
The Verdict: Who Is the 2024 Santa Cruz Bronson For?
The 2024 Santa Cruz Bronson is an incredible bike, but it has its niche. If your riding is focused on downhill and flowy terrain, this bike will deliver an exceptional experience. However, for technical desert climbs or punchy uphill trails, it might not be the perfect fit.
Ideal Rider Profile:
- Loves fast, flowy descents or bike park laps.
- Rides in areas with minimal technical climbing.
- Prefers a playful, nimble ride over a super-planted feel.
I’d love to test this bike again in the Pacific Northwest or at a proper bike park, where its speed and cornering ability could truly shine. For now, the Bronson proves that it’s a capable and fun trail bike, even if it’s not built for every type of terrain.
Questions? Let’s Chat!
If you’re considering the 2024 Santa Cruz Bronson and have more questions, drop them in the comments below or reach out! And as always, don’t forget to have a Vantastic day. 🚵♂️
Links
- 2024 Santa Cruz Bronson (as ridden in review)
- 2024 Norco Sight Review
- 2023 Forbidden Druid V2 Review
- Revel Rail 29 vs. Revel Rascal
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