Cockpit setup is pretty important. If you lowered the bars by removing a spacer and had your suspension more dialed, it would be a better experience. I own a v4 and ride tight technical trails with it. The Bronson does well. I've cleaned technical climbs on this bike that I haven't made before. I do not believe it's the perfect bike for technical, but it can do it well as an all-rounder. I also like downhill, jumps, and other types of trails so I want a bike that's also good there. Again I bet if you had more time to play with the setup, you might have the same experience. I found it to ride pretty small for the amount of travel it has. But I'm 6 ft, don't ride all 27.5, and have been a 29er person. My prior bikes are Yeti SB130 LR, a Giant Trance, and have spent a decent amount of time on an IBIS Ripmo. I prefer the Bronson over those. The Ripmo is my 2nd favorite.
I'm 5'7" on a medium V4 and sold all of my other bikes. For my height and riding style the mixed wheels are really what I needed. Monster truck ability with great cornering and no but buzz on steeps and drops. I think if I were smaller....full 27.5 would be great...... bigger..... perhaps full 29er. I will say it took a bit of getting used to but now it feels like a great match.
I'm funnily glad you're finally shopping for a new bike. Who else does a good 27.5...? Afraid of alloy? Knolly... personal favorite. Transition... Norco?
How tall are you? I am 5'5" (165 cm) and I found that Santa Cruz/Juliana size small bikes are too big for me. XS are good but small, nope just too big. Thanks for the review, always like your videos. I am currently looking for a new bike, so I found this really helpful.
Yep 5'5" as well ! Thanks, I wish Santa Cruz kept 27.5! Some would suggest to give the new bike a few rides before writing it off, but $120 per demo adds up ;)
@@ZestyLife Thanks and if you do any more reviews please post, but I can see already that we probably think too much alike including the crazy $120 demo fee.
Cockpit setup is pretty important. If you lowered the bars by removing a spacer and had your suspension more dialed, it would be a better experience. I own a v4 and ride tight technical trails with it. The Bronson does well. I've cleaned technical climbs on this bike that I haven't made before. I do not believe it's the perfect bike for technical, but it can do it well as an all-rounder. I also like downhill, jumps, and other types of trails so I want a bike that's also good there. Again I bet if you had more time to play with the setup, you might have the same experience. I found it to ride pretty small for the amount of travel it has. But I'm 6 ft, don't ride all 27.5, and have been a 29er person. My prior bikes are Yeti SB130 LR, a Giant Trance, and have spent a decent amount of time on an IBIS Ripmo. I prefer the Bronson over those. The Ripmo is my 2nd favorite.
what size you riding?
I totally appreciate your honesty! I have a 5010, non mullet, and totally love the playful nature of it.
I'm 5'7" on a medium V4 and sold all of my other bikes. For my height and riding style the mixed wheels are really what I needed. Monster truck ability with great cornering and no but buzz on steeps and drops. I think if I were smaller....full 27.5 would be great...... bigger..... perhaps full 29er. I will say it took a bit of getting used to but now it feels like a great match.
I'm funnily glad you're finally shopping for a new bike. Who else does a good 27.5...? Afraid of alloy? Knolly... personal favorite. Transition... Norco?
Rocky Altitude I might give a whirl..
Revel Rail 27, Transition Scout, Marin or if you can find a V5 Nomad ;)
Canyon Spectral 27.5
@@stephenkrause6059 Nice looking bike...
where did you ride for this?
How tall are you? I am 5'5" (165 cm) and I found that Santa Cruz/Juliana size small bikes are too big for me. XS are good but small, nope just too big. Thanks for the review, always like your videos. I am currently looking for a new bike, so I found this really helpful.
Yep 5'5" as well ! Thanks, I wish Santa Cruz kept 27.5! Some would suggest to give the new bike a few rides before writing it off, but $120 per demo adds up ;)
@@ZestyLife Thanks and if you do any more reviews please post, but I can see already that we probably think too much alike including the crazy $120 demo fee.
The XS, unlike the other sizes, is still designed to be run 27.5 front and back (Ive got an order for a 2023 frame)
I have a v3 bronson and i’m a bit fomo-ish with the idea of mullet 😅
Thanks for the review!
You bet! New isn’t always better 😏
So did you go with it?
No way
Your dog is the coolest 😎
Santa Cruz is between the better bikes