Very good review. Very good description. I lime the fact that you brought the Bronson for climbing in rocky sections. You covered nany aspects: playfull, climbing, downhill, jumps. Great review
Great review. Having a skilled rider on a legit trail getting after it showcases this bike well. Can’t believe how well he narrated while climbing. I almost feel like I swung my leg over it on a familiar trail.
@@madeiradriftin4429 i prefer the way that santa cruz feels, my father have a sb 5.5 and i dont like the switch infinity, but its an amazing climber and all arround bike.
@@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh Both are very nice. I know it comes down to personal preference. Santa Cruz has great warranty and that is very important as well. I tend to avoid the expensive plastic. Aluminium for life! at least on gravity bikes
@@madeiradriftin4429 i dont care if the bike is alloy or carbon frame, my atual bike is a status 160, its awesome but i dont avoid carbon frames ( i have 100kg and didnt had any issue)
@@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh They are too stiff for me( only rode a SB150 and a Sentinel) Mostly dislike handlebars but still prefer the feel of an ALU bike. Would love to try Zipp Moto wheels tho
Great review! I have a Bronson V2 and when I test rode the V3 I felt it lacked the playfulness of the V2 and hence passed on it. Have you ridden the Bronson V3 and if so, how does the V4 compare in terms of playfulness/nimbleness? Also, is it easy to bunny hop and how well does it handle drops to flat in the 4-5' range?
Could anyone compare this new Bronson with the v2 Bronson with a Push Eleven Six? i am still happy with that set up, but starting to wonder if all the new changes would be worth the change up.
Salut, je suis sur le point d'acheter le même j'hésite entre le M et L pouvez vous me dire s'il vous plait qu'elle est la taille du votre et combien vous mesurez ? Personnellement je fais 1m76 et je serai plus partie sur du M pour garder un vélo joueur pas trop long qu'est ce que vous en dites ? Bye
Thanks for the nice review. I’m familiar with the Hightower’s suspension feel… is the Bronson’s similar? Putting a heavy duty 2.6” out back makes a mullet even nicer.
When you put the 2.6” tire on back, did you notice if there was any difference in pedaling and acceleration ? I think the 2.6” tire is heavier than the 2.4”, but should be taller and wider and maybe give a bit more “rollover”? Maybe there’s not much real height difference between 2.4 and 2.6” tires?
@@rogerb3927 I think the bigger tire rolled just as well. The lighter casing actually pedaled much better but it was too flimsy for hard riding. A heavy duty casing 2.6 pedaled and accelerated as least as well as the 2.4 imo. Much better climbing traction as well. Tough, techy climbs are common around here and I have as much fun cleaning those as almost anything else. I think a heavy duty 2.6 x 275 is a great middle ground between a 29 and a regular 275.
If anyone can help me. I am short with a 30” inseam and 29ers always feel too big. Would this be a good bike for a short leg rider?????? I do love monster trucking with a 29 and it helps me on steep trails but it seems slow on corners and it’s hard to put my feet on the ground
Hello, and thank you for this great review! Question for you; I’m just getting back into riding after a long hiatus. I’m able to pick one of these up for a decent price with a Fox 38 Fit-Grip 29”(upgrade) up front, and the Fox Float X in the rear. I plan to do some climbing and downhill, and this sounds to be a great do-it-all mountain bike. Would you think this is a do-it-all mountain bike? Is this not a good idea for someone getting back into it after a lengthy hiatus?
Great video… do you usually ride full 29er? Or more often 27.5? I’ve seen some mullet reviews saying the rear tire ‘hangs up’ noticeably more on a mullet… but every Bronson review indicates ‘hang up’ of the rear tire is a non issue.. i have a Bronson on order… and i can change my mind to a HT. I ride a lot of chunky stuff.. no bikes to test ride… so trying to learn from videos. :(
I'd say I ride way more 29ers than 27.5. While I think a smaller back wheel is a little more likely to get hung up, I would think that has more to do with suspension than anything else. The Bronson suspension is really soft off the top through the midstroke. Shouldn't be hanging up on too much.
Which climbs better, the Rocky Mountain Instinct, or the new Bronson ? I guess I should ask if you've ridden the Instinct first? Thanks for sharing. Great review.
The Bronson is in an entirely different category. Not even close. Personally I think mullet will phase out 27.5 over the next few years. I still think shops will sell 5 29ers to every mullet/27.5.
@@bikersedge I’d also like to know the differences between this and the Tallboy. Is it way less efficient than the Tallboy? If they bring out a 5010 mullet I’d really like to get this bike! I’m riding a lot of mellower mtb tours and a 27.5 wheel in the front just isn’t the right tool for the job.
@@rolux4853 The closer comparison would be the Hightower or Megatower. Its heavier, sacker and less efficient than the Tallboy. It's far more DH capable on the other hand.
@@bikersedge thanks! Im riding the new Tallboy CC at the moment and I really like it! It’s super efficient and has enough rear travel 90% of the time. However having relatively short legs I always wonder if a 27.5“ backwheel would make things a bit easier for me. I’d definitely not want a 27.5“ wheel on the front, that’s why I didn’t get the 5010, but I keep wondering if mullet is the way to go. Edit: spelling errors
I have a 2013 Bronson Carbon....3 years into it my rear triangle shredded and Santa Cruz refused my warranty claim by saying they didn't have any rear triangles for the bike in stock and they wouldn't be getting any more. They didn't offer a discount on anything else either. The bike frame was literally trash after 3 years of ownership. I've lost all faith in Santa Cruz
Wow. Were you the original owner with proof of purchase? I'm surprised they would handle it that way. If that's how they treat customers it contradicts their "Lifetime Warranty" selling proposition.
Yep, I am the original owner and still have all the receipts and documentation from when I purchased it. Not super helpful. There are other bike brands out there with similar geometry and excellent designs that do better with warranty claims and are overall more reasonably priced. I can’t recommend Santa Cruz anymore.
@@austinw638 That's good to know. I'm considering a Bronson for my next bike, and the "lifetime warranty" is a big selling feature for me. I guess I'll need to read the fine print. Or possibly go with a Transition instead. I have only heard good things about their customer service/support.
Spendy bike + Mullet = Hmm. This feels like a big commitment. I do think the Bronson is legendary, but is a Hightower LT basically a 29" Bronson? Can I mullet a HT then and limit the risk?
Don’t see why it would be stupid. It’s a pretty well rounded option that’s not too extreme. I usually suggest starting somewhere in the trail or all mountain categories for your first FS bike.
If you can get your hands on one why not? Just make sure to keep the Hightower until you have the Bronson in hand. Delivery dates are pretty unreliable at the moment.
Thanks for the kind words! I purposely don't put trail names in the videos. Trying to not broadcast some potentially sensitive areas all over the internet. This one is in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Awesome review! I'm headed to check out / test ride one of these bad boys tonight. Also, your shirt is fire! Is this a custom or can I order a similar one somewhere?
@@bikersedge Dang. If by local do you mean that our states border each other ;) I did wind up picking up the Bronson, so thank you for your helpful review on this! Have been loving the bike so far!
Not really a clear answer here. The Bronson is a dedicated mullet. The 5010 was a conversion. The Bronson felt better for sure. I don’t think travel length is much of a factor, although when you get really short travel it’s nice to have two 29” wheels to help get over obstacles.
@@bikersedge I have noticed that the new Bronson's stack height is higher than other 29ers, including megatower or nomad. I would have liked slightly shorter fork up front to keep geo similar to others. Do you notice the difference in stack between your 5010 mullet and Bronson? It may be more problematic for shorter riders. Wish Santa Cruz comes with more trail oriented Mullet like 5010 or Hightower Mullet! May be in couple of years?
That question is really stupid, there is capable bikes from $1700 to $15000 you are simply looking at the bikes YOU can't afford. Imagine if I look at a Ferrari and ask "why cars are so expensive" No stupid!!!!! You should be looking at a totota corolla
Hey, I'm from Russia, bike class, please tell me which size is M or L? and how tall are you? and how is he landing? I also want to buy one, but only a frame, I collect it in parts, on my channel Привет, я из России, байк-класс, скажите, пожалуйста, какой размер M или L? а какой у тебя рост? и как он приземляется? Тоже хочу купить одну, но только рамку, собираю по частям, на своем канале
Always takes me a few months to completely dial in the LLVPP and everything else on a SC bike but its pure gold when its done.
Very good review. Very good description. I lime the fact that you brought the Bronson for climbing in rocky sections. You covered nany aspects: playfull, climbing, downhill, jumps. Great review
I'm currently looking to change my older Fuel Ex8 for a Bronson and climbing and playfull were my main criterias
Your content keeps getting better and better. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like them!
Finally creat review. No mattet what bike it is, uphill capabilities requires its place and time on review 👍
Great review. Having a skilled rider on a legit trail getting after it showcases this bike well. Can’t believe how well he narrated while climbing. I almost feel like I swung my leg over it on a familiar trail.
Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!
My thoughts precisely
haha his VO2max must be insane
This is probably the first bike that’s come out in the last couple years that has me thinking about selling my sb150
Dude! Its very nice but... NOOOOOOO
@@madeiradriftin4429 i prefer the way that santa cruz feels, my father have a sb 5.5 and i dont like the switch infinity, but its an amazing climber and all arround bike.
@@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh Both are very nice. I know it comes down to personal preference. Santa Cruz has great warranty and that is very important as well.
I tend to avoid the expensive plastic. Aluminium for life! at least on gravity bikes
@@madeiradriftin4429 i dont care if the bike is alloy or carbon frame, my atual bike is a status 160, its awesome but i dont avoid carbon frames ( i have 100kg and didnt had any issue)
@@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh They are too stiff for me( only rode a SB150 and a Sentinel) Mostly dislike handlebars but still prefer the feel of an ALU bike. Would love to try Zipp Moto wheels tho
What trail is this? I need to take my bronson on it!
Great review! I have a Bronson V2 and when I test rode the V3 I felt it lacked the playfulness of the V2 and hence passed on it. Have you ridden the Bronson V3 and if so, how does the V4 compare in terms of playfulness/nimbleness? Also, is it easy to bunny hop and how well does it handle drops to flat in the 4-5' range?
Would love to see a comparison between the new Bronson and the Hightower.
I can make that happen!
Anticipate.....can't wait 😋
@@bikersedge Soon please! I'm considering those 2 and the ripmo!
@@EM-jg7cw I still can’t get my hands on a bronson. Is probably going to be a bit.
Could anyone compare this new Bronson with the v2 Bronson with a Push Eleven Six? i am still happy with that set up, but starting to wonder if all the new changes would be worth the change up.
I didn't catch it in the video, but what size frame was being tested? How did you find it relative to your height / size?
Size medium. At 5'8" it fits like a glove.
@@bikersedge at 176cm (5'9.5"), would you say a medium is still the right size? SC says to size up for me...
Nice review bro. I'm thinking of getting one of these bikes. Appreciate the vid!
Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it.
Salut, je suis sur le point d'acheter le même j'hésite entre le M et L pouvez vous me dire s'il vous plait qu'elle est la taille du votre et combien vous mesurez ? Personnellement je fais 1m76 et je serai plus partie sur du M pour garder un vélo joueur pas trop long qu'est ce que vous en dites ?
Bye
Thanks for the nice review. I’m familiar with the Hightower’s suspension feel… is the Bronson’s similar? Putting a heavy duty 2.6” out back makes a mullet even nicer.
When you put the 2.6” tire on back, did you notice if there was any difference in pedaling and acceleration ? I think the 2.6” tire is heavier than the 2.4”, but should be taller and wider and maybe give a bit more “rollover”? Maybe there’s not much real height difference between 2.4 and 2.6” tires?
@@rogerb3927 I think the bigger tire rolled just as well. The lighter casing actually pedaled much better but it was too flimsy for hard riding. A heavy duty casing 2.6 pedaled and accelerated as least as well as the 2.4 imo. Much better climbing traction as well. Tough, techy climbs are common around here and I have as much fun cleaning those as almost anything else. I think a heavy duty 2.6 x 275 is a great middle ground between a 29 and a regular 275.
@@mkrj2576 excellent. What tire did you use for the heavy duty 2.6 x 27.5?
If anyone can help me. I am short with a 30” inseam and 29ers always feel too big. Would this be a good bike for a short leg rider?????? I do love monster trucking with a 29 and it helps me on steep trails but it seems slow on corners and it’s hard to put my feet on the ground
Check out our bike sizing video we just dropped the other day. Might help you.
I just wanna know what trail that is.
Right?!
Hello, and thank you for this great review! Question for you; I’m just getting back into riding after a long hiatus. I’m able to pick one of these up for a decent price with a Fox 38 Fit-Grip 29”(upgrade) up front, and the Fox Float X in the rear. I plan to do some climbing and downhill, and this sounds to be a great do-it-all mountain bike. Would you think this is a do-it-all mountain bike? Is this not a good idea for someone getting back into it after a lengthy hiatus?
I think it’s a great all mountain option. I’d recommend it to anyone.
@@bikersedge Thank you!
More videos of that guy going uphill and trying to talk!
The struggle is real.
😂
Buy this or keep my 2020 Hightower ??
Great video… do you usually ride full 29er? Or more often 27.5? I’ve seen some mullet reviews saying the rear tire ‘hangs up’ noticeably more on a mullet… but every Bronson review indicates ‘hang up’ of the rear tire is a non issue.. i have a Bronson on order… and i can change my mind to a HT. I ride a lot of chunky stuff.. no bikes to test ride… so trying to learn from videos. :(
I'd say I ride way more 29ers than 27.5. While I think a smaller back wheel is a little more likely to get hung up, I would think that has more to do with suspension than anything else. The Bronson suspension is really soft off the top through the midstroke. Shouldn't be hanging up on too much.
@@bikersedge Thanks much! Helps me keep from second guessing my bike order. :)
Picked up a 5010 V4 last summer, if this Bronson had been out then I might have made a different decision :).
How are you liking the 5010 ?
is it quiet or loud bike?
Hey any plans to test the new 5010 or Pivot Trail 429?
We already reviewed the new 5010. Check it out! We don’t carry Pivot so no plans there.
How would you compare this to the new rallon? Looking for an all mountain bike that is still playful and poppy. Thanks for the review
I think they’re pretty similar. The Rallon feels a little sharper and quicker especially on the climbs.
What's the difference between this bike and the Status 160 besides the aluminum frame?
Geometry, travel, and suspension design are all different.
Which climbs better, the Rocky Mountain Instinct, or the new Bronson ? I guess I should ask if you've ridden the Instinct first? Thanks for sharing. Great review.
Thanks for the kind words. Haven't ridden the new Instinct so I can't really say.
@@bikersedge Cool thanks, Those are the two I'm considering for new bikes.
How would you say this compares to the V4 Tallboy ?
I currently use the tallboy as a quiver killer and am interested in your direct comparison. Do you think mullet is just a fad or here to stay ?
The Bronson is in an entirely different category. Not even close.
Personally I think mullet will phase out 27.5 over the next few years. I still think shops will sell 5 29ers to every mullet/27.5.
@@bikersedge I’d also like to know the differences between this and the Tallboy.
Is it way less efficient than the Tallboy?
If they bring out a 5010 mullet I’d really like to get this bike!
I’m riding a lot of mellower mtb tours and a 27.5 wheel in the front just isn’t the right tool for the job.
@@rolux4853 The closer comparison would be the Hightower or Megatower. Its heavier, sacker and less efficient than the Tallboy. It's far more DH capable on the other hand.
@@bikersedge thanks!
Im riding the new Tallboy CC at the moment and I really like it!
It’s super efficient and has enough rear travel 90% of the time.
However having relatively short legs I always wonder if a 27.5“ backwheel would make things a bit easier for me.
I’d definitely not want a 27.5“ wheel on the front, that’s why I didn’t get the 5010, but I keep wondering if mullet is the way to go.
Edit: spelling errors
Just curious, where are you riding.
Little Cottonwood Canyon.
I have a 2013 Bronson Carbon....3 years into it my rear triangle shredded and Santa Cruz refused my warranty claim by saying they didn't have any rear triangles for the bike in stock and they wouldn't be getting any more. They didn't offer a discount on anything else either. The bike frame was literally trash after 3 years of ownership. I've lost all faith in Santa Cruz
Wow. Were you the original owner with proof of purchase? I'm surprised they would handle it that way. If that's how they treat customers it contradicts their "Lifetime Warranty" selling proposition.
Yep, I am the original owner and still have all the receipts and documentation from when I purchased it. Not super helpful. There are other bike brands out there with similar geometry and excellent designs that do better with warranty claims and are overall more reasonably priced. I can’t recommend Santa Cruz anymore.
@@austinw638 That's good to know. I'm considering a Bronson for my next bike, and the "lifetime warranty" is a big selling feature for me. I guess I'll need to read the fine print. Or possibly go with a Transition instead. I have only heard good things about their customer service/support.
Am i able to change the front tire to 27.5
No.
Spendy bike + Mullet = Hmm. This feels like a big commitment. I do think the Bronson is legendary, but is a Hightower LT basically a 29" Bronson? Can I mullet a HT then and limit the risk?
Geo is way different. The slack seat tube on the HTLT would get even slacker in mullet mode.
@@bikersedge would you say this moves the Bronson from a play bike to a trail bike?
I don’t think that “play bike” and “trail bike” are mutually exclusive. The Bronson remains very playful while being a capable trail bike.
@@bikersedge True, but it definitely didn't seem as versatile.
Could this be a first full-suspension mountain bike for someone or would that be stupid?
Don’t see why it would be stupid. It’s a pretty well rounded option that’s not too extreme. I usually suggest starting somewhere in the trail or all mountain categories for your first FS bike.
Would you trade a Hightower for this ?
I’m a big fan of 29ers so maybe not but this one is on my short list for new bikes this year.
@@bikersedge My dilemma sell my 2020 high tower and buy this …
If you can get your hands on one why not? Just make sure to keep the Hightower until you have the Bronson in hand. Delivery dates are pretty unreliable at the moment.
better then Trek slash?
Not sure. We don't carry Trek. I haven't spent any tjme on them.
I'm thinking of purchasing this bike and converting it to a reverse mullet with 190mm fork. Would you recommend?
Send it.
The BB height of the V4 is 344 mm. The BB height of the V3 Bronson is 340 mm. That suggests the V4 was originally designed as 27.5 back and front.
What is this trail. And could you possibly start putting the trail you were riding in the description after every video. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the kind words! I purposely don't put trail names in the videos. Trying to not broadcast some potentially sensitive areas all over the internet. This one is in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
I’d really like to see the new Bronson vs some of the new pivot and yeti bikes. Good shot tho broham🤙
Thanks! I could make it happen with Yeti but not Pivot. We don’t carry Pivot at the shop.
@@bikersedge make it happen my guy 🤙
1:48 I never lock my shocks neither 😆
Awesome review! I'm headed to check out / test ride one of these bad boys tonight.
Also, your shirt is fire! Is this a custom or can I order a similar one somewhere?
It’s a custom Bikers Edge jersey. If you’re local we might have a few left from this run!
@@bikersedge Dang. If by local do you mean that our states border each other ;)
I did wind up picking up the Bronson, so thank you for your helpful review on this! Have been loving the bike so far!
@@petereyrich5669 how does it feel on the flat stretch ? 27.5 rear
Thank you for the review. Do you think Mullet is better served on longer travel bikes, like Enduro bikes, as opposed to shorter travel trail bikes?
May be the answer is not straightforward. But curious how you compare your 5010 Mullet vs Bronson Mullet.
Not really a clear answer here. The Bronson is a dedicated mullet. The 5010 was a conversion. The Bronson felt better for sure. I don’t think travel length is much of a factor, although when you get really short travel it’s nice to have two 29” wheels to help get over obstacles.
@@bikersedge I have noticed that the new Bronson's stack height is higher than other 29ers, including megatower or nomad. I would have liked slightly shorter fork up front to keep geo similar to others. Do you notice the difference in stack between your 5010 mullet and Bronson? It may be more problematic for shorter riders. Wish Santa Cruz comes with more trail oriented Mullet like 5010 or Hightower Mullet! May be in couple of years?
How are you the only channel with a video up
We are cooler than everyone else!
Vital also as a video out!
Hey watch it! We are the only cool ones with a video out.
It sound like a great bike 🙂👍
It is!
Yeah it climbs really well and pedals efficiently, and my xc race bike is a downhill slayer !!!!!!
Stunpjumper Evo or Bronson
Not sure. We don't carry Specialized so I'm not too familiar. Wouldn't be able to provide much input there.
As in Charles Bronson or some Beanie wearing hip name for a tree?
Bronson, as in my crazy uncle who lives in the woods.
why the bikes are so expensive :(
Because people keeps buying them
That question is really stupid, there is capable bikes from $1700 to $15000 you are simply looking at the bikes YOU can't afford.
Imagine if I look at a Ferrari and ask "why cars are so expensive" No stupid!!!!! You should be looking at a totota corolla
Hey, I'm from Russia, bike class, please tell me which size is M or L? and how tall are you? and how is he landing? I also want to buy one, but only a frame, I collect it in parts, on my channel
Привет, я из России, байк-класс, скажите, пожалуйста, какой размер M или L? а какой у тебя рост? и как он приземляется? Тоже хочу купить одну, но только рамку, собираю по частям, на своем канале
This is a medium. Brock is 5’8”
@@bikersedge Thank you
I want one.
So do I.
Much want.
$5000. Oh boy, I need to do way more overtime to afford that bike.
Worth it.