Did you lock out the suspension during the climbs in this review? Locking out the suspension on the Bronson 2022 definitely improves its climbing ability. I’m in BC and usually ride gnarly terrain with a buddy who’s on a Hightower 2021, I find that with the exception of double track climbs the Bronson is a better climbing as it is a more response turner and my buddy on the Hightower looses too much momentum on the tight corners. Though I do think your review is bang on if the terrain you ride is hilly and flowy get the Hightower, if it’s mountainous and gnarly get the Bronson
I personally don’t like locking out any Santa Cruz bikes that aren’t the Tallboy or the Blur (I’ve rode every up to date one except the V10). I feel like it gives it a bob, so no I did not lock it out on either bike. I tried on both bikes before the review but didn’t like it. I also rode both bikes on a gravel road back to back and out of these specific bikes there’s no way the Bronson climbs even close to as fast. But going back down something steep the Hightower wouldn’t keep up.
I got a Bronson a couple months ago and I was wondering if it was just me that I feel like climbing is a chore…glad that I’m not alone. I miss the climbing ability of my previous cheap hardtail.
Nice review man. I have a 2021 HT and I absolutely love it. That bike is the epitome of an all mountain bike. I live in SoCal and most of my buddies have Enduro bikes. I usually smoke em on the climbs and I'm right there with them on the DH. The HT is so well rounded!! I've hit some of the steepest and gnarliest trails we have out here and not once have I felt underbiked. Keep up the great content!
Thanks man I appreciate the comment! Yeah I rode my Hightower down in SoCal last October and it worked awesome! I was riding with my buddy that was on an SB150. What build do you have?
@@dialedmtb nice! Do you remember which trails you rode when you were out here? I have the AR build, but I've done a pretty good amount of upgrades here and there. Most notably, adding the Charger 2.1 damper to the yari so that it performs like a Lyrik ultimate. Hands down the best upgrade one can make to that particular build. I also added a SuperDeluxe ultimate with a MegNeg. The suspension is feeling so good providing supreme confidence 👌🏽
Oh yeah you did some super good upgrades! Did that build come with Guide, G2 or Code brakes? But I rode Santiago Oaks, Aliso, and another place I forget.
@@dialedmtb it came with the G2 brakes. They're OK, I threw a 200mm rotor up front for a lil more stopping power. I'll upgrade them eventually but they perform well enough for now. Nice man, you rode my local spots when you were down here. Let me know if you ever come down again, would be cool to link up for a ride!
Thank you man! Glad it came out clear enough! haha it always seems like it could be better when you are editing the video. But yeah the Hightower is still one of the bikes in my favorite bikes I've ridden.
Thanks for this review- Vegas where I’m at- all climbs till you descend- going Hightower. Was on fence for an all around trail/ climb 2-3 miles till you drop and seems like the Hightower is the best for me on these trails here- really awesome content and much appreciated.
So you gonna try the new cascade link on the Bronson? I'd love to try the Bronson with the cascade link to get 170mm travel in the rear with the fork upped to a 170mm Fox38. As great as 29 wheels are, I'm pushing it with my 32" inseam. Still want 29 on the front though.
I actually got rid of the Bronson. I usually have my main bike I keep for a year then the others only stay around for a few months while I get a good feel for them to post some videos on them. But I am sure the cascade link would work great, they make really good products so I wouldn’t be afraid to try it out if I were you! But I really enjoy 29er and I only have a 30” inseam. It really all just depends on each persons riding style and what makes them feel comfortable. But I do think the Bronson is a great platform to build a bike like your talking out of! There’s rumors that Santa Cruz will have a 29er and a Mullet version of the new Megatower coming. Although the MX (Mullet) could be a later release date due to supply.
@@dialedmtb Always better to get the bike closest to waht you already want. A mullet Megatower with a 63.5 HA ,170 front, 160 rear, would be pretty sweet! Either that, or I'm just gonna get the new mullet Canyon Torque.
Great video! I wonder how the outcomes would have been if you rode the Bronson first. Second time up the hill is harder. Your reactions seem accurate..
@@dialedmtb I talked to the guys at Santa Cruz and they described the Bronson as a trail/enduro bike with a slight tilt toward enduro. It really seems like an in between machine.
Great video dude! Very informative and entertaining! Thank You from me and my Channel!❤️🏴❤️ looking forward to seeing your next video and I wish you all the best of luck.👍
I’ve basically narrowed it down to these 2 bikes and the Niner Rip 9 and the Trek Fuel EX 9.8. I’m going back and forth between the 2 SC bikes. Great review; after watching your review on the 2022 Bronson I was pretty sold on it. Living in NorCal we have a smorgasbord of different trail types and terrain. The Hightower sounds nice….but I think I’d rather have the extra downhill stability (and confidence) that the Bronson seems to bring vs. the Hightower. It’s a pretty close race, right?!
Yeah it’s close for sure, I think the Fuel EX should be at the bottom of your list though if you’re more worried about downhill. Out of all of those bikes the Bronson will be the best on the descent but slowest on the climb. the Rip and the Hightower will be the most similar for both climbing and descending.
@@dialedmtb is the Bronson the slowest simply because it has a 27.5” rear wheel or because of it’s geometry or because of it’s travel or a combination of the three? Sorry for my ignorance, I’m just getting back into mountain bikes and we’ve come a LONG way in the 15 years or so I’ve been out of the game. Lot to soak in.
@@ericf5976 I’m not sure “overpriced garbage” is accurate. They seemed to be the lowest priced bike with the same component package, same lifetime warranty on their frames, 2 year warranty on their wheels, beautiful looking frames, and 9 out of 10 reviews I’ve read are positive (if not more). I went with the SC because I already have 2 Treks and wanted to try something different this time. I haven’t actually taken delivery yet, it’s not a “done deal,” and I am having second thoughts about my decision. I’m honestly not sure I’m worthy of a SC. I don’t want to be a poser.
Dude that is awesome to hear you got a 22' Hightower! What build and color did you go with? But sorry for the late reply, I think the bronson has a couple of things against it. With the 27" rear wheel being the biggest thing. Like I said in the video if you are not going down something super steep and gnarly the hightower will be faster on the ups and downs
Yeah I owned a Megatower for a little bit last year. I honestly think that it’s close to the Bronson, but climbs a little bit better then the Bronson. They should have a new MT coming out soon.
@@dialedmtb Good to know! I've outbiked my TB4, and am leaning Hightower. I've recently done a factory demo and it feels great, but can't say it feels like "enough" of an upgrade over the TB4, as it still was a bit harsh in the suspension. Plus nobody has an HT2 in my size and desired kit right now, but Bronson's are aplenty at the moment. My area is steep up and down, so climbing is important to me. So the Megatower is the next level of appeal, but have no idea when they will be available.
My Hight is 5.5” and I am planing to get Hightower but as I know Hightower will be not that easy for me specially in the tight Corning and it will touch my ass in steep sections.. so do you thing doing mullet will help me in that condition or will you recommend me Bronson?
I have rode all of them but the DH bike and I can say they for sure all feel different enough to have a spot in the lineup. If they went with just 29" wheels that is basically the lineup they would have.
@@dialedmtb How do you think the Nomad will compare on climbing to the Bronson ? I have an ibis Hd4 right now and really want a SC as my next bike. I ride PNW trails mainly post Canyon, Sandy ridge and Blackrock.
Honestly I think they would climb pretty similar, I have only pedaled a Nomad around so can't say too much. But Steeper stuff I would personally like a 29" wheel up front at least
I did a super steep short hill climb on the Bronson and it was a phenomenal climber there . Just a bike shop test ride not on trail
Yeah it’s not a bad climber for what it is, just not the best from the riding I got in on it.
Did you lock out the suspension during the climbs in this review? Locking out the suspension on the Bronson 2022 definitely improves its climbing ability. I’m in BC and usually ride gnarly terrain with a buddy who’s on a Hightower 2021, I find that with the exception of double track climbs the Bronson is a better climbing as it is a more response turner and my buddy on the Hightower looses too much momentum on the tight corners. Though I do think your review is bang on if the terrain you ride is hilly and flowy get the Hightower, if it’s mountainous and gnarly get the Bronson
I personally don’t like locking out any Santa Cruz bikes that aren’t the Tallboy or the Blur (I’ve rode every up to date one except the V10). I feel like it gives it a bob, so no I did not lock it out on either bike. I tried on both bikes before the review but didn’t like it. I also rode both bikes on a gravel road back to back and out of these specific bikes there’s no way the Bronson climbs even close to as fast. But going back down something steep the Hightower wouldn’t keep up.
I got a Bronson a couple months ago and I was wondering if it was just me that I feel like climbing is a chore…glad that I’m not alone. I miss the climbing ability of my previous cheap hardtail.
Nice review man. I have a 2021 HT and I absolutely love it. That bike is the epitome of an all mountain bike. I live in SoCal and most of my buddies have Enduro bikes. I usually smoke em on the climbs and I'm right there with them on the DH. The HT is so well rounded!! I've hit some of the steepest and gnarliest trails we have out here and not once have I felt underbiked. Keep up the great content!
Thanks man I appreciate the comment! Yeah I rode my Hightower down in SoCal last October and it worked awesome! I was riding with my buddy that was on an SB150.
What build do you have?
@@dialedmtb nice! Do you remember which trails you rode when you were out here? I have the AR build, but I've done a pretty good amount of upgrades here and there. Most notably, adding the Charger 2.1 damper to the yari so that it performs like a Lyrik ultimate. Hands down the best upgrade one can make to that particular build. I also added a SuperDeluxe ultimate with a MegNeg. The suspension is feeling so good providing supreme confidence 👌🏽
Oh yeah you did some super good upgrades! Did that build come with Guide, G2 or Code brakes?
But I rode Santiago Oaks, Aliso, and another place I forget.
@@dialedmtb it came with the G2 brakes. They're OK, I threw a 200mm rotor up front for a lil more stopping power. I'll upgrade them eventually but they perform well enough for now. Nice man, you rode my local spots when you were down here. Let me know if you ever come down again, would be cool to link up for a ride!
Yeah G2’s are pretty solid. But that’s funny, yeah I will be back down there again for sure, that would be sweet!
Great review dude, I have the 2021 Hightower and love it. Definitely been wondering about the Bronson. Good explanation on how it rides.👌🏾
Thank you man! Glad it came out clear enough! haha it always seems like it could be better when you are editing the video. But yeah the Hightower is still one of the bikes in my favorite bikes I've ridden.
Great thorough comparison!! Well done!!
Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for this review- Vegas where I’m at- all climbs till you descend- going Hightower. Was on fence for an all around trail/ climb 2-3 miles till you drop and seems like the Hightower is the best for me on these trails here- really awesome content and much appreciated.
Yeah I’d say that’s the right pick! But I’m glad you are enjoying it!
So you gonna try the new cascade link on the Bronson? I'd love to try the Bronson with the cascade link to get 170mm travel in the rear with the fork upped to a 170mm Fox38. As great as 29 wheels are, I'm pushing it with my 32" inseam. Still want 29 on the front though.
I actually got rid of the Bronson. I usually have my main bike I keep for a year then the others only stay around for a few months while I get a good feel for them to post some videos on them.
But I am sure the cascade link would work great, they make really good products so I wouldn’t be afraid to try it out if I were you! But I really enjoy 29er and I only have a 30” inseam. It really all just depends on each persons riding style and what makes them feel comfortable. But I do think the Bronson is a great platform to build a bike like your talking out of!
There’s rumors that Santa Cruz will have a 29er and a Mullet version of the new Megatower coming. Although the MX (Mullet) could be a later release date due to supply.
@@dialedmtb Always better to get the bike closest to waht you already want. A mullet Megatower with a 63.5 HA ,170 front, 160 rear, would be pretty sweet! Either that, or I'm just gonna get the new mullet Canyon Torque.
Great video! I wonder how the outcomes would have been if you rode the Bronson first. Second time up the hill is harder. Your reactions seem accurate..
I thought about that, but I wasn’t tired at all for any of the climbs. I’d say if you reversed anything everything would be within seconds still.
@@dialedmtb I talked to the guys at Santa Cruz and they described the Bronson as a trail/enduro bike with a slight tilt toward enduro. It really seems like an in between machine.
I would say it is not in the trail category at all, it is an "All Mountain/Enduro" bike
Great video dude! Very informative and entertaining! Thank You from me and my Channel!❤️🏴❤️ looking forward to seeing your next video and I wish you all the best of luck.👍
Thank you I appreciate it! Good luck to you also!!
Nice review- just got the bronson
That's awesome! What build and color?
@@dialedmtb s kit gold
I’ve basically narrowed it down to these 2 bikes and the Niner Rip 9 and the Trek Fuel EX 9.8. I’m going back and forth between the 2 SC bikes. Great review; after watching your review on the 2022 Bronson I was pretty sold on it. Living in NorCal we have a smorgasbord of different trail types and terrain. The Hightower sounds nice….but I think I’d rather have the extra downhill stability (and confidence) that the Bronson seems to bring vs. the Hightower. It’s a pretty close race, right?!
Yeah it’s close for sure, I think the Fuel EX should be at the bottom of your list though if you’re more worried about downhill. Out of all of those bikes the Bronson will be the best on the descent but slowest on the climb. the Rip and the Hightower will be the most similar for both climbing and descending.
@@dialedmtb is the Bronson the slowest simply because it has a 27.5” rear wheel or because of it’s geometry or because of it’s travel or a combination of the three? Sorry for my ignorance, I’m just getting back into mountain bikes and we’ve come a LONG way in the 15 years or so I’ve been out of the game. Lot to soak in.
I just ordered a 2022 Hightower. Just couldn’t get away from it.
@@ericf5976 I’m not sure “overpriced garbage” is accurate. They seemed to be the lowest priced bike with the same component package, same lifetime warranty on their frames, 2 year warranty on their wheels, beautiful looking frames, and 9 out of 10 reviews I’ve read are positive (if not more). I went with the SC because I already have 2 Treks and wanted to try something different this time. I haven’t actually taken delivery yet, it’s not a “done deal,” and I am having second thoughts about my decision. I’m honestly not sure I’m worthy of a SC. I don’t want to be a poser.
Dude that is awesome to hear you got a 22' Hightower! What build and color did you go with? But sorry for the late reply, I think the bronson has a couple of things against it. With the 27" rear wheel being the biggest thing. Like I said in the video if you are not going down something super steep and gnarly the hightower will be faster on the ups and downs
Great review and was surprised I thought the Hightower would be more of a smasher. Love the Gold of the Bronson.
It is, but just not quite as much as the Bronson, when they update it for 2023 that could completely change though!
Just curious if you’ve ridden the Megatower and what your thoughts were on it compared to these ?
Yeah I owned a Megatower for a little bit last year. I honestly think that it’s close to the Bronson, but climbs a little bit better then the Bronson. They should have a new MT coming out soon.
@@dialedmtb Good to know! I've outbiked my TB4, and am leaning Hightower. I've recently done a factory demo and it feels great, but can't say it feels like "enough" of an upgrade over the TB4, as it still was a bit harsh in the suspension. Plus nobody has an HT2 in my size and desired kit right now, but Bronson's are aplenty at the moment. My area is steep up and down, so climbing is important to me. So the Megatower is the next level of appeal, but have no idea when they will be available.
My Hight is 5.5” and I am planing to get Hightower but as I know Hightower will be not that easy for me specially in the tight Corning and it will touch my ass in steep sections.. so do you thing doing mullet will help me in that condition or will you recommend me Bronson?
I think the new geo of 29er are pretty great and you’d have to be going down something super steep to rub the tire. I would say get a small though.
You need a santa cruz lowtower
Have you ridden the new Megatower? I’ve heard it climbs closer to the Hightower
I have not, wish I had but probably won’t be in the cards for me anytime soon sadly.
great review and love Eagle !!
Thank you!! I appreciate it!
Get the Heckler and those flats and climbs are no longer an issue... ;)
Haha definitely! My dad has the heckler and loves it!
Is the Hightower done ? Phased out ?
One negative of the Bronson - Nomad - Chameleon… no XXL for the Clyde’s.
I think they are coming out with a new Hightower this fall.
Ride like you stole it :-) Nice review!
Haha yep! But thank you!
Hmmm .. How’s about a Mullet Hightower ?
I think that would be worse then just getting a Bronson. It was specifically made for a mullet so I’d stick with that if you want a mullet.
It’s okay, just say it’s your bike. I do the same thing.
Subs done mega love shout out.
Awesome!! Thank you!
Santa Cruz have to many bike that over lap. There should be only four bikes. Xc, trail, Enduro and DH. No more
I have rode all of them but the DH bike and I can say they for sure all feel different enough to have a spot in the lineup. If they went with just 29" wheels that is basically the lineup they would have.
@@dialedmtb How do you think the Nomad will compare on climbing to the Bronson ? I have an ibis Hd4 right now and really want a SC as my next bike. I ride PNW trails mainly post Canyon, Sandy ridge and Blackrock.
Honestly I think they would climb pretty similar, I have only pedaled a Nomad around so can't say too much. But Steeper stuff I would personally like a 29" wheel up front at least
@@dialedmtb thanks . Just put my name down on a Nomad that may arrive in April lol . plenty of time to change my mind lol
The Troy lee brand is so ugly. Horrible name!! They need to shorten it ASAP!!!
What about Troy Lee?
@@dialedmtb TLD is passable lol
Excellent analysis
Thank you, I appreciate it!