2019 Santa Cruz Bronson Test Ride & Review
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
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2019 Santa Cruz Bronson
Please let me know if you're interested in another live stream Q&A here on UA-cam to discuss this video and bike... Are most of you interested in this or not? Please comment below, thank you! If enough people enjoy the live streams and find them interesting and useful, maybe we shoot for next Monday, August 13th?
MTB yumyum yup i like the live stream nerd talk about the bikes its great info!
Yes sir!
I'm interested but I usually watch the replay the next day.
Definitely interested!
Yes...and compared to altitude and 5010 to mojo 3 and thunderbolt
Heyo! I had a different experience with this bike. Coming off a v2 Bronson, Evil Calling, 19 Stumpy st, and now this v3 Bronson. I actually thought it climbed quite well. Better than my calling and almost as good as the stumpy. Cant remember the v2 Bronson, been too long. Still poppy and playful to me and a great descender. Also more comfortable in the air than the rest. Having a blast on this bike. Live in UT and ride the same trails. Not a pro or even in impeccable shape, just out for fun and this bike has delivered for me. But... I've loved all my bikes lol! Different strokes for different folks I guess! Love the channel, cheers!
Thanks for sharing... for Corner Canyon trails, the new Bronson is a hard pass for me... Deer Valley, some of Park City and Moab are better suited for a bike like this... that said, it's still a fun bike in Corner Canyon (as are almost all bikes) but there are better bikes for these trail 100% Of course, I spent almost 20 years riding Corner Canyon on a hardtail... haha
I feel the same! I can’t notice much of a difference climbing vs a V2, but v3 feels way better descending.
I finally got a chance to do some technical climbing on mine today. Last weekend was the first time I rode it, but it was at a bike park so I didn't really have a solid place to tell the difference between my 18 and 19 Bronson. I did notice that at the bike park, it seemed to bob a lot when peddling so I was convinced that you were right and this thing wouldn't be much of a climber. Much to my pleasure, I found that the new bike climbs WAAAAAAY better than my 18 did. As a matter of fact, it's not even close for me. I made it a point to climb specific sections of trails that I usually had a problem on every time I rode my old bike. This one went right over the technical parts without a hiccup. I noticed that it stays planted in the front a lot better, it puts the power down perfectly so I never lost traction or lifted the front wheel on steep climbs, and the bike tracked exactly where I wanted it to go. Major improvement! You might want to try out the regular 27.5 instead of the 27.5+... you might be surprised! Thanks for the review! Excellent channel!
Preston Jordan Jr. So your 19 Bronson vs your 18 you feel it does pedal just as well? I have a regular 18 hightower plus making it a 29er. But want to add a 5010 or Bronson. Any other info please inform
In my opinion, my 2019 Bronson, without a lockout or any adjustability, definitely pedals better than my 2018 Bronson with three-position/lockout switch. The front doesn't wander around or lift up hills, it doesn't get caught up then freeze on rocks, etc. It feels way more predictable, planted, and balanced compared to my 2018. I'm no pro or anything, but it definitely feels like an upgrade.
Had my rear shock setup per SC and was a bit harsh/kicky on tech square edge hits on climbs. Reduced sag to around 35% and it is day and night better climber.
V2 and V3 not much of a climbing difference:), but overall the v3 is the best yet out of all Bronsons. This bike makes no noises and feels so freaking solid and stable.
Another great review man, you gave us plenty of references to other bikes and described in detail how the bike 'feels', not just how performs or how fast it is. Keep up the good work. Awesome!
thanks for the feed back... trying to get better at these reviews! thx!
Thank you for always doing these videos, such a big help when we can't demo. I can't wait to see the 5010. Thank you again
My pleasure dude!
I just picked up the new 2019 Bronson CC. Previously, I ran the 2017 SC5010 aluminum with a Pike 130 and an upgraded Fox DPX2 130 rear shock. For me, it feels like a longer travel 5010. The same snappy, quick, responsive, playful nature of of the 5010 but with more travel.
I find it to be very comfortable and very familiar to how my 5010's cockpit felt. I feel very neutral over the bike when pedaling where as with the previous Bronson, I felt a little stretched out and too far over the rear tire when climbing. The steeper seat tube angle seems to help it feel like a more compact, shorter wheel based bike than it actually is. I run Renthal 800mm bars parred with their 33.5 stem. I'm 6ft tall and ride a large frame. I hope this helps!
Picking the frame up in three weeks and cant wait!
I’m a road cyclist and this bicycle looks amazing and very fun to ride.
DUDE! You are shredding and just causally chatting up a storm. I cracked my iPad screen from just holding on.
Impressive
hahaha, cracked you ipad lol that's funny! Thanks dude!
Did he say composed?
Yes, "Composed" - as in glancing across the theatre while enjoying the Opera and seeing Hulk Hogan dressed in a suit & tie.
I am not sure. Maybe he mentioned it one or two times.
Great review. I just bought this bike today and it will be here next week. Looking forward to the ride!
nice, congrats!
what do you think?!
Awesome video man! Editing was sweet! Thanks for all the info. This sled is on my short list for sure!
Thanks dude. I edited this one by myself haha. It was a lot of fun on the way down, as an all around trail bike... there are better options out there imho
I have the 2018 Bronson and have been drooling over the 2019, but haven’t actually ridden it. Based on your review, I think I might prefer the 2018 better. Cool to see these videos, keep it up!
I have had the 2016 Kalimotxo for 2 years. I rode a friends 2019. I sold the 2016.
I demo'd this bike and I found it was light and climbed so well. This is compared to my 35lbs 2018 Commencal Meta AM
I love how you are screaming down the trail while speaking so calmly
haha, yeah, well I've ridden these trails a lot!
Sometimes I watch one of your videos right before I go riding - hypes me up!
Awesome! Thank you!
jason thanks for this review. you helped me decide on this bike. i love it. went with the cs+ build with reserve wheels.
Dude, congrats!
I'm about to buy that same bike. Out of 10, what's your overall score and how's she climb!
You do not sound so convinced, rather a bit disappointed. I‘m really looking forward to the test of the 5010 V3 and curious. Look forward to it!
Yeah.... sorta bummed about this one. Was really looking forward to this one too.... The previous generation Bronson would be a better do everything bike.... or look to other brands for a 150mm bike.
Sigrid W. Did the 5010 get a face lift for 2019? I am looking at the 2018 right now.
Jakob Bernier Yes, there are some changes. See here: singletrackworld.com/2018/07/santa-cruz-5010-all-new-for-2019/
With those bigger tires, that travel can be a booger. 5010 with 2.6 is my personal sweet spot.
Great video Jason. Glad you had a fun time on it, other than the flat tire :) Looking forward to your 5010 review soon! Both bikes are amazing. We love the new changes that Santa Cruz made on the Bronson and 5010.
Thanks guys. Appreciate you getting me out on these bike so soon!
Thanks for a very honest review!
Man, that Utah air quality is spicy! Bronson looks pretty sweet. I think I'm still sold on the hightower though. Still haven't pulled the trigger on a new bike though.
Great review man. Buying this frame soon for sure. Keep it up dude your channel is gonna blow up.
Hope so!
Appreciate your honesty
Thanks dude!
Great video ! Very impressive that you can comment while riding such challenging terrain.
haha thanks dude! Glad you like it! Stick around and check out more of my other bike reviews!
glad you did this so could see before die, am old and rode antique junk, now hurt'n, everyone of them have returned just 69....fallen angel 'Seraph'.
All of this is opinion. Ride the bike yourself to see if it fits you. I have an xl 2019 Bronson and bomb hills all day and have sent a 15 stair to flat and it’s a great bike. It’s climbs as good as you climb. It jumps as good as you jump. It’s not the bike. It’s the rider.
That color is 🔥
Totally
@@mtbyumyum yes
I really enjoy your bike reviews and have even demoed some of the bikes you review. One of my favorites is the new 2019 Stumpy. FS bikes are pretty cool, but I find that they mute the trail a little too much and I'm always drawn back to the hardtail. Would be thrilled if you could review some Trail/AM/Enduro hardtail bikes like Santa Cruz Chameleon, Commencal Meta AM 29, Nukeproof Scout, Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead, Chromag Rootdown, Nordest Bardino...the list goes on.
Thanks for the great review, its really beneficial for the mtb enthusiasts like us who don't have the opportunity to test ride these new bikes..but now I'm confused, a while ago I was looking for the European bikes, Capra, Spectral, Jeffsy, Torque frames and then here is the new Bronson. I might be seeking your opinion here. Currently I have the V2 Bronson loaded with descent parts (Pike 160mm, enve rims, XX1 eagle drivetrain and guide rsc brake set) which I assembled a year ago. One thing I love with my V2 Bronson is its ability climb and its really a plus point for the type of riding we are doing here in my place. In parallel to that that V2 Bronson really improved my confidence in doing steep descent. My question is do you think its really worth it to replace my old Bronson with the new one knowing that I still have to top-up large amount money, even if I sell my old one. The goal is to improve my riding uphill and downhill and on a tougher terrain, or do I need to look as well on the brands just like the ones I mentioned. I only need frame, the plan is to transfer those parts to the new frame..I think the Pike 160mm travel is suitable also on that new Bronson frame..
can't wait for your review of the 5010 , gonna be ordering mine in the next couple weeks.
Great review as usual Jay. Looking forward to the 5010 review.
Thanks Dean!
corner canyon! my favorite
both my SC Bronson (2016 the Pink one) and my 2017 V10 got stolen yesterday in Beaver Creek CO . on the lookout for a new slayer. your reviews are helping tremendously
Good video, jason. Something you mentioned previously was that you felt self conscience about always saying the same thing about bikes but I DONT think that is the case at all. I can certainly tell when you love a bike and you find it so so. So keep the awesome videos coming!
Speaking of that I'd love to see what you thought about the Norco sight. Eagerly waiting for your opinion / video! Also do you have a ride planned on a Devinci Troy? Sounds like your type of bike... mid travel, 27.5 / 29 options, and DW design split pivot.. ?
I rode both the Sight and the Troy last February... just need to edit and upload the footage.. haha, I'm a slacker... Thanks for the kind words and encouragement!
Great video, I always enjoy your reviews.
Yes that would be great! Also, in the future you should demo the yt jeffsy 27. I just bought it and love it. It feels like a slightly longer travel 5010. Love the channel.
Rad, yeah, I've been wanting to get on the Jeffsy for the longest time... this fall in Moab at Outerbike I'm hoping!
nice honest review, Jason 👍🏼
I'm not sure if you absolutely love every bike you ride or you only demo the best bikes on the planet. I'm going to start a drinking game where you drink every time you compliment the bike ;)
haha, yes I ride a lot of really nice bikes but to be clear, I didn't love this bike and I wouldn't buy it. There are better offerings in the 150mm category! I much prefer the previous generation Bronson and I didn't buy that one either ;) but if it helps your drinking game, you're welcome! haha
your vids are great...keep'm coming
i imagine it jumps well because you jump well..
Thanks!
grate review Jason looks and sound grate bike Cant wait see your next Video thumbs up from wales UK buddy ;0)
Thank you!
I'm so happy you manage to ride this bike so soon.
I own a 2017 bronson and really thinking of buying this new frame. What size should I buy? I'm 6'1, my bronson is XL but this 2019 model is longer and the reach is longer.
Damn, I wish I could attend to your Q&A video, I have a ton of questions...... I don't care if it climbs worst, all I care is how it feels descending, and your comment saying that is not as quick and snappy as the old bronson.....
If you were me, would you stick to your old bronson?
THANKS A LOT FOR ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS AND INSIDES. They help aaaaa lot :)
.
The new Bronson just descend so well and feels really good. Better than the Nomad N3 or previous generation Bronson... that said, the previous gen Bronson is a better do everything trail bike in my opinion. Good luck!
Thank you for giving us your feedback on almost all popular bikes out there. Can you give me a detail of comparison between the SC Nomad 4 and SC Bronson V3. I am wanting thieve bikes but only can afford one.
Thank you again.
Love your videos and was really looking forward to this one. I just picked up a 2019 XO Bronson with standard tires and I think it climbs excellent. I would love to hear your thoughts/ ride feedback on the Bronson with the standard tires if you get a chance.
Yeah, I really need to go out and test ride it again with the smaller and lighter weight tires. Thanks!
looks like they have two versions of the bike, a "+" with wider rims and 2.6 tires and a non "+" with 2.4 and 2.5 tires and narrower rims.
This Bike Looks the Business! I like the way it looks much more than the HD4, which I also considered. I have said it once and I will say it again... I will NEVER be a EWS Racer, and I pay for MY Bikes.... and that is why Looks of a Bike is so Important to me!
No doubt! Being stoked on your bike is a big part of the purchase as well as resale value for us guys putting our own hard earned money into this sport/hobby. Nothing wrong with that at all and honestly, there are just so many really good bikes available right now that if it comes down to style or color... so be it!
that is what I Love about you MYY, you KEEPS IT REALZ!
Funny, I was going to beg you in your last vid to Please, Please, Please review the new Bronson before I buy it! So thank you! One thing.. The 2.6 tires are actually the Plus Option. Most models all the way up to the XX1 have the carbon Reserve 30mm, 2.4 rear/2.5 front option. From the website you have to select the 27.5+ option to get the Reserve 37mm rims with the 2.6 tire. I would really like to know how the smaller tire version climbs. I'm looking at the X01 reserve 30 build. I'm looking for something that descends better than my Trance A1, but my trails involve a ton of climbing. Another thing I've read about it is that the Sag is very sensitive. If you adjust it from the recommended 30% to 27% on the rear it, supposedly, makes a huge difference in the overall playfulness. If you can get a chance to try the bike out with that set up, I would love to hear if you noticed a big difference in the climbing and overall handling, or maybe even better if you just adjust the sag and try climbing again on the same bike and see if you notice a difference?
So what did you think about it vs the nomad? I imagined it be a similar ride to a nomad, but a better climber. I think the tendency is to compare it to the high tower and the 5010, but I'm curious from the Nomad side.
Thanks for the review. I believe you also reviewed the Ripmo? Your preference / thoughts regarding the 2 bikes. I ride a variety of terrain w/ a few park days a year (less than 5% of my riding) and can't decide between these two.
If I could only own 1 bike at a time, I would for sure go 29er so.... Ripmo buddy!!! Plus it climbs better.
I run 2.6 tyres, if I'm 2 psi under my ideal pressure my bike climbs like crap too, it's a fine line with bigger tyres
Im looking to upgrade my frame I currently have the trance frame just wondering what can you recommend im looking at rocky mountain altitude, yeti sb6 and santacruz bronson.I see a very good deal online.
Please do a test on the same bike with stock tires. The lack of climbing bit makes it a downer.
Yep, I was super disappointed in how this new Bronson climbs... I'd be interested to try it again with some 2.3 tires..... btw, the 2.6 tires were the stock tires for this bike.
Yeah, coming from someone who sold a 2018 alloy R build last week then bought a 2019 R build literally this morning, that was not a good thing to hear haha. Everything else that I have seen claims that the regular 27.5 (non-plus) V3 climbs better than the V2. I won't even get to ride mine to decide for myself until next weekend.
Looks like you got the X01 27.5+ ride. I'll check back after I get a chance to ride mine. Came stock with a 2.5 DHF and 2.4 DHR II.
They're only the stock tires if you order the 27.5+ build. All models from C to CC have the Reserve option with 30mm Reserve wheels 2.4 R/2.5F Maxxis, OR the 37mm rim with 2.6
Re-run! Re-run!
You know ive been waiting for this one for a while now! So stoked its finally up!
I own a v2 bronson and the only reason i want the v3 bronson is the tire clearance for a bigger tire as i like the stability of a larger tire. As i live in a tropical country and the trails get really muddy half of the year, i want something that had a better tire clearance on the rear. the v2 can fit a 2.4 in the rear but if its really sticky mud i wouldnt put anything bigger than a 2.3 maxxis (even a 2.4 onza ibex was too big on the rear if there is mud). im running carbon derby 35mm internal width rims
I was really hoping that the v3 would be the solution to my problem but alas it looks like my next bike would be the hd4 haha!
im hoping you can try out the v3 with a 2.5/2.4 setup. im still curious haha!
great review as always! :)
Yeah, I'll try the Bronson again at some point with 2.5/2.4 tires... If you end up going with the Ibis HD4 I don't think you'll be disappointed! It's an incredible bike that I've absolutely loved riding the past year!
I didn’t ride the 2.6 +, but can tell you the 2.5/2.4 tires make the bike feel very similar to the V2 in climbing. I like your reviews, man.
Thanks for your videos very informative. Did you ever try the Bronson with the 2.5/2.4 setup? I assume would make a gigantic difference. I'd be curious how you feel the Bronson with narrower tires climbs compared to the Ripmo AF?
Can you get hold of a Calibre bike in the US? If so I would love to see you test it and see how a budget alternative handles your trails.
Really dig your channel, thanks!
I know my comments sound a bit confusing regards to the climbing abilities of the SC bikes but I think I’ll always like: even if it’s only 1% better descending I’ll STILL go for that above the climbing, probably because I like to go fast and the Nomad feels so stable downhills , the HTLT IS TOO but , Not quite as much as the Nomad but I think it’s because it’s such a long bike and it sits kinda low to the ground I guess 👍🏽✅
Love your reviews. Very relatable! I am slightly puzzled by your Bronson review and I am surprised by your disappointment. Does the bronson ride and feel that differently from the longer travel nomad? If I remember correctly, you loved and considered the nomad to be a potential bike for you but was just too much bike for your area. Can you speak on the notable differences between the new Bronson and the Nomad, other than the obvious travel? Again thanks for all your time in the saddle, the edit time and the quality reviews! - Vernon, BC
Thanks and to be clear, It's not that I didn't like the Bronson.... it's that I don't think it a great trail bike. Meaning, it's a lot of fun, particularly on the down hills, and I don't think its a bad bike... BUT!!!!, if Santa Cruz already has a long travel excellent descending bike in the Nomad4 and this is to be their 27.5 trail bike, they missed the mark in my opinion and the 2.6 tires didn't help. The Ibis HD4 that I currently own and ride climbs better than this and descends as well or better than this Bronson, BUT!!!!, I still wouldn't pick is as my do everything all day bike, and I own it. Hope that helps?!
MTB yumyum thanks! I agree on the fact that the may have missed the mark... now a 29er Bronson - take my money. I think that with prices being as high as they are everyone is looking for that “one quiver” whip do it all trail bike so I appreciate your opinion on the bike. I think I’ll keep my nomad for now :)
Great stuff. Very much looking forward to the upcoming 5010 review. Curious how it will compare to the TB3
William Keene that’s easy , the Bronson is awful , especially at climbing, it sucks , the 5010 is 100 times better
Please review trek remedy 2019.
Yes, this. do this thing that this guy said
That would be nice ..demo the remedy
Hey J , I think it’s basically a Nomad , with less travel 😂😂👍🏽; I just put some Nextie carbon rims on my Nomad and the new 2019 Lyrik 170mm Rct Debonair front fork so I’m hoping it’s gonna improve it a whole lot . I gotta feeling the new 5010 is gonna kick ass though Especially climbing ,I think Zac n Parker better watch out cos you’ll be so fast on it
Great review man thanks dude 👍🏽
yep, new Bronson = smaller Nomad haha
MTB yumyum haha we never see you so dissatisfied with a new bike J , you only said like 5 words on the whole ride haha 👍🏽😂😂
Great video
Thank you!
I'm wondering if Santa Cruz is experimenting with switching the HT and HTLT over to the lower shock mounting configuration. If so hope it doesn't kill the bike. Weird that it seemed to be an improvement from the previous nomad but not so much with the Bronson. Great Review!! Don't be so literal with your Huck to Flats😉
Yeah, for the Nomad I think it made sense as that bikes purpose is to focus on the descents... the Bronson has previously been a less focused trail bike... jack of all, master of none sort of bike. For me, I'd prefer the old Bronson as my do everything trail bike or look to other brands.... haha, yeah, huck to flat is the name of the game on that trail... all those jumps are about 10' too short... so frustrating. That's my second flat on that trail in the last 3 weeks...
first i very like your reviews , thanks for it . Second thing , I'm very debating between Ibis mojo hd4,Transition Patrol carbon 2019, Bronson 2019 or even Nomad n4 Please give me the last word, the goal is a classic enduro ride that includes a competition
Ibis HD4, Pivot Firebird or Santa Cruz Nomad 4... there's not a bad choice between them... just go with the one the best fits you and your riding style!
Bro I live in Utah too I just went to that bike shop today
haha let them know I sent ya and go test out the Bronson!
Looks like a nice bike, great review! However, it seems to me that if it is set up to be more stable at the expense of nimbleness, that a mid-travel 29er might be a better option for an all around trail bike. Then again I'm a 29er guy and probably pretty biased in that direction.
Bill, I think you're spot on... for most people, a 120mm-140mm 29er will do just about everything better.... good point. I should have maybe mentioned that in the vid...
After hitting Outerbike; I think you should add the Scott Genius to your list of reviews.
Will do!
Like someone else said, I appreciate the honesty! Any chance you'll do a Guerrilla Gravity Smash demo in the future? :)
Thanks. I've never even heard of Guerrilla Gravity Smash....
Check 'er out! Handmade in Colorado!
Stole Mach chicken singletrack sampler is using your tag line yumyum! The Bronson seemed very quiet on Jacobs.
haha, I didn't make up that line.... I'm sure I heard it somewhere... not sure where though haha!
Good vídeo keep up the good work!
Great review. Any plans to test ride the Yeti SB150 soon?
Yes, I should be riding the 150 this weekend!
When you run out of super bikes you should do tire and tire combo reviews!
hum, maybe... thx!
As I see from your video, I see more feedback on the handlebar considering the travel.
Thanks for the review. I am looking into this bike but also possibly a 2018 Specialized Enduro Pro 27.5 - Have you had a chance to ride the latter?
Hi Jason,
Great reviews on all the bikes you ride, i heard on the start of the video that the shop you got it from has Trek bike, would love you to review the 2019 Trek fuel ex 9.8 with the new carbon rims, if you cant review it could you tell me what you think about it. Im looking at it as my next ride. I mainly ride local firetrails with plenty of hilsl & the odd 1 day races. In Australia it great value for the spec & around $1500 cheaper than Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain. Cheers
Paul , thank you! I'm working out a few Trek demo's for the coming weeks... thank you!
I have a feeling the poor climbing you described could be due to the plus size tires and larger wheels. I'd love to hear your opinion with regular sized wheels (30mm) and 2.5 front/2.4 rear!
Yeah, I think you're right... would love to try this one again with a different wheel/tire combo...
I rode it with 2.5/2.4 combo and thought it climbed great- actually better than the V2 bc it rides so high in the travel while pedaling. But, my climbing is easy coast Appalachian rocky techy single track. And that kind of trail, both up and down, is what I think this bike excels at doing. Check out my three part review on my channel.
Hi Jason, how does it compare to Nomad4? Can you do a comparison video of those two bikes?
Shiiiiiiiiiiiii.....! I almost spit out my gingerale lol! Great review!
haahahaha, that's funny... no "T" on the end though, right ;) gotta keep it clean on MTB yumyum ;) haha
Yes please !!!!
nice bike man
This is officially my favorite review because you said "shit" on camera. BKXC has contaminated you haha
haha no I didn't ;) hahahaha I'm not a saint, but I usually try and edit any potty words out of the video so as to make it family friendly... I like Brian a lot but I can't watch his stuff while eating breakfast with the family....
@@mtbyumyum Saint MTB has a nice ring to it... just saying
From your review, it seems Santa Cruz may have made the 2019 Bronson more “Enduro” - a little less pedal efficiency for the sake of better downhill manners?
Yeah, seems that way to me... wish they would have made it ride like a better version of the previous Bronson... bummer
I like this version of the Bronson!
Have you ever heard of a Spanish bike brand called mondraker ? They have what they call foward geometry and their bikes look so bad ass , what are you’re opinions on them ?
Check out their dune carbon xr
I think they'll be at Outerbike this fall in Moab, Utah... I have to check them out!
I predict the next one bike does all - Full carbon DH bike with lock out switches and seat drop for climbing, cuz when u at the bar after riding u no SIZE MATTERS
Also, I think you had a N3 Nomad for a while? So did I, wondering how this compared?
This is more composed and stable down hill. The Grip2 fork is incredible... that said, I honestly think my N3 Nomad climbed better than this bike.
How was the climbing in comparison to the N4 Nomad?
Sold, I’m gonna buy it. You only yolo once.
I'd demo the Pivot Mach 6 and Ibis HD4 before ya pull the trigger... just say'in ;)
You’re so right..That Ibis HD4 is actually what brought me to your channel. Looks like an awesome bike. Not just saying that cause you own one haha. They are on sale right now too..man! Too many choices! I know I want to avoid pressfit bb bike’s...that’s just me. Thanks for the advice!
MTB yumyum I can't wait for the 5010 review. I'm 5'7 and I'm gonna be purchasing a Mojo 3 or a v3 5010 this winter. Can you give me your take on that choice? I live in NY and ride tight trails with not much steep stuff. I've ridden the mojo and my only hesitation is that I felt a little too forward on the handle bars, could have been a set up issue tho. I'm gonna be in SLC next week, so hoping to demo the 5010. But if I can't I'd trust your opinion.
If you liked the current Ibis Mojo 3 you'll love the previous generation 5010.... Another snappy fun options would be the Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt
HI everybody! I need help about my choice!! I live in Italy , we don't have large descents like these , but more likely narrow and rocky. I am a beginner , always rode XC but i definitely want a fun bike to do everything and feel safe while descending. I have a 29" XC , i 'am 5 7 (171 cm) . I am really undecided between 29" HT (even HT LT) and the 27.5" Bronson / 5010. Local sellers here try to convince me about 29" because of supposed better climbing and stability , while friends tell me that maybe for my height and for the kind of terrain we have a 27.5" would suit me better. Since i am a beginner and i will not hit bike parks (at least for the moment) what would you suggest? Wich of these bikes (Hight Tower - Hightower LT - Bronson - 5010) would suits me better? Thank you for your support!!!
Save yourself a lot of money and get a long travel slack hardtail. Go and test ride one and I think you will be surprised. The HT and bronson will be a bit of a tank to pedal around especially if put a lot of power in. That bronson appears to bob a lot on the climbs which is energy wasted that is not going in to propelling you forward. All of the lower link Santa Cruz models seem to suffer from this.
would be interested to hear your thoughts on a "in this selection, the best bike is - - -" as I'd be curious on whether the stumpy is "better" than the bronson for the trails you road both on....
How would you compare the Bronson V3 vs the Yeti SB5? Which climbs better, is better for descending and which one would you prefer for long days on the bike (without shuttle service, but climbing on your own)?
Nice review! Paint job looks way better than last years! What do you mean by mid stroke?
From the sag point through about 60% of the shock stroke or length....
MTB yumyum cheers dude always wondered!
Having ridden both the current Bronson and Nomad and considering they seem fairly close in composure, would you say just go for the Nomad since they seem to climb very similarly as well, with the Nomad having a distinct advantage in steep, very chunky, techy stuff?
I'm looking to replace my 2017 Trance Adv 0. I have ridden the HTLT, Ripmo, HD4 and liked them in that order. I own the 2018 Tallboy CC also which I love as an all rounder plus a XTC fat tire hardtail. I really liked the HTLY but im thinking the new Bronson will be a larger difference from my tallboy. What say you? (BTW I bought the Tallboy after watching your review of it without a test ride and love it.)
I was waiting for this.. for an all arounder would u have this or the htlt?
The previous gen Bronson or the HTLT would be better than this as a do everything all arounder...
Trail Weaks Hey dude I demoed the HTLT ,honestly it’s an incredible bike , like J said you need to demo it , I rode the Nomad N4 on the same day as The HTLT 29” I actually bought the Nomad , it’s on my channel but IF I could choose again , DEFINITELY I would take the HTLT, it’s better imo than the Nomad, Bronson, 5010 at everything, Except IF YOU’RE GOING REALLY FAST DOWNHILL THE N4 Nomad is better BUT only by a bit but the HT climbs SO easy , I only bought the Nomad cos it was more fun ,like on the day probably because it was the XXO1 with Carbon rims top spec 👍🏽
Glad you said this. Now I don’t have to sell my HTLT 😬
Geoff Koop Haha , Hey I would still demo this but I gotta a feeling the 5010 will be better , To be honest AND THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION BUT....... I THINK THE MAIN THING ABOUT THE BIKE IS How it climbs , I mean the Bronson, The Nomad , The HTLT , The 5010, will ALL go fast downhill no question but 50% of the ride is usually either flat or uphill ,
The only reason I got the Nomad is I kinda like the fact it descends better and I have to put more effort in when climbing , don’t get me wrong it’s not a HUGE AMOUNT OF FUN CLIMBING , but I sacrifice-that to have a better time when I do go on the descent 👍🏽👍🏽
Geoff Koop you gonna demo the 5010 ? It looks super nice , as a trail bike I think it’ll be amazing everywhere , I’m gonna try one
I just put carbon rims and the 2019 Lyrik 170mm on my Nomad but I’ve not ridden it yet 😤I gotta wait for the shop to fit the Forks 👍🏽
Great vids! I’m coming off a yeti SB66, Colorado, aggressive enduro style riding. Wondering how the new Bronson compares to the older Yeti SB66 or newer Yeti SB6c with climbing and downhill feel? Looking for an aggressive enduro bike that can still climb similar to the yeti SB6, any thoughts?
Do you know the fork Offset...
I would like to build one, but with a lyrik rc2 ...not sure what is the recommended offset ??? SC website doesn’t say anything about it...
Like everyone else I was really looking forward to this one. I was hoping it could be “the one” bike between my V2 5010 and V3 Nomad, especially since some of the early reviews, actually touted its climbing and pedaling performance. I think it was over on Singletrackworld they mentioned that it might even eat into the 5010 segment ‘cause of this. Not sure the tires are the whole story, either. I have 2.6” DHF and Rekons on my 5010, and haven’t noticed more rolling resistance than when I had 2.3 DHF and SS minions on it, only more cornering confidence. My buddy has a Nomad v4 and also mentioned how it feels like a “bigger” bike now, I could see why this new Bronson would be the same.
Do you get more time on the Bronson? Just to figure out if the pedaling performance is this “bad”, or if it can be worked out with more riding time?
For me personally, with the 90% of “normal” short up & down trail riding I do, the new Bronson sounds way overkill, maybe like my v3 Nomad. I think my new short list is the new 5010 or the Evil Calling (the RM Thunderbolt BC ed. Was on there too, but sizing is weird for me). But I really want to stick with Santa Cruz, love their service. They should’ve maybe stuck the new linkage design on the 5010 as well, dang it! 😀
Sorry for the long rant, but your reviews are super helpful, and how you can talk that much while riding so fast is beyond me, haha.
Guess I’ll wait with baited breath for your 5010 review, especially how it compares to the Calling and the 27.5+ Hightower.
Also definitely want a Q&A on the Bronson! 👍
Sounds like you should be looking at the previous generation Bronson if you want to stick with Santa Cruz... otherwise, consider the Pivot Mach 5.5, Rocky Mountain Altitude or Evil Calling... all great bikes that climb better than this new Bronson. Sorry for the bummer news. And not sure what bike the other reviewers were riding... 3 of use in our group of riders have demo'd the new Bronsons and non of us liked the climbing at all.....
Just wanted to say thanks again, for taking time to respond to all the inane questions about bikes! 😆- looking forward to your review of the 5010. In general Rocky Mountain have too long seat tubes compared to their reach, meaning I can't fit the dropper I want. But good suggestions! Also considered the Pivot 5.5 a "bigger" bike, but it's definitely worth a look. Thanks!
Great review and video as usual! 👍
thx!
Any chance your gonna ride the YT line up? Curious what you would think of the Capra vs the Santa Cruz/yeti line ups.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH J 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽! Thank you MTB yum yum !
This is good. Hate hearing that it's sacrificed playfulness for suppleness. Own a 5010 and considering making the switch. When do you plan to review the 2019 5010. Interested to see if it feels any different than previous models you've ridden.
I rode the 5010 over a week ago.. video will be uploaded this weekend
MTB yumyum very nice!
@jason, if you were to do a side by side comparison between the Bronson and the Stumpjumper, what would be the positives & negatives?
So since I have an 18 hightower 27+, im in Missouri/Arkansas area. Would you go with the 18 at a major discount or the 19? Or nomad? I can't get out and demo so your videos is where it's at.
Just depends on what you're looking for. The V2 2018 Bronson is a better all around trail bike compared to the new bronson. That said, the new bronson descends like a bat out of hell... it's good!