Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1
- RRP: $12,199
- Travel: 150mm rear, 160mm front
- Frame: Carbon
- Fork: Fox Factory Float 36
- Wheels: 27.5″ / 29″ Carbon
- Drivetrain: 1 × 12 Electronic
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
What we like about it: You’ll have a CC carbon with longer travel and efficient damping to make the ride effortless. In addition, the hybrid wheelset design is more aggressive in the face of terrain overlays and the 1×12 electronic drive pedals are more efficient.
What we don’t like about it: High-end components that are not easy to maintain and cannot compromise on price.
Rating (4.8/5)
Finding the right one among countless bikes can be difficult. If you have a hard time deciding, try this Santa Cruz BRONSON.
The CC Carbon Brazed Dimension body is equipped with 150 mm of extra-long travel that allows you to land safely on any terrain. The exclusive VPP™ suspension makes every choice you make a waste-free one. The hybrid wheelset (29 “up front, 27.5 “out back) adds more style and fun to your ride, and handles stacked terrain with ease.
In addition, the 1×12 electronic drivetrain allows you to perform more difficult riding combinations, and the SRAM Code RSC brakes don’t need to worry too much even if they are tricked out, as we always say: the Santa Cruz BRONSON can dispel all doubts.
Descending
Although excellent enough all-around in its own right, my preference for the Santa Cruz BRONSON comes from a speed ride.
Faced with countless rocks and loose, slippery mud, and even sharp turns, the descent was like a constant reminder of the curse of a rollover. However, the 160mm travel, Maxxis 27.5/29 “x2.5” tires hybrid wheelset, unsurprisingly SRAM 1×12 electronic drivetrain, brought the Santa Cruz BRONSON to a head-on pounding impression.
The CC Carbon Brazed Dimension frame can support you in riding this beast into the wind. There’s also a steep 76.6° seat tube angle to give you an easier start to your ride. And it also aids your pedaling efficiency, although in the face of the current situation I don’t want to generate more consumption on the SRAM grade, 1×12 electronic drive.
Experience
If you saw how tense I was in the cockpit, you would know how seriously I took this test. Thanks to the 128mm trail, I didn’t lose control of the body even when I got into a sharp steering section. In addition, with the rear 150mm, front 160mm shock fork travel combined with the 27.5″ / 29″ hybrid wheelset, the front tire is taller and more responsible for the efficiency of the wild ride, and the rear tire is more nimble, so you are the first to touch the ground. The longer 436mm rear fork and 1,222mm wheelbase make the body spacious and relaxed.
Even after I encountered the drop of the first mound and made a big impact on the ground, I was still able to easily digest this force. In my opinion, there is a terrain for every bike, and after I measured the 2.4″ tires, it didn’t make me give up on my insistence on braking. The SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, a high-end standard for racers, undoubtedly provided me with great confidence when looking downhill into the mud.
In my opinion, Santa Cruz BRONSON is the best answer for riding.
Climbing
Although my adrenaline was nearing the threshold, it was not enough for the rising terrain that was coming my way. As I started this enduro ride on my Santa Cruz BRONSON(150mm rear and 160mm front). I pushed the SRAM freewheel as fast as I could on the continuous uphill terrain.
At the same time, I adjusted the SRAM XG1295 Eagle 12-speed to the right gears to match the most physical advantage. Although I have to admit that it is not as efficient as the hardtail comes. But the shorter rear travel means it doesn’t give you the sense of over-deflation.
Once I felt a little tired, I looked to the bottom of the hill and realized I was nearing the top. But the excess energy saved made me realize that the VPP™ suspension could be optimized to be able to balance pedaling efficiency with all-out impact and still have pedaling efficiency. Combined with the 27.5″ / 29″ hybrid wheelset, the more classic 29″ vacuum tires roll faster and more efficiently. Still able to ignore the rocks that roll down along the way, the 160mm front travel is fully awake at this point.
What’s more, with the CC carbon-brazed dimensional body support, you don’t need to worry about the body press at all, you just need to pay attention to whether your physical ability has been enhanced more recently.
Of course, if you are intimidated by rising terrain, I would recommend choosing the right size for your body type. However, the good thing is that Bronson’s rear dropouts are sized to match the length of the frame. So every rider, regardless of height, gets the same balanced geometry and bike fit. You can output as much sweat as you want in the cockpit.
Main Features
Frame
The longer warranty CC carbon fiber is not only expensive to build but is further support for performance. When I am climbing, I am looking to abandon even myself to achieve maximum weight reduction. The CC carbon technology is more malleable and stronger, and the friction outdoors will be more aggressive. In addition, the VPP™ suspension design ensures that no energy is wasted on bump handling or upward acceleration.
If you notice that Bronson’s rear fork length matches the frame size, you realize that every rider gets the same balanced geometry and bike fit, regardless of height. So from the looks of it, I know some people will be impressed with his Paydirt Gold and Gre, a mellow, full-bodied paint job that adds texture.
Geometry
As all riders who straddle the Santa Cruz BRONSON exclaim, “It’s a great bike!” The steeper 76.6° seat tube angle makes your ride easy and pedaling feels unparalleled in terms of effort savings. You’ll also feel the boost from the seat tube angle with 452mm of reach when you climb an ascent with the BRONSON. Also, if you notice the 1,222mm wheelbase on this M model, I honestly feel like the distance between the front and rear axles has reached light years. This means that it doesn’t lose the stability it should when riding at high speeds.
The rear fork length can be adjusted to optimize the front and rear balance, so the rider does not need to move back and forth on the bike to change the center of gravity, and the ride becomes more controlled. In addition, the head tube angle of 64.5° with 150mm rear and 160mm front allows the shock to work very smoothly.
Components and Specifications
Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5/27.5 “x2.4” Hybrid Wheelset
Facing the usual Santa Cruz tricks, the 29″/27.5″ mix was the best of both worlds for me. Even the tedious infinite ascent climbing terrain, despite the support of the SRAM X1 Eagle 1×12 electronic drivetrain, can still slow you down considerably without an efficient wheelset. That’s why the larger and more classic 29-inch front tire provides enough traction and stability for riding forward.
The 27.5-inch rear tire allows for quick rear steering and lift, so you don’t have to worry about the Santa Cruz Highball not reacting in time even if you make a sudden turn. Santa Cruz knows exactly what the combination of the two tire sizes will do, and they follow through with it. It was a great experiment.
SRAM XG1295 Eagle 1×12 Electronic Drivetrain
While everyone knows that 1×12-spd is the trend, technology in recent years has enabled electronic drives to break the mechanical feel of the past. the Santa Cruz Highball uses the SRAM XG Eagle 12-speed electronic drive that allows you to detect more interest in even the blandest of climbs. As the mainstay of SRAM’s electronic drive in recent years, it makes a version optimized in the context of the original mechanical drive. And provides a powerful drivetrain performance that will immediately take your riding to a whole new level.
Facing many mountain bikes equipped with traditional 2x or 3x drives for example with richer tuning options, in my opinion, do not provide additional support. If quality and simplicity are your main priorities, then the SRAM XG1295 Eagle 1×12 ESC is ready to serve you.
In your practical use, you will be attracted by its lightweight shifting style. The more ergonomic and compact lever shape feels better in your hand and stops the tires at high speed where they should be, even when braking in an emergency.
SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc Brake
It has to be admitted that the Santa Cruz Highball, which is compatible with more possibilities, inherits the stylish design of MTB racing parts.
And the proper lever range fits the rider very well in the actual process of operation.
The characteristic of hydraulic disc braking is that it can achieve a soft feel, which will give you a more relaxed and comfortable feeling when braking. Since SRAM Code RSC takes braking to a whole new level, it can bring very powerful braking ability. Whether you’re traveling through the untouched wilderness or a sharp drop in a forest road, SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes will give you great confidence.
The moment the cable is pulled tight the brakes are applied urgently. Compared to most conservative mechanical disc brakes, SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes need to be treated with care, but not too much stress.
Other Versions Of Santa Cruz BRONSON
Santa Cruz BRONSON R
For the Santa Cruz BRONSON R, which is more affordable, it is easy to see that significant concessions have been made in all its components. For example, the fork used RockShox Lyrik Select version, compared to the Fox Factory Float 36 fork used in the Santa Cruz BRONSON x01 version, whether it is toughness or sturdiness or lightweight level, is not able to achieve the best level. Even in the choice of components, Santa Cruz BRONSON R tends to SRAM XG1295 Eagle 1×12 combination SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brake overall performance is at a disadvantage.
Although in terms of brand endorsement as well as performance, the Santa Cruz BRONSON R is as extreme as it should be. In addition, if you notice in the choice of drivetrain, the electronic drivetrain of Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 is not affordable for the more affordable Santa Cruz BRONSON R. And we can also see a lot of classics continuing on the Santa Cruz BRONSON R, namely the 29/27.5 hybrid wheelset and VPP suspension technology.
Santa Cruz BRONSON S
If there is one model in the whole series that is a more classic continuation, I would not hesitate to say the Santa Cruz BRONSON S. It has a 160mm front travel RockShox Lyrik Select fork, a 27.5/29″ hybrid wheelset and a 1x12sp. I wouldn’t hesitate to name the Santa Cruz BRONSON S. It features a 160mm front travel RockShox Lyrik Select fork, a 27.5/29″ hybrid wheelset, 1x12spd drivetrain, and the same SRAM Code level brakes.
Seriously, I think the Santa Cruz BRONSON S at $6,349 would be a great choice if not for the strict pursuit of competition. Between the two comparisons, we will find similar upgrades to the fork and the drivetrain tech additions. The 1×12 electronic drivetrain chosen for the Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 provides a powerful drivetrain that will take your riding to a whole new level immediately.
Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 specs
| Kit | R | S |
| Price | $5399USD | $6349USD |
| Weight | 14.92kg / 32.89lbs | 14.68kg / 32.37lbs |
| Material | Carbon C | Carbon C |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm | FOX 36 Float Performance, 160mm |
| Shock | FOX Float X Performance | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
| Crankset | SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 32t | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 32t |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R | SRAM Code R |
| Brake Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm | Avid Centerline 200mm/180mm |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
| Bars | Burgtec Alloy Bar | Burgtec Alloy Bar |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 | Burgtec Enduro MK3 |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnaar | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnaar |
| Front Hub | SRAM MTH 716, 15×110, Torque Cap, 32h | DT Swiss 370, 15×110, 6 bolt, 28h |
| Rear Hub | SRAM MTH 746, 12×148, 32h | DT Swiss 370, 12×148, XD, 28h |
| Rims | RaceFace AR Offset 30 Rims | RaceFace AR Offset 30 Rims |
| Rim Options | ||
| Spokes | Sapim Race | Sapim Race |
| Front Tire | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5, 3C, Maxx- Grip, EXO, TR (27.5” tire on size XS) | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5, 3C, Maxx- Grip, EXO, TR (27.5” tire on size XS) |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”, 3C, EXO, TR | Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”, 3C, EXO, TR |
| Tubes | Stan’s Sealant | Stan’s Sealant |
| Seat Post | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 or Race Face Aeffect |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt |
What we like about it?
- The best choice for full-suspension bikes, without the difficulty of choosing between more products.
- The cc carbon fiber body with a lifetime warranty is more aggressive in dealing with challenges.
- 160mm extra-long stroke shock absorption is efficient and more comfortable.
- Hybrid 29/27.5″ wheelset to accommodate more ground travel.
- 1x12spd electronic drivetrain, easy and smooth, dense gears, strong power support.
- SRAM-rated hydraulic disc brakes provide stable suspension even on slippery surfaces.
- The internal alignment is simple and efficient.
What we don’t like about it?
- The high price of maintenance is not easy ß.
- For those with a modification preference, the components tend to be perfect with no way to start.
FAQs
What is the tire size of the Santa Cruz BRONSON?
The tire size of Santa Cruz BRONSON is Front: Maxxis Minion DHR 29 “x2.5, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”.
What is the power drivetrain of the Santa Cruz BRONSON?
The Santa Cruz BRONSON’s drivetrain is the SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12spd electronic drive.
What is the brake of the Santa Cruz BRONSON?
The Santa Cruz BRONSON brake is SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc.
How do you recommend the size of Santa Cruz BRONSON?
| SIZE | Rider Height |
| XS | 142 – 155 cm |
| S | 155 – 165 cm |
| M | 165 – 175 cm |
| L | 175 – 185 cm |
| XL | 185 – 195 cm |
video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Gear | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Santa Cruz MEGATOWER S / Carbon C | $6799 | 1×12 | SRAM Code RHydraulic Disc | 29×2.5″/29×2.4″ | Click view |
| Trek Slash 9.8 GX AXS | $7999 | 1×12Electronic drivetrain | SRAM Code R piston hydraulic disc | 29×2.50” | Click view |
| Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro | $8600 | 1×12Electronic drivetrain | SRAM Code RSCHydraulic Disc | 29×2.3″ | Click view |
| Niner SIR 9 3-STAR SHIMANO SLX SINGLESPEED | $7699 | 1×12 | Shimano XT M8120 4-pistonHydraulic Disc | 29×2.5″/29×2.4″ | Click view |
Santa Cruz MEGATOWER S / Carbon C vs Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1
Seriously, I do think the MEGATOWER S is a better comparison to the BRONSON s compared to the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1. We can see that for the $6799 price frame, the Santa Cruz MEGATOWER S has also brought out the best of Santa Cruz’s quality. It comes with a 165mm rear and 170mm front travel suspension that handles efficiently when facing the bumps of the Tundra. But if it’s some ascending climb, the longer travel will even cause some deflation to your output.
Of course, it does not have the option of the same expensive electronic drive in the drivetrain. But the efficiency of the SRAM 1×12 drivetrain is also good. Also, still Santa Cruz’s favorite hybrid, the Santa Cruz MEGATOWER S uses a more classic Maxxis Assegai 29″ hybrid wheelset front and rear. This is a more innovative way to lock the rear tire size at 27.5 compared to the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1. I think the Santa Cruz MEGATOWER S is still relatively conservative.
On the whole, it is the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 that is more demanding for competition.
learn more：Santa Cruz MEGATOWER XX1 AXS Review – Why Is Your Mountain Bike More Expensive Than Mine?
Trek Slash 9.8 GX AXS vs Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1
The Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 did not win easily compared to its other rival, the Trek Slash 9.8 GX.
Due to my familiarity with both brands, the Trek Slash 9.8 GX’s oclv mountain carbon frame comes with 160mm rear and 170mm front suspension. Against the 150mm rear and 160mm front Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1, the longer travel might be an advantage when riding some climbing terrain that doesn’t have a significant upward trend. But if you need more output, I think a more appropriate amount of travel is the secret to victory. Both use a 1×12 electronic drive, so both make a lean on the technology additions.
Of course, in the face of some exclusive technologies such as the RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT damping, Santa Cruz takes the vpp suspension under a lifetime warranty in cc carbon fiber to the extreme. And in terms of wheelset choice, it has to be said that the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1’s are even bolder, as the 29-inch front tire provides plenty of traction and stability going forward, while the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for quick rear tire steering and lift. If you need something more high-end for your racing needs, you might want to consider the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1.
Learn More: Trek Slash 9.8 GX Review-How To Be the Best Enduro Bike
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro vs Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1
Compared to the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, the lower price does not mean compromising on components and quality. 150mm rear, 160mm front travel in the same FACT 11m carbon material. 1×12 electronic drivetrain combined with SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, both at the start and the end. The SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes are highly effective at both the start and end. Although both are already at the extreme of the possibility of full shock. But in some details of the embodiment, Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 is better.
The vpp suspension system under cc carbon fiber with a lifetime warranty can handle road information more intelligently for riding. In addition, because of the more daring choice of the hybrid wheelset, so the production process increased the difficulty. However, this difficulty effectively makes a plus to the ride. And the 29-inch front tire provides plenty of traction and stability going forward, while the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for quick rear tire steering and lift.
Overall, I think the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 is a step above.
Niner SIR 9 3-STAR SHIMANO SLX SINGLESPEED vs Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1
The Niner SIR 9 3-STAR with its consistent 160mm tends to be more conservative in design and it enjoys being in the middle of the pack. Although, I think it’s perfectly capable of doing more for the $7699 price frame. But, for some of the ascending climbing terrain, I was hoping the full shock would be as efficient as the hardtail.
In terms of drivetrain and braking, the Niner SIR 9 3-STAR excels with a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain combined with hydraulic ß disc brakes.
Compared to the further-priced Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1, I think the addition of an electronic drivetrain is necessary.
And in terms of braking, I am more familiar with the SRAM CODE series. From my experience, it is faster and more sensitive.
On the choice of the wheelset, although Niner SIR 9 3-STAR consciously chose a hybrid wheelset, but still did not jump out of the 29 this frame. On the contrary, Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 is more daring in its choice of the hybrid wheelset. Accordingly, the 29-inch front tire provides sufficient traction and stability going forward, while the 27.5-inch rear tire allows for quick rear tire steering and lift. And the production process is more challenging. In addition, for the addition of exclusive technology, Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1’s vpp suspension technology handles more aggressively in the face of riding road conditions.
On balance, the Santa Cruz BRONSON xx1 components fit more securely and are more cleverly designed.
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Learn more : Is Niner SIR 9 3-STAR SRAM GX EAGLE Splendid? – [Niner SIR 9 3-STAR SRAM GX EAGLE Review]
