Santa Cruz Bronson C SPX AM 27.5 (2014)

Premium 650b all-rounder

Pros

- Detail of finish on frameset
- Uniformed components
- Dropper Post

Cons

- Triple Crankset
- No Chainguide as Standard

Review

Santa Cruz Bikes have come a very long way since their inception, and with each leap forward, they've pushed their technological developments to the limit. Well known for their incredible race winning downhill rigs, Santa Cruz have started making quite a name for themselves in the enduro world. Here's why:

The Santa Cruz Bronson AM 27.5 is a new breed of 650B enduro race bike. Equally capable on hardcore trails as it is on more tamed XC tracks, the Bronson ticks all the right boxes. The frameset is spun from carbon fibre, with forged upper and lower pivot links for added strength. The frame can easily contain the 150mm VPP Suspension system, both front and rear - as well as accommodate a direct bolt or a standard mount front derailleur. The frame plays host to full cable integration, and other small details such as molded rubber frame protection...

Suspension needs are taken care of by Fox Suspension, with a set of Fox 34 Float CTD 150mm forks, and a gorgeous Fox Float CTD rear piston. The adjustability on this suspension setup will leave you reeling. We loved the lockout mode on a bike not really requiring such a feature.

Wheels are robust and bombproof, though also lightweight. WTB rims are accompanied by a set of DT Swiss hubs, resulting in WTB Frequency Team i23 Wheels - the same used by many respected enduro riders. Tubeless Maxxis Highrollers finish things off, with a widened 2.3" footprint width for added tire deformity on rough terrain.

The groupset on such a rocket has to be Shimano XT throughout... Every piece of shifting and braking equipment is Shimano XT, and it's great to see such consistent quality. The shifting and braking is flawless, especially with Shimano 180mm IceTech rotors.

A few finishing touches in the cockpit leave you wanting nothing more than open trail! A RockShox Reverb Dropper post offers remotely adjustable seat height while riding, along with a WTB Volt saddle. Easton Components are used in places such as the handlebars, while Truvativ have branded the stem with their usual top quality.

We can't speak highly enough of a bike this well finished - and the detail of the workmanship is top notch. The Bronson would suit a range of mountain bike riders; from enduro and all-mountain enthusiasts to anyone looking for a very capable long travel trail bike that can be ridden with ease on virtually any trail.