I have been thinking of a new bike recently and have been looking towards the SANTA cruz bronson, I currently have a 2011 specialised stumpy and although after changing everything on the bike (bar forks and shock) I enjoy riding it but have always felt it’s a bit long (I’m 6.2 and its a large) previous to that I had an old Marin alpine trail in medium, (way to small but loved being able to chuck it around under me, the stumpy has always felt like I’m a passenger ON it rather than the feeling I had with the Marin!
Anyways, from what I’ve read everyone seems to say that SANTA cruz bikes come up quite short, this actually makes me think it may be better for me, however when I compare the bronson (large) geometry with the 2011 stumpy, there seems to be very little difference in length, am I missing something, or is there more to consider than just too tube length and wheelbase?

Historically Santa Cruz have made bikes that were a bit shorter in the TT than other brands however their current bikes seem to have addressed this including the Bronson and the nomad. I owned a ’11 Stumpjumper elite and have ridden a large SC Bronson, I never felt that the SJ was too long, I was actually a big fan of the geo however the Bronson is certainly a more playful bike, easier to throw around and ride faster however climbed as well. I was expecting a wonder bike when I test rode it after reading all the hype so I was a little disapointed initially however they are a very very good bike and better than the 2011 Stumpjumper in every way. I’d advise getting a test ride just to be sure though.

I’ve got a large Bronson and am 6′ tall and it feels just right for me. Depending where you are you are more than welcome to give it a try.

Medium here, I test rode a large as that was all they had which was the same size as my Zesty medium top tube wise. Plus one for the comments above, very quick and easy to move about on the trail. I noticed most difference in the corners, the VPP seemed to suck the bike down on to the trail. As above, try before you buy. I road the demo bike for a weekend on my local trails to make sure it was the right bike for me and it gave me a direct comparison – feel if you like between the Zesty and SC. Still have the Zesty, still a great bike to ride but the Bronson and 27.5 plus 150mm Pikes means it’s just more capable when the going gets rough

What length stem and what width bars on the Stumpy?

It came with 100mm stem and narrow bars, but I changed the stem to a 40 or 50 mm AKA (can’t remember off hand) hand have 800mm bars on it but have tried varying different widths over the last couple of years

On my second Bronson now both Large, they are slightly shorter not as much as people make out, you can easily make changes with a shorter / longetr stem.
If you’ve not ridden one see if you can demo one or find some one locally, if you live near York your welcome to try mine at Dalby no worries.
On the reliability side I’ve had not one problem, just replaced the rear bearings & they’re under a life time warranty, the bike felt superb, they just have a planted solid feel & climb well, they don’t bob under pedaling & inspire confidence descending, you won’t be disappointed, there is a bit of negativity towards them as they’re a niche brand & expensive.

Sold a mint full XTR spec Carbon Large recently only because I was buying a new one with 36’s & CCDB shock.

Cheers
Mark

Thanks for the comments, I had indeed heard some negative things but remain open minded, although I agree trying to find a bike to try in North Wales would be a good idea!!

To all the owners out there, I’m looking at the alloy X1 build and wondered if pikes were worth the upgrade? Also would I be better off going for a lower spec carbon version? What are your opinions?

Have you been to the Trailhead in Shrewsbury? They’ve built loads of Bronson’s so might be worth a shout if you’re not too far away

I’ve been told by a few people that there’s a new bronson coming out this year.

I test rode a large Bronson at llandegla, worth giving opa a call they’re good guys

jacksprogis – Member

I’ve been told by a few people that there’s a new bronson coming out this year.

Yeah it was going to happen with the new Nomad having the lower link re designed & the pivot placed higher up, the link is a little low on the Bronson & now they mainly sell 1×11 set up it makes sense to get rid of the lower link, I’ve clattered mine several times, it’ll be interesting to see the changes with the move towards longer slacker etc but hopefully retaining the play full feeling of the current bike.

To give a counter view I’m 5’7″ and would want a large bronson – medium is just too short. At 6’2″ I’d say an xl would be your size and others would think that too small as well.

You bought a large then Steveh? I decided the shorter medium suits me better. I’m 5’8″.

I’m 5’10” and ride a large. My mate is 6’2″ and rides an XL. If you ae going to keep it for a while then go carbon with lower spec bits and upgrade along the way….

I’d agree on the carbon. I started out with an alloy version with kash shock and pikes and xt 2×10. Within 6 months I swapped the frame for a carbon and moved to XO1 and CCDBair CS. It’s like a different bike in some ways. At least with carbon you can always upgrade when you’re able.

I’m 5’8″ and ride the medium, with a 50mm stem.

Pawsy_bear – No i tried medium and large and prefferred the large. I haven’t bought yet – have a demo on a large nomad to consider first as well.

Demo Nomad, nice, Steveh. Must resist must ……….