Interestingly the frames are almost identical and a few grams difference in weight. That’s what made my mind up and why I choose a Bronson. Was riding those trails you mention a couple months ago on my Broson. Certainly easier with 150mm suspension, Bronson build is more rugged. Not sure weight wise there is a huge difference. What I appreciate is that they are very manoeuvrable

I was totally blown away by the 5010 I tried. In my mind if I was thinking bigger than the 5010 the id probably go full on for the Nomad (or the Capra).
I’m hoping sanity keeps me pointed at the 5010. Balanced, nimble and total fun. Well compared with Gnarwhale it was.

I’d have put that the other way around Bronson for rough stuff, but their both very capable bikes. You need to demo them both. We are all different riders. My own experience was that I kinda grew out of my Zesty 140mm and could use the extra travel and stiffness. Depends where you are on the evolutionary trails ha ha I still have my 2010 Zesty and still enjoy riding it.

I could certainly see myself ordering a Solo as my next bike to replace the Zesty. A Nomad would be nice but I’m more enduro type rider.

Bottom line, demo them

I have both a bronson and 5010. Bronson has 160mm pikes and CCDBcs out back. 5010 has 140mm pikes and fox float ctd kashima shock.

Both bikes ride very differently. The bronson handles anything and is very forgiving, it climbs excellently. The shock gives it a real bottomless feel and it’s very plush and controllable.

The 5010 is much more fun to ride, more poppy on jumps etc, climbs amazingly well (so much so that when I get back on the bronson I think there’s something wrong with me). My OH is a lot fitter than me but I can hammer him climbing when I’m on the 5010. It will handle decent sized drops, 4ft ish. I’ve not done more than that on it. However, the fox float shock is nowhere near as good as the cane creek. It blows through the travel a lot more linear, and you can feel the bottom out on it, which is hard to predict somehow.

Natural stuff = bronson.
Trails and trail centres = 5010

I’ve tried both and I’d say the 5010 wins hands down for most the UK riding. My friend easily conquered Snowdon, BPW as well as chalk downland pedal-fests like Dorset on his. The Bronson just felt a little too burly and sluggish. The 5010 is so fast when pedalling and never really gets out of its depth even on the steep techy stuff. I’ve ridden it with RS Revs and would be intrigued to know what it would feel like with Pikes up front just for that added stiffness and maybe an extra 10mm travel.

another Bronson owner + one

Natural stuff = bronson.
Trails and trail centres = 5010

Some places like Skyline have a demno fleet

Try the guys at 18 cycles in Hope

I know at least one of them rides a 5010 on Peak trails and loves it

Pretty sure they can easily arrange a demo of both bikes on local trails

Beaten to it! We do indeed have a Solo Carbon (large) and Bronson Carbon (medium) along with my XL Solo.

We’re closed Wednesdays, but feel free to call, email or pop in and we can discuss demo rides.

Oh, Solo imho – that’s what I chose too.

Great, i was sure i wanted a Bronson after testing it twice.
Not so sure now after reading this thread.
I will have to find a South West dealer that has a 5010C in stock for me to try!

Love my 5010 CC, Light and fun.
Pedals very well and seems it can take the abuse

Mine is just under 26lbs and is the bike i ride the most

Nocolaisam what shock do you have on your 5010? Think I’m about to press the button on a DBInline.

And what travel are you running on the Pikes if i may ask?

i use mine for anything and everything as its my only mtb. Use it in the lakes, munro bagging, enduro’s, ten under the ben, local xc races and so on.

Does it all no bother. I am sure a bigger nomad type bike may be better on big hills but I didn’t have any problems.

Just put a 150mm Pike on it which has slackened it and made a difference for steeper trails. may drop to 140mm yet though

thumbs up from me 🙂

will

Ex WC DH racer locally rides a 5010 with 160 fox on front, most would struggle to get anywhere near him, up or down hill!!
Trashed the carbon frame rear end so now has the alloy one, and still totalled the rear Enve carbon rim!!

Very helpful. Answers none of the OP’s questions and then doesn’t even go on to suggest an unwanted alternative. 🙄

I’m running 140mm pikes in my 5010 but I believe they’re only available from Santa Cruz with either a full bike or frame. Of course, you could get some 150mms reduced to 140mm.
The pikes are awesome on this wee bike.