Santa Cruz Bicycles

Bronson Carbon R AM Complete Mountain Bike

The 150mm-travel Bronson Carbon warrants your curiosity by possessing a one-piece carbon chassis, Fox-controlled VPP suspension, 27.5-inch wheels and, of course, its creator's stellar reputation. If that interest, conversely, deflated like a dry-rotted tire after witnessing a 10k-plus price of admission for the ENVE XX1 equipped Bronson, you're still able to realize that mid-wheel, carbon dream with Santa Cruz's R AM complete mountain bike build.

The R AM dressed Bronson Carbon shares the same exact frame as that five-figure top-shelf'er, only it substitutes the 'go-fast bits' for more durable, yet equally capable, components from Fox, Race Face, Shimano, and WTB. And while those pieces contribute to a quality, grin-inducing ride, Santa Cruz's carbon expertise is the biggest contributing factor to that trait.

Leading the modern mountain bike movement, Santa Cruz's carbon development has rewritten standards for weight, integrity, and strength. Not surprisingly, this expertise is found throughout the Bronson's one-piece, continuous fiber, low-void front and rear triangles. And in addition to this, the Bronson also features structures and molds that're exclusive to its design. It's also important to point out that this isn't a carbon Blur LT with clown shoes on, nor is it a carbon Nomad that's received a bolt-on, 27.5-quick fix. Instead, the Bronson is a completely new chassis, and a quick review of its geometry is proof of that fact.

A 13.6-inch bottom bracket height sits between the Blur LT and Tallboy LT, while a 67 degree head tube angle complements its six-inches of wheel travel. Together, these attributes make it crystal clear that Santa Cruz destined this bike to please riders who use the whole trail. Adding to that lively nature are the Bronson's 17.3-inch long chainstays, which keep its rear tire tucked under you while still rolling with the authority of its 29er brethren -- minus the inherent clumsiness.

So, when you add up all of those numbers, and toss VPP suspension into the picture, it comes as no surprise that this is the chosen bike by the Syndicate for the 2013 Enduro World Series. And speaking of VPP, if you're unfamiliar with its merits we're going to jump right into that.

The VPP rear-suspension on the Bronson utilizes patented, counter-rotating shock links to allow for a variable feel throughout the suspension travel. When sag is set correctly, the Bronson is extremely responsive to small- and medium-sized bumps. For larger hits that push it deeper into its travel, it becomes more stubborn, a necessity to avoid harsh bottom-out. It's also a crisp, efficient pedaler, even in the small chainring. Another big plus of VPP suspension is its durability. In fact, Santa Cruz guarantees the pivot bearings for life. Rear motion is handled by a lightweight and custom-tuned FOX FLOAT CTD Adjust. Its three-position Climb, Trail, and Descend lever lets you select an appropriate amount of platform damping for the terrain that you're riding

The front end of the Bronson complements that shock with a 150mm travel FOX 34 FLOAT CTD O/C. This fork features an open cartridge damper for little to none aeration in order to provide a smooth and consistent ride quality. It's equipped with a 15mm through axle and a 142 x 12mm at the rear. The wheels are comprised of Shimano M678 hubs that have been laced to WTB ST i23 TCS tubeless rims, and they've been cased with Maxxis High Roller 2 EXO Tubeless Tires.

Turning the rear wheel is a Shimano Deore triple crankset, an SLX 11-36t cassette, and a 10-speed HG-74 chain. For gear selection, there's a SLX Shadow+ rear and a XT front derailleur that're controlled by Shimano SLX shifters. These shifters share handlebar real estate with Shimano Deore disc brake levers. The handlebar is a Race Face Ride which is supported by a Truvativ AKA stem, and the seatpost is a Race Face Ride, as well, with a WTB Volt Race perched atop of it. The Bronson has guides for a seat dropper and ISCG05 tabs in case you want to make future upgrades.

The Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon R AM Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Matte Carbon/orange/blue and Gloss Yellow/black/blue.