Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson

 Had this frame for a month and continue to be blown away every time I ride it. I keep setting PR's on Strava so I'm either getting stronger or the bike is that much better - or both. The Bronson 2 is a noticeable improvement over the original version (sorry!) and a huge upgrade from my Blur LTc. I built the frame using Shimano XT 1x11, Raceface crank, Fox 34 (150mm) fork, and Easton Heist wheels (30mm width) with Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires. I'm still running an older set of Magura brakes that are showing their age.

Bike has an amazing blend of stoutness in the frame, and is noticeably stiffer laterally, while at the same time the compliance and smoothness of the suspension keeps the bike balanced and well poised for all sorts of terrain. New England trails tend to be rocky and rooty, yet the improved rear suspension keeps the wheels in contact and inspires tremendous confidence - I now make all sorts of obstacles that I would flail on previously. Was initially worried about the slacker head angle, but find that the bike corners and climbs extremely well for trail riding. Haven't had the opportunity for any big descending yet, but fully expect that the bike will really shine. It truly fits the All Mountain designation and is very versitile. The simplicity, range and reliability of the 1x11 drivetrain is pure engineering elegance and the bike is virtually silent since the chain slap is eliminated.

A couple words of caution if you buy the frame only version - the frame uses "Boost" sizing and some of your current components will not fit. The rear axle is now 12 X 148 and requires a special hub. The crank is also different and may be tricky to get the proper chainline. The seat post diameter has increased and you may need a shim to use an existing dropper. The longer top tube means you may want a shorter stem.

 Great bike! Climbs better than you would expect, and descends even better. It has totally transformed my riding. Its confidence inspiring to say the least. It's stable in air, and pops off of everything.

 I bought the Santa Cruz Bronson C 2.0 R1
I am 5.8'' tall and bought this one in Size M. I took it out once so far and compared to my old bike (Cannondale Moto 2010) this is a huge step up!

Pros: The 27.5+ tires make it easy to get speed and roll over obstacles. It is so light that my hopping and jumping game will increase this season! The color pops! (I purchased it in blue/orange). It is a downhill bike ready for enduro rides. I pedaled uphill (in Utah!) with open suspensions and no other problems than my gears (see the con section) and breathing to get up. The bike is so light and easy to ride uphill that I almost wanted that extra challenge to stay in shape. It is handy to reach the levers on the go that stiffen the suspensions while riding and the dropper seatpost makes it easy to adjust to the terrain without ever having to step off the bike! No justifications for breaks anymore!

Cons: - Not a lot of color options to choose from (but is that sooo important?) - my gears are set off after my first day riding up and made my chain pop. (That is to be expected though after riding it with full weight for the first time) Don't have any other cons so far!

Recommendation: ahhh definitely!! I will take it out a few more times (of course) after my shoulder is healed up from our first trail bonding day and when the rain stops (preserve the trails!) and update my review with more details. =)

Happy riding! =D

 Love my 2016 Bronson CC. Great weight (under 30 for XL). It is great off the shelf but I added NOX rims (with Hope pro 4s) and upgraded the cassette. First to 11x46, now Sunrace 11-50. XT Brakes and DR. Added Raceface Next SL cranks.

May upgrade to the Float X2 soon, but I have a blast on this bike!