Santa Cruz Bronson Aluminum R

Since the day it was born the Bronson has had the biggest personality in Santa Cruz's range of bikes. From flat out on the trail to fully flat over a table, each new generation redefines expectations of what a 150mm bike can do. The new lower-link mounted shock configuration opens up greater possibilities for maximum bump performance, a supportive mid-stroke, and a barely detectable bottom out. With 150mm of VPP travel on 27.5-inch wheels, the Bronson continually rides the sharp edge between agility and stability. Ideal for negotiating tech-gnar one moment and fast flowing terrain the next, the 160mm fork travel and 65-degree head angle ensure handling remains refined. Meanwhile, the redesigned, one-piece swingarm keeps the rear wheel tracking on point however twisted you get.

There’s plenty of room to run up to 2.8-inch tires on plus rims. Santa Cruz offers build kit options for “regular” 27.5 and Plus using 2.6 tires. It feels like sorta-big is the sweet spot between the Velcro-like traction of plus tires and the traditional feel of a supportive casing on standard-width tires.

The Bronson Aluminum R takes advantage of today's excellent selection of budget-friendly components, featuring SRAM's NX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes paired to 200mm front and 180mm rear rotors, and a Race Face bar and stem combo. A tubeless-ready WTB wheelset wrapped in Maxxis Minion tires ensure confident traction, and the RockShox Yari fork and Super Deluxe shock complement the VPP suspension design, giving you off-the-top response with the capability for big airs when you're ready.