Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon CC XTR Reserve

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 Carbon CC XTR Reserve employs Santa Cruz's top-tier carbon technology to create the park and trail dream machine. Lightweight, power-packed components like Shimano's new XTR 1x12 drivetrain and XTR brakes leave nothing to be desired in shifting and braking performance, while Santa Cruz's Reserve 30 Carbon wheelset wrapped in Maxxis Minion tires boost confidence as well as acceleration through predictable traction and low rolling weight. Steering input translates through a Santa Cruz carbon bar and Race Face Turbine stem, and is followed by a Fox 36 Factory fork and RockShox Super Deluxe RCT shock that supply big-hit stability with precise control to keep you loose and on-point.