First Look | 2025 Santa Cruz Bronson V5, new geo and reduced pedal kickback

The Bronson, arguably Santa Cruz’s most versatile bike, has just received a fresh update. Version 5 of this rig, which has really cemented itself in their lineup, is about to hit the market. Rather than a complete overhaul from the previous iteration, it looks as if the clever heads in the SC Engineering Department have been mostly focused on fine tuning.

The Bronson will still be rocking a mixed wheeled setup, 150mm of VPP suspension and a 160mm fork. You’ll fine the most significant changes may be somewhat invisible, as they’re found within the kinematics; in particular the anti-squat characteristics. With this, they’ve attempted to reduce some of the pedal kick-back that was present in V4.

We remember when the Bronson was first released around a decade ago! The footage of a fresh faced Josh Bryceland ripping around with his effortless steeze is forever etched into our brains. But, a lot has changed since then! Let’s take a closer look at what we’ll be seeing in version 5 of the Santa Cruz Bronson.

The classic Santa Cruz side profile. All their bikes have a similar look but here we have the new Bronson V5 in the Root Beer colourway.

What’s new on the Bronson?

The mixed wheel Bronson is often compared to the Santa Cruz Hightower. For the sake of a metaphor, the Hightower is the cool cousin in this scenario; a full 29er trail bike with a similar amount of travel. However, V5 Bronson with its changes, may be closer to its bigger bro, the burlier Santa Cruz Nomad; a 170mm rowdy enduro/ free-ride bike. Thus, we see the new Bronson has evolved along the family tree, pushing it a little closer to the gnarlier end of the trail bike spectrum.

You may have guessed that the V5 Bronson is slightly longer and slacker, but that’s not where the key changes lie. The critical adjustments have been made to the anti squat characteristics. This is pleasing to hear, as the previous model was prone to noticeable pedal kickback at times. Engineers have moved the shock position down and forward, claiming that this has significantly improved the bikes anti squat traits. We’re keen to throw a leg over this one soon and feel it out for ourselves; it certainly looks promising though.

With this repositioning of the shock, they’ve also tided up the upper shock mount. The shock bolt location is now recessed into the downtube providing a neat finish.

With the slightly lower and more forward shock position, the shock bolt is now recessed into the downtube.

We’re also noticing a big push towards electronic drivetrains. The higher end CC carbon frames will not come with internal routing for a cable actuated drivetrain, however the C carbon frames will. It is an interesting move and is something we’ve seen Specialized do recently with the new Stumpjumper 15.

Here is a C carbon frame with internal routing for a cable derailleur. The higher end CC frames will not come with internal drivetrain routing as they’re stocked with electronic drivetrains.

Geometry and Sizing

As we touched on above, the new Bronson has grown in both reach and rear centre lengths. There will be five frame sizes (S, M, L, XL & XXL). The reach measurements range from 435mm (small) to 525mm (XXL). Santa Cruz have opted for proportional sizing, which means that each size will have a different rear centre length. The spectrum for rear centre lengths ranges from 437mm (small) to 448mm (XXL). We know a lot of people on either ends of the sizing will be pleased to see five sizes available. There is quite a significant spread across the size range! 

The head angle in the high setting has been bumped out to 64.2°. The previous version sat at 64.7°, not a significant change but definitely worth mentioning. There is a geometry flip chip incorporated into the design as we’ve come accustom to with Santa Cruz bikes. This provides both a high and low setting, which not only changes the geometry but also the progressiveness of the rear suspension. We’ll definitely be testing the bike in both settings, so stayed tuned for which configuration we prefer!

Models and Pricing

There will be five options coming into Australia for you to chose from. Four complete builds as well as a frame only option.

The Kalimotxo colour is an ode to one of the OG Bronson colourways from yesteryear.

Bronson CC Frame Only $6,299

Bronson C S-Kit $8,999

Bronson C GX AXS-Kit $10,499

Bronson CC XO AXS-Kit $12,499

Bronson CC XO AXS-Kit RSV $13,999

Concluding thoughts…for now, more to come soon!

Santa Cruz have a solid reputation and for good reason. They’ve walked the walk for many years. Their bikes have historically performed well and their customer service is also a strong point. With the new Bronson you’ll get all the things we’ve come to expect from Santa Cruz, including lifetime warranty and complementary replacement bearings.

As always Santa Cruz bikes look great on paper, but that’s not enough! We’re itching to swing a leg over the new Bronson so we can report back on what it’s like in real life!

 

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