2025 Santa Cruz Bronson 5 C S

The 2025 Santa Cruz Bronson 5 C S blends thoughtful engineering with practical design choices to deliver a trail bike that feels confident on climbs and solid through technical descents. It doesn't demand compromise. It offers a balance of control, durability, and efficiency that many riders will appreciate for all-around trail riding.

Frame and Suspension

Starting with the frame, the Bronson uses Santa Cruz’s Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension system. This means pedaling stays efficient, even when the trail gets rough, thanks to the way the suspension moves. The mixed-wheel setup with 29 inches up front and 27.5 inches in the rear strikes a sweet spot between rolling over obstacles smoothly and maintaining nimble handling when the trail tightens up. A 73mm threaded bottom bracket and integrated Cane Creek 40 IS headset add simple, reliable maintenance and compatibility with a wide range of parts.

Suspension Details

Up front, the FOX 36 Float Performance fork with 160mm of travel soaks up rough patches while keeping steering precise when the trail demands it. Out back, a FOX Float X Performance shock keeps things responsive without feeling harsh. It cushions big hits but still supports the mid-stroke so the bike doesn't feel mushy when you're pushing hard downhill. FOX FLOAT X is engineered to meet the demands of aggressive Trail riders. It delivers sophisticated damping and fade-free performance on the roughest terrain. It's designed for outstanding durability while remaining impressively lightweight. The Performance Elite series has the same high end features and tunability as the top-of-the-line Factory series, without Fox's Kashima Coat.

Drivetrain

The Bronson’s drivetrain leans on SRAM GX Eagle parts. This 12-speed setup shifts crisply across a broad range of gears. You will find the right cadence whether climbing steep pitches or blasting down fast, flowy sections. The 32-tooth crankset paired with the 10-50 tooth cassette balances power and range. The threaded SRAM DUB bottom bracket focuses on durability and easy upkeep.

Tires

Tire choice shows the bike’s intended versatility. A Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 inch tire sits at the front, giving you solid grip and confidence when traction is sketchy, especially in loose or wet conditions. Meanwhile, the rear rides on a slightly smaller Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5x2.4 tire that excels at braking control and cornering stability. The different sizes and tread patterns combine to keep you steady and sure-footed across varied terrain.

Wheels and Brakes

Wheels pair DT Swiss 370 hubs with either Reserve 30|TR AL or Raceface AR30 rims. Both options promise strength without heavy weight, ready for aggressive riding and trail punishment. Braking comes from SRAM DB8 Stealth four-piston calipers. These brakes are consistent and strong, helping you manage speed and control on steep and technical stretches.

Handling and Comfort

Handling feels solid and confident thanks to the OneUp aluminum handlebar with an 800mm width and 35mm rise. Matched with a short, 42mm stem from either OneUp or Burgtec, the front end responds quickly without feeling twitchy. Comfort isn't an afterthought either. The OneUp dropper post lets you quickly adjust saddle height mid-ride, while the SDG Bel-Air V3 saddle provides cushioned support shaped for long days on the trail.

In short, the Bronson 5 C S caters to riders who want a do-it-all bike that moves with them whether grinding uphill or letting loose downhill. It favors practical, thoughtful components over flashy gimmicks and builds in resilience for years of trail use.