2026 Santa Cruz Bronson 5 C 70

The 2026 Santa Cruz Bronson 5 C 70 sits where big-mountain terrain meets fast, technical enduro trails. Running a mixed-wheel setup with 29 inches up front and 27.5 at the rear, it balances stability and agility like few bikes can. The frame’s geometry is crafted to keep the ride lively but controlled. Whether you’re dropping into rocky descents or cruising flowy singletrack, the Bronson feels planted and playful without ever losing confidence.

At its heart, the Bronson wears Santa Cruz’s C Carbon frame. This isn’t just light for the sake of it. The frame hits a sweet spot between stiffness and strength, letting you hustle hard without worrying about durability. Sizes come with tailored geometry and chainstay lengths for consistent handling no matter what you ride. Inside the frame, cables run quietly and cleanly. The 73mm threaded bottom bracket with SRAM DUB keeps maintenance straightforward and pedaling smooth.

The wheel combo is a standout. The big 29-inch front rolls over rocks and roots without flinching, carving a stable line even on chunky terrain. Meanwhile, the smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel keeps the bike nimble and responsive underneath you. It allows for quick direction changes and playful moves on tricky features, giving the bike a lively personality that makes technical sections easier to read and ride.

The suspension-wise, the Bronson uses a RockShox Lyrik Base fork delivering 160 millimeters of travel. The 35mm stanchions add stiffness for precise handling on steep, rough runs. The smooth damping irons out impacts and square edges. Out back, a FOX Float Rhythm shock tuned just for the Bronson’s kinematics provides plush small-bump sensitivity, strong mid-stroke support to keep you balanced, and progressive bottom-out control to avoid harsh crashes when the trail gets wild.

The drivetrain features SRAM’s T-Type Eagle components. You get all the crisp, reliable shifting of a high-end electronic set without worrying about batteries. The wide 10-52 tooth cassette gives you gears for steep climbs and the punch for fast flats. The derailleur and chain are designed to keep that chain tight and shifting sharp, even when pushing hard. The shifter feels quick and tactile for precise changes on the fly. The crankset rounds things out with a stiff, durable build and an efficient pedaling position.

You'll also find a set of SRAM DB8 brakes grabbing 200mm Centerline rotors front and back. These hydraulic mineral-oil brakes pack punch and modulation without a ton of fuss. This is a neat balance for trail riders who want solid brakes without fussing over constant tweaks.

Rolling on Reserve 30 tubeless-ready alloy rims, the Bronson’s wheels are tough enough to take hits and stay true. With SRAM’s MTH 716/746 hubs providing reliable engagement, the wheelset shines in terms of durability and smoothness. Tires come from Maxxis. The Assegai 29x2.5 in front offers aggressive grip in loose or wet conditions. The Minion DHR II 27.5x2.4 out back provides braking traction and cornering confidence.

The cockpit is set up for control with size-specific details. Bars come from Burgtec or e*thirteen TRS Base options, with widths and rises tuned to fit your size. Compact 40-42mm stems from OneUp or e*thirteen add stiffness and direct handling. The SDG Bel-Air V3 saddle is comfortable and tough enough for long days, while the Tellis dropper post offers smooth, dependable travel with length matched to your frame size.

Built to dominate everything from enduro races to backcountry adventures, the Bronson 5 C 70 blends confidence, durability, and ride quality in a package that rewards riders pushing their limits. It’s a bike ready to send, shred, and have fun no matter where the trail takes you.