[Ride Review] Santa Cruz Bronson V5

Santa Cruz has once again raised the bar with the release of the Bronson V5. A bike long known for its blend of versatility and performance has just gotten even better. With its do-it-all attitude, the Bronson V5 introduces fresh updates that cater to both aggressive riders and those who appreciate all-around trail efficiency. Featuring refined geometry, improved suspension, and an MX wheel setup—29" up front and 27.5" in the rear—the Bronson V5 is built to handle everything from steep technical descents to flowing singletrack with ease. But how do these changes perform on the trail? Here are our first impressions after putting it to the test.

So, what exactly has changed with the new V5? First, the most noticeable difference is the new frame design, which integrates Santa Cruz’s updated VPP suspension platform. This design includes a “window” for easier shock access. The shock also now has a lower mounting point in the frame, which results in reduced anti-squat. But what is anti-squat, and why does it matter? We’ll get into that shortly. The travel numbers remain the same—160mm up front and 150mm at the rear—but the geometry has evolved, with a slacker head tube angle, longer wheelbase, and longer rear center.

Climbing

The New Bronson showcases impressive climbing abilities for an all-mountain bike, as a result of a steeper seat tube angle and the longer rear center. I was pleasanltly surprised by the improved riding position, and traction on technical climbs. Rear Center is one of the bigger issues that Santa Cruz has addressed with the new Bronson, with many previous MX bikes having more of a reward weight bias. This refinement keeps the rider’s weight centered between the wheels providing a more neutral riding position. I did notice a little more pedal bob due to the updated suspension kinematics, but I did not notice any loss in efficiency when climbing. 

Descending

The Bronson truly shines on descents, with the updated geometry the bike is an absolute thrill. Begging to go for that side hit, or shoot that gap this bike turns an ordinary downhill into an extrordinary experience. With a half a degree slacker head tube angle, longer chain stays, and longer wheel base which result in a more stable and capable bike. Santa Cruz has also stretched both the rear and front center of the new Bronson, resulting in a more even weight bias. This in turn provides the rider with improved traction to both wheels, and a more confident ride. 

Now, let’s dive into the anti-squat discussion. Santa Cruz has significantly reduced the anti-squat on the new Bronson, which enhances the overall ride quality. Specifically, it makes the bike calmer and more composed during descents, leading to a more well-rounded performance.

The Bronson feels like a “Mini Nomad.” As someone who rides a Nomad regularly, I found that this bike offers a slightly more playful and poppy ride while still maintaining plush off-the-top suspension that supports big hits. Like many modern bikes, the Bronson punches above its weight, riding as though it has more travel than it actually does.

Conclusion

After spending some time with the new Santa Cruz Bronson V5, it's safe to say that the bike sets a new standard for versatility and performance. Overall, the V5 is a significant evolution in the Bronson lineup, bringing a refined blend of climbing efficiency and downhill prowess. With it’s enhanced suspension, and thoughtful geometry updated, this latest iteration offers an impressive combination of stability, agility, and all-around performance. It’s a bike that I found to inspire confidence on descents without compromising its climbing abilities, making it a very well rounded choice for riders looking to push their limits on diverse terrain. Santa Cruz has crafted a bike that feels at home on a wide range of terrain, from technical trail riding to fast, flowy descents.