Press Release

Introducing the 5th Generation Santa Cruz Bronson 14

Santa Cruz's core all-rounder returns with a refined frame layout, dedicated mixed wheels on all sizes, and tweaked kinematics to improve performance in rough terrain.

Jason_Schroeder

8/20/2024 12:00am

When you can only have one bike, and your mission is to ride that bike into oblivion then this is the one. From manicured bike parks to blown out loamy berms, alpine lines to backyard trails, the Bronson is as at home in the air as it is in the dirt. For the rider with a Peter Pan disposition or who wants to get into a pan flat tabletop position, the Bronson encourages bad behavior.

Highlights

150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork
MX wheels only (all sizes)
CC & C carbon frames
Sizes: S-XXL
Longer size-specific rear center
63.9-64.2 degree head tube angle
Re-configured VPP layout
Lower anti-squat for more efficiency
Glovebox down tube storage
No cable drivetrain routing on CC carbon frames
Boost 148mm spacing
Threaded bottom bracket
5 build kits - from $4,999 to $8,999 - CC frame only, $3,899
Lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty

This is the fifth generation of the well known and admired Bronson. And there’s been some big changes. Suspension is where we made the most dramatic advances. Anti-squat is one of the key attributes that makes a mountain bike perform well, and we decided to lower it again – a lot, this time. The lower VPP link is placed even lower and more forward to optimize anti-squat. The result is a plush, open feel with a lot of traction. This is the best VPP we’ve ever made. There’s more traction on offer, and it makes for a very composed descender.

Screenshot 2024-08-14 at 1.23.55%E2%80%AFPM

Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Too little and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power.

We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes (pedal).

Traits of Bronson:

Reduced pedal kickback on square-edge hits
Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
Less anti-squat benefits descending sensitivity due to the reduced pedal kickback associated

Aimed towards riders who spend a lot of time in the steeps and/or prioritize agility over rolling speed. Taking learnings from more recent MX bikes, we’ve balanced the handling to create a more intuitive yet still bold ride and pushed VPP to the limit.