2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C: Specs And Review

by Alex Braham 44 views

Let's dive into the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C specs and give you a comprehensive review. If you're a mountain biking enthusiast, you've likely heard about the Santa Cruz Bronson. The 2018 Bronson C is a versatile bike known for its ability to handle a wide range of terrains. Whether you're tackling steep climbs, bombing down technical descents, or navigating flowy trails, the Bronson C aims to deliver a fun and capable riding experience. In this article, we'll break down the specifications, discuss the key features, and provide an overview of what makes this bike stand out. We'll also touch on how it performs in different riding conditions, so you can decide if it's the right choice for your needs. So, grab a coffee, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C

The 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is a mid-travel trail bike designed to be playful and capable. It sits in the sweet spot between cross-country efficiency and enduro prowess, making it a versatile option for riders who enjoy a bit of everything. The "C" in the name refers to the carbon frame, which balances weight and stiffness to provide a responsive and comfortable ride. This model year features updated geometry compared to previous versions, with a longer reach, slacker head angle, and steeper seat tube angle. These changes contribute to improved stability at high speeds, better climbing efficiency, and a more confident feel on steep terrain. The Bronson C also incorporates Santa Cruz's VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension design, which is known for its excellent pedaling efficiency and supple bump absorption. Overall, the 2018 Bronson C is designed to be a fun, capable, and versatile trail bike that can handle a wide range of riding conditions and styles. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a do-it-all trail bike or a newer rider looking to progress your skills, the Bronson C is worth considering.

Detailed Specifications

Understanding the detailed specifications of the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is crucial for evaluating its performance and suitability for your riding style. Here's a breakdown of the key components and measurements:

  • Frame: Santa Cruz Bronson C Carbon, 150mm travel
  • Fork: RockShox Pike RC, 150mm travel
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
  • Brakes: SRAM Guide R
  • Wheels: Race Face AR 27
  • Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5x2.3 (Front), Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5x2.3 (Rear)
  • Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
  • Handlebar: Santa Cruz Bicycles Di2 Carbon
  • Stem: Race Face Aeffect R
  • Weight: Approximately 29 lbs (size medium)

Frame and Suspension

The frame is constructed from Santa Cruz's Carbon C material, which offers a balance of stiffness, strength, and weight savings. The 150mm of travel is delivered by Santa Cruz's renowned VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system. This system is designed to provide efficient pedaling performance while remaining active and supple over bumps. The RockShox Pike RC fork is a reliable performer, offering 150mm of travel and adjustable compression and rebound damping. The RockShox Monarch RT rear shock provides smooth and controlled damping, with a lockout lever for improved climbing efficiency.

Drivetrain and Brakes

The SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain provides a wide range of gears, making it easy to tackle steep climbs and power through flat sections. The 11-50t cassette offers plenty of range, while the GX Eagle derailleur and shifter provide crisp and reliable shifting performance. The SRAM Guide R brakes offer ample stopping power and modulation, with a four-piston caliper design. These brakes are a popular choice for trail riding, offering a good balance of power and control.

Wheels and Tires

The Race Face AR 27 wheels are a durable and reliable option for trail riding. They feature a wide internal width, which provides a good platform for the Maxxis Minion tires. The Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II tires are a classic combination for aggressive trail riding. The DHF in the front provides excellent cornering grip, while the DHR II in the rear offers a good balance of traction and rolling speed.

Key Geometry Measurements

  • Head Tube Angle: 66.2 degrees
  • Seat Tube Angle: 74.5 degrees
  • Reach: 440mm (size medium)
  • Wheelbase: 1167mm (size medium)
  • Stack: 606mm (size medium)

These geometry numbers indicate that the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is designed to be stable at high speeds and confident on steep terrain. The slack head angle and long wheelbase provide stability, while the steep seat tube angle puts the rider in a good position for climbing. The reach is relatively long, which allows for a more aggressive riding position.

Riding Experience

The 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C offers a fantastic riding experience, blending playfulness with capability. Whether you're carving through flow trails or navigating technical descents, this bike inspires confidence and delivers a fun, engaging ride. The VPP suspension provides a smooth and controlled feel, soaking up bumps and maintaining traction. The updated geometry, with its longer reach and slacker head angle, contributes to improved stability at high speeds and a more planted feel on steep terrain. The bike climbs efficiently, thanks to the steep seat tube angle and the VPP suspension's anti-squat characteristics. However, it truly shines on the descents, where its playful nature and capable suspension allow you to attack the trail with confidence. The Bronson C feels nimble and responsive, making it easy to change lines and navigate tight corners.

Climbing

When it comes to climbing, the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C performs admirably. The VPP suspension system minimizes pedal bob, allowing for efficient power transfer. The steep seat tube angle puts you in a comfortable and powerful position, making it easier to grind up steep inclines. While it's not a dedicated cross-country bike, the Bronson C can handle long climbs without feeling overly sluggish. The RockShox Monarch RT rear shock features a lockout lever, which further improves climbing efficiency on smooth surfaces.

Descending

Descending is where the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C truly shines. The 150mm of travel, combined with the VPP suspension and updated geometry, creates a confidence-inspiring ride. The bike feels stable and planted at high speeds, while remaining nimble and responsive in tight corners. The slack head angle allows you to tackle steep terrain with ease, and the long reach provides plenty of room to move around on the bike. The Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II tires offer excellent grip in a variety of conditions, further enhancing the bike's descending capabilities.

Trail Riding

For general trail riding, the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is a versatile and capable performer. It's efficient enough to handle long days in the saddle, yet playful enough to keep things interesting. The bike's balanced geometry and suspension make it easy to navigate a wide range of terrain, from flowy singletrack to rocky and rooty trails. Whether you're climbing, descending, or traversing, the Bronson C offers a comfortable and engaging ride.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C.

Pros:

  • Versatile: The Bronson C is a true all-rounder, capable of handling a wide range of riding conditions and styles.
  • Capable Suspension: The VPP suspension provides excellent pedaling efficiency and bump absorption.
  • Updated Geometry: The longer reach, slacker head angle, and steeper seat tube angle contribute to improved stability and climbing efficiency.
  • High-Quality Components: The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, and RockShox suspension offer reliable performance.
  • Playful and Fun: The Bronson C is a joy to ride, inspiring confidence and encouraging you to push your limits.

Cons:

  • Price: Santa Cruz bikes are generally expensive, and the Bronson C is no exception.
  • Weight: While the carbon frame helps to keep the weight down, the Bronson C is not the lightest bike in its class.
  • Component Spec: While the components are generally good, some riders may prefer higher-end options.

Final Verdict

The 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is a highly capable and versatile trail bike that offers a fantastic riding experience. Its updated geometry, efficient suspension, and high-quality components make it a joy to ride in a variety of conditions. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a do-it-all trail bike or a newer rider looking to progress your skills, the Bronson C is definitely worth considering. While the price may be a barrier for some, the performance and versatility of this bike make it a worthwhile investment for serious mountain bikers. If you're looking for a bike that can handle everything from flow trails to technical descents, the 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C is an excellent choice.