As the ultimate analogue fun machine in Santa Cruz’s portfolio, the Bronson was designed to put a massive grin on your face, no matter the trail. But how does it stack up against the 15 other trail bikes in this test, including its twin brother, the Hightower?
14.9 kg in size L | € 9,999 | Manufacturer’s website
The Santa Cruz Bronson has always been the fun machine in Santa Cruz’s analogue lineup, and was the first bike to boast the manufacturer’s new look after last year’s update. Combining 160 mm of travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear, it now has the same travel as its twin brother, the Hightower, which was also bumped up in travel and is competing in this test for the title of best trail bike of 2025.
We tested both bikes in the CC X0 AXS RSV spec, which retails at €9,999. The main difference lies in the wheel size configuration: the Bronson is a mullet bike, while the Hightower rolls on two 29” wheels. Tipping the scales at 14.9 kg, the Bronson is heavier than many other bikes in this test – but does that extra weight hold it back on the trail?
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
The Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV in Detail
The Santa Cruz Bronson has undergone a thorough facelift with the latest update. The two most noticeable changes are the shock, which now sits lower in the frame, and the new triangular opening above the bottom bracket. Despite the updates, the Bronson is distinctly recognizable as a Santa Cruz, retaining its proven VPP rear suspension. The rigid swingarm is connected to the main frame via two short suspension links.
Santa Cruz also provided the new Bronson with their proprietary Glovebox storage compartment, which can be found on other of their bikes. This offers plenty of storage room and closes easily and securely, without any sharp edges waiting to slice your wind-stopper or hands open. Overall, the Glovebox is one of the best storage compartments in the entire test field. On top of that, it comes standard with two stylish, practical pouches – a very nice touch!
The drive-side chainstays is covered with a generously-sized rubber protector with flexible damping fins, which is designed to keep the noise down. However, during this test, we still noticed significant chain-slap while riding, especially on rough terrain. All cables are routed internally through the frame, with laminated guide tubes preventing them from rattling and ensuring a clean look. A robust TPU plate guards the downtube against stray rocks and impacts, while an additional shuttle pad prevents scratches and paint chips when you throw the bike on the back of a pickup.
The spec of the Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV
The Santa Cruz Bronson in the CC X0 AXS RSV spec we tested features a well-thought-out, high-quality, spec. FOX supply the suspension consisting of a FOX 36 Factory fork and matching FLOAT X Factory shock. The fork features FOX’s new GRIP X2 damper, which delivers slightly better performance on the trail than the previous GRIP2 version while maintaining extensive adjustment options for high- and low-speed compression and rebound.
The OneUp V3 dropper post offers 180 mm of travel, which is less than the 197 mm average dropper-travel in this test. This limits freedom of movement slightly, especially considering that the short insertion depth of this model would actually allow for a longer dropper.
SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes with a 200 mm rotor up front and 180 mm at the rear do stopping duties. The only difference to the top-tier Ultimate model is the lack of titanium bolts and carbon levers. For most riders, the 180 mm rear rotor is more than enough.
Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and delivers precise, butter-smooth gear shifts even under load.
The Reserve 30 HD carbon wheelset has already proven how robust and reliable it is in several of our previous comparison tests. The Bronson wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with an ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip compound at the front, and a MAXXIS Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in the medium EXO+ casing – a nearly perfect combination for a trail bike. If you like to push your bike to the limits, you might want to consider upgrading the rear tire to the robust DoubleDown casing for extra durability.
Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV
€ 9,999
Specifications
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP X2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 150 mm
Seatpost OneUp V3 180 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Silver 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 1x12
Stem Burgtec Enduro MK3 50 mm
Handlebar Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar 800 mm
Wheelset Reserve 30IHD 29"/27.5"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI MaxxGrip EXO+/MAXXIS Minion DHR ll MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Weight 14.9 kg
Specific Features
Storage compartment
Flip Chip
Tuning Tip:
– Long-travel dropper post
The geometry of the Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV
The Santa Cruz Bronson is available in five sizes, S to XXL, offering a suitable option for riders between 155 cm and 201 cm tall. Compared to its predecessor, the bike has grown slightly, with our test bike in size L boasting 478 mm reach (low setting). Using the flip chip, you can raise the bottom bracket by 3 mm, steepen up the seat and head angles from 77.9° and 63.9° by 0.3° respectively, and increase the reach by 5 mm. The seat tube is a compact 430 mm, though the short dropper post prevents you from utilising its full length. Chainstay length is 442 mm in size L, and grows with the frame size, which is meant to ensure consistent handling across all sizes.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a fun machine with lively suspension and agile handling.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 380 mm | 405 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm | 500 mm |
| Top Tube | 572 mm | 595 mm | 614 mm | 636 mm | 662 mm |
| Head Tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 150 mm | 160 mm |
| Head Angle | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° | 64.2° |
| Seat Angle | 77.6° | 77.9° | 78.2° | 78.3° | 78.4° |
| Chainstay | 437 mm | 439 mm | 442 mm | 445 mm | 448 mm |
| BB Drop | 29 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1208 mm | 1240 mm | 1267 mm | 1299 mm | 1331 mm |
| Reach | 435 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm | 500 mm | 525 mm |
| Stack | 623 mm | 632 mm | 641 mm | 659 mm | 668 mm |
The Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV On The Trail
The Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV is pleasantly well-balanced and lots of fun on the trail, with a clear sweet-spot for descents. Riding uphill, it puts you in a slightly stretched pedalling position, placing you relatively far back above the rear wheel. The suspension bobs noticeably when pedaling, and to keep up with the competition in this test, you’ll have to reach for the climb switch. Riders with long legs may also struggle to extend the dropper post far enough without exceeding the minimum insertion depth– another reason why a longer dropper post would be better. Despite all of this, the Bronson is still a comfortable riding companion, even forlong days in the saddle.
Riding downhill, the Bronson impresses with a well-balanced position, and integrates you deeply into the frame. The tall front end inspires huge amounts of confidence but also requires you to actively effort weight the front wheel to keep it tracking on flatter sections. The handling is intuitive and precise, making it easy to spontaneously change your line. Thanks to the mullet wheel setup, the Bronson allows you to flick the rear-end from one corner to another effortlessly and playfully, keeping up with the Hightower and Pivot Switchblade in terms of playfulness. At the same time, it’s impressively composed, tackling rough rock gardens with great confidence, and clearly outperforming the Hightower in rough sections.
The suspension strikes with outstanding all-round qualities, leaning toward the softer side and providing a planted, comfortable ride feel with excellent traction. It rounds off the Bronson’s confidence-inspiring character while still offering enough support for pumping through rollers and berms. The Bronson has outstanding pop, which further emphases its playful nature. In this regard, only bikes like the Atherton S.150, Ibis Ripmo, and Specialized Stumpjumper take it a step further. With its mullet wheel setup and lively suspension, the Bronson remains a true fun machine that feels right at home even at the bike park.
The Bronson features a distinctive, modern look and is distinctly recognisable as a Santa Cruz.
Who should take a closer look at the Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV?
The Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV is the perfect companion for riders looking for a well-rounded bike with high-performance suspension. In direct comparison with the Hightower, it’s more fun, and integrates you deeper into the frame, inspiring more confidence in the process while at the same time generating tons of traction.. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort on the climbs, you’ll be rewarded with a playful trail bike that excels on both flowy and technical trails.
Conclusions about the Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV
The Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV is a thoroughbred fun machine with a focus on downhill-oriented trail riding. The lively suspension, deeply integrated riding position, and agile mullet setup ensure a playful ride while inspiring plenty of confidence on rough trails. At the same time, it’s stable and composed at high speeds. While it requires a bit more effort on the climbs compared to the competition, it makes up for it with maximum fun on the descents – an outstanding all-rounder for good times and party laps.
Tops
- Highly capable suspension with excellent traction and pop
- Agile Handling
- Excellent stability at high speeds
- Well-thought-out frame details
Flops
- Not the strongest climber
- Short dropper post
For more info head to santacruzbicycles.com.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
