Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike - 2016
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When we're spec'ing our own bikes, we typically have two priorities: a rock-solid, all-mountain platform and a component group that balances price, reliability, and on-trail functionality. With its blend of Shimano's workhorse drivetrain kit, the industry-leading Carbon CC layup, and the all-new, more enduro-y 2.0 geometry, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike represents the entry-level option for Santa Cruz's top tier of racing Bronsons. While the components themselves aren't quite top-tier, they're still more than capable of letting the frame's qualities shine under a rider who recognizes that the engine is more important than the stickers on the build kit.
The 2.0's most impressive alteration to the old Bronson's all-mountain geometry is the head tube, which slacks out by an extra tick on the protractor to drop from 67 to 66 degrees. This change is complemented with a corresponding increase in top tube length, a lower bottom bracket, and a raised lower link — a combination that allows for short-stemmed, strike-free, point-and-click confidence while traversing lines and dropping steps that would cause even the previous Bronson to hesitate. It also effectively erases root lattices and moderate rock gutters, letting you mash across terrain that trail, XC, and even other all-mountain bikes have to pick through with delicate care.
Conversely, the Bronson 2.0's seat tube gets steeper by almost a full degree in order to better position the engine (read: your hips) up over the Race Face cranks. The revised geometry keeps you on top of the pedal stroke, and relocated links allow for a shorter chainstay, which makes for more power transferring efficiency. The back end is further stiffened with the new 12 x 148mm axle standard, ensuring that the extra watts produced by the improved pedaling position and shorter chainstays aren't lost to wheel flex. Despite its slacker head tube and longer geometry, the back end changes help the Bronson 2.0 pop over cruxes and maintain diesel speed across hardpack.
The Virtual Pivot Point 3 (VPP3) suspension system represents the latest update to Santa Cruz's classic VPP. Where the old suspension curve described a deep "U," VPP3's curve resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the arc. The results are that, during the initial stroke, VPP3 boasts increased small bump compliance to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction while climbing across lumpy trails and root lattices. It also maintains its predecessor's firm feel during accelerations while jockeying for position in a mass start or a finishing sprint. The ramp-up arc doesn't dramatically alter as the shock compresses, so the pedaling platform stays consistent across travel, with less wallowing, bob, and bottom-outs — even when the bottom link activates and the axle's path turns rearward to absorb big hits in the deep end of the travel pool.
For all the changes listed above, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC's construction remains the same. As with previous Carbon CC frames, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC requires less material to hit Santa Cruz's stiffness targets without sacrificing any of the responsiveness of the less expensive, heavier Carbon C models. Both triangles are constructed as whole, monocoque pieces, which also contributes to keeping weight low because the carbon can be wrapped through junctures and around joints. This eliminates the artificial weak points of bonded frames and actually requires less material in the process. While it's being cured, the frame is compacted from inside and out. This final step eliminates excess material and resin pooling, resulting in more structural integrity and, of course, additional weight savings.
Details
- The enduro kingdom's monarch returns to claim its hill
- Six inches of VPP suspension rule with an iron fist
- Slacker, longer geometry punches well above its weight
- Peerless Carbon CC construction is the royal treatment
- Shimano's race workhorse drivetrain
- Easy maintenance via lower link grease ports
- Item #SNZ007T
- Frame Material
- Carbon CC
- Suspension
- VPP
- Rear Shock
- FOX Float X Factory EVOL
- Rear Travel
- 150 mm
- Fork
- RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air
- Front Travel
- 150 mm
- Headset
- Cane Creek 40
- Shifters
- Shimano XT M8000
- Front Derailleur
- Shimano XT M8020 Side-Swing
- Rear Derailleur
- SHimano XT M8000 GS
- ISCG Tabs
- yes, ISCG 05
- Crankset
- 24 / 34 t Race Face Turbine SL
- Bottom Bracket
- 73mm BSA threaded
- Cassette
- 11 - 40 t Shimano XT M8000
- Chain
- SHimano HG700
- Brakeset
- Shimano XT
- Brake Type
- hydraulic disc
- Rotors
- 180 / 180 mm Shimano RT86 Ice Tech
- Handlebar
- Santa Cruz Carbon
- Handlebar Width
- 800 mm
- Grips
- Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on
- Stem
- Race Face Turbine Basic
- Saddle
- WTB Silverado Team
- Seatpost
- [sizes medium - x-large] RockShox Reverb Stealth 150mm, [size small] Rockshox Reverb Stealth 125mm
- Wheelset
- [rims] Easton ARC 27
- Hubs
- DT Swiss 350
- Front Axle
- 15 x 100mm
- Rear Axle
- 12 x 148mm
- Tires
- Maxxis Minion
- Tire Size
- 27.5 x 2.3 in
- Pedals
- not included
- Recommended Use
- enduro
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime on frame
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