2025 Santa Cruz Bronson 5 Test Ride & Review

[@mtbyumyum]

The more I ride MX (27.5 rear, 29er front) bikes, the more I like them! They're just more fun!! If you're new to the channel, SUBSCRIBE!!! It's free and I usually only post every other Tuesday! 74% of the viewers of my videos are unsubscribed..... Thank you for all the support over the past 7 years!

[@DandyHippo]

Think how much you would like a full 27.5er! Even more fun!

[@michaelrieser9928]

I come from 26 inch wheels and just recently got back into the sport, I got a RSD Middlechild full 27.5 hardtail. I was not sure about the jump to 29ers. I learned about the mullet concept and now I stay mullet. Absolutely more fun. I have only modern hardtails so far. All are mullet. I had a new trek roscoe full 29er, in a race faster over all but “no fun”. Sometimes you need to have just the right fork length for them to ride just right. I hope do find a 29er that rides like mullet one day. But until then I’ll stick with these mullets that carve so well.

[@tonycamaj]

Don't like MX but I'm really tall 6'9 and a bit heavier than a normal rider I have the Santa Cruz Bullit never get MX again

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@tonycamaj I think at 6’9 you don’t need Mx. but also I will say that when doing mullet or Mx some frame don’t jive with it and some frames get better as a mullet. But at 6’9 you can probably throw a 29er around like a mullet.

[@hammertime7740]

MX rips. Not quite the rollover on climbs, but the smaller rear wheel accelerates faster.

[@rd_rae]

Glad you saw the timing benefit of having reviewed the v4 just before 😉. Seem like a compelling balance between fun and business? Your knowledge of other bikes and comaprisons to them add real value!

[@RookYZRM1]

I was real close to ordering a Bronson, but then they updated the Hightower and made it coil shock compatible, no way I'm passing on a coil Hightower. Hightower's been my go-to trail slayer for a long time, always wanted coil Hightower, and now I've got one!

[@megane230f1]

Ive still got the first hightower, in red, wont part with it as it just feels amazing to ride and ive rode a lot of bikes in my time

[@jimi272]

@@megane230f1I’m still regretting that I got rid of mine 4 years ago… now the V1 can be had for so cheap, might think about getting one again as a second bike for the winter… Pivot Firebird 29“ is my main atm. Makes me remember my V1 Hightower quite often, it’s almost as playful but has the doesn’t lack the reserves on the downhills…🙏

[@RookYZRM1]

I had a V2 until recently, was such a great all-arounder, wanted something a little lighter duty in the 130rr/140fr category and something a bit burlier in the 150rr/160fr category…did a Spec SJ and the new Hightower, so far pretty happy with both.

[@allenserfass5312]

Good to see he didn’t have issues setting it up. Every other review they have had major issues with setting it up. Not just the shock and fork pressures.

[@SoGoMTB]

Bronson is great but I'm sticking with my trusty MT. I believe this Bronson truly fits you nicely!

[@FCNM80]

I'm thinking on getting a new all-mountain MX bike. Just can't decide between this new Bronson or joining the darkside with a Vala. :) Great video/review as usually!

[@mtbyumyum]

I’ve actually never even heard of Vala. Have no clue what it is. In any case, you might consider the new Ripmo. I absolutely love that bike with mullet setup

[@derSebov]

Awesome review! Thanks Jason!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for watching!

[@josephhajekiii891]

Jason you need to go back to your roots and test out the new Santa Cruz MX 5010. I look forward to that review😊

[@mtbyumyum]

That's the plan! Just waiting for GoRide to get one in....

[@henksalomons8010]

@@mtbyumyum please please please! Waiting for the 5010 V5 to. Love to hear yr opinion on it!!

[@michaelrieser9928]

First thanks for getting this review out there. Second, what the heck, I’m lining up maybe getting the Bronson 4 R model for like $3500. Close out. But I’m loving what you’re feeling on this 5 version. A 64.3 hta that climbs pretty well and is fun on blue trails, that’s not common. I’m a hardtail bike guy and I find 65 hta is a great sweet spot. I felt the new Bronson would only improve going down, but loose some things elsewhere. I’m sure the 5 R model at $4999 will be on sale for $3999 soon. I might wait. I’m 59 I don’t rail so fast as to take headers. I find all the spec parts to work well for me. I through rear nukeproof high engagement wheel on it and it’s great. Had a lot of luck with multiple nx drivetrain. I come from 80 and 90s bikes, I don’t need much to have improved stuff.

[@mtbyumyum]

If your other bike is a hard tail, you should consider the Pivot Trail 429 as your second bike! Excellent trail bike and climbs very well. Salt Cycles has them up to 35% off right now too! Give Chris a call: 801-943-8502

[@pihguam]

Funny how Evan in Bentonville was struggling with his V5 Bronson. I love my V4 Bronson. Rode it all over Bentonville and it just did everything well. Will have to demo a V5 someday and see how it feels different. (I agree the V4 is not the best for climbing)

[@KershawsGoat]

Between this and your review of the previous Bronson, I'm really leaning towards getting a Santa Cruz as my next bike. I'm gonna need something bigger than my 120/120 trail bike for some of the places I want to ride next year anyway.

[@mtbyumyum]

Glad the video was helpful and hope you find the right bike for you! I think Im going to buy the new Ripmo and run it MX wheel set!! Probably the funniest bike I’ve ridden this year! Chris at Salt Cycles sells Ibis… 801-943-8502 🤘🤙

[@dont_hit_trees]

Instinct 😬

[@ireddie]

I’m 60 back off… Ha. You reviews are the best

[@mtbyumyum]

haha sorry pal ;) Thanks!

[@grantwilliams2912]

Great insight.. I have a 5010 with MX wheel and really like it. Maybe you’ll get to compare with the Bronson with new High Tower

[@bikerhiker247]

You always like the latest bike from go ride😂

[@marcid6527]

Great vid!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it🤙

[@checoperezugalde22]

great video greetings from sinaloa mexico

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks, greetings back!

[@DandyHippo]

So a Hightower is the same bike as this but a full 29er, a Nomad is even more burly, a Megatower is in between a Nomad and Bronson 5?

[@richchin5163]

I remember when you flew down Jacob's Ladder on a Tallboy 3 with 110 mm of travel. You must be getting old . LOL.😉

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha yeah, Im riding a little slower these days… still probably did a 2:40 the day I filmed this! Pretty fast! Also, I recently switched to the GoPro 12. The software that stabilizes the image makes it look like you’re not going quite as fast as my previous camera which was the GoPro 9

[@Bryanlai523]

Please do a new Hightower review~

[@mikeyp3694]

This bike is a bit confusing for me. What I like about the V4 is the short rear end with a personality that can punch above or below its weight. This essentially becomes a Nomad 6 less 20mm of rear travel. Also SC boasts a longer rear end for a more centered ride but the front end is also longer so there is almost no change in the riders position. I'm sure it is a great bike but not sure I'm selling my other ones just yet.

[@gregoryjhickman]

How does it compare to the yeti 165 you just rode?

[@mtbyumyum]

more easy going, less business

[@richcain5127]

Do you think you could actually put a longer drop in that bike? The insertion depth looks like it wouldn't support something longer. The body is longer, and you have to slam it down further.

[@gbrox17]

What set of tires for a mix wheel bike would people recommend for this type of terrain? Something that won’t drag on the climbs.

[@mtbyumyum]

DHRII front Rekon rear

[@carlarosa2742]

How would you compare this to the ripmo in the mixed wheel? Curious how you judge their descending capabilities

[@mtbyumyum]

Bronson feels bigger, more planted and safe. Ripmo feels sportier and soft. I bought a Ripmo… just felt a little more easy-going and nimble compared to the Bronson

[@davidswankier7839]

How do you think the new Bronson compares to the Nomad?

[@mtbyumyum]

It's been awhile since I last rode a Nomad but this new Bronson certainly feels more "nomad" than the previous one but it's not "too much bike" to handle where the nomad really feels like a lot of bike if not absolutely blasting trails at high speed

[@DakicSlobodan]

Do you ride any other trail except Jacob's Ladder when reviewing bikes?

[@mtbyumyum]

I usually stick to the same trails. Occasionally, I will write different different shells, but it’s incredibly helpful to write all the bikes on the same trail. I also usually use the same handlebars and if I can, cross country tires that are similar for cross-country bikes and trail tires that are similar for trail Bikes.

[@tormalet86]

@mtbyumyum in your view - what’s the decision point between the Bronson and Hightower? My 2021 Hightower can run a mullet set up (I think the new Hightower can too). If I put a 27.5 rear wheel on my Hightower will it essentially be a Bronson? Great video as usual!

[@mtbyumyum]

No. I don't think mulleting a Hightower makes it a Bronson... it's been awhile since I last rode a Hightower but as I remember, the Hightower has a bit better trail manners and does better at more moderate speeds.... My experience riding a number of mx bikes this season is they just sort of get out of your way a bit more, are generally more easy going and fun and get back up to speed a bit quicker than 29ers when coming from a slower speed like a tight corner or turn

[@cbl1276]

Great vid, I just ordered an HD-6 for riding Deer Valley…Do you think the Bronson is a better choice?

[@mtbyumyum]

HD6 is probably more fun and that bike feels more “out of your way” and quicker Pedals slightly better but they’re close… Bronson feels more chill. More cruising and stable. I would need to ride them back to back, but if I had to pick right now. Id probably buy an HD6 over the Bronson.

[@Wes-o9t]

I know DW Link is known for its efficiency good and pedaling platform but on the other hand do you find them more chattery than other suspension platforms?

[@mtbyumyum]

I wouldn't say so... the new Ripmo is incredible supple and soft feeling over chattery section of trail

[@stuartthomasson5027]

Great review! How does the long wheelbase feel on those corner canyon turns? Too long or ok?

[@mtbyumyum]

A bit too long… the Ripmo mx feels quicker and just more out of the way

[@turner02]

Is it poppy?

[@henksalomons8010]

hmmm reviews say its less fun as the 4.1... what do you think

[@mtbyumyum]

um, watch the video and you'll hear/see what I think ;)

[@michaeledwards5241]

Remove the heavy transmission gears and replace the wheels for some carbon ones and you’ll get the weight closer to 30lb which would be great for a trail bike with that amount of travel👍

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, you're probably right but still pretty heavy

[@robertkeith9620]

Did you try it with a Rekon up front?

[@mtbyumyum]

No. Although the Rekon is my favorite trail tire and the tire I spend most time on.

[@Wes-o9t]

This was more plush than the new Ripmo?

[@Cartsp70]

I doubt it bro 👊🏽

[@mtbyumyum]

I wouldn’t say it felt more plush, but it felt more stable. I think it’s due to the wheelbase and that Santa Cruz vpp suspension system just feels bottomless but not in a walking on clouds sort of way. The new Ripmo feels more like walking on clouds. It’s incredibly soft but still doesn’t bottom out.

[@Wes-o9t]

@@mtbyumyum Thank you! I wonder how far they will go with the longer wheelbase; they have to draw the line somewhere or else bike will be 9 feet long lol. But that new Ripmo is still my dream bike.

[@RobertBoyle-z7g]

I’m 63 and I like the root beer but I like my Yeti SB 140 blue even better 😂

[@mtbyumyum]

Hard to pass up the sb140. Ive spent 2 season on mine now and it has been incredible!!

[@justin_upinsmoke]

Same color as the 2016 Santa Cruz Bronson

[@TheJollyElf]

"In frame storage for your make up - 33 frik'n pounds"...best line ever. Couldn't agree more. Nothing against make up, just not a fan of in frame storage trend...makes no sense to me.

[@mtbyumyum]

😆😂🤙

[@dtolios]

You just need to embrace makeup trailside and...it all falls in place 😅

[@petedog9581]

Nice bike but I'd go Hightower, if I was going so spend the $ on a Santa Cruz.

[@Cartsp70]

The think is that this bike is probably like €10’000 for the XX1 build but in 2 years time its value will be like €5’500 😢 obviously every bike loses value over time, I just bought the 2023 Orbea Rise M10.. RRP was £8000 … I paid £3800 !!!! So my advice would be to WAIT…. If you can be patient enough of course 😂 Great review J as always 🙌🏼👍🏾👍🏾

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep… bikes are becoming crazy expensive. In my opinion and experience, it’s well worth it, but it does cost more money today than it did a few years ago.

[@Cartsp70]

@@mtbyumyum yeah agree 💯 No regrets because also in my experience being out on the trails I never think about the cost of the bike I’m too busy having fun and getting out in the fresh air it’s a great time to be a mountain biker 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👍🏾👍🏾

[@mtbyumyum]

💯👊

[@ishamw2329]

I have a V2 Megatower but have been looking for a 140/150 bike as a more playful longer day 2nd bike and maybe MX wheel. The Bronson is very tempting but the wheel base is longer than my Megatower, I’m also 5’8” and on mediums. Would you say the Ripmo is more playful or better for longer days?

[@dont_hit_trees]

Instinct 😬

[@dubblearr7622]

Storage for your make-up- hahahahaha

[@mtbyumyum]

haha glad you enjoyed that lol