2024 Santa Cruz Bronson

[@mtbyumyum]

Have you ridden a mixed wheel "mullet" bike? After riding MX wheel bikes for the past 3 weeks I think I'm converted!!! That smaller rear wheel is sooooo easy to ride. It just stays out of the way and makes everything so fun and easy!! Would you consider a 29er front 27.5 out bike for your next trail bike?

[@mikes.8305]

Mx wheel mid to long travel is the way.

[@totalglitch]

They just released a new Bronson this morning. Please get your hands on one and try to do a back to back asap. Thank you

[@troyesch6203]

I prefer 27.5 front and rear. I think the benefits far outweigh the negatives. It’s so zippy around corners.

[@mtbyumyum]

I agree the full 27.5 bikes are a blast but spending as much time on 29er's as I do it's always a little unnerving to get on a bike with the smaller 27.5 wheel up front... I know it's only slightly shorter overall height but it looks so different and makes me nervous at first.... just prefer the larger wheel up front and the new MX bikes are still so maneuverable!

[@troyesch6203]

@@mtbyumyum right. I think it has mostly to do with the trails we ride. Most of my trails are tight and twisty with lots of switchbacks. It looks like you have lots of wide open trails with lots of chunk and speed. Id definitely want a 29er if I was riding your trails but the 27.5’s totally suit my trails

[@scottdemonte1474]

Don’t beat yourself up. You do an amazing job and are honest. You are my favorite reviewer, keep up the great work. So far from all the V5 reviews today I’ve noticed the V4 reviews have been much more positive so I truly appreciate the honesty.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! I really wish I would’ve known beforehand that the 5th generation Bronson was being released today. I feel like an idiot not knowing that. Oh well.

[@rd_rae]

@@mtbyumyum Look at it this way: you are now in the perfect spot to compare the v4 and v5! Particularly bc your Impressions are so fresh 😉

[@Hendricksb123]

I’m seriously glad you reviewed and praised the v4 version and doing a comparison to the v5 is a great idea! I have the 2022 Bronson CC v4 in a size medium, and I love this bike! It’s great on tech and it’s poppy… and, I also run slower rebound. I keep thinking the v5 will make this bike more appropriate for people over 6 feet…. With the slacker head angle, steeper seat angle, longer wheelbase, and longer reach, I’m really curious to know how those changes affect the feel of this bike’s size medium…. I’m guessing it will feel more like a Nomad, I’m not sure that’s a good thing, but maybe all of the changes are minor enough to keep the feel of the v4 🤷‍♂️? Although to be honest, I have no plans of replacing my v4… it’s the perfect bike for me! Thank you for the review!!!

[@323johnnybravo]

I appreciate the review of the V4. Great deals on it right now vs the V5.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, the 4th gens are on deep discounts right now!

[@endernamazci]

Low budget Video, but you made a great job! Thanks for helping me in my decision. I will order the Bronson next month. Greetings from Germany

[@lagwall]

I bought this bike and have never looked back. It is 💯 the best I've ridden and owned in 25 years of MTB. The only change /upgrade I made out of the box was a longer OneUp dropper and a Wolftooth lever. The BronsonMX is the Dream!

[@AddisonGallamore]

Just picked up a 2024 S build last week, anxiously waiting for my ride wrap to be installed... Can't wait to get out and ride it!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Right on!

[@mikeyp3694]

I sold all of my other bikes after getting this thing 3 years or so ago right when it came out. At 5'7" it is a Goldilocks bike. Bummer is they JUST changed it into a V5 a few days ago....longer and slacker with longer chainstays....looks like a Nomad now. V4 has taken me everywhere including the Whistler bike park ....haters be damned 😊

[@mtbyumyum]

Wow, nice! Yeah, I had this at my local bike park last week… definitely don’t need more bike than this…

[@Andy-co6pn]

Why is a bummer that they have launched a V5 ? Ypu clearly love your bike and it does exactly what you need it to. Don't get caught up in the "I need the latest and greatest" marketing hype so prevalent in the cycling industry.

[@AddisonGallamore]

Who hates on them !!

[@thomasglover3834]

Whats a v4 mean ??

[@ovtj]

Love the in frame storage bit.

[@duffyrides]

Nice video as always. The white frame looks really good

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@justinjohansen5992]

Appreciate the reviews Jason, great job! Would be interested in how this Bronson compares to the new 5010 mullet. Keep hearing the 5010 mullet feels way more capable than it looks on paper.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, might be a better fit for more trails too…. The Bronson was more fun at the bike park compared to my normal trails. The new Ripmo mullet is actually still really fun on my more moderate blue trails.

[@KershawsGoat]

Man, between you and Biker's Edge reviewing this bike, I'm seriously considering it when I decide to get a bigger bike. I'm 5' 7" and my current bike feels like a monster truck at times.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, if it’s this one or one of the other mullet Bikes I think you should definitely consider it at your size! I’m absolutely loving this mixed wheel trail bike category. The Ripmo is very, very good too! I have a head to head video coming out soon.

[@lagwall]

I'm 5'8" and road a 29er for 3 years, I own the BronsonMX v4 now. The 29er rear wheel constantly feels like you are waiting for the rear wheel to finish the turn you are already through like a semitruck. The MX feels like the bike is comfortable moving with you on the trail with all the front tire rollover capabilities of a 29er. It's the dream!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great review! I always liked the Bronson. Not sure if mullet is right me , I guess don’t want to keep 2 sizes of spare tires.

[@mtbyumyum]

Should you get a flat, either size tube will fit in the other size tire….

[@davekal]

At 6 ft 4. I think I'll stick to my 29ers off-road and 700c on the road. It just makes sense for my dimensions.

[@BobbySchaffer]

what’s the best 160 travel bike for us ? YT ? i’m your size

[@HeyBaumeister]

Thanks for this review, even though timing is rather unfortunate :D Very intrigued by this version over the V4.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you!

[@danielray1558]

I had this bike for two years and loved its. Now I’m torn if I should buy the v4 on sale or the new v5. I like the changes they made in paper, but I’d probably want to demo one to make sure it still works as a do it all trail bike Reviews on the v5 seem pretty positive so far too

[@jessepoulos5704]

I'd love to see a review of a 5010 on these blue flow trails in CC!

[@petedog9581]

Mullets make sense for most riders under 5' 10".

[@t.j.bennett6454]

I’ve strictly rode 29 for years and tried 650b with similar style suspension for a while. In group rides I have to work that much harder to keep up with them when doing a lot of pedaling on 650b

[@petedog9581]

@@t.j.bennett6454 I'm 5' 10" on a 2023 full 29er Rocky Instinct med frame and it's a nimble bike as is. I never buzz my butt, even on very steep slabs The 458 mm reach is perfect for me.

[@t.j.bennett6454]

@@petedog9581I would love another 29’er full but have a hard tail now. I’m thinking my about this Bronson or a 50101 for fun at the parks. We don’t have anything crazy so Bronson might be over biking it. Either way I’ll have a blast! Had a megatower and while I loved it because of everything he yum yum just said about the Bronson how it just floats over everything It felt like it was stuck to glue when pedaling. Got rid of it within two months of buying new.

[@petedog9581]

@@t.j.bennett6454 I ride natural stuff. Bike parks are not on my radar. I need a do everything trail bike. Don't sleep on the 2023 RM Instinct overstock at Jenson-- like $3K for C30 builds with full Deore group set, Marz Z2 Bomber fork and Fox DPS shock. My bike has been flawless for the first 6 mos I've had it. Dead quiet on the trail.

[@rd_rae]

Also as a 6foot guy an MX felt way nicer with the rear more out of the way

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for chiming in! I assumed it would be nice for taller guys, but I hate to speak up too much because I’m on the shorter side of mens height at 5’8”

[@vashusan1984]

Took a V4 for a lap, was surprised how nimble and fun it was while being able to charge on steep chunky stuff.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, still very stable... bike was awesome at Deer Valley bike park!

[@vashusan1984]

@@mtbyumyum yeah, looked fun on those Tsunami jumps. Still haven't been up there this year. Gotta hit Thieves to Lower Fireswamp before the season ends!

[@mtbyumyum]

Lower fireswamp is so money!! We rolled up on a dude with a separated shoulder, broken ribs and collapsed lung on those first little drops below the yurt.... we stayed with him till help arrived but it wasn't good and he ended up in the hospital for 3 days. I had my 12 yr old with me and reminded him step one of riding sketchy stuff is to hold on to the freaking handle bars lol dude was having a real bad day. Sad

[@vashusan1984]

@@mtbyumyum Man I'm glad I've never rolled up on anything like that. Sounds super brutal. It's fun to push limits, but goes to show, if you push too hard too fast, bad things comin' your way.

[@marksandoval5361]

I'm a big fan of 150/160mm travel Trailbikes if they they don't get to long, slack, and heavy. (I'm disappointed that the new Stumpy and Fuel EX come with 150mm forks.) I also think that anyone shorter than 5'8" would benefit from riding a mullet. In general, all Trailbikes size-S and size-XS bikes should come as mullets and we are seeing that happen with some bike brands. I ride a 29er 150/160 Stumpy Evo with 2.6 Rekon front/2.4 Rekon rear tires and it weighs 31.5 pounds with pedals and bottle cage. I have the adjustable geo set with a 65* HTA and 76* STA so it doesn't get too long and slack. My Stevo rolls fast, isn't overly heavy, isn't too long, but can still suck up some big hits. If you could only own one mountain bike, that's the kind of bike I would recommend to nearly everyone and for the less tall it would come as a mullet.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, the longer travel trail bike mullet is ideal for me! So much easier to ride too... Honestly, I'd be interested to see how taller riders like them....

[@Gnarshredder]

I’m 5’11 on an S4 stEVO and rocking the Mullet set up, and love it! Everything Jase is praising about the mullet applies to larger riders as well. Not sure why bike companies are marketing this set up strictly on smaller bikes. BTW, I 100% agree. StEVO is an amazing do-it-all trail bike. Got mine set up long, low and slack with 170 zeb and SDU coil with Cascade and it’s a mini DH sled that slays on the descents and still climbs without much fuss.

[@marksandoval5361]

@@Gnarshredder The Stevo is a truly versatile bike. Change the tires and change the geometry and you get a totally bike. Mine is more of a long travel Downncountry bike and yours is an Enduro bike.

[@Gnarshredder]

@@marksandoval5361 for sure! I like the idea that I might change it up to something more like what you got going, someday. And with it’s its UDH, when the drive train finally wears out, I have the option of going transmission. It’s a fun bike.

[@mickstace]

Looking forward to your comparison with the new Ripmo in mullet guise.

[@mtbyumyum]

💯👌

[@taramilne4008]

Did you mullet a ripmo? I just did mine and am looking for suggestions for the shocks. If I can get them dialed in will be epic ​@@mtbyumyum

[@Gnarshredder]

That may have been your fastest run down Jake’s … that I’ve seen.

[@mtbyumyum]

haha I felt really comfortable... not my fastest run tho... link to strava: www.strava.com/activities/12196309668

[@tomek6481]

Can you do comparison to ripmo mullet ,now I’m really between those two bikes now.

[@mtbyumyum]

Video coming next week!!

[@tomek6481]

Can’t wait 👍🏻 gr. From NL

[@frohrers281]

I’m 5”9 love mullet bikes….

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice! Yeah, I can't believe what I've been missing with that smaller wheel out back on a trail bike!!

[@frohrers281]

It’s more nimble with the smaller wheel outback..

[@Super1Matt1]

This vs 5010?

[@BobbySchaffer]

new hot thing 25 years later ? there were 24 rear 26 front

[@petejohnson1524]

Yo we still need a sweet MTB Yum Yum jersey to buy!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha yeah?!

[@MarathonMindy]

The Bronson is great on the downhill but you will suck wind climbing. It’s heavy. Sold it to buy a Pivot switchblade

[@jmsb53]

How does it compare to the Ripmo v3 (both 29 and Mx setup)? I’ve had the Bronson V4 for 3 years and absolutely LOVE the bike. I’m 6’0 and trying to decide if it’s worth trying a Ripmo v3 29er or not🤔

[@mtbyumyum]

I have a head to head video with the Ripmo MX vs Bronson coming out next week! As for the new Ripmo, I much prefer it as an MX mullet!!

[@jeffsharp4982]

So if the mullet is easier to ride, so would a full 27.5 bike right?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, of course. Although, you miss looking at that 29 inch wheel outfront. It’s a little weird going back to a 27.5 bike. The last one I rode for a couple days was the Pivot shadowcat. So much fun! But I missed that big wheel out front. That’s why the mullet makes so much sense I think!

[@jeffsharp4982]

@@mtbyumyum Yeah haha, I'm actually riding a mullet myself currently, but don't know if I really could tell the difference between it and my last bike (which is 27.5 and I still have) other than they're just different bikes with different travel... I guess I should go back and forth instead of only riding the newer bike. Both Knolly's...yeah I'm a fan boy lol.

[@rollingthunder9851]

Any way of getting info on the riding garb?? Shorts, jersey, glasses, etc.?? - Thanks!

[@mtbyumyum]

Link in the description below the video.

[@rollingthunder9851]

@@mtbyumyum Thank You!! Appreciate it very much. And Great Channel!

[@josephcoppolino9929]

Another great review! Are you planning on reviewing the Stumpy 15 anytime in the near future? Would love to hear your thoughts and possible comparison to new Ripmo. Thx

[@mtbyumyum]

Eventually

[@mikes.8305]

Short people do love mullets to. 😂

[@cristianodepaula9065]

Fantástic!

[@Dy1pickel]

New v5 out today …. Bummer haha 😅

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha I know… what are the chances🤦🏻‍♂️ Im not in the know with Santa Cruz🤷‍♂️

[@Dy1pickel]

@@mtbyumyum another opportunity ! 🤝

[@Cartsp70]

Amazing review Jase , just my personal opinion but no way is the Bronson better than the Ibis dude 😂and why do I say that? Well the Vpp is no where near as good as the DW , it’s a great bike for sure but nothing beats the DW in my opinion, still a great time to be a mountain biker bro 👊🏽 enjoy ☺️ 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Hendricksb123]

I’m seriously glad you reviewed and praised the v4 version and doing a comparison to the v5 is a great idea! I have the 2022 Bronson CC v4 in a size medium, and I love this bike! It’s great on tech and it’s poppy… and, I also run slower rebound. I keep thinking the v5 will make this bike more appropriate for people over 6 feet…. With the slacker head angle, steeper seat angle, longer wheelbase, longer chain stays, and longer reach, I’m really curious to know how those changes affect the feel of this bike’s size medium…. I’m guessing it will feel more like a Nomad, I’m not sure that’s a good thing, but maybe all of the changes are minor enough to keep the feel of the v4 🤷‍♂️? Although to be honest, I have no plans of replacing my v4… it’s the perfect bike for me! Thank you for the review!!!

[@richchin5163]

I guess the question I have with bikes these days is why wouldn't you get the Heckler SL? Or the Levo SL? Bikes are getting burlier and heavier. If going down is all that matters, then the electric assist seems like a no brainer. Unassisted for trail bikes and below? E-bikes for anything 150 mm and over?

[@mtbyumyum]

Maybe… I see a lot of ebikes on my local trails. I for one don’t love the ride experience… also enjoy the fitness aspect of an analog bike

[@SpencerBaum]

As someone who used to have a ebike, they don't descend nearly as well as a regular bike.

[@richchin5163]

@@mtbyumyum I've never ridden an e-bike, but it would be an interesting comparison. I assume it's the weight that changes the ride experience. For now, I'll stick with my 130 trail bike!

[@richardkaiser3756]

Good to get here early! Jason just lost my ibis V4s in a fire. what are your thoughts on the Pivot 429 as a replacement, and how do you feel about press fit BB's?

[@nckporter]

FWIW, I've had my 429 for a year+, no issue with the press fit BB.

[@MikeesTexas]

Did you find anything lacking in the V4S?

[@richardkaiser3756]

@@MikeesTexas nothing at all, loved it. that's why I want something that is as close to the old V4s as possible.

[@mtbyumyum]

The t429 feels pretty different from the V4 Ripley… why not just get another V4 Ripley? I think there’s a bunch out there….

[@MikeesTexas]

Hey Richard, I'm with you on the awesomeness of the v4... after 2 trips to the seeona mtb fest in search of the ultimate mtb i cannot find a better bike... on that note, i lust after a ripmo often.... if i could have 2 bikes it would be a ripley and a ripmo

[@_boric]

Flat pedals?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I try to get on flat pedals every once in a while. It helps me avoid the bad habits of riding with clipless…

[@Stickybutton]

There‘s a new one right?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I just didn't know anything about it.... and just by chance uploaded this video today only to find out after the fact there's a new model... I feel sort of stupid but oh well... I had no idea.... I'm not "in the know" with Santa Cruz bikes...

[@nckporter]

Was someone running down rush at 14:00????

[@mtbyumyum]

🤦🏻‍♂️ yes… a lady was clearly lost and unknowingly in a very dangerous down hill only section of trail. I stopped and chatted with her for a sec helping her find a better trail. Lol🤦🏻‍♂️

[@nckporter]

@@mtbyumyum would love to hear that chat!!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha I was very nice.... but she almost got ran over... If you could see the un edited footage you would see how dangerous it actually was...

[@DallasJohnson-s1i]

Young Ronald Johnson James Jackson Betty

[@gilbertinni4018]

Bro, new colors are out😅

[@mtbyumyum]

I know, I feel pretty stupid.... What are the chances that I publish the "old" Bronson the exact same day Santa Cruz releases a new model Bronson.... so frustrating and I feel like an idiot. Oh well, I'm not "in the know" in the MTB world.... wish I was.... ugggg.

[@gilbertinni4018]

@@mtbyumyum nah you are not stupid..Great video as always 💪

[@ryandulaney48]

@@mtbyumyum I actually think that’s a good thing … means your reviews are much more unbiased. Bad timing here but not a big deal imo.

[@rl9810]

@@mtbyumyum Oh man. What luck. For a minute there, I thought Santa Cruz gave you a V5 in one of the older colors to camouflage it out in the wild. Good review regardless.

[@deanemberley2333]

@@ryandulaney48But according to you they look worse right Sparky 😂. You are just full of useful comments today aren’t you

[@DallasJohnson-s1i]

Davis Brenda Johnson Susan Harris Carol

[@NB-ski]

Go ride the nomad now.

[@mfa81]

This bike is so old…

[@Austi-xt7tu]

Too bad this bike weighs almost 35 lbs which is crazy

[@deanemberley2333]

Pretty Standard for Modern Trail and Enduro bikes these days. If you want a lighter bike why even comment ?

[@ryandulaney48]

Santa Cruz just keeps finding new ways to make their bikes look worse, weigh more, and cost more.

[@frienduro24]

$3900 6.84lb frame…

[@deanemberley2333]

How does it look worse? What a stupid comment. Piss Off

[@TheJoncic]

Loving my v2 5010. Not sold on the mullet marketing hype.

[@ericbeech2652]

This bike is several years old.

[@Gnarshredder]

When you started out, I really thought you were going to say the exact opposite of what you said.😂

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

Im 6'2 33 Inch inseam should i go with a L or XL ? guy at the shop recommended XL