Santa Cruz 2025 Bronson 5 C MX

For the rider with a Peter Pan disposition or who wants to get into a pan flat tabletop position, the Bronson encourages bad behavior.

Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: MX
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150

Suspension

The Bronson’s looks have changed radically. It wasn’t to satisfy the ego of a designer or stand out, but rather moving the location of the lower link and the shock down low and forward was paramount in lowering the anti-squat for a wild bike like the Bronson.

What is Anti-Squat?

Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Think of it as yanking your chain, and therefore your pedals, backwards every time you hit a bump. Not enough anti-squat and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power. We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes and the result is more traction and more freedom.

Millimeters Matter

Moving any of the VPP™ pivots a couple millimeters in any direction makes wild adjustments to the ride quality. The lower VPP™ link is placed low and forward to optimize anti-squat. The result is a plush, open feel with a lot of traction.

Traits of the Bronson

• Minimal kickback on square-edge hits
• Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
• More sensitivity. The suspension is quite plush off the top, with fluttery small bump performance
• Leverage rate provides predictable, consistent, progressive support

On the Trail

This is the best VPP™ we’ve ever made. There’s more traction on offer, and it makes for a very composed descender.

Hardware

The pivots and links are great at maintaining a consistent ride for many years. It’s all very tough, reliable and easy to work on. Plus, owners get a lifetime of replacement pivot bearings.

MX Wheels

29-inch wheel up front and 27.5-inch in the rear. Provides stability and a lighter handling on the front due to the weight bias (greater BB drop from front axle). MX bikes feel more neutral when pointed downhill and the lesser BB drop to rear axle allows more influence on the rear. This gives confidence to point and shoot, but the ability to change lines or move the bike faster.