Let's dive deep into the Santa Cruz Bronson S and give you the lowdown on the 2020 model. If you're in the market for a versatile mountain bike that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, the Bronson might just be your jam. This bike has gained a reputation as a do-it-all machine, and for good reason. Whether you're tackling steep climbs, bombing down technical descents, or just enjoying a flowy trail, the Bronson aims to deliver a balanced and exhilarating experience. So, let's break down what makes the 2020 Santa Cruz Bronson S tick and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Santa Cruz Bronson S is built around a beautifully crafted frame, typically made from either carbon fiber or aluminum. The carbon frame, known as the Carbon C or Carbon CC, offers a significant weight advantage and increased stiffness, translating to better power transfer and overall responsiveness on the trail. The aluminum frame provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of durability and performance. The frame design incorporates Santa Cruz's VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system, which is renowned for its efficient pedaling characteristics and plush, bottomless feel on rough terrain. This suspension system helps to isolate the drivetrain from suspension forces, allowing you to pedal efficiently even when the trail gets bumpy. The geometry of the Bronson S is modern and aggressive, with a slack head tube angle, a steep seat tube angle, and a long reach. This combination provides stability at high speeds, confident handling in steep terrain, and a comfortable climbing position. The frame also features internal cable routing, which keeps the cables clean and tidy, protecting them from the elements and reducing maintenance. Overall, the frame of the Santa Cruz Bronson S is a testament to Santa Cruz's commitment to quality and performance. It's designed to be both durable and responsive, providing a solid foundation for a bike that can handle a wide range of riding styles and terrain.

Frame and Suspension

The frame and suspension setup is at the heart of any mountain bike, and the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 doesn't disappoint. The frame is typically available in carbon fiber (Carbon C or Carbon CC) or aluminum, each offering different advantages. The carbon frames are lighter and stiffer, providing a more responsive and efficient ride, while the aluminum frames offer a more affordable option with robust durability.

The suspension on the Bronson S 2020 is where the magic truly happens. Santa Cruz employs their renowned VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system, which is designed to provide efficient pedaling performance without sacrificing plushness on descents. The VPP system uses two short, counter-rotating links to connect the front and rear triangles, allowing the suspension to be active and responsive throughout its travel. This design helps to isolate the drivetrain from suspension forces, meaning you can pedal smoothly even when the trail gets rough. The Bronson S typically offers around 150mm of rear travel, paired with a 160mm fork up front. This combination provides a balanced feel, making the bike capable of handling everything from steep, technical descents to long, flowy climbs. The suspension components themselves are usually high-quality units from brands like Fox or RockShox, offering adjustable damping and air pressure to fine-tune the ride to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a bike that can soak up big hits or one that pedals efficiently on climbs, the frame and suspension of the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 are designed to deliver a versatile and confidence-inspiring ride.

Components and Build Quality

When it comes to components and build quality, the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 generally doesn't skimp. The "S" in the name denotes a specific build level, which usually strikes a balance between performance and value. You can expect to find a reliable drivetrain from Shimano or SRAM, typically in the form of a 12-speed groupset. These drivetrains offer a wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle steep climbs and fast descents with ease. The shifters are crisp and precise, ensuring smooth gear changes even under load. The brakes are also a crucial component, and the Bronson S typically comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano or SRAM. These brakes provide ample stopping power and excellent modulation, giving you confidence and control in all conditions. The rotors are usually sized appropriately for the bike's intended use, with larger rotors up front for increased stopping power. The wheels on the Bronson S are generally durable and reliable, often featuring rims from brands like Race Face or WTB. These wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of trail riding, and they're typically tubeless-ready, allowing you to run lower tire pressures for improved traction and comfort. The tires are also chosen to match the bike's all-around capabilities, with options from brands like Maxxis or Schwalbe. The cockpit components, such as the handlebar and stem, are typically made from aluminum and offer a comfortable and ergonomic feel. The saddle is also carefully selected to provide support and comfort on long rides. Overall, the components and build quality of the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 are designed to provide a reliable and enjoyable riding experience, with a focus on performance and durability.

Ride Quality and Handling

Speaking of ride quality and handling, the Santa Cruz Bronson S really shines. This bike is designed to be a versatile all-rounder, capable of handling a wide range of terrain with confidence and poise. The modern geometry, with its slack head tube angle, long reach, and steep seat tube angle, provides a stable and balanced feel on the trail. The slack head tube angle makes the bike feel planted and confident on steep descents, while the long reach provides ample room to move around and maintain control. The steep seat tube angle puts you in a comfortable and efficient climbing position, allowing you to power up steep hills with ease. The VPP suspension system contributes to the Bronson S's excellent ride quality by providing a plush and supportive feel throughout its travel. The suspension is active and responsive, soaking up bumps and chatter while still providing plenty of support for pedaling and pumping. This makes the bike feel both comfortable and efficient, whether you're climbing, descending, or traversing. The Bronson S is also surprisingly nimble and playful, thanks to its relatively short chainstays and balanced weight distribution. It's easy to flick around corners and pop over obstacles, making it a fun and engaging ride on flowy trails. The bike's stiffness also contributes to its responsive handling, allowing you to carve through turns with precision and confidence. Overall, the ride quality and handling of the Santa Cruz Bronson S are excellent, making it a versatile and enjoyable bike for a wide range of riders and terrain. Whether you're a seasoned mountain biker or a relative beginner, you'll appreciate the Bronson S's balanced and confidence-inspiring feel.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 so you can get a clear picture.

Pros:

• Versatile Performance: The Bronson S excels as an all-rounder, handling climbs, descents, and everything in between with grace. Its balanced geometry and suspension make it suitable for various riding styles and terrains.
• Efficient Pedaling: The VPP suspension system is known for its efficient pedaling characteristics, allowing you to power up climbs without excessive energy loss.
• Plush Suspension: The suspension soaks up bumps and chatter effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on rough trails.
• Confident Handling: The slack head tube angle and long reach inspire confidence on steep descents, while the steep seat tube angle provides a comfortable climbing position.
• High-Quality Components: The Bronson S typically comes with reliable components from reputable brands like Shimano, SRAM, Fox, and RockShox.

Cons:

• Price: Santa Cruz bikes are generally on the expensive side, and the Bronson S is no exception. The high price tag may put it out of reach for some riders.
• Weight: While not excessively heavy, the Bronson S is not the lightest bike in its class. The weight may be noticeable on long climbs or when trying to accelerate quickly.
• Maintenance: The VPP suspension system can be more complex to maintain than simpler suspension designs, requiring regular servicing to keep it running smoothly.
• Component Spec Variations: The exact components on the Bronson S can vary depending on the year and build level, so it's important to check the specifications carefully before purchasing.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020? Well, if you're after a versatile, high-performance mountain bike that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, the Bronson S is definitely worth considering. It's not the cheapest option out there, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality, performance, and durability. The VPP suspension system provides a plush and efficient ride, while the modern geometry inspires confidence on all types of terrain. Sure, it might not be the lightest bike on the market, and the VPP suspension requires a bit more maintenance than some other designs, but these are minor drawbacks compared to the overall performance and enjoyment you'll get from riding the Bronson S. If you're looking for a do-it-all mountain bike that can handle everything from epic backcountry adventures to quick after-work trail rides, the Santa Cruz Bronson S 2020 is a solid choice.