Santa Cruz doesn’t follow model years for their bikes. Instead, they only get updated when there are real improvements to be made. It’s been two years since the Bronson and the 5010 were originally released, and SC felt it was time for a refresh.
The Bronson was an instant hit when it was released, and while the 5010 hasn’t received nearly as much coverage as its longer-travel sibling, it’s a great bike in its own right as I recently found out.
Both bikes get a redesigned VPP layout that tucks the lower link up and out of the way, compared to the old design. The new configuration allowed Santa Cruz to shorten the chain stays around .30″, which should make them even quicker through the corners.
Not surprisingly, the head tube angles have been relaxed by one degree on each bike, to 66 on the Bronson and 67 on the 5010. Top tubes have grown in length, increasing the reach on both bikes.
Both bikes now feature Boost 148-spaced rear ends–expect to see this mentioned in every single new bike release/revamp over the coming year.
In typical Santa Cruz fashion, the bikes will be offered in two colorways: one flashy and one more subdued. The Bronson comes in either “Kalimotxo and Yellow” or a stealthy “Matte Carbon and Grey.” Fun fact: Kalimotxo is a drink made with red wine and cola served on ice.
For the 5010, your options are “Process Blue and Grey” or “Matte Carbon and Yellow,” which looks like it would be the ideal bike for the Jamaican National Mountain Bike Team.
Frame-only options for both bikes are available for $3,000 and completes run the gamut from $3,600 all the way up to $8,700 for an XTR-equipped ride. Of course, you can opt for the ENVE wheels and tag on another two gees if you’re feeling frisky.
That’s enough talk; it’s time to watch Josh “Ratboy” Bryceland rally the new Bronson down some fantastic looking trails on the island of Madeira!
