2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike

 

Santa Cruz’s 2017 Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike pairs top-tier CC carbon construction with Shimano’s XT double drivetrain and boasts the slacker, longer, and effortlessly versatile geometry updates first seen with 2016’s 2.0 release. Of those updates, arguably the most impressive alteration to the old Bronson’s all-mountain pedigree is the head tube, which slacks out from 67 to 66 degrees. This change is complemented by an increase in top tube length, a lower bottom bracket, and a raised lower link, which all combine to allow for strike-free, point-and-click confidence while traversing lines and dropping steps that would make even the previous Bronson hesitate.

Compared to the 1.0 version, the Bronson 2.0’s seat tube also changed, getting steeper by almost a full degree for better positioning over the cranks. The revised geometry keeps you on top of the pedal stroke, and relocated links allow for a shorter chainstay, which makes for more efficient power transfer. The back end is further stiffened with the 12 x 148mm Boost axle standard, ensuring that the extra watts produced by the improved pedaling position and shorter chainstays aren’t lost to wheel flex. Despite its slacker head tube and longer geometry, the back end configuration helps the Bronson 2.0 pop over cruxes and maintain speed across hard pack.

The Bronson 2.0 also has the latest VPP suspension system represents the latest update to Santa Cruz’s classic VPP. Where the old suspension curve described a deep “U,” the new VPP’s curve resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the arc. The results are that, during the initial stroke, the Bronson 2.0 boasts increased small bump compliance to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction while climbing across lumpy trails and root lattices. It also maintains its predecessor’s firm feel during accelerations while jockeying for position in a mass start or a finishing sprint.

The ramp-up arc doesn’t dramatically alter as the shock compresses, so the pedaling platform stays consistent across travel, with less wallowing, bob, and bottom-outs—even when the bottom link activates and the axle’s path turns rearward to absorb big hits in the deep end of the travel pool.

For all the changes listed above, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC’s construction remains the same. As with previous Carbon CC frames, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC requires less material to hit Santa Cruz’s stiffness targets without sacrificing any of the responsiveness of the less expensive, heavier Carbon C models. Both triangles are constructed as whole, monocoque pieces, which also contributes to keeping weight low because the carbon can be wrapped through junctures and around joints. This eliminates the artificial weak points of bonded frames and actually requires less material in the process. While it’s being cured, the frame is compacted from inside and out. This final step eliminates excess material and resin pooling, resulting in more structural integrity and, of course, additional weight savings.

Aggressive all-mountain machine with 150mm of VPP3 suspension

Updated geometry is slacker, lower, and longer

CC Carbon construction reduces weight and increases stiffness

Boost axles further increase stiffness and improve tracking

RockShox Pike RCT3 fork soaks up big hits

Shimano’s XT drivetrain provides a wide range of gears

Santa Cruz blends industry-leading tech with timeless style

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike

Frame Material:

CC carbon fiber

Suspension:

VPP

Rear Shock:

Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3

Rear Travel:

150 mm

Fork:

Rock Shox Pike RCT3 Solo Air

Front Travel:

150 mm

Headset:

Cane Creek 40

Shifters:

Shimano XT M8000 SL

Front Derailleur:

Shimano XT M8020 Side Swing

Rear Derailleur:

Shimano XT M8000 GS

ISCG Tabs:

yes, ISCG 05

Crankset:

24 / 34 t Race Face Turbine SL

Bottom Bracket:

included w/ crankset

Cassette:

11 – 40 t Shimano XT M8000

Chain:

Shimano SLX M7000

Brakeset:

Shimano XT M8000

Brake Type:

hydraulic disc

Rotors:

180 / 180 mm Shimano RT86 Ice Tech

Handlebar:

Santa Cruz Carbon

Handlebar Width:

800 mm

Grips:

Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on

Stem:

Race Face Turbine Basic

Saddle:

WTB Silverado Team

Seatpost:

[size small] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 125mm travel, [sizes medium, large] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 150mm travel, size x-large] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 170mm travel

Seatpost Diameter:

31.6 mm

Wheelset:

Race Face ARC 27

Hubs:

DT Swiss 350

Front Axle:

15 x 110m Boost

Rear Axle:

12 x 148mm Boost

Tires:

[front] Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, [rear] Maxxis Minion DHR2 TR

Tire Size:

27.5 x 2.3 in

Pedals:

not included

Recommended Use:

all-mountain, enduro

Manufacturer Warranty:

lifetime on frame

Actual Weight:

Matte Black/Blue, L: 13400g

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC XT Complete Mountain Bike

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