SANTA CRUZ BRONSON

Last year Santa Cruz took its first tentative steps into the mullet – or MX in the brand’s own parlance – market with the Bullit. Now the Bronson becomes the first naturally-aspirated model with mixed wheels. Equipped with the latest lower-link driven VPP configuration delivering 150mm of travel, this is a trail bike with the emphasis on fun. Aside from slick detailing and rider-friendly features such as easily serviceable bearings, comprehensive frame protection and threaded bottom brackets, Santa Cruz brings its generous sizing range to the table. Five frame sizes are on offer, all with low standover heights and short seat tubes, while the proportional chainstay lengths introduced on the 5010 mean no one should be left hanging off the back of the bike – unwillingly, anyway.

Prices start at £4,999 for the R spec with the cheaper (heavier) carbon C frame and stock is actually looking good, with bikes in most dealers across the country and regular resupply drops. santacruzbicycles.com