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Hi
Following on from a previous thread, I’m wondering about the sizing of Santa Cruz’s (Bronson in particular).
I’m about 6’2” and a bit which I think puts me sort of inbetween large and XL. Unfortunately I can’t get to anywhere to test one. I currently have an old 2016 Intense Tracer T275C in Large which is probably a bit small (and also totally different).
Any thoughts from tall SC owners? Thanks
I am 5,11 and my riding buddy is about 6,3 I ride a large bronson (v4) he is on an XL bronson (v4)
Where are you based?
Thanks nwgiles.
I’m in south west Sheffield.
I'm 6'2" and ride a XL Hightower (albeit original 2016 model).
It looks as though 6'1" is the recommended switch point between L & XL. Also worth noting that there is an XXL, so the XL is not designed to cover all the way up to 'absolute giant'.
Based on all that, I'd be pretty confident XL would be the way to go for you.
I’m in south west Sheffield.
Get thee to 18bikes in Hope then. They're an SC dealer!
Leisure Lakes if they have any near you.
I’m 6.2 and went from a v2 2018 Bronson XL, to a 2025 v5 XL. Initially felt much bigger but after a couple of rides it feels great.
In hindsight the old v2 was much too small for me - for example old was 475 reach, new one is circa 500.
Really enjoying it and would definitely recommend.
^^ they are indeed. When I last spoke to them they only had a witchcrafty e-bike in stock to sit on though.
The bronson and the Vala are very similar in sizing, you could try a vala and use that as a guide
XL 100%
Santa Cruz’s tend to come up smaller than most brands. They’re one of very few brands that also offers an XXL size in their range too.
I'm 5'10" at best; I have a recent Tallboy and Hightower in the garage, both in a size large. Perfect size for me. Defo too small for your height!
Thanks guys.
@rbs365 - do you mind if I ask which model you bought?
I’m currently torn between a well specced 2024 and a poverty spec 2025 that’ll probably need the shock and forks replacing at great expense!
My v2 was warrantied and I got the v5 in pink.
Had to get a new front wheel, forks, shock and few other bits but otherwise it’s all from the old bike.
went for fox 36s and a float X. But was tempted to run a coil which seem popular form what I’ve seen
I moved my bronson 4 to a coil, so much more planted and settled
@rbs365 ah I see, very nice!
I really want a pink one but anything decent spec is well beyond what Mrs RRR might consider for a bike (especially one without a motor etc!)
Its not that they are 'smaller' but SC are one of the best at putting short seat-tubes on their bikes - this means you can get a nice rangey reach if you want, or if not, go smaller and just put your seatpost further up. It gives you options.
At 5ft 10 I have always been a L on SC so I can only assume your gonna be XL as your a lot taller!
6'1 (and a half) / 187cm riding a couple of current model XXL SCs.
It's not the default size for my height and shows there's leeway in the sizing. As @snotrag says above, relatively short STs makes it possible to size up for longer reach without compromising dropper length. Wanting greater reach was my reason for going XXL over XL, that's the knock-on effect of Geometron ownership (535mm on my XL G1).
My Tallboy in particular is the best fitting bike I've owned: it felt spot on /confidence-inspiring from the first ride. Even riding buddies noticed with comments that I looked right at home on it.
@RopeyReignRider I'd say at 6'2 you're definitely XL (certainly NOT L) but it's personal preference. I'd not recommend XXL in general unless you know what to expect from super-long reach etc.
5’10 and had a few SCs (most recently a Megatower v2) and always rode a large.
Also incase anyone wonders or cares, I can fit a 240 one up dropper in an XL v5.
I’ve taken it down to 230 though with it down out the way.
With the current steeper seat tube angles, you could go for XL or XXL. I'm 6'4" and ride XXL nowadays. Even then I run a 220mm dropper at nowhere near max insertion. Before XXL was a more common thing, I rode XL SC bikes and found that I was way too far back with the seat post length I needed. This was when slack seat angles became cool (looking at you blur LT and Bronson V2). Not as big a problem now, but I'd still size up to XXL if I was you.
Thanks guys.
I’ve now ordered a 2024 bronson in XL (matte dark matter).
I’m a bit worried it’s a very dull colour though (I did get it for a very good price however).
matte dark matter
Good choice. My Tallboy is a similarly dull colour (matte taupe) and IMO it looks great. Think these colours are a great base to add a smattering of silver bling but I've not felt the need.
Ooh that’s nice ^^
i don’t suppose any of you guys have put a Gloss invisiframe kit on a matte SC?
Stif have one for £10 and I’m wondering if it’s worth a try or will look rubbish..
Ooh that’s nice ^^
i don’t suppose any of you guys have put a Gloss invisiframe kit on a matte SC?
Stif have one for £10 and I’m wondering if it’s worth a try or will look rubbish..
Looks a similar colour to a matt black V1 Megatower I had (well still have, selling the frame), I think the colour looks great if you are into the stealth vibe.
On the Invisiframe, you could take a punt at a tenner and see if it works but I'd say Matt wouldbe best as there are a few gaps (I've had Invisiframe on 4 SCs, 1 gloss and 3 matt).
(I’ve wanted a pink bronson since they first did it 10+ years ago but almost impossible for me to justify £5700+ on even a fairly basic spec one!)
Ooh that’s nice ^^
i don’t suppose any of you guys have put a Gloss invisiframe kit on a matte SC?
Stif have one for £10 and I’m wondering if it’s worth a try or will look rubbish..
I did yes, over the matt gold , it really pops in the sun
Have you seen the invisiframe decals that are on the go? I'd be properly interested in the starburst or oil slick ones if both my bikes weren't already covered in Invisiframe. They look amazing.