Review: The 2026 Santa Cruz Bronson V5 - Playful Mullet, Serious Speed
The Verdict: The ultimate "fun-first" trail bike gets a major performance boost.
The Santa Cruz Bronson has always been the bike for riders who prefer jumping over berms and seeking out creative side-hits rather than just racing the clock. For 2026, the V5 remains committed to its mullet wheel setup (29" front / 27.5" rear) but gets some critical geometry and suspension updates that make it much more stable when you decide to let off the brakes.
What's New?
The core of the V5 update is the revised VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension. Santa Cruz has lowered the anti-squat to reduce pedal kickback, making the suspension feel noticeably more active and supple over square-edged bumps. They've also slacked the head angle out to 64.2 degrees and lengthened the reach across all sizes.
- Travel: 160mm Front / 150mm Rear
- Wheel Configuration: Mullet (29" Front / 27.5" Rear)
- Frame Material: C or CC Carbon
- Weight: ~14.2kg (C S-Build)
- Price: Starting from ~$7,500 AUD
How it rides
If we had to describe the Bronson V5 in one word, it would be "poppy." That 27.5" rear wheel makes it incredibly easy to loft into the air, while the 29" front end gives you the confidence to plough through rough rock gardens. It climbs surprisingly well too, with the lower anti-squat actually providing more traction on technical, loose climbs.
The Downside
It's carbon-only, so the entry price is high. And while it's highly capable, riders looking for pure, straight-line racing speed might still prefer the full 29" wheels of the Hightower or Megatower.
The Chunky Monke Upgrades
A high-end carbon frame deserves a dialled cockpit. If you're spending Bronson money, don't settle for generic spacers or basic grips. A few subtle upgrades can make a massive difference in hand comfort and bike control.
Dial in your Bronson:
- Bucklos Lock-On Grips - Excellent vibrations damping to save your hands on long descents.
- ZTTO CNC Top Cap Kit - The ultimate matching accent for your Santa Cruz frame.
- ENLEE Carbon Mudguards - Protect those expensive fork seals in style.
Verdict: 9.2/10
The Bronson V5 is the perfect trail bike for riders who don't take themselves too seriously but still want a highly capable, premium machine. It's a masterpiece of fun.
