I tested out both the 5010 and the Bronson - didn’t expect to like the mullet setup so much but still went 5010 and couldn’t be happier with all of the street riding I do! It pops off of everything and feels great on all of the trail features.
I have the 5010 V4, selected that over the previous Bronson. I may have gone with this Bronson had it been available at the time. Thanks for the review!
I bought one CC / XO1 AXS / RSV i9 Hydras fox dropper and sold my 5010 as this is a better all round trail / park bike for me in the UK - Love Loam Wolf reviews. Keep it up guys and thanks!
The most important part is being honest with oneself. What terrain do I hit the most, and as well what is my level of experience. Marketing will always try to hype things up, which is why so many ride too much of a bike. Most people don't have bikeparks nearby, nor live at the top of a huge mountain. The 5010 will be the better route for most. Of course there's no bike that will do it all, so just be honest with yourself and try to push that marketing hype to the side.
Exactly ... Lotta people get what they think, or hope they'll ride instead of what they actually do ... Lotta people are WAY over biked. A hardtail with 100-120mm travel is more than enough for probably 95% of riders.
Love my V3. Really want to demo a V4 to try that 29er up front. To TJ below who thinks the sus is harsh- it’s bot the VPP anymore. MegNeg larger can for $90 fixes that completely. I think it was the RockShox shock itself, as I’ e ridden some with Fox that were smoother. The lower VPP even stock is still pretty smooth, and I’ve ridden a lot of other brands too. It has eliminated the noticeable kickback from the old VPP almost if not completely, so let’s just forget about that anymore. Difference to me is that it is not as smooth as some others down but it climbs better than those that are smoother than it, not as good at limiting of pedal forces as some others but it descends better than those, whereas those out climb it. To me lower link VPP is a middle ground- It’s not the smoothest on the descents nor the most isolationist of pedal forces on climbs, but does better at both than those brands that do better than it in one of those. Put that linkage on a great allrounder like the Bronson and you have the best allrounder out there IMO. Grab this bike and go do anything on it.
yeah it was the stock RS Super Delux shock that made the bike feel a little harsh. However, the V3 also has a regressive suspension curve, that was very harsh on botton outs. so no shock other than a Fox X2 filled with volume spacers fixed that, that is where the Cascade Link comes in, the Cascade Link is money! The B3 with Fox X2 and 2 tokens, and Cascade link makes the bike feel like it has unlimited travel. Though Cascade Link did make the B3 more forgiving on harsh G outs, it also has better small bump compliance. Only negative with the Cascade Link is the bike rides lower, and it added 5mm of chainstay length (as well as 5mm more Wheelbase), so it was NOT as poppy (nothing that faster rebound and more psi won't fix though). In addition, Cascade link requires about 25 psi more to get the same 30% sag, not sure if this is a negative thing though, but it can be because the limit of the Fox X2 is only 300psi. .
@@ErichVonCartmann hey man. Haven’t heard from you in a while. What you riding these days? Still on Santa? 👍 to everything you said. I don’t go bigger than about 6 ft these days and MegNeg eliminated bottom outs for me and gave me the better small bump compliance I was looking for- amazing what a $90 simple part like a large negative air chamber can do!! Most rides now, if they are bigger or more technical ones, The band is right at the end of the shock. It very seldom ever comes off. I figured I’d try just the MegNeg first and see how that went and then decide if I wanted to go Cascade too, and for me MegNeg was enough. My fav riding is tech, really didn’t want the lower bb of Cascade if didn’t need it as I already have to really watch my pedals, and I had heard about it making it a bit less poppy, which since she’s my only steed I like to keep for my local trails. So for me just MegNeg was all I needed, but if anyone wants more the Cascade adds it, and of course the X2 is like a pillow, but at a cost.
@@dadventuretv2538 , these days I am riding a SC MegatowerV2 29er, SC Bullit Mullet, BronsonvV3 27.5er, Velobuild XC FS 27.5er bike, and a Commencal Furious Mullet DH bike. I have heard great things about the Megneg. Strange part is my SC Bullit with Rochshock SD does not have the Megneg but it feels like it has a bigger volume air can as it is super soft on top, and has very decent bottom out resistance. It looks like the exact same shock I had on my BV3, but rides totally different. I am sure the shock is tuned different being that a Bullit is an E-bike, and also the Kinametics of the Bullit is spot on. I felt like my BronvsonV3 Kinematics were great when I rode it as an every day trail bike, but once it got a little rowdy, that is when I realized it was NOT really made for the fast chunk, nor was it forgiving on hard CASES when I muffed a jump... that is until I got the X2 + Cascade Link. Now my BV3 is money! and is my park bike when the trails are flowy and jumpy.
@@ErichVonCartmann pretty sweet stable. Man the new Mega seems awesome, but more bike than I could use except once in a great while. I am intrigued by the new Nomad MX as a park bike- that slacker HTA and bit more travel with probably a coil would be sweet for the steep technical blacks that ai love and are at the limit of my Bronson Probably will get a Bullit myself one day. Out in the mountains I just think about how many extra DHs I could get in if I had an ebike to get me go the top each time. Yeah I’m with you- I built out my Bronson to be burlier, even sized up for extra reach and wheelbase, and take it on all but the steepest, gnarliest of bike park trails. I rented a proper DH bike last time bc my Bronson was in the shop and on the technical blacks it was bomb, but on the flow/jump trails I was longing for my Bronson. Have fun out there and ride on. 🤙
@@dadventuretv2538 , the new MegaV2 and the NomadV6 are DH worthy and basically just DH bikes. It is just up to you if you want Mullet or 29er. Now having owned the Mega for 2 months, there is really nothing more than I can add than what "Bikers Edge" already said about the MegaV2. I don't think I will ever get a NomadV6 only because my Mullet Commencal Furious already fills that niche. My next bike is going to be a Mullet Commencal Supreme V5!
The Bronson is closer to the Megatower. I love my mega but have been curious if this would be worth selling mine or throwing a 27+ wheel and tire on the rear of the mega
I'm kinda shocked that the 150mm travel Santa Cruz bike falls right in the middle of the 130mm and 170mm Santa Cruz bikes in terms of capability. Thanks for the insight guys
i was wondering the same thing. I have a v3 and would like to swap everything on to a v4. can anyone chime in on if it can be done? the SC website says it isn't recommended but would it be rideable in the end?
@@chipaway probably a very late reply but potentially running a high rise bar and adding 20mm travel would somewhat preserve the geo, most likely not the warranty tho
Was that a pun? How it "stacks" up? I was surprised that it has higher stack than a Megatower and other reviewers had to get rid of spacers to get it lower. Did you guys have issues regarding how high the "stack" is?
I love my Megatower. I have a 5010 as well, I'm blessed but the 5010 gets stuck alot through basic chunk. I'm feeling it's bc I got so use to the 29 now.
I’m looking at a Bronson. Tested a L and and XL. I’m 6’1” and feel between the two. Kinda felt like I was riding off the end of the large when in the saddle. Any views on sizing between the two?
I’m also 6’1” tested both shop suggested me to go XL in the new models - I wasn’t convinced. Ended up buying a L 2019 Bronson and just adjusted the stem / bars with some upsweep etc and moves the seat back and inch and BOOM 💥 feels perfect for me… a lot has to do with your inseam in you are between sizes - mine is short like 30-31 inches so L if yours is longer maybe think about an XL but test before you buy you will know right away which feels better. Also not a Mullet fan like my 27.5’s
I have a 2021 5010 that has been great on the local trails, but I'm getting into more bike park/techy terrain. Would the 2023 Nomad or Bronson be a better addition if I'm hanging onto the 5010?
I would think that the nomad would be the one if you are keeping the 5010. If you were selling the 5010 and were going to have one bike, the Bronson would be the pick. How have you found the 5010?
@@markharlor1144 the 5010 is a ton of fun, easy to maneuver, and good pedal power on climbs. Where it is starting to feel a bit sketchy is steeper descents and rocky, chunky terrain. The model I have is set up 27.5 vs the newer models that are MX.
@@TheLoamWolf mine was a 2020 with the rock shock rear and 36 up front. I think rock shocks really across the board were not that great in 2019-2020 IMO. I know how to setup & tune stuff (raced downhill) & even on another bike I didn’t like it, swapped to an X2, tuned it and it saved the bike for me. Rode my buddys new nomad with an X2 and I still wasn’t really loving it. Being 6’4”, I feel like the cockpit is too far forward in sant cruise bikes, even leaning back a bit while standing, my head is over the front axle.
@@RCKING1 I think they make a xxl now, but yeah, I guess some people love them, just not me. I do like the company though, they have awesome paint themes across the lines, nice frames, wheels etc
3 minutes in and I still have no idea what the suspension travel is. Maybe mention that at the start so at least we have an idea where this bike stands
The beefy frames are insane, you can't tell on the video. This must be so they move all their line into e-bikes eventually or to so there isn't a big difference between normal and e-bike lines.
I tested out both the 5010 and the Bronson - didn’t expect to like the mullet setup so much but still went 5010 and couldn’t be happier with all of the street riding I do! It pops off of everything and feels great on all of the trail features.
Would love to see a direct comparison to the Hightower, seems to be a little bit of overlap.
After watching your comparison between Nomad, bronson and 5010. I decided to buy Bronson Cc. Thank you so much.
Right on, thank you and we hope you enjoy it!
That a loose rotor bolt at 4:25? Such a spotter!
I have the 5010 V4, selected that over the previous Bronson. I may have gone with this Bronson had it been available at the time. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for sharing
I bought one CC / XO1 AXS / RSV i9 Hydras fox dropper and sold my 5010 as this is a better all round trail / park bike for me in the UK - Love Loam Wolf reviews. Keep it up guys and thanks!
Thanks we love you too!
Awesome review guys. Got a 19 5010 that I still love. Gonna upgrade the fork to a 36 w/140mm travel and see what happens.
Solid video! Subscribed!
Thank you!
The most important part is being honest with oneself. What terrain do I hit the most, and as well what is my level of experience. Marketing will always try to hype things up, which is why so many ride too much of a bike.
Most people don't have bikeparks nearby, nor live at the top of a huge mountain. The 5010 will be the better route for most. Of course there's no bike that will do it all, so just be honest with yourself and try to push that marketing hype to the side.
Exactly ... Lotta people get what they think, or hope they'll ride instead of what they actually do ... Lotta people are WAY over biked. A hardtail with 100-120mm travel is more than enough for probably 95% of riders.
At 4:23 I suggest you tighten that rotor bolt up...
this is my next bike in 6 years when the used price is good because i have a nomad v3 and its still so sick and feels modern
How would compare this version of Bronson to the new 5010 mullet?
Love my V3. Really want to demo a V4 to try that 29er up front. To TJ below who thinks the sus is harsh- it’s bot the VPP anymore. MegNeg larger can for $90 fixes that completely. I think it was the RockShox shock itself, as I’ e ridden some with Fox that were smoother. The lower VPP even stock is still pretty smooth, and I’ve ridden a lot of other brands too. It has eliminated the noticeable kickback from the old VPP almost if not completely, so let’s just forget about that anymore. Difference to me is that it is not as smooth as some others down but it climbs better than those that are smoother than it, not as good at limiting of pedal forces as some others but it descends better than those, whereas those out climb it. To me lower link VPP is a middle ground- It’s not the smoothest on the descents nor the most isolationist of pedal forces on climbs, but does better at both than those brands that do better than it in one of those. Put that linkage on a great allrounder like the Bronson and you have the best allrounder out there IMO. Grab this bike and go do anything on it.
yeah it was the stock RS Super Delux shock that made the bike feel a little harsh. However, the V3 also has a regressive suspension curve, that was very harsh on botton outs. so no shock other than a Fox X2 filled with volume spacers fixed that, that is where the Cascade Link comes in, the Cascade Link is money! The B3 with Fox X2 and 2 tokens, and Cascade link makes the bike feel like it has unlimited travel. Though Cascade Link did make the B3 more forgiving on harsh G outs, it also has better small bump compliance. Only negative with the Cascade Link is the bike rides lower, and it added 5mm of chainstay length (as well as 5mm more Wheelbase), so it was NOT as poppy (nothing that faster rebound and more psi won't fix though). In addition, Cascade link requires about 25 psi more to get the same 30% sag, not sure if this is a negative thing though, but it can be because the limit of the Fox X2 is only 300psi. .
@@ErichVonCartmann hey man. Haven’t heard from you in a while. What you riding these days? Still on Santa? 👍 to everything you said. I don’t go bigger than about 6 ft these days and MegNeg eliminated bottom outs for me and gave me the better small bump compliance I was looking for- amazing what a $90 simple part like a large negative air chamber can do!! Most rides now, if they are bigger or more technical ones, The band is right at the end of the shock. It very seldom ever comes off. I figured I’d try just the MegNeg first and see how that went and then decide if I wanted to go Cascade too, and for me MegNeg was enough. My fav riding is tech, really didn’t want the lower bb of Cascade if didn’t need it as I already have to really watch my pedals, and I had heard about it making it a bit less poppy, which since she’s my only steed I like to keep for my local trails. So for me just MegNeg was all I needed, but if anyone wants more the Cascade adds it, and of course the X2 is like a pillow, but at a cost.
@@dadventuretv2538 , these days I am riding a SC MegatowerV2 29er, SC Bullit Mullet, BronsonvV3 27.5er, Velobuild XC FS 27.5er bike, and a Commencal Furious Mullet DH bike. I have heard great things about the Megneg. Strange part is my SC Bullit with Rochshock SD does not have the Megneg but it feels like it has a bigger volume air can as it is super soft on top, and has very decent bottom out resistance. It looks like the exact same shock I had on my BV3, but rides totally different. I am sure the shock is tuned different being that a Bullit is an E-bike, and also the Kinametics of the Bullit is spot on. I felt like my BronvsonV3 Kinematics were great when I rode it as an every day trail bike, but once it got a little rowdy, that is when I realized it was NOT really made for the fast chunk, nor was it forgiving on hard CASES when I muffed a jump... that is until I got the X2 + Cascade Link. Now my BV3 is money! and is my park bike when the trails are flowy and jumpy.
@@ErichVonCartmann pretty sweet stable. Man the new Mega seems awesome, but more bike than I could use except once in a great while. I am intrigued by the new Nomad MX as a park bike- that slacker HTA and bit more travel with probably a coil would be sweet for the steep technical blacks that ai love and are at the limit of my Bronson Probably will get a Bullit myself one day. Out in the mountains I just think about how many extra DHs I could get in if I had an ebike to get me go the top each time. Yeah I’m with you- I built out my Bronson to be burlier, even sized up for extra reach and wheelbase, and take it on all but the steepest, gnarliest of bike park trails. I rented a proper DH bike last time bc my Bronson was in the shop and on the technical blacks it was bomb, but on the flow/jump trails I was longing for my Bronson. Have fun out there and ride on. 🤙
@@dadventuretv2538 , the new MegaV2 and the NomadV6 are DH worthy and basically just DH bikes. It is just up to you if you want Mullet or 29er. Now having owned the Mega for 2 months, there is really nothing more than I can add than what "Bikers Edge" already said about the MegaV2. I don't think I will ever get a NomadV6 only because my Mullet Commencal Furious already fills that niche. My next bike is going to be a Mullet Commencal Supreme V5!
Hello, I need a point of comparison. Does Yeti sb6 or Bronson V4 pedal better?
The Bronson is closer to the Megatower. I love my mega but have been curious if this would be worth selling mine or throwing a 27+ wheel and tire on the rear of the mega
I'm kinda shocked that the 150mm travel Santa Cruz bike falls right in the middle of the 130mm and 170mm Santa Cruz bikes in terms of capability. Thanks for the insight guys
Well… what did you expect? You watched it thinking it was gonna ride like it had 180mm of travel with 26” wheels?
@@TheLoamWolf lol yeah, i guess i just expected something less than a 5 minute segment on "150 is between 130 and 170"
@@TheLoamWolf but i appreciate the vid, for some reason there are no reviews of this bike on youtube
Haha. Well hopefully you got something good out of it. Thanks for watching.
at 4:23 one of the rotor's bolt at the rear is coming out.
hey guys I was just wondering if it's possible to use 27.5 wheels on both wheels for this bike? The mixed wheels seems strange to me. Thanks!
i was wondering the same thing. I have a v3 and would like to swap everything on to a v4. can anyone chime in on if it can be done? the SC website says it isn't recommended but would it be rideable in the end?
@@chipaway probably a very late reply but potentially running a high rise bar and adding 20mm travel would somewhat preserve the geo, most likely not the warranty tho
Great shirt! "I can take a shit in a box and stamp it guaranteed" lol
one difference between hi and lo vpp is weight. while i much prefer lo the same bike is significantly heavier between the frame and bigger shock
And here we are September 2023 heckler sl aka bronson sl out for sale
Was that a pun? How it "stacks" up? I was surprised that it has higher stack than a Megatower and other reviewers had to get rid of spacers to get it lower. Did you guys have issues regarding how high the "stack" is?
what your pick this or Trek slash?
I get the Mullet ……but can you mount a rear 29r if optional??
i can speak form experience that unless you're hitting some extremely rowdy and rough trails the 5010 is going to handle everything just fine.
If you're not hitting rowdy or rough trails, anything will do.
@@morgangrant5180 but will it be as FUN as a 5010? Haha
I love my Megatower. I have a 5010 as well, I'm blessed but the 5010 gets stuck alot through basic chunk. I'm feeling it's bc I got so use to the 29 now.
5010 is too chattery on bigger longer trails
I'm moving on to endouro trails so I think the bronson is for me
I’m looking at a Bronson. Tested a L and and XL. I’m 6’1” and feel between the two. Kinda felt like I was riding off the end of the large when in the saddle. Any views on sizing between the two?
Which did you end up getting, L or XL?
I’m also 6’1” tested both shop suggested me to go XL in the new models - I wasn’t convinced. Ended up buying a L 2019 Bronson and just adjusted the stem / bars with some upsweep etc and moves the seat back and inch and BOOM 💥 feels perfect for me… a lot has to do with your inseam in you are between sizes - mine is short like 30-31 inches so L if yours is longer maybe think about
an XL but test before you buy you will know right away which feels better. Also not a
Mullet fan like my 27.5’s
Have you guys ridden the new Megatower yet? If so how would you compare?
We have not, atleast not yet. We will be sure to make some content with it if we get one.
So do you think it’s a good trail bike ?
I have a 2021 5010 that has been great on the local trails, but I'm getting into more bike park/techy terrain. Would the 2023 Nomad or Bronson be a better addition if I'm hanging onto the 5010?
I would think that the nomad would be the one if you are keeping the 5010. If you were selling the 5010 and were going to have one bike, the Bronson would be the pick.
How have you found the 5010?
@@markharlor1144 the 5010 is a ton of fun, easy to maneuver, and good pedal power on climbs. Where it is starting to feel a bit sketchy is steeper descents and rocky, chunky terrain. The model I have is set up 27.5 vs the newer models that are MX.
I get the mullet but can you mount a 29r if need be ???
Hi guys great review I am 5ft10 you think I be ok on large ?
Yeah you would be.
Had one and hated how harsh VPP feels going through it’s travel, so surprised people like these things
Did you have a newer VPP bike with the lower link system? We are traditionally not VPP fans either, but these new ones have been swaying us.
@@TheLoamWolf mine was a 2020 with the rock shock rear and 36 up front. I think rock shocks really across the board were not that great in 2019-2020 IMO. I know how to setup & tune stuff (raced downhill) & even on another bike I didn’t like it, swapped to an X2, tuned it and it saved the bike for me. Rode my buddys new nomad with an X2 and I still wasn’t really loving it. Being 6’4”, I feel like the cockpit is too far forward in sant cruise bikes, even leaning back a bit while standing, my head is over the front axle.
100% sold my nomad because of this. and was just way to small
@@RCKING1 I think they make a xxl now, but yeah, I guess some people love them, just not me. I do like the company though, they have awesome paint themes across the lines, nice frames, wheels etc
@@TJ-po9ol ya but even the xxl isn’t that big. I’m now on a bike that’s 40mm longer then a xxl megatower and id love to go bigger.
Was that an electric shifter? If so how’d it work for you out on the trails?
check out our SRAM GX AXS review video we just released. It works awesome.
Are these wheels really 29 inches
Anyone else curious on a weight of the bike?
30lbs! Sorry apparently that audio clip got trimmed somewhere...The written review on the website has the weight listed.
theloamwolf.com
Bronson vs Megatower?
Bronson for Play Mega for Race.
3 minutes in and I still have no idea what the suspension travel is. Maybe mention that at the start so at least we have an idea where this bike stands
The beefy frames are insane, you can't tell on the video. This must be so they move all their line into e-bikes eventually or to so there isn't a big difference between normal and e-bike lines.
No COMPROMISE. Get a Nomad! V4 : )
best bike ive ever owned, change few components and it goes from an Enduro bike to a DH bike, love it
Machete! You mad man!
How would this bike do for a person who rides a lot of local with ocassional bike park and enduro races?
That’s what I want to know
😅 I'm 60 crashing is not fun at all
Learning how not to crash is funner than a funeral
Man what’s up with the camera shake? And only 1080? The camera work and grainy footage really lets this channel down. Especially on the big screen.
Thanks for sharing. If we charged for content and put it behind a paywall and guaranteed 4K smooth footage and better quality would you pay?
@@TheLoamWolf I likely would, I already pay for RUclips premium and support many channels on Patreon. But I understand most wouldn’t.
@@TheLoamWolf does RUclips charge money for uploading in 4K?
Or do you mean you’d have to buy a new camera to make 4K happen?
Haha for a picky comment like that I hope you work in the film industry. I do and I’d call you a pixel peeper. It’s free content man deal with it.
lol.. Just buy two $7k bikes !
Can we please delete the word "playful" from bike reviews? Or at least not use it 20 times next time?
It’s the same with ski reviews…playful or surfy. Annoying.