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While 2016's 2. 0 reboot made the Bronson leaner, meaner, and even more capable than its 1. 0 predecessor, those of us with less than unlimited finances were still left to dream of a day when we could afford to add one of those beautiful machines to our stable. Fortunately, Santa Cruz marks 2017 with the release of the Bronson 2. 0 Alloy Frame, which features that same much loved geometry found in its high cost carbon fiber kin and a much more attainable price point that looks to see even more Bronsons headed to the dirt. Of the 2. 0 updates, arguably the most impressive alteration to the old Bronson's all mountain pedigree is the head tube, which slacks out by an extra tick on the protractor to drop from 67 to 66 degrees. This change is complemented with a corresponding increase in top tube length, a lower bottom bracket, and a raised lower link a combination that allows for short stemmed, strike free, point and click confidence while traversing lines and dropping steps that would cause even the previous Bronson to hesitate. It also effectively erases root lattices and moderate rock gutters, letting you mash across terrain that trail, XC, and even other all mountain bikes have to pick through with delicate care. Compared to the 1. 0 version, the Bronson 2. 0's seat tube gets 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 VPP suspension system represents the latest update to Santa Cruz's classic VPP. Where the old suspension curve...
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