The Santa Cruz Nomad and Santa Cruz Bronson are two of the most iconic mountain bikes on the market.
Both bikes are made by the same company, Santa Cruz, and have been designed to tackle the toughest trails. While they share many similarities, they also have some distinct differences that make them stand out from each other.
In this comparison, we will look at the features and specs of each bike, and how they compare to each other.
We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each bike so that you can make an informed decision when choosing between the two.
What Is Santa Cruz Nomad Bikes
These are some of the best mountain bikes on the market today.
They are designed to take on the toughest trails and terrains, while still providing a comfortable ride. The Nomad series has been around for over a decade, and they have continued to get better with each iteration.
The latest model, the Santa Cruz Nomad R, is the most advanced version yet.
Santa Cruz Nomad R has a full suspension frame with 170mm of travel, giving it a smooth and responsive ride on rough terrain. It also has a carbon fiber frame that is lightweight and stiff, making it easier to maneuver and climb.
This bike is equipped with 29-inch wheels, which provide great traction and stability.
The geometry of the frame is designed to give the rider a more balanced and comfortable ride. The Santa Cruz Nomad R is equipped with a Shimano XT drivetrain, giving it 12 speeds for plenty of range. It also has hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions.
It is also fitted with a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate suspension fork, which provides a plush ride and excellent control. The Santa Cruz Nomad R is a great bike for anyone looking for a mountain bike that can handle tough trails and terrains. It is lightweight and responsive and provides a comfortable ride.
If you are looking for a bike that can take you anywhere, the Santa Cruz Nomad R is a great choice.
What Is Santa Cruz Bronson Bike
This bike is the perfect combination of modern engineering and classic mountain biking.
This bike is designed to be lightweight and agile, yet still provide a smooth and comfortable ride. It features a full-suspension frame, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post.
Bronson is equipped with an SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, and a RockShox Lyrik RC fork.
This bike is also equipped with a Fox Float Performance Elite rear shock and a DT Swiss 350 rear hub. The Santa Cruz Bronson is designed to be a versatile mountain bike that can take on any terrain. It is capable of handling singletrack, downhill trails, and even some freeride trails.
It is also equipped with a wide range of components, including a Shimano XT drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, and a RockShox Lyrik RC fork. The Bronson is also equipped with a Fox Float Performance Elite rear shock and a DT Swiss 350 rear hub.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a great choice for riders who want a lightweight and agile mountain bike that can handle any type of terrain.
It is capable of handling everything from singletrack to downhill trails, and it is equipped with a wide range of components to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The Santa Cruz Bronson is the perfect bike for riders who want a versatile mountain bike that can handle any terrain.
Santa Cruz Nomad And Bronson Bike – Key Differences
While they share similarities in terms of design and intended use, there are some key differences between the two models. Here are the main distinctions:
Frame
Santa Cruz Nomad: It is a full-suspension mountain bike ideal for aggressive all-mountain and enduro riding. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers 140mm of rear travel, complemented by a 150 mm-travel fork.
The bike comes equipped with an SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain, Shimano XT brakes, and a RockShox Reverb dropper post.
Notable features include a short chainstay length for improved cornering and a low bottom bracket height that enhances stability. Wheel size options include both 27.5″ and 29″.
Santa Cruz Bronson: It is a full-suspension mountain bike designed for versatile all-mountain and enduro riding. It boasts a lightweight aluminum frame with 150mm of rear travel and a 160 mm-travel fork.
The bike is equipped with an SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain, Shimano XT brakes, and a RockShox Reverb dropper post.
Key features of the Bronson include a long chainstay length for enhanced stability and a low bottom bracket height that improves cornering ability. Wheel size options are available in both 27.5″ and 29″.
Suspension
Santa Cruz Nomad: These bikes are full-suspension mountain bikes that are designed for downhill and all-mountain riding. The suspension system of the Nomad is designed to provide maximum control and stability while riding in rough terrain.
Its rear suspension is a VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) system, which uses two short, counter-rotating links to provide a platform that is both supple and efficient.
The suspension has adjustable travel from 140mm to 170mm, and also features a lockout, allowing you to switch between a more efficient pedaling platform and a more active suspension platform.
Suspension on Santa Cruz Bronson BikesSanta Cruz Bronson bikes are full-suspension mountain bikes that are designed for all-mountain riding.
Santa Cruz Bronson: The suspension system of the Bronson is designed to provide a balance of stability and control. Its rear suspension is a VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) system, which uses two short, counter-rotating links to provide a platform that is both supple and efficient.
This suspension has adjustable travel from 140mm to 170mm, and also features a lockout, allowing you to switch between a more efficient pedaling platform and a more active suspension platform.
The front suspension is a RockShox Pike RC fork, which provides 150mm of travel and adjustable rebound and compression.
Wheels
Santa Cruz Nomad and Bronson are both full-suspension mountain bikes with different wheel sizes and tire specs.
Nomad has 27.5-inch wheels with WTB Frequency Team i25 TCS rims and Maxxis Minion DHF tires. These wheels are designed for maximum traction and control on steep, technical terrain.
Bronson has 29-inch wheels with WTB Frequency Team i29 TCS rims and Maxxis Minion DHF tires. These wheels are designed for a smoother ride and better acceleration on smoother trails.
Both bikes come with SRAM Guide hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power.
Drivetrain
Santa Cruz Nomad: They feature an aluminum frame and a full-suspension design. Its frame is designed to be lightweight and provide a responsive ride, while the suspension system provides a smooth and efficient ride.
The drivetrain on Nomad bikes includes an SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with a 10-50t cassette and a 32t chainring.
This drivetrain provides a wide gear range that is capable of tackling any terrain.
Santa Cruz Bronson: These bikes feature an aluminum frame and a full-suspension design.
Its frame is designed to be lightweight and provide a responsive ride, while the suspension system provides a smooth and efficient ride.
The drivetrain on Bronson bikes includes an SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with a 10-50t cassette and a 32t chainring. This drivetrain provides a wide gear range that is capable of tackling any terrain.
Brakes
Santa Cruz Nomad: It is a full suspension mountain bike designed for aggressive trail riding. It features 165mm of rear travel and a 150mm travel fork, making it perfect for tackling technical and steep terrain.
This bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a wide range of gearing options, and adjustable geometry for a custom fit.
Nomad is available in both carbon and aluminum frames and is designed to provide a fast and responsive ride
Santa Cruz Bronson: It is a full suspension mountain bike designed for all-mountain and enduro riding.
It features 150mm of rear travel and a 150mm travel fork, making it ideal for tackling technical terrain. This bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a wide range of gearing options, and adjustable geometry for a custom fit.
Bronson is also available in both carbon and aluminum frames and is designed to provide a balanced and efficient ride.
Cockpit
Santa Cruz Nomad: This is a full-suspension mountain bike that is designed to tackle any terrain. It is equipped with a lightweight carbon fiber frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and 150mm of travel.
It is available in both aluminum and carbon frame options and has a variety of build kits to choose from.
The Nomad is a great all-around bike for trail riding, enduro racing, and even downhill riding. It is a reliable and capable bike that will take you anywhere you want to go
Santa Cruz Bronson: This too is a full-suspension mountain bike that is designed for trail riding and enduro racing. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and 150mm of travel.
It is also available in both aluminum and carbon frame options and has a variety of build kits to choose from.
The Bronson is a great all-around bike for trail riding, enduro racing, and even downhill riding. It is a reliable and capable bike that will take you anywhere you want to go.
Accessories
Santa Cruz Nomad: They are designed for aggressive downhill riding and freeride mountain biking. They feature a lightweight aluminum frame with a low center of gravity, making them ideal for tackling technical terrain.
They come equipped with a full range of components, including a RockShox Lyrik RC fork, SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, and Maxxis Minion DHF tires.
The Nomad also features a dropper post, allowing riders to quickly adjust their saddle height for different terrain.
Santa Cruz Bronson: Santa Cruz Bronson bikes are designed for all-mountain riding and enduro racing.
They feature a lightweight aluminum frame with a low center of gravity, making them ideal for tackling technical terrain. They come equipped with a full range of components, including a RockShox Yari RC fork, SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R brakes, and Maxxis Minion DHF tires.
The Bronson also features a dropper post, allowing riders to quickly adjust their saddle height for different terrain.
Santa Cruz Nomad Vs Bronson Bike – Similarities
The Santa Cruz Nomad and Santa Cruz Bronson bikes have some similarities, but also some differences.
- Manufacturer: Both the Santa Cruz Nomad and Santa Cruz Bronson are manufactured by Santa Cruz Bicycles.
- Mountain Bikes: Both models belong to the category of mountain bikes, designed for off-road riding on trails and various terrains.
- Full Suspension: Both bikes feature full suspension systems, meaning they have suspension components on both the front fork and the rear shock. This helps absorb impacts and improve control and comfort while riding over rough terrain.
- VPP Suspension Design: Both the Nomad and Bronson utilize Santa Cruz Bicycles’ Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension design. This suspension system is known for its pedaling efficiency, traction, and performance in various riding conditions.
- Frame Material: Both bikes are constructed using lightweight aluminum frames, which provide strength, durability, and stiffness while keeping the weight relatively low.
- Adjustable Geometry: Both models offer adjustable geometry, allowing riders to fine-tune their bike’s handling characteristics and adapt to different riding styles and preferences.
- Dropper Post: Both the Santa Cruz Nomad and Santa Cruz Bronson come equipped with a dropper post. This feature allows riders to quickly lower or raise the saddle height on-the-fly, providing better maneuverability and control when descending or tackling technical sections.
- Component Options: Both models offer a range of component options and build kits to suit different rider preferences, riding styles, and budgets. Riders can customize their bikes with various drivetrain, brake, and wheel options.
Final Words
Santa Cruz Nomad and Bronson bikes are both excellent options for mountain biking.
The Nomad is an excellent choice for more technical trails and downhill riding due to its longer travel and burlier build. The Bronson is a great all-rounder, offering a lighter, more nimble build that is well suited to a variety of terrain.
Both bikes are highly adjustable and feature modern components and geometry, making them capable of tackling any mountain biking challenge.
