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Cruz Missiles


Santa Cruz’s mid-travel bikes are now longer, slacker and faster


With new geometry and updated suspension the Santa Cruz Bronson and 5010 have had a major revamp for 2016, along with the corresponding Roubion (pictured) and Furtado women’s bikes from sister brand Juliana. Here are nine things you need to know about the revitalised range


1. New suspension linkage All four bikes get the revised VPP linkage first seen on the Nomad in 2014. The lower link now sits in a recessed space out of the way of rock strikes, and the upper link attaches to the top tube rather than the seat tube, which Santa Cruz claim increases lateral stiffness.

2. Longer Short reach was a bugbear for many Santa Cruz fans, but that’s all changed with an increase in top tube length of 20 to 25mm (depending on size) and the fitting of correspondingly shorter 35mm stems. Better fit, greater control.

3. Lower The frame redesign also means more standover height on all models, plus shorter seat tubes that are compatible with 31.6mm dropper seatposts. The Bronson and Roubion get a 5mm lower bottom bracket too.

4. Slacker An extra degree off the head angle brings the Bronson and Roubion to 67 degrees and the 5010 and Furtado to 66 degrees. Combined with a one-degree steeper seat angle, this is designed to increase descending confidence and climbing power.

5. New axle Santa Cruz have gone for the new Boost 148x12mm rear axle spacing. If you’re feeling flush, you can go for the ENVE carbon rim upgrade.

6. Shorter chainstays The wider rear axle and updated linkage create a shorter rear end that gives noticeably snappier, more agile handling.

7. Tweaked suspension tune RockShox forks, Fox shocks and refreshed tunes across the board mean a smoother response to lumps and bumps and a flatter suspension curve. The 5010 and Furtado also get a 5mm rear travel boost, bringing them up to 130mm (5.1in).

8. New colours You can opt for loud and proud blue on the 5010, kalimotxo (bright pink) on the Bronson or subtle matt carbon on either if bright ain’t your thing. The Juliana Furtado comes in spearmint green and the Roubion in an unusual stonewash purple colour.

9. Internal cable routing Carbon tubes moulded into the frame keep maintenance simple and reduce cable rub, though the rear brake remains externally routed.

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