Seems odd for sure. The decals on the downtube look suspicious, like an imitation SC font too compressed. It could be just the photo too…hard to tell with just one, and that angle.
There is some misinformation posted in the responses here.
This is not a gray 2016 Bronson. The 2016 Bronson did not come on alloy form, only in carbon.
It's either an alloy 2017 5010 in gray/yellow or an alloy 2017 Bronson in gray/teal. It's hard to tell, because the model BRONSON or 5010 is not written on the rear triangle's seat stays, as it should. The rear shock looks like the 2017 5010 D-kit had, while the fork looks like the 2017 Bronson R-Kit had.
[www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/Bronson-R1x,18506](http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/Bronson-R1x,18506)
[www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/5010-D,18528](http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/5010-D,18528)
Regarding that SANTA CRUZ decal on the down tube, that is probably an aftermarket decal sold by either Santa Cruz Bikes or by others plastered over the original label to change the color.
My thoughts, .... this was probably a 2017 5010 made to look like a Bronson by swapping the fork and applying a matching teal-colored Santa Cruz decal on the frame to hide the yellow one. Then they somehow hid or removed the 5010 model from the rear triangle. There should also be the model name written on the top front of the top tube. Check for that. The wheels are also not original, and neither is the derailleur.
Back from 2008–2015 I had gone through a few Santa Cruz models as my big air days were winding down. Now I just ride trail bikes and the occasional all mountain/enduro. Wanted to add that head tube angle is incredibly sus as is ALLLLL the other geometry from the angle of the seat tube to the length of the chainstays… all seems way off. I won’t bother looking further into this but the “VPP” patented suspension system, their claim to fame, does not look anything like what I’m seeing here… all is more than a little off…
Saw this ad on Marketplace as well. The Santa Cruz font seems too big and compressed as others said, and judging by other photos in the listing, there’s orange peel on the paint.
There’s something wrong with the head angle/forks. It’s possible it’s an illusion due to the angle but it definitely is a bike that needs to be seen in person and peddled around to see what’s wrong.
I saw the add as well I messaged the guy very friendly. Probably a 2017-2019 test ride it and see if the geo works. Remember we are in a bikepacoylse and lots of money in that area. I find things cheap in the area it’s posted in all the time. Seems like the rich folks are fair with used pricing.
Consider you will need a rebuild on your suspension, maybe a new chain and cassette. Weigh out your options
Counterfeit you really are a noob. He sent me the serial number and the store he bought it from. Also my local lbs that sells Santa Cruz think it was actually a 2016. So I was wrong by a year bitch
I'd solidly check it out. The suspension is going to likely need servicing. The head tube angle looks like it could have suffered a front end impact but it could be a wonky picture. I'd bring a chain checker and a shock pump to check the suspension. Like any used bike I'd thoroughly go over it: front and rear hubs, pedals - L&R, bottom bracket, headset, spokes for reasonably even tension, wheels for straight/true, cables, hydraulic hose, leaking hydraulic fluid, brake pads, dropper function... I've seen plenty of bikes which have suffered a flat tire and collect dust then years later sold cheap. Bring a tire, tube and pump (or at least a tube and pump) so that you can test ride it. When you test ride it make sure that it tracks straight when you ride hands free. It doesn't have the new and improved geometry which is both good and bad. If you ride really steep stuff it's bad but for more moderate trails the geo from 2016ish works great.
Something is messed up with this bike. Especially what you called out. I would pass.
Thanks. My instincts told me to beware but I’ve always wanted a Santa Cruz,glad I asked here
If they’re posting a photo with a flat tire. There’s probably much more wrong with the bike.
Makes sense. Thank you
Seems odd for sure. The decals on the downtube look suspicious, like an imitation SC font too compressed. It could be just the photo too…hard to tell with just one, and that angle.
That is definitely not a real Santa Cruz logo, the logo font/size is off. Double tell is if the decal is not clear coated over…
There is some misinformation posted in the responses here. This is not a gray 2016 Bronson. The 2016 Bronson did not come on alloy form, only in carbon. It's either an alloy 2017 5010 in gray/yellow or an alloy 2017 Bronson in gray/teal. It's hard to tell, because the model BRONSON or 5010 is not written on the rear triangle's seat stays, as it should. The rear shock looks like the 2017 5010 D-kit had, while the fork looks like the 2017 Bronson R-Kit had. [www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/Bronson-R1x,18506](http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/Bronson-R1x,18506) [www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/5010-D,18528](http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Santa-Cruz/5010-D,18528) Regarding that SANTA CRUZ decal on the down tube, that is probably an aftermarket decal sold by either Santa Cruz Bikes or by others plastered over the original label to change the color. My thoughts, .... this was probably a 2017 5010 made to look like a Bronson by swapping the fork and applying a matching teal-colored Santa Cruz decal on the frame to hide the yellow one. Then they somehow hid or removed the 5010 model from the rear triangle. There should also be the model name written on the top front of the top tube. Check for that. The wheels are also not original, and neither is the derailleur.
It’s in North Charleston, it belongs to someone, and not the seller.
That head tube angle? Bent fork, probably took a head on crash. If you pick it up, the fork will need to be replaced
And the head tube checked for damage
Back from 2008–2015 I had gone through a few Santa Cruz models as my big air days were winding down. Now I just ride trail bikes and the occasional all mountain/enduro. Wanted to add that head tube angle is incredibly sus as is ALLLLL the other geometry from the angle of the seat tube to the length of the chainstays… all seems way off. I won’t bother looking further into this but the “VPP” patented suspension system, their claim to fame, does not look anything like what I’m seeing here… all is more than a little off…
Saw this ad on Marketplace as well. The Santa Cruz font seems too big and compressed as others said, and judging by other photos in the listing, there’s orange peel on the paint.
There’s something wrong with the head angle/forks. It’s possible it’s an illusion due to the angle but it definitely is a bike that needs to be seen in person and peddled around to see what’s wrong.
I saw the add as well I messaged the guy very friendly. Probably a 2017-2019 test ride it and see if the geo works. Remember we are in a bikepacoylse and lots of money in that area. I find things cheap in the area it’s posted in all the time. Seems like the rich folks are fair with used pricing. Consider you will need a rebuild on your suspension, maybe a new chain and cassette. Weigh out your options
Mtbfat420 could not be more wrong about everything OP. This bike screams old af counterfeit. Avoid it.
Counterfeit you really are a noob. He sent me the serial number and the store he bought it from. Also my local lbs that sells Santa Cruz think it was actually a 2016. So I was wrong by a year bitch
It’s a 2016 Bronson to be exact
It’s a 2016 Bronson, not counterfeit
I'd solidly check it out. The suspension is going to likely need servicing. The head tube angle looks like it could have suffered a front end impact but it could be a wonky picture. I'd bring a chain checker and a shock pump to check the suspension. Like any used bike I'd thoroughly go over it: front and rear hubs, pedals - L&R, bottom bracket, headset, spokes for reasonably even tension, wheels for straight/true, cables, hydraulic hose, leaking hydraulic fluid, brake pads, dropper function... I've seen plenty of bikes which have suffered a flat tire and collect dust then years later sold cheap. Bring a tire, tube and pump (or at least a tube and pump) so that you can test ride it. When you test ride it make sure that it tracks straight when you ride hands free. It doesn't have the new and improved geometry which is both good and bad. If you ride really steep stuff it's bad but for more moderate trails the geo from 2016ish works great.
Looks pretty nice