Santa Cruz Bronson VS Intense Tracer 2017

[skideeppow]

Assuming the same build, any thoughts on the better frame?

[toast2266]

Bronson is a known quantity that's well liked by lots of people.

Tracer is a brand new frame, and Intenses have been hit or miss over the last few years (with more misses than hits, in my opinion). Considering PB's review is less than glowing, I'm skeptical.

Tracer also has more travel, and is more comparable to a Nomad than a Bronson.

[skideeppow]

thanks for that info^^^

[Damian Sanders]

26" right?

[skideeppow]

275

[robnow]

Tracer = Nomad as toast pointed out. Nomad4 should be out this spring.

My shop who sold both would always steer me towards SC over Intense, just so many more issues and SC being much more refined than Intense. In Canada now, MEC (think Canadian REI) sells Intense so nobody else will touch them.

[mcski]

Smoking deal on Bronson on Jensen USA last week

[evdog]

Agree the new Tracer is more like the Nomad. Old Tracer would be more like the Bronson.

Intense is what all the kool kids seem to be riding these days in Socal. I've tested a couple and they seem to have really improved on the VPP design. I haven't heard of many problems with them. But SC is much bigger and probably more consistent. If you have a good shop to back you up I wouldn't hesitate with either company. Just try out some bikes and find out which one rides best for what you want it for.

[HankScorpio]

A buddy of mine just got an Intense Recluse and is loving it........probably a better equivalent to the Bronson

[smmokan]

Don't overlook the Ibis HD3.

[jm2e]

Don't overlook the Knolly Warden. [emoji869]

[gravitylover]

Don't overlook the Knolly Warden. [emoji869]

Listen to this guy

[smartyiak]

Don't overlook the LIFETIME warranty! ...I say that as a LARGE fellow who breaks shit.

[jm2e]

Really, any carbon bike you buy better come with a damn good warranty. And a good customer service rep.

[smmokan]

And a good customer service rep.

That eliminates Yeti then.