Welcome to RECON, a newsletter written by a pro rider that keeps track of the week’s hottest new MTB products so you don’t have to.

In today’s email:

• New Ripper: Santa Cruz’s Bronson V5

• Cable Cutter: Fox releases a wireless dropper post

BIKES

🚵 Santa Cruz’s New Staple

The versatile Bronson has spent the better part of a decade being a favorite in the Santa Cruz lineup and its latest model builds on that legacy with some targeted updates.

While the previous version saw a major redesign, this new iteration focuses on fine-tuning to push its limits in aggressive, technical terrain. These subtle adjustments are all about maximizing capability when things get gnarly and dialing back on that annoying pedal kickback, giving you more control and power where it matters most.

💡 Nic’s Take

While I wouldn't pick the Bronson V5 for international EDR racing, its geometry, design, and overall concept are spot on for all-around shredding. It’s playful enough to be a blast all the time, yet capable enough to bail you out when things get tough. Santa Cruz’s top-notch construction is evident, though you do pay a premium for it. If it was me, I’d go ahead and spring for the top level XO AXS Reserve build - I value the best equipment and the Reserve carbon wheels are a must in my book.

Specs:

150mm travel, 160mm fork
• Mixed wheels
• Frame: C and CC carbon models
• VPP dual-link suspension
• 63.9 - 64.2° head angle
• Reach: 435, 460, 480, 500, 525mm
• Chainstays: 437, 439, 442, 445, 448mm
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Weight: 15.33 kg / 33.79 lb (actual)
• Pricing: $4,999 - 8,999 USD
• Frame w/shock: $3,899 USD

COMPONENTS

🦊 Fox Cuts The Cable

Wireless dropper posts are quickly becoming a must-have, and with 200mm options now hitting the scene, it was only a matter of time before a major brand like Fox stepped up with a long-travel version. After perfecting their cable-actuated Transfer post over several iterations, Fox has now unleashed the Transfer Neo, their first wireless dropper.

Offering a wide range of stroke lengths and compatibility with almost any modern frame, the Neo is designed for riders who demand top performance and durability on every ride. If you're looking for a dropper post that can handle serious abuse, the Transfer Neo is ready to deliver.

💡 Nic’s Take:

The Fox Transfer Neo Wireless Dropper Post, with its sleek design and advanced functionality, is tailored for top-level consumers or racers, reflecting in its high price. While its aesthetics might be polarizing, the design is practical, maximizing drop and clearance. Many people have been critical of the looks, but I think we’ll see others like RockShox adopt the same style. So we better get used to it! For most riders, a $200 cable-actuated dropper post suffices, making the high investment in the Transfer Neo more of a luxury for those pushing competitive or technological boundaries.

Specs:

• Travel amounts: 100, 125, 150, 175, 200mm
• 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm diameters
• Weight: 528-805g, remote: 57g
• 30-40 hour battery life
• MSRP: $859 USD Includes post, lever, battery, all accessories)

Weekly Round-Up:

🤳 Viral: Our first IG video blew up after the legend himself Aaron Gwin reposted it. It recaps his chain-less run at Leogang

📺 TV Time: Chris Ball, VP of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, discussed the future of MTB broadcasts on a recent podcast

🏜️ Rampage: Red Bull announced this year’s 2024 Rampage line-up including the return of 4x champion Brandon Semenuk

📝 Review: PinkBike drops first full review of the 2024 Atherton S.170!

That’s all for our first issue! See you guys next week.