A couple of weeks ago Santa Cruz and Juliana launched their revamped short and mid travel bikes across the world – the Santa Cruz 5010 and Bronson; and the Juliana Furtado and Roubion. A week later we headed up to Santa Cruz’s UK HQ in Yorkshire to find out more and see what they get up to there.

The Bronson and Roubion have taken the same VPP/solid rear triangle that was introduced on the Nomad 4 last year and run with it. The upper linkage is now anchored further back than it is on the Nomad 4, which increases the range of movement between the triangles. All models use a RockShox shock with bearings rather than bushings. The motivation behind this was the feel on the trail – simple as. The 5010 and Furtado also received a rear triangle strut modification leading to a stiffer feel through the bike. Across all models the reach has been extended by 15mm and the head angles slackened, making the 5010 and Furtado even more competent trail slayers with their 130mm travel, while the Bronson and Roubion are ready for even the gnarliest enduro stage.

With a variety of specs available it’s possible to tailor it to your budget and preferences. As always the Juliana bikes have shock suspension which has been tuned for a lighter rider so that it’s easier off the top, in the start of the travel.

At their Yorkshire base Santa Cruz UK receive the frames from the States prior to marrying them with the specific build kit and shipping out. The same premises provide the SC/Juliana warranty support as well as servicing and warranty for KS.

Jungle Products (who distribute Santa Cruz in the UK) are also UK distributors for Sweet Protection. With it’s origins in the underground Norwegian skateboarding movement of the late 1990s, Sweet has always been associated with pushing the limits whether they be on bikes, boards, skis or in kayaks. Founded as a way to earn money to fund their exploits, the original guys are still very much involved today.

After the obligatory show and tell it was time to hit the trails for a couple of hours to do what we love best – ride them bikes!