Santa Cruz has announced more affordable versions of its Bronson, 5010 and Tallboy carbon frames that are to be sold in all new complete build kits.
Details are still scarce but Santa Cruz has confirmed that these new generation frames will be produced by the same exclusive manufacturing partner that makes the companies existing carbon frames. A different grade of carbon fiber means a claimed 250-280g ( 0.6lb) weight penalty over the current carbon versions while strength and stiffness values are said to not have changed.
In an attempt to keep things simple builds using these new cheaper frames will now be referred to as 'Carbon' while the existing carbon framed bikes will now be known as 'Carbon C' models.
The new frames are effectively original equipment items, being included only as part of two new build kits - known as R and S. Meanwhile, more expensive build kits such as XT and X01 levels and upwards will feature Carbon C frames as standard. Those looking to purchase a frame-only carbon Santa Cruz will only be able to purchase the Carbon C versions.
Santa Cruz states that the company has been able to 'dramatically reduce' pricing. Santa Cruz engineer Joe Graney headed up the project and adds "We're well aware that bikes have been going up in price the last few years. So we made it a priority to get the radness of our carbon technology to “trickle down" within reach of more riders.”
Houses-branded handlebars and grips
For 2015, Santa Cruz are now producing a range of carbon handlebars. Two flat bars are on offer, one at 720mm and another at 760mm wide, each with a 31.8mm clamp and 7mm rise. Two riser bars are also available, both use a 20mm rise and 35mm clamp and there's a choice between a wide 760mm or extra wide 800mm option. They're all light too.. even the 800mm bar is said to come in at just 200g while the narrowest flat option should only be 176g. These bars will feature on many of the more expensive build kits for 2015 and are also set to be sold after market soon.
Fitted to all 2015 Santa Cruz' models as standard is a second new product, the Palmdale grip. It's a single clamp grip that's said to offer the security of a dual clamp design, that's down to a nifty tapered locking core. The generous 125mm (4.9in) grip surface features a pattern that was chosen to offer a good balance between feel and grip and features a closed end to prevent scuffing and provide a slight bumper in a tree strike scenario!
Fortunately you won't have to buy a complete new Santa Cruz to get your hands on these as they're also set to be available after market in the near future.
