The challenge comparing these two is the size issue. Before I tried the XL Bronson I had no reservations about the 5.5 but there is a significant reach difference; 442 for the large Yeti vs 485 for the XL Bronson, so the Yeti has begun to feel small. I particularly notice it, when I have ridden the Bronson the day before, on long climbs and descents that require many weight shifts. Feeling slightly uncomfortable muddies the issue for me but I'll give you what I can.
I find the Yeti a little more spritely. There is a section of trail I ride regularly that requires and awkward log crossing and on the Yeti I can bunny hop it quite easily. In fact it was riding the Yeti after a day on the Bronson that had me realize this was in option in the uneven terrain. Since then I've been able to do it on the Bronson but it's harder work. The challenge is the larger size likely contributes to that difference. I'd rather climb the Bronson, but again that is probably size. The Bronson frame feels burlier and I think it deflects less and tracks a little more accurately. I haven't stripped either down and recorded the weight but I'd bet a six pack the Bronson is heavier. I don't notice the wheel size difference as much as I thought I would but I think that's related to the Plus wheels. I had hoped to do some back and forth between the 37mm rims and the 30s but I didn't get there.
A more direct comparison will be the SB150 vs the Bronson. The size of the large SB150 is quite close to the XL Bronson and I'm told that bike is currently on the way here.
Oct. 23, 2018, 4:44 a.m. - Cam McRae
The challenge comparing these two is the size issue. Before I tried the XL Bronson I had no reservations about the 5.5 but there is a significant reach difference; 442 for the large Yeti vs 485 for the XL Bronson, so the Yeti has begun to feel small. I particularly notice it, when I have ridden the Bronson the day before, on long climbs and descents that require many weight shifts. Feeling slightly uncomfortable muddies the issue for me but I'll give you what I can. I find the Yeti a little more spritely. There is a section of trail I ride regularly that requires and awkward log crossing and on the Yeti I can bunny hop it quite easily. In fact it was riding the Yeti after a day on the Bronson that had me realize this was in option in the uneven terrain. Since then I've been able to do it on the Bronson but it's harder work. The challenge is the larger size likely contributes to that difference. I'd rather climb the Bronson, but again that is probably size. The Bronson frame feels burlier and I think it deflects less and tracks a little more accurately. I haven't stripped either down and recorded the weight but I'd bet a six pack the Bronson is heavier. I don't notice the wheel size difference as much as I thought I would but I think that's related to the Plus wheels. I had hoped to do some back and forth between the 37mm rims and the 30s but I didn't get there. A more direct comparison will be the SB150 vs the Bronson. The size of the large SB150 is quite close to the XL Bronson and I'm told that bike is currently on the way here.