There’s additionally a Glovebox for stashing instruments and tubes contained in the body, and tweaks to the bike’s kinematics designed to extend the suspension’s sensitivity and consistency.

There are 10 completely different construct choices, with costs starting from $5,649 for the R package all the way in which as much as 11,109 USD for the XO1 Reserve construct.

Body Particulars

The Nomad’s body has all the accoutrements that Santa Cruz has develop into identified for. A threaded backside bracket, tube-in-tube inner cable routing, chainslap safety in the fitting locations, room for a full measurement water bottle, a common derailleur hanger, grease ports for the decrease hyperlink bearings –there actually is not something lacking.

There’s that Glovebox too, which has a small latch that permits entry to the within of the downtube. A neoprene software pockets and tube purse are additionally included to assist with group and hold issues from rattling round contained in the body.

There are two body coloration choices, Gloss Gypsum, which is type of a white / purple / gray relying on the lighting, and matte black. The body makes use of a 230 x 65mm shock, and is appropriate with air or coil choices.

Geometry

In comparison with the earlier era, the Nomad’s head angle has been slackened by a scant .2-levels, and the attain numbers stay the identical, though remember the fact that it does have a 29” entrance wheel now. The 472mm attain of a measurement massive is just a little shorter than the 480 / 485mm quantity that a number of different corporations have settled on, however that is not essentially a destructive. Keep in mind, there’s extra to how a motorbike rides than one or two numbers on a chart.

There’s additionally a brand new XXL choice within the combine with a 520mm attain for all of the taller riders on the market.

Probably the most substantial geometry change happens on the chainstays – the size has been elevated by round 8mm relying on the dimensions. This was accomplished to enhance the fore / aft steadiness of the bike, particularly because it now has combined wheels. The chainstay lengths develop because the body measurement will get bigger, beginning at 439mm for the small and going all the way in which as much as 450mm for the XXL.

Suspension Format

Not surprisingly, the Nomad retains its acquainted decrease-hyperlink pushed VPP suspension format. The Nomad’s preliminary leverage ratio has been decreased, and it is truly barely much less progressive than earlier than. It is nonetheless coil shock appropriate, however the adjustments ought to assist make for extra constant efficiency all through all the journey vary.

The anti-squat has additionally been decreased, which Santa Cruz says was accomplished to cut back suspension harshness and to enhance climbing traction.

Costs

R-Equipment $5,649
S-Equipment $6,799
GX AXS-Equipment $8,499
GX AXS-Equipment Reserve $9,799
X01-Equipment (CC) $9,299
X01 AXS-Equipment Reserve $11,199

Spec Verify

There is no getting round the truth that Santa Cruz’s costs are on the upper finish of the spectrum – this isn’t the place to look should you’re attempting to stretch your {dollars} so far as potential. That mentioned, the components within the numerous construct kits are effectively chosen, and if a motorbike has a GX drivetrain it has a full GX drivetrain, not only a derailleur to make it appear that manner. The entire bikes have some model of SRAM’s Code brakes with 200mm rotors entrance and rear, and all fashions get bash guards as effectively.

Curiously, the construct kits with coil shocks get Maxxis’ DoubleDown casing tires, and those with air shocks get EXO+. Perhaps coil customers usually tend to make poor line selections?

My solely actual gripe with the kits is the 175mm hydraulic Reverb on the dimensions massive frames. I moaned just a little bit about this when the brand new Hightower got here out, however on this case it is much more related. The Nomad is basically a pedalable DH bike – I need the seat as far out of the way in which as potential within the steeps, and I do know I am not the one one. There are additionally loads of inexpensive cable-actuated posts in the marketplace that work simply as effectively (or higher) than the Reverb and have adjustable journey besides.

Experience Impressions

The earlier model of the Nomad was a enjoyable-loving, comparatively gentle-mannered machine, an extended journey, do-every little thing bike that did not appear to thoughts if the terrain wasn’t at all times tremendous steep and tough. The brand new model nonetheless maintains most of these easygoing traits, however the revisions it is obtained, together with that 29” entrance wheel, take its capabilities to the following stage.

Contemplating how related the Nomad’s geometry numbers are to the Megatower, I wasn’t positive how a lot distinction there could be between the 2 out on the path. They even share the identical entrance triangle, so it actually comes right down to the Nomad’s smaller rear wheel and barely differerent kinematics. Because it seems, all the delicate alterations add as much as one thing way more substantial.

In all honesty, the latest Megatower hasn’t actually blown me away, and I’ve put in a major quantity of experience time on it this season. It is what I would contemplate a Very Good bike, nevertheless it would not have the little additional little bit of particular sauce to push it into the Nice class. That hasn’t been the case with the brand new Nomad – after a handful of rides it is presently making its manner in the direction of the highest of my checklist of favourite bikes this 12 months.

What’s so particular about it? For me, it is the way in which the suspension permits for heels-down plowing whereas additionally sustaining sufficient assist for pedaling or pumping via flatter sections of path. With the Float X2 there have not been any harsh backside outs, and I’ve despatched this factor additional-deep on multiple event, primarily as a result of it looks as if that is the way in which it needs to be ridden. I strive to not use the phrase ‘confidence inspiring’ greater than a couple of times a 12 months because it’s develop into such a cliche, however on this case it is an acceptable one. The Nomad has loads of journey for coping with large hits and rugged terrain, with an additional sprint of pace that makes it a extremely addictive bike to experience.

The Nomad’s suspension does really feel just a little softer off the highest than the Megatower, which meant I used to be extra more likely to attain for the climb swap on smoother climbs, nevertheless it stays calm sufficient whereas pedaling that leaving it open on a regular basis is completely possible.

Whereas the Nomad’s attain numbers could also be on the marginally shorter facet of the fashionable spectrum, that is balanced out by the slack head angle and the reasonably lengthy chainstays that present loads of stability at greater speeds. Recently, my choice for a combined-wheel configuration on longer journey bikes has been rising, and that continues with the Nomad. Together with creating extra rubber-to-rear-finish clearance, it feels simpler to choose up and place the rear wheel, particularly within the steeps.

I’m interested in how the Nomad will maintain up over a long run check interval – contemplating that sky-excessive price ticket you’d hope that it might be completely flawless. There are a bunch extra exhausting miles on this bike’s future, together with a few large enduro races and many bike park laps – I will report again with a closing verdict and comparisons to different bikes on this class as soon as it is really been via the wringer.