Santa Cruz Nomad Announced

The Nomad's reputation is built on consistently pushing the envelope of how DH a bike can get while still remaining usable on most trails. With each iteration we nudge the travel and geometry further towards the outer limits, and each time we surprise ourselves at just how completely rideable the end result remains.

The fourth generation design sees a dramatic shift to the lower-link mounted shock configuration. This is the first time that learnings from years of V10 development have translated across to one of our trail bikes.

Nomad Build Kits

The shock rate is now almost completely linear—which means feather-light small bump sensitivity right off the bat, a supportive midstroke and overall progression that you'd normally only experience on a DH bike. To keep the gravity vibe going we've ensured the Nomad can run both standard metric coil shocks and lighter air units to suit any preference.

Full shock compatibility creates challenges when trying to cram everything into the precious bottom bracket area. But the continued evolution of our carbon tech means we're able to create a svelt, strong, swingarm/front triangle combo that's as much art as it is engineering.

We even managed to squeeze in a flip-chip feature on the lower link too. Think of the high setting as "regular", the way the bike's mostly meant to be ridden, and the low setting as being closer to full on DH status.

To handle all this new-found capability the geometry has adapted too. It's longer and lower-slung than ever to ensure maximum stability and confidence on absolutely everything.

The whole package is crowned with a raft of subtle yet essential details. Bolt-on downtube protectors and shuttle guards act as a helmet for your frame—a replaceable front line against abuse. An integrated shock fender has also been added to keep crud out of the suspension.

The crowning glory of the Nomad, however, has been in the making longer than the frame itself: the all new Santa Cruz Reserve carbon wheels.  Spec'd exclusively on the Nomad for now, you can read more about how these wheels came into being right here.

Santa Cruz Nomad Features

• 148mm Rear Axle Spacing
• 170mm VPP™ suspension
• 27.5" wheels
• Angular contact bearings maximize stiffness
• Bolt-on shuttle guard and downtube protector
• Collet axle pivots lock in place without pinch bolts
• Double sealed pivots for long bearing life
• Forged upper and lower links
• Full carbon frame and swingarm
• Internal carbon tubes ensure precise and hassle-free routing of derailleur and seat post cables
• ISCG-05 tabs for chainguide compatibility
• Molded rubber swingarm and downtube protection
• Recessed lower link protected from rock strikes
• Single grease port on lower link for swift and easy maintenance
• Threaded Bottom Bracket

Santa Cruz Nomad Features

Santa Cruz Nomad geometry

Santa Cruz Nomad V4

Santa Cruz Announces New Carbon Nomad

Features

• 165mm VPP suspension
• 27.5” wheels
• Internal routing
• New compact lower link and V10-style upper link
• Full carbon frame and swingarm in S, M, L & XL sizes
• Single-chain-ring-only design
• RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air160mm fork
• RockShox Monarch Plus Debonair or Vivid Air RC2 shock
• USA pricing from $6,599 complete for SRAM X01 build, inc. Reverb Stealth
• $2,999 frame only
• Frame weight from 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) with Rock Shox Monarch Plus
• Complete from 27.1 lbs (12.3kg)

The new Nomad sends the all mountain category into Andean Mountain sized territory. Now in its third generation, the full carbon frame has been completely redesigned to stay ahead of enduro racing’s ever-more DH trajectory. An aggressive 65 degree head angle delivers V10 handling at Syndicate speeds. We've also added a V10-style upper link, increased VPP travel to 165mm and improved small bump performance.

The one-by only design also permits a neatly recessed and protected lower link, resulting in some seriously compact chain stays.

With an inch more reach in the cockpit, the Nomad's got the ideal geometry for tearing down the side of Chilean stratovolcanoes! And as ever with carbon technology, it's what's on the inside that counts. The internal cable routing is so trick it's a shame it never sees the light of day.

Thin carbon fibre tubes molded into the frame from entry to exit, ensuring completely integrated hassle-free routing every time. The ground-up redesign incorporates a steeper seat tube angle, creating an efficient pedaling position for total liaison stage domination. Available now in stealth black or aqua/magenta colors with coordinated fork and wheel decals, the new Nomad shows just how rad things can get with some single-ring-minded focus.

The new Nomad sends the all mountain category into Andean Mountain sized territory. Now in its third generation, the full carbon frame has been completely redesigned to stay ahead of enduro racing’s ever-more DH trajectory.

Dylan Wolsky and Iago Garay return to stages from the Andes-Pacifico to throttle the new Nomad on the dusty blown out trails that made the race so infamous.

Full details of the Nomad can be found at www.santacruzbicycles.com.

Video best served in HD, on a big screen, with speakers cranked up to 11.

Thanks to La Parva ski resort in Chile, for allowing us to film. Huge respect to Ennio Morricone for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Props to Soundhog (www.soundhog.co.uk) for his mighty mash-up of Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. All credit to Cut Media for their filming and editing. And gracias to Montenbaik.com for all their location scouting and logistics.