NOMAD SEEKS NEW TERRITORY
Santa Cruz’s latest long-travel rig boasts increased versatility
NEED TO KNOW
The gravity-focused sixthgeneration Nomad is more versatile than ever, thanks to a mixed-size ‘mullet’ wheel set-up plus suspension and geometry changes.
Travel remains the same – a trail-smashing 170mm at both ends – but Santa Cruz have updated their tried-and-tested twin-link VPP system. Anti-squat has been reduced to minimise harshness over square-edged hits, while a lower starting leverage rate helps support bodyweight movements and maintain geometry stability. Overall progression has been decreased so the suspension can track the ground better throughout its stroke.
With the bigger front wheel come changes to the frame shape. Santa Cruz claim to have struck a balance between the high-speed stability of a long-travel bike and the agility Nomad riders expect. Geometry is size-specific, with chainstay length and seat tube angle changing on bigger bikes. As is common on Santa Cruz’s carbon frames, each size has a specific layup that influences its stiffness. Bigger bikes are stiffer than smaller ones, so larger riders should get a similar ride experience.
The Nomad is available in Santa Cruz’s ‘C’ and high-spec ‘CC’ carbon layups; the latter offers the same strength and stiffness at a lighter weight. You also get the US brand’s handy new Glovebox internal frame storage, which comes with two internal bags, a tube purse and a tool wallet.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Riders who want to thrash bike park laps one day, shred the steepest enduro/off-piste trails the next, then line up at the start line on the weekend.
KEY STATS
Travel: 170mm front and rear via VPP system
Wheels: 29in front, 650b rear
Frame: ‘C’ and ‘CC’ carbon fibre, S-XXL
Geometry: 63.8-degree head angle, 77.9-degree seat tube angle, 475mm reach, 443mm chainstays (large, ‘high’ setting)
Extras: Five-year bearing warranty
Pricing: £5,499 to £9,699
More info: www.santacruz bicycles.com