Santa Cruz Nomad
Wheel Size: MX | Front Travel: 170mm | Rear Travel: 170mm
Unleash your riding potential and explore new horizons with the Santa Cruz Nomad, a bike designed to tackle the most challenging and rowdy terrain with ease. Equipped with a confidence-inspiring 170mm rear suspension, the Nomad is built to handle aggressive descents, rough trails, and technical features, giving you the ability to conquer lines you never thought possible. Its robust suspension system ensures a smooth, controlled ride, allowing you to push your limits and experience unparalleled excitement on the trails. The Nomad features Santa Cruz’s renowned refinement and cutting-edge design, combining durability with high performance. Available in various build kits, including the R Kit for a solid, budget-friendly option and the GX AXS for high-end components and advanced functionality, the Nomad caters to different riding preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures or simply aiming to enhance your trail experience, the Santa Cruz Nomad is the ultimate partner for exploring new challenges and pushing your boundaries. Prepare to embrace thrilling rides and tackle any terrain with the Nomad as your go-to trail companion.
Highlights and information
Santa Cruz Nomad: Built to Tackle the Gnarliest Terrain
Wheel Size: MX | Front Travel: 170mm | Rear Travel: 170mm
The Santa Cruz Nomad is the ultimate enduro machine, engineered to tackle the rowdiest descents, technical trails, and everything in between. With a confidence-inspiring 170mm of VPP suspension, mixed-wheel (MX) setup, and progressive geometry, the Nomad delivers unparalleled control, traction, and stability. Whether you’re charging downhill, navigating rock gardens, or taking on technical climbs, the Nomad's robust design and high-performance features make it your ideal trail companion. Built for durability and versatility, this bike thrives in the toughest conditions and is ready to redefine what’s possible on the trail.
Why the Santa Cruz Nomad Stands Out
The Nomad combines aggressive geometry, refined suspension, and durable construction to dominate steep, rugged terrain. Its mixed-wheel setup offers the perfect balance of stability and agility, while the 170mm VPP suspension ensures smooth bump absorption and maximum traction. Santa Cruz’s proven attention to detail—including lifetime-bearing replacement and practical Glovebox storage—elevates the Nomad as the go-to choice for riders who want both performance and reliability.
Who Should Ride the Nomad?
The Santa Cruz Nomad is designed for riders who live for technical descents, challenging trails, and big mountain adventures. If you’re an aggressive rider who pushes limits on steep drops and rough terrain, the Nomad’s long-travel suspension and MX wheel setup will give you the confidence and control to tackle any line. It’s perfect for enduro racers, trail shredders, and mountain bikers who demand a bike that performs both downhill and on tough climbs.
What Contender Bicycles Likes About the Nomad
- Long-Travel Confidence: The 170mm VPP suspension provides excellent bump absorption and traction, allowing rough terrain to feel smoother than before.
- Mixed-Wheel Setup: The 29-inch front wheel ensures stability and smooth roll-over performance, while the 27.5-inch rear wheel maintains a nimble and playful ride.
- Versatile Performance: Whether you're navigating steep descents or tackling technical climbs, the Nomad delivers notable stability, control, and efficiency in all situations.
- Glovebox Storage: Stay prepared on the trails with the Nomad’s Glovebox storage system, which includes a Tool Wallet and Tube Purse to keep essentials secure and accessible during your ride.
Frame Material
The Nomad is offered in two high-quality carbon choices—Carbon C and Carbon CC. Both options deliver excellent strength and rigidity while maintaining a light weight, making sure the bike performs well in intense enduro riding.
Suspension System
With 170mm of VPP suspension both front and rear, the Nomad is built to soak up big hits and deliver exceptional traction. Featuring 170mm of travel at both ends, the Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) system ensures smooth, controlled suspension performance while minimizing pedal kickback across any terrain.
Geometry and Fit
The Santa Cruz Nomad is a versatile, high-performance enduro bike designed for stable handling, confident descending, and climbing efficiency across challenging terrain. Its geometry provides a balanced, comfortable ride, making it ideal for aggressive technical trails and long, demanding rides.
- Climbing Efficiency: The steep seat tube angle optimizes climbing posture, while the balanced rear center ensures traction and stability on ascents. The adjustable "hi/lo" settings allow fine-tuning for better climbing efficiency, with a lower bottom bracket providing added stability.
- Descending Confidence: The slack head tube angle and long wheelbase deliver exceptional stability on steep, technical descents, while the low bottom bracket enhances control. The ability to adjust the geometry offers even more stability for aggressive trails.
- Balanced Handling: The geometry creates a comfortable, versatile ride, with larger sizes offering more stability and smaller sizes maintaining agility. The spacious top tube lengths and adjustable settings ensure a tailored fit for riders of all sizes, making it perfect for long, demanding rides and rough terrain.
Highlighted Models and Key Components
Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC X0 AXS Reserve
- Frame: Carbon CC for premium strength and lightweight performance
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed for precise, wireless electronic shifting
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Factory fork (170mm) and FOX Float X2 Factory shock for outstanding bump absorption
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels for unmatched durability and performance
Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC X0 AXS
- Frame: Carbon CC for durability and high performance
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed for smooth, responsive shifting
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Performance fork and FOX Float X2 shock, both with 170mm travel
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels for reliability on aggressive trails
Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS
- Frame: Carbon C for a balance of strength and value
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed for consistent, intuitive shifting
- Suspension: FOX 38 Float Performance fork and FOX Float X2 shock with 170mm of travel
- Wheels: Reserve 30|DH Carbon wheels for long-lasting performance on tough terrain
Additional Highlights
- Flat-out Bump Control and Tracking:
By reducing the starting leverage of the latest Nomad, we enhanced the geometry's stability throughout the travel, influenced by rider weight. Lowering progression improved the suspension’s ability to track the terrain consistently, ensuring better control over the stroke. - Sensitivity and Constant Traction:
On the Nomad, decreasing anti-squat helped reduce pedal kickback during big, square-edge hits at speed. This adjustment improved the suspension’s sensitivity, maintaining consistent traction both uphill and downhill, across all speeds.
Not Exactly What You’re Looking For?
- Santa Cruz Megatower: The Santa Cruz Megatower is the ultimate enduro bike, engineered for those who demand performance and versatility. Built for aggressive descents and capable climbs, this bike ensures confidence and control no
- Santa Cruz Bronson: The Santa Cruz Bronson is an all-around powerhouse that delivers aggressive performance, playful handling, and versatility on every type of trail. From backcountry adventures to bike park laps, the Bronson’s refined suspension, geometry, and build ensure every ride is your best ride yet.
- Orbea Wild: The Orbea Wild is a truly versatile e-bike, built to dominate the toughest trails with power, precision, and durability. Whether you're tackling technical terrain or blazing new trails, the Wild delivers unmatched performance, ensuring you have the range and control needed for the ride of a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz Nomad is the ultimate enduro bike for riders who thrive on technical trails, big descents, and adrenaline-fueled challenges. With 170mm of plush VPP suspension, a mixed-wheel setup, and durable carbon frames, the Nomad delivers unrivaled performance, control, and durability. Whether you’re sending big hits, tackling rough terrain, or exploring new lines, the Nomad is ready for anything the mountains throw at you. Prepare to unleash your potential and elevate your ride with the Santa Cruz Nomad.
The Santa Cruz Megatower is a race-ready enduro machine that strikes an ideal balance between aggressive downhill performance and efficient pedaling for tackling long, challenging climbs. Built with a robust Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, it’s engineered for strength and responsiveness across rugged trails and steep descents. Equipped with a burly 170mm of front travel and 165mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, the Megatower absorbs big hits and rough terrain with ease, giving riders control and confidence even on the most technical trails. Its 29-inch wheels provide stability, rolling efficiency, and speed, especially at high velocities, while the Proportional Geometry design ensures that every frame size—from small to XXL—is optimized for precise handling, comfort, and control. This tailored geometry allows riders of all heights to experience balanced performance, making it feel agile on descents and sure-footed on climbs. Additional features like the Glovebox integrated storage compartment offer convenient access to tools and essentials, so you’re always prepared on the trail. For riders who love to push the envelope, the Megatower is ready to support aggressive maneuvers, from big jumps to rocky descents. Whether you’re racing, riding park, or tackling backcountry trails, the Megatower is designed to elevate your enduro experience and inspire confidence at every turn.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a versatile all-mountain bike built to handle any terrain, blending aggressive performance with efficient pedaling for a well-rounded trail experience. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Bronson is ready to take on everything from steep descents to technical climbs. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, this bike delivers a perfect mix of smooth handling, responsive traction, and control on challenging trails. Its mixed-wheel setup—29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel—optimizes both stability and agility, allowing riders to tackle switchbacks and rocky sections with confidence and ease. The Bronson's Proportional Geometry tailors each frame size for balanced handling, ensuring a comfortable fit and enhanced control for riders of all heights. Equipped with a Glovebox integrated storage compartment, the Bronson also offers convenient space for stashing tools and essentials on long rides. From park laps to backcountry adventures, the Bronson is designed to empower riders with the freedom to push their limits and explore all types of terrain. For those who crave an adrenaline-filled ride, the Bronson is ready to bring out the wild side of mountain biking on any trail.
The Santa Cruz Hightower is an adaptable all-terrain trail bike built for riders looking to tackle everything from high-alpine adventures to everyday singletrack. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear travel, it balances agility with capability, making it a top choice for mountain biking enthusiasts who crave both efficiency and confidence. The bike’s 29-inch wheels ensure smooth rolling and superior traction, giving riders the stability they need on varied terrain, from loose gravel to rocky descents. At the core of the Hightower is Santa Cruz’s innovative Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, which provides a plush, responsive feel that absorbs trail impacts while maintaining efficiency on climbs. Its proportional geometry is carefully calibrated for each frame size, offering an optimal fit that enhances control and comfort for riders of all sizes. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Hightower can handle the rigors of aggressive riding and technical terrain. Additional features like the integrated Glovebox storage make it easy to carry essentials, adding convenience to any ride. Designed for consistent performance on demanding trails, the Hightower is an all-rounder that delivers a smooth, confident ride wherever the path leads.
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