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 70 Kit for a solid, budget-friendly option and the X0 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
- Suspension: Fork: FOX 38 Float Factory Elite | Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type 12-speed for precise, wireless electronic shifting
- 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
- Suspension: Fork: FOX 38 Float Factory Elite | Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type 12-speed for smooth, responsive shifting
- Wheels: Reserve 30|SL AL wheels for reliability on aggressive trails
Santa Cruz Nomad 6 GX AXS
- Frame: Carbon C for a balance of strength and value
- Suspension: Fork: FOX 38 Float Performance Elite | Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type 12-speed for consistent, intuitive shifting
- Wheels: Reserve 30|SL AL 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.
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 100mm
The Santa Cruz Highball is designed for those seeking thrilling speed both uphill and downhill on mountainous terrain. Its geometry is optimized for efficient power transfer, allowing you to climb with ease and descend with confidence. Equipped with high-quality components, this bike offers exceptional performance and reliability. Whether you're tackling technical trails or competing in cross-country races, the Santa Cruz Highball delivers a combination of speed, style, and agility that will elevate your riding experience.
Wheel size: 29" | Front travel: 120mm | Rear travel: 115mm (TR), 107mm (XC)
Experience unparalleled speed and agility on the trails with the Santa Cruz Blur, a cross country mountain bike engineered for top performance and nimble handling. Designed to excel in both competitive racing and fast-paced trail riding, the Blur comes in two versions: the 107mm model for optimal efficiency and responsiveness, and the 115mm TR (Trail) version for enhanced capability on rougher terrain. The Blur is available in several build kits to suit different needs and budgets. The 70 Kit provides a budget-friendly option with solid performance, while the GX AXS offers a versatile mid-range setup. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, the high-end X0 AXS kit delivers top-tier components and precision. Each build is tailored to deliver exceptional speed, control, and durability. Featuring an advanced carbon frame, the Santa Cruz Blur ensures a lightweight yet robust ride, making it perfect for riders who demand both agility and strength. Its sleek design not only enhances performance but also turns heads on the trails. Prepare to elevate your riding experience and stand out from the pack with the Santa Cruz Blur, a bike that combines cutting-edge technology with thrilling trail dominance.
Wheel Size: 29” | Front Travel: 130mm | Rear Travel: 120mm
Embrace the next level of short-travel mountain biking with the new Santa Cruz Tallboy. This bike redefines what a short-travel bike can achieve, thanks to its innovative lower-link VPP suspension system that delivers exceptional performance and control. The 120mm travel ensures a balanced ride, handling technical trails with ease while maintaining a lively, responsive feel. Featuring Santa Cruz's renowned refinement and progressive geometry, the Tallboy combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology, making it a standout in the industry. The bike is available in several build kits, including the R Kit for a solid and budget-friendly option, and the XX AXS RSV build sits at the top for a high-performance setup with advanced components. Each build offers a tailored experience, from reliable functionality to top-tier precision. Whether you're tackling challenging trails or enjoying a fast-paced ride, the Tallboy's advanced suspension and modern design promise to elevate your riding experience. Prepare to push the boundaries of short-travel biking and embark on thrilling adventures with the genre-bending Santa Cruz Tallboy, a bike that blends innovation with the excitement of trail riding.
Wheel Size: MX | Front Travel: 140mm | Rear Travel: 130mm
Embrace the playful spirit of trail riding with the Santa Cruz 5010, a bike that invites you to hop, skip, and jump your way through adventurous trails. The 5010 has been upgraded to feature a dynamic 29-inch front wheel paired with a 27.5-inch rear wheel, optimizing traction and control across various terrains. This unique wheel combination enhances stability while maintaining agile handling, making it perfect for technical trails and playful maneuvers. The 5010’s suspension system has also seen significant refinement, with improved kinematics that offer a smoother, more responsive ride. This enhanced suspension ensures that every bump and trail feature is absorbed efficiently, providing a plush ride without sacrificing responsiveness or control. Available in several build kits, including the versatile GX AXS and the higher-end X0 AXS, the 5010 caters to different riding styles and budgets. Each build offers specific components and features tailored to enhance your trail experience, from reliable performance to advanced precision. Whether you’re navigating technical descents or enjoying flowing singletrack, the Santa Cruz 5010 is designed to elevate your trail adventures, making every ride a blend of fun and high performance. Discover a new level of excitement and control with a bike that combines innovative design with the thrill of trail riding.
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm
Experience the versatility and all-around performance of the Santa Cruz Hightower, a bike designed to excel on both climbs and descents. Built to handle a wide range of trails and terrains, the Hightower's VPP lower-link mounted shock and adjustable geometry provide a smooth, responsive ride that adapts to your riding style. The latest model features 150mm of rear travel and a beefed-up 160mm front suspension, giving you the extra capability to tackle even more aggressive terrain with ease. Whether you're carving up flowy singletrack or navigating technical descents, this mountain bike delivers precision and control. Available in a variety of build kits, including the dependable 70 kit and the premium X0 AXS Reserve, the Hightower offers a setup for every type of rider. Its 29-inch wheels ensure excellent rollover ability, helping you maintain speed and smoothness over rough ground. Whether you're embarking on epic backcountry adventures or shredding your local trails, the Santa Cruz Hightower is ready to take on any challenge. With this bike, every ride becomes an unforgettable experience.
Wheel Size: MX | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm
Unleash your riding potential with the newly redesigned Santa Cruz Bronson, a mountain bike engineered to conquer any trail with confidence and precision. Featuring a revamped frame and slacker geometry, the updated Bronson enhances stability on steep descents while maintaining its versatile nature across a range of terrains. This makes it the ideal choice for adventurous riders who crave exploration with their eye on the descents. Whether you're tackling steep climbs, navigating rock gardens, or powering through technical descents, the Bronson’s agile handling and responsive suspension system ensure you're always in control. Available in a variety of build kits, from the dependable 70 kit to the top-tier X0 AXS Reserve, the Bronson can be tailored to suit different performance needs. Riders can expect unmatched traction and support with its VPP suspension, offering 150mm of travel in the rear for smooth, confident rides. The bike’s 29-inch front wheel provides stability and control, while the 27.5-inch rear wheel enhances maneuverability, striking the perfect balance between speed and agility. The newly slackened geometry further boosts the bike’s capability on technical terrain, making it more capable than ever. Whether you're seeking a playful ride or demanding more precision on challenging trails, the Santa Cruz Bronson delivers on all fronts. Built to push boundaries, this bike ensures that every ride is as thrilling as the last, no matter where the trail leads.
Wheel Size: 29” | Front Travel: 170mm | Rear Travel: 165mm
Conquer challenging terrain, gap jumps, and rugged trails with absolute confidence aboard the Santa Cruz Megatower. This mountain bike is designed with large wheels, generous 165mm rear VPP suspension travel, and meticulously tuned geometry, making it a powerhouse on demanding trails and technical features. The Megatower’s robust construction provides the stability and control needed for steep descents and aggressive riding. Available in several build kits, including the 90 Kit for great value, the GX AXS Kit for a balanced performance, and the high-end X0 AXS for top-tier components and precision, the Megatower caters to various preferences and budgets. Each build is tailored to enhance your riding experience, offering options that suit different needs. With its advanced features and durable design, the Santa Cruz Megatower is ready to elevate your trail riding and help you push your limits on every ride. Prepare to leave your mark with the unrivaled performance of the Megatower.
At Contender Bicycles, our best tools for selling bikes are the people who ride them. Everyone at Contender Bicycles has extensive experience riding bikes across many brands. If you have any questions regarding a bike or want to discuss build options, we are here to help.