Damn good, but also damn expensive: The Nomad from Santa Cruz has been one of the most popular high-end enduro bikes for years. Now the Californian high-end brand is putting its long-running favourite on a new footing. The most striking key data of the fourth generation: 170 millimetres of suspension travel and 27.5-inch wheels. The wheel size in particular comes as a bit of a surprise, as many had expected a 29er Nomad, as it was the guys from Santa Cruz who developed the the 29-inch era in the Downhill World Cup have heralded the start of a new era. The Nomad is not intended to be a race bike, but a powerful all-rounder for everyone. True to the motto: what is fast on the race track is not necessarily the most fun for everyday enduro bikers.
Rear triangle and geometry of the new Nomad
The linkage of the VPP rear triangle (Virtual Pivot Point, i.e. the rear triangle rotates around a virtual pivot point) has been borrowed from the new Nomad's big brother, the Downhiller V10and the geometry also appears race-inspired at first glance. Compared to its predecessor, the main frame has become almost exactly one size longer and ends up with a reach of 460 millimetres in Large. The geometry can be adjusted to two positions using a flip chip on the rocker arm. The steering angle already measures a flat 65 degrees in the steep position, the difference to the second setting (64.6 degrees) is rather small at first glance.
Women's version of the Santa Cruz Nomad
In the latest generation, Santa Cruz is transferring its enduro platform to the Juliana women's brand for the first time. The Strega has the same frame (sizes XS to M) as the Nomad, but comes with adapted suspension elements for lower rider weight and exclusively in fresh green.
Riding impression: The new Nomad on the trail
We have already been able to test ride the new Californian projectile extensively, with trails in Provence and the neighbouring Ligurian hinterland offering perfect conditions. From fast and flowing to steep and rocky, everything an enduro bike should be able to do was there.
The Nomad makes you feel good from the very first metre. The rider is centred on the bike and feels very secure. The rear suspension is extremely sensitive and responds finely, both with air and steel spring shocks. This is something you are more used to from thoroughbred downhill bikes. This makes it all the more surprising that the rear end remains pleasantly calm when setting off and doesn't bog down in the suspension travel. As a result, the Nomad doesn't feel sluggish even on flat and gentle trails, but instead sprints forwards quickly. The long-travel bike also makes an effective impression on the climbs.
In general, the Nomad is high in its travel, especially when the low-speed compression damping on the Rock Shox Super Deluxe RCT air shock is closed relatively far. We found this setting to be the best for our test rides. The desire for a coil spring shock did not arise in any situation. Nevertheless, we also switched to this option, which gives the suspension a little more pop and could be even more fun for playful riders in particular. We were able to notice a real advantage on the first test rides due to the heavier Rock Shox Super Deluxe Coil RCT but you couldn't feel it. In the setting we rode, the rear suspension with the air shock even felt like it had more travel in rough sections and therefore offered more reserves.
Anyone who values downhill fun will probably be familiar with this: If there is a geometry adjustment, the flat setting is usually selected - and never left again. The Nomad was different. Even the steep position with a higher bottom bracket brings a lot of smoothness and an ingenious cornering position. Whether fast direction changes or wide bends - the Nomad feels right at home here. We couldn't have wished for any more downhill urge and that's a good thing, because even with the slightly higher bottom bracket, the odd rock or root contact on technical trails is inevitable. Compared to other bikes in this class, the bottom bracket is not excessively low. Nevertheless, we found the higher geometry setting to be more harmonious.
Weak points
On steep terrain, however, another detail comes into play that can certainly diminish the riding pleasure: As is not uncommon with American manufacturers, Santa Cruz relies on a 180 mm brake disc on the front wheel. Even though Sram's Code brakes impress with good modulation and braking power, the small disc is clearly undersized on longer descents. This can be a real drag on riding fun on rough terrain, especially with a heavier rider. The small disc definitely has no place on a bike with this much forward thrust.
And according to our test impression, a small detail would also bring improvements on the climbs: As the rear suspension is already very neutral in the open platform position of the shock, the compression damping could work even more drastically in closed mode. Although it reduces the slight bobbing that is particularly noticeable when pedalling, the platform position is far from a lockout. For long climbs on tarmac or gravel, some riders might wish for a firmer rear end.
Models, prices and availability
As usual, the frame will be available in two different carbon versions: The high-end CC version and the slightly cheaper and heavier C version. The frame weight should be a few grams heavier than its predecessor. The CC frame will therefore remain under 2500 grams (size L, without shock), while the top model will weigh 13.39 kilos in Large. In terms of price, the complete bikes range from an exorbitant 10499 euros for the top-of-the-range model to 5999 euros for the entry-level carbon model. Nice for smaller budgets: an aluminium version of the new Nomad will follow in the course of the year, which will be available from 3999 euros. The new carbon models will be available from 15 June 2017.
Equipment
Santa Cruz only uses Rock Shox suspension on the Nomad. The Super Deluxe Air or Super Deluxe Coil is available at the rear. The front suspension is the Lyrik (RCT3 or RC, depending on the model) with 170 millimetres of travel, while the entry-level model has a Yari RC, also with 170 millimetres of travel. The shifting and braking centre is also operated almost exclusively by Sram. The Nomad is only available with a single drivetrain from the NX to the XX1 Eagle. Braking is provided by Sram's new Code, with the Sram Guide on the entry-level model. The Guide is fitted with 200 mm brake discs, while the models with Code have to make do with 180 mm discs on the front and rear wheels. The Maxxis tyre combination of Minion DHR II and Minion DHF in 2.4 and 2.5 inch should provide the necessary grip. All bikes are optionally available with the new, in-house carbon rims available. The solid 800 carbon handlebars from Santa Cruz are fitted to most models.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
