When the Original Nomad was introduced in 200526-inch wheels were the measure of all things. The switch to 27.5 inch wheels followed in 2014. Fans of the intermediate size found the Nomad to be a manoeuvrable machine for freeride and enduro use. A a few updates Later, as with the latest Bronson 4 model, Santa Cruz gave the new Nomad 6 a larger 29-inch front wheel. The rear wheel remains a compact 27.5 inches. The Americans call this mullet wheel mix "MX", which aims to combine the best of both worlds with stability and agility.
The Nomad 5 with 27.5-inch front and rear wheels, which was only launched last year, is to remain available. In a test duel in BIKE 11/22, we find out where the differences lie and which bike has the edge on the trail.
The Santa Cruz Nomad is a fun bike for rough trails
The Nomad's area of application remains unchanged for the new model generation. 170 millimetres of fork and shock predestine the bike for tough enduro use and freeride laps on bike park tracks. Deep metres, big jumps and rough root and rock fields are the natural habitat of the Santa Cruz Nomad 6, while a thick 38 mm suspension fork and the tried-and-tested VPP rear triangle should defy anything that gets in the way of the new bike. This makes it Santa Cruz's recommendation for tough trail adventures and fun road trips.
Nomad with optimised VPP rear triangle
During the development of the new MX Nomad, the US manufacturer also worked on the rear suspension performance once again. The aim was not only to optimise the sensitivity and grip of the VPP rear triangle, but also to improve support throughout the entire suspension travel. At the same time, the Santa Cruz Nomad 6 should pedal as efficiently as its predecessor and be easy to pedal up the climbs to the trail head.
In order to achieve the high goals for the Santa Cruz Nomad, the anti-squat values of the rear suspension have been reduced. This should ensure less pedal kickback on hard impacts and improved response behaviour of the rear suspension. In practice, these adjustments promise more traction at high speeds as well as uphill at low speeds.
By reducing the gear ratio, Santa Cruz wants to reduce the influence of the rider's weight on the geometry of the Nomad 6's rear triangle. A slightly reduced progression should ensure a more even response over the entire suspension travel. The rear triangle remains progressive enough to also work with coil shocks.
Adapted to different rider sizes
In order to meet the requirements of different body sizes, the Americans have given each frame size of the Santa Cruz Nomad 6 a customised seat angle and, depending on the size, chainstays of different lengths. From size S to XXL, the seat angle is steeper and the chainstays are longer. This should provide riders of all sizes with the same balanced geometry and suitable riding characteristics. The frame stiffness is also increased by adapting the carbon layup to the frame size.
Geo-Update for the MX-Nomad
Compared to the Santa Cruz Nomad 5, the top tubes of the latest version are slightly longer. The reach of the Nomad 6 in size M is 455 millimetres (+5 millimetres). In the larger frame sizes, this is relativised by the steeper seat angle. With the new 29-inch front wheel, the head angle has been slackened by another 0.2 degrees and is now 63.8 degrees in all sizes. The seat angle is between a steep 77.2 and 77.9 degrees, depending on the frame size. The chainstays are now longer than last year across all sizes and measure between 439 and 450 millimetres.
Now with storage compartment in the down tube
Santa Cruz is following the current trend of integrating a storage space in the down tube and has built a "glovebox" (glove compartment) under the bottle cage mount on the Nomad 6. This makes it easy to carry a spare tube, tools or snacks. The opening in the new carbon frame should also make the bike even easier to service. As usual, the manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty on the Nomad 6 frame.
Nomad 6 as a complete bike and frame kit on sale from September
The new Santa Cruz Nomad 6 should be available at the beginning of September. There will not be an aluminium version for the time being. As usual, Santa Cruz will offer the frame in the two different carbon layups C and CC. Ten different equipment variants between 5799 and 11799 euros are planned. The frame kit is available with either air or steel spring shock absorbers for 3899 euros each.
All the details of the new Santa Cruz Nomad 6 in the photo gallery
Jan Timmermann
Editor
