The changes are quickly explained: Mullet tyres, storage compartment in the top tube and a geo update. It is now slightly longer and has a steeper seat tube and longer chainstays, among other things. The kinematics have also been tweaked. The other side of the coin: the bike has gained half a kilo and is 1300 euros more expensive! (top model). Our wickedly expensive test model naturally has all kinds of bells and whistles - including electric gears.
On the trail, all the testers quickly became friends with the Santa Cruz Nomad 6. "It's simply awesome to sit on", one tester summarises bluntly but accurately. In other words, the bike is fast, playful and always easy to handle. The suspension stands out in particular. No other test bike responds so sensitively. Roots, rocks, steps - the rear suspension irons everything away and develops massive comfort. The front and rear harmonise and allow so much speed. Some testers lacked counter-pressure on tamer sections. We were only able to optimise this setup for the terrain with the many adjustment options of the Factory suspension. On climbs, the rear suspension bobs significantly and cannot be completely calmed down even with the compression lever.
STRENGTHSHandling, balanced chassis, feel-good geo
WEAKNESSES: Rocking uphill, price (!)
Conclusion from Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE tester:
"The new Santa Cruz Nomad 6 remains true to its freeride character, but now has more race genes. Play and ride fast - the Nomad can do both. There are better bikes for touring. Expensive!"
Statement by Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE editor-in-chief:
"The Nomad 6 is the most complete bike: a 10-point freerider. With our enduro criteria, we would deduct half a point. By the way: The Santa Cruz is more expensive than the Sciu and the Intense put together. WTF!"
Alternative to the Santa Cruz Nomad 6:
27.5 inches for life: The Intense Tracer 279 Expert - Characteristic with 27.5-inch tyres is still available. Compared to its successor, the model is a little more playful and has more freeride genes. Price: 10,499 euros, 14.7 kilos without pedals.
Technical data and grades Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC AXS
Manufacturer information
- Distribution: Santa Cruz Bicycles Germany
- Material / Sizes: Carbon / S, M, L (tested size), XL, XXL
- Price / weight without pedals: 11,799 euros / 15.4 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 170 mm / 170 mm
- Rear suspension system: VPP
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Factory/ Fox Float X2 Factory
- Cranks / gears: Sram X1 Carbon Eagle/ Sram X01 Eagle AXS
- Brake system: Sram Code RSC
- Wheels: Santa Cruz Reserve 30 system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip Exo+ Pro 2.5, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3 C MaxxTerra DD 2.4
- Reach: 469 / 473 mm
- Stack: 641 / 444 mm
- BB drop: -11 / -9 mm
*Trail: By this we mean undulating, winding trails with obstacles, terrain steps and short counter-climbs. This is where lightweight bikes with agile handling and precise steering score highly.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
