The topics in this test duel:
The test report: Santa Cruz Nomad - Duel in the Oberammergau bike park
I've been sitting at my desk in my bike gear all morning, my click shoes laced up and ready to ride. Lunch is pre-cooked in a Tupperware box next to my keyboard. No, I'm not planning to go blue this Wednesday, nor will my boss let me go home early. I have an appointment for the late shift at the Oberammergau bike park. In addition to the normal operating hours at the weekend, the park also opens on Wednesdays. The regulars refer to this as the "after-work ride", when the lifts run from 2 pm until sunset during the week. This time has always been convenient for us test editors. Because whether it's rough enduro slopes, playful trails or flow trails full of bends - the perfect testing ground for downhill bikes is only an hour's drive away from the Munich editorial office. And today, two bikes are going head-to-head: the new Santa Cruz Nomad 6 and its predecessor Nomad 5.
Optical illusion: The bikes not only have the same suspension travel at the front and rear, but also an identical frame design.
I frantically polish off the pasta salad from the previous day and load up the BIKE bus. This time, a somewhat unusual duel constellation is parked in the cargo area. Not only do the rivals have 170 millimetres of travel at the front and rear, they also share the same frame design and were both developed for enduro use with a focus on bike parks. On top of that, the Santa Cruz logo and the Nomad model name are boldly emblazoned on the carbon chassis of both bikes. Why compare two identical models, some of you might ask, and not without good reason. For the answer, let's rewind the product cycle of the Santa Cruz Nomad by a year and a half.
At that time, the Californians presented the fifth version of the Nomad enduro bike with 27.5-inch wheels and 170 millimetres of suspension travel without any major changes. The innovations were limited to more modern geometry data. Despite the massive suspension travel, the bike remains surprisingly manoeuvrable - perfect for bike parks and playful enduro riders.
Around a year and a half later, the Americans launched the next expansion stage into the bike cosmos. This time, in addition to the routine geometry update, the Santa Cruz Nomad also gets a new rear triangle and a wheel size mix of 29 inches on the front wheel and 27.5 inches on the rear wheel. Santa Cruz currently has two Nomad versions for sale. We therefore ask ourselves the question: Is it worth paying the extra price for the newcomer, or is the run-around the better choice?
Together with park manager and former enduro racer Markus Reiser, we hit the test track.
When we arrive in Oberammergau shortly before 2 p.m., Markus Reiser is already waiting for us. Together we will sharpen all our senses today to find out the differences between the two enduro bikes. When we unload the two nomads from the transporter, Markus is amazed. Fox suspension from the Factory series, Sram's electronic X01 Eagle drivetrain and carbon fibre as far as the eye can see - the Californians dig deep into the box of high-end components for the add-on parts of the two top models. The only difference is the wheel size of the Santa Cruz bikes. Nevertheless, the newcomer (11,799 euros) costs 1300 euros more. The biggest cost factor is the new full carbon frame. Just like all other bikes in the current Santa Cruz generation, the Nomad 6 now also has a storage compartment concealed in the down tube. Surprisingly, although the opening in the down tube inevitably weakens the frame construction, the engineers have achieved better stiffness values than its predecessor thanks to a new carbon layup and slightly more material thickness.
Both Santa Cruz bikes suffer slightly from excess weight
The frame weight of the Santa Cruz Nomad 6 in size L climbs from 2930 to 3084 grams. This means that both chassis are slightly overweight. Together with the longer fork and the larger front wheel, the laboratory scales certify a total weight of 15.18 kilos for the Nomad 6 without pedals - 520 grams more than its predecessor. This puts the duelists 292 grams below and 228 grams above the average weight of the High-end enduro bikes from BIKE 2/2022. Final praise for both MTBs: in order to provide riders of all sizes with the best possible handling, the chainstays grow with the frame size. At the same time, the seat angle of the 2023 version has even been optimised. But enough bland theory. How does the duo perform off-road?
There are only minor differences in the riding position. Although the reach of the Nomad 6 is five millimetres longer, the 0.7 degree steeper seat angle places us just as upright and comfortable on the bike as the geometry of its predecessor. Nevertheless, the new model feels significantly larger thanks to the higher front end and the 29er front wheel. On the climbs, the longer chainstays and steeper seat angle have a clear effect. The new Nomad Enduro bike scrambles up steep ramps without grumbling. With sufficient pressure on the front, you can stay in control for a long time, even on key technical sections. In the saddle of the Nomad 5, on the other hand, physical effort and active weight shifting are required to keep the front wheel on the ground. Not even the lower weight can make up for the disadvantages of the geometry.
Savings programme: cheaper Nomad models or the Santa Cruz Megatower
5299 Euro: The most affordable model in the Nomad range is called the Nomad 5 CR. On board: a slightly heavier carbon frame, Sram NX components and mid-range Rockshox suspension.
5799 Euro: The Nomad 6 CR marks the entry into the 2023 Nomad family. The product managers have carried over the equipment from its predecessor. Santa Cruz also offers a lifetime warranty on all models.
The alternative: Santa Cruz Megatower
If you're interested in a bike from the Santa Cruz enduro clique, you should also consider the Megatower in addition to the two Nomads in our test. With 170 millimetres of travel at the front, 160 millimetres at the rear and 29-inch wheels, it has so far been the first choice for enduro racers. If you compare the geometry with the Nomad, you will notice only minimal differences. Only the large rear wheel on the Megatower changes the lively handling behaviour in corners to make it even smoother. The price of the Megatower with the equipment of the Nomad 6 is also 11,799 euros.
Conclusion Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC X01 AXS RSV vs. Santa Cruz Nomad 5 CC X01 AXS RSV
Markus and I take the drag lift up the 190 metres to the highest point of the bike park for the showpiece discipline of the two enduro bikes. The downhill route - better known as the Fichtenschreck - is perfect for bikes in this suspension travel class. Once at the top, it's time to go: Brakes on and full throttle! "This is no longer a Nomad!", I exclaim as I rush the new edition down into the valley. The new Santa Cruz ploughs through root carpets and stone fields as if on rails. The high front with its large front wheel completely takes the fear out of deep drops and steep sections. Thanks to the long chainstays and the 29er wheel under the control centre, the Mullet Enduro does not lack smoothness. Once the bike has picked up speed, it is almost impossible to get it off the track - a characteristic that otherwise characterises race-ready enduro bikes and is in contrast to the original values of the Nomad.
Thanks to its shorter dimensions, the predecessor is noticeably easier to manoeuvre over the trail. Fast direction changes and playing around on the trail are at the top of the Santa Cruz Nomad 5's specifications, but once you've got used to the smaller front wheel, this bike is also very responsive. The slack head angle and the thick 38 mm Fox fork allow speeds that exceed the ability of most riders. Apart from the geometry and wheel size, the suspension also emphasises the individual character of the rivals. This is because the engineers have also renovated the tried and tested VPP rear triangle as part of the new development. The aim: better response behaviour over the entire suspension travel. The mission was successful, we think. The rear end greedily soaks up even the nastiest roots, which increases the high-speed capability and ensures a plush ride with endless traction. The "old" suspension responds just as sensitively at the beginning, but towards the end of its travel it becomes more progressive and offers a little more support. Although the Nomad 5 doesn't win the rating for swallowing capacity, it favours an active riding style and is easier to pull into flight mode.
After six laps on the Fichtenschreck, one thing is certain: both bikes offer their own unique appeal - whether playful or racy. I'm still undecided as to which version is the most fun to ride. But luckily it's Wednesday and I can do a few more laps before the sun disappears behind the Ammergebirge.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
"The question of whether the surcharge for the new Nomad is worth it was rendered superfluous by the test. The bikes are so different that personal preference is the deciding factor. If you're focussing more on playful downhill riding, you can confidently opt for the runaway. The Nomad 6, on the other hand, craves speed, would also cut a good figure in racing and is now even closer to the range of use of the Megatower race enduro bike."
Technical data and grades Santa Cruz Nomad 6 CC X01 AXS RSV
General information
- Price: 11,799 euros
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL / XXL (tested size L / 43 cm)
Measured values
- Front / rear suspension travel: 171 / 170 mm
- Weight without pedals: 15.18 kg
- Frame weight: 3084 g
- Weight of wheels: 5060 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4084 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 63 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Reserve 30 HD
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip / Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ TR 29/27.5 x 2.40
- Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory Grip2
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Gear system: Sram X01 Eagle AXS 1 x 12
- Ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-50 / 500 %
- Telescopic post: RS Rev / 175 mm / 31.6 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 15 from 20
- Chassis efficiency: 14 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 7 out of 10
- Weight: 1.5 from 15
- Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 3.5 out of 5
- Driving behaviour downhill: 38 from 40
- Front suspension: 25 out of 25
- Rear suspension: 23.75 out of 25
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 13.5 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 13.5 out of 15
- Driving stability: 6 out of 10
- TOTAL UPHILL: 45 OUT OF 80
- TOTAL DOWNHILL: 129.8 FROM 140
- Other: 24.5 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: good
Bike test rating*: very good - 199.3 out of 250
Technical data and grades Santa Cruz Nomad 5 CC X01 AXS RSV
General information
- Price: 10499 Euro
- available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL / XXL (tested size L / 43 cm)
Measured values
- Front / rear suspension travel: 166 / 166 mm
- Weight without pedals: 14.66 kg
- Frame weight: 2930 g
- Weight of wheels: 4850 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3497 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 58 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Reserve 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip / Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR 27.5 x 2.40
- Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory FitGrip2
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Gear system: Sram X01 Eagle AXS 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-50 / 500 %
- Telescopic post: RS Rev / 175 mm / 31.6 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 13 from 20
- Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 7 out of 10
- Weight: 4.5 out of 15
- Inertia impellers: 6 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 3.5 out of 5
- Driving behaviour downhill: 36 from 40
- Front suspension:: 25 of 25
- Rear suspension: 22.5 out of 25
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 13.5 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 13.5 out of 15
- Driving stability: 5 out of 10
- TOTAL UPHILL: 49 OF 80
- TOTAL DOWNHILL: 125.5 OUT OF 140
- Other: 23.5 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: good
Bike test rating*: very good - 198 out of 250
* The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
² The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
