Santa Cruz Launch the New Nomad with Mixed Wheels

Santa Cruz Nomad 6 - Black

Today, Santa Cruz launch the brand new version of the iconic Nomad - now in its 6th iteration, this particular model has been around for a while - always remaining a popular choice amongst riders - and we can see why. Built to be ridden hard, send it anywhere and take a beating, the latest Nomad moves to a mixed wheel set up for the first time, sees geometry updates and suspension improvements - all adding up to an even more fine tuned package. 

Taking their learnings from the Bronson and Megatower, the Californian designers have struck a balance between the two - resulting in a big hitting 170mm travel bike that inspires confidence while riding at speed, but equally maintains that agility a Nomad rider is looking for. 

Sam Dale riding Santa Cruz Nomad

So, What’s New?

The most visible change will be the move to the ever growing MX wheel platform, adding a new level of downhill capability up front as it monster trucks through anything in its path. The smaller 27.5” wheel remains in place on the rear, retaining maneuverability for the tighter trails and providing an overall livelier feel than the full 29er bikes provide. Able to change direction on a pin and plough rough ground almost as well as the Megatower, the new Nomad could well be the ultimate Golfie bike. Fast, confident, nimble.

While the MX wheel set up is the most noticeable, there are a host of other subtle but significant tweaks to the Nomad 6, that improve even further on the previous benchmark design. 

Santa Cruz Nomad Gypsum

Now with size specific chain stays, the bike maintains it’s carefully chosen balance across all the sizes so whether you’re a Small or XXL, rest assured you’ll still have your weight in the right place and be riding a bike that really fits. Seat tube angles have steepened up just a touch across the board to improve the pedaling position, and reach numbers move in line with the Megatower, striking an ideal balance between stability and agility.

Anti Squat has been reduced slightly in order to free the suspension up, enabling the Nomad to track the ground better when climbing rough terrain, and lessen pedal kickback while descending. Additionally, the suspension curve has been re-tuned, now more linear than before, allowing riders to add pressure to the shock for more support in the mid stroke, whilst still being able to use all of the 170mm travel.

Santa Cruz Nomad Coil Shock

Santa Cruz’s integrated tool/snack storage, the Glovebox, makes carrying tools, tubes and snacks easier than ever. The Tool Wallet and Tube Purse keep everything internally organised and quiet so you can forget about them until you need them, all finished off with Santa Cruz’s high quality fit and finish. 

Santa Cruz Nomad Glovebox

The new Nomad is available in Carbon C and Carbon CC frames, from sizes Small through to XXL, all built to Santa Cruz’s legendary high quality. As with all Santa Cruz frames, the new Nomad comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and bearings. 

Santa Cruz Nomad Gypsum

If you’re looking for a highly capable long travel bike that remains agile where it needs to be, the new Nomad could be for you. Stock is due to start arriving in the Autumn, but as with all things in the mountain bike world at the moment, is looking to be fairly limited, so get in touch and we’ll do our best to get your dream bike for you. 


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