None compare... because of the VPP (it's freeking sweet)
Bike Setup:
2007 Nomad, Marzocchi 66RC, Fox DHX 5.0 Coil, Avid Juciy 7's (6" f/r), Shimano Saint cranks, SRAM X.9 rear shifter / derailleur, E.Thirteen SRS, Truvativ Holzfeller WC bar and stem, Chris King headset, Thompson Elite post w/ FUNN Skinny RL saddle, Maxxis 2.35 Minions on Atomlab wheels.
Bottom Line:
Going back to my 'Similar Products Used' the VPP is like nothing I've ever ridden. I have owned 6" travel all mountain type bikes before, but they have all been of single pivot design. Needless to say, I had to deal with gnarly brake jack every time I would need to brake in technical or steep situations. Now that I have seen the light of VPP, my riding has improved and my confidence as well.
This bike is the perfect light downhill, freeride, and or all mountain machine. Mine is set up for descending, but with a double ring up front, air shock rear, and air sprung fox fork, this could be a very nice climber.
Check one out, you will not be disappointed!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
butanding
a Weekend Warrior
from davao city philippines Date Reviewed: November 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
boondocks cycles
Strengths:
all i can say is wow. if you want only one bike to keep this is it. i havent brought my new bike to heavy trails yet but its a big difference from my lapierre black frx before. i only have one bike but i have a full face, a half shell and an xc helmet for this bike. choose a ride you desire and the bike will follow.
Weaknesses:
im not sure yet since i havent been in heavy muddy trails if the its the same as the older nomad where there is squeaking sounds on the links. i havent also done the little jumps and bumps and drops that i like as well as the quick tight swithcback turns so i cannot comment yet but in my practice runs in urban settings it did well.
Similar Products Used:
lapierre black frx
Bike Setup:
white medium 2009 santa cruz nomad2 with dhx air 5.0. 2008 fox36 float rc2 fork, 2009 xtr cranks, rear derailler shadow, front derailleur, cogs, shifters and dura ace chain. magura louise brakes with ventilated 7 inch rotors, syncros bulk handle bar, syncros saddle, syncros db 28 wheelset with kenda nevegal tires, syncros headset with reducer (didnt upgrade fork yet), thomson oversized 70mm stem, thomson seatpost, steve peat syndicate white grips,
Bottom Line:
for now i only used the bike in urban settings where i go with little jumps from the gutters and obstacles.
i only had the bike for a month and im scared that a new nomad carbon will come out.
but needless to say i dont even know what the difference between carbon and aluminum will be. all i know is the weight difference for now. i hope i wont drool and cry over if a new nomad carbon will come out by january 2010
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marshalleames
a Racer
from lafayette CA USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Everything about the 2009 nomad it is strong, especially the rear end. The newer pivots hold up a lot better and also feel stiffer. Grease ports are a plus.
This is by far the best bike I have ever ridden, It is my everyday bike. Everything about it is awesome. It Jump great, corners the best, and pedals better than any other all mountain bike. I ride an XL and I am barley 6'1". It feels perfect and I have felt very comfortable on this bike since day one.The 09 nomad is an easy bike to ride. Unlike other bikes, I didn't have to get used to the ride. Haven't changed anything besides the bars. The lower you can get the front end, the better this bike feels. I ended up using a wider bar with a .5 rise instead of a 1.5 rise. If you are looking to just have one bike, the nomad will hold up to anything. Do keep in mind that this isn't a xc bike nor just a downhill bike, but it is both. It will do any long ride you put it to, and rip and downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vehizzle
a Downhiller
from evanston, wyo, usa Date Reviewed: November 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
kurt gowdy- stone temple
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
Guthrie Cycles in SL
Strengths:
this bike is the ultimate, i have the x9 am kit this thing is light! and as solid as rock. have been dropping it off 6ft+ drops and the 5.0 dhx and vpp do all the work.
Weaknesses:
expensive!! k, i might be in some debt but definetly worth it!
Similar Products Used:
heckler, perp, stinky, stumpjumpers
Bike Setup:
x9 am kit, talas 36 and dhx 5.0, avid elixir cr's. running the arrow racing savage 2.6 in frnt and bk.
Bottom Line:
i let friends with their cross country bike ride this and they love it and the same with my downhill buddies. it seems to compliment both riding styles adeqeuately, and for me its the best, it puts a smile on my face every time i ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorse
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsfords Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Life Cycle
Strengths:
Great bike VPP climbs and descends like a dream. confidence inspiring
Weaknesses:
both rear and front triangles are black ano but the rear is a different color (kind of purple). I mentioned this to SC they don't care. Bearing wear. And after 3 years the frame has cracked on both sides of the top tube above the upper link.
Similar Products Used:
heckler, bullit, Blur LT
Bike Setup:
Deemax, Raceface diabolus bars and cranks,X9 derailleur and shifters, KSi900R,minions, Marrozocchi 66 170mm
Bottom Line:
This is (was) my favorite bike. My bike was built strong just under 40 lbs, It still climbed like a squirrel being chased. And the real fun begines when you point it down hill. This was the original nomad and cable routing is great. Much better than my new Blur LT.
I'm getting another with the SC crash buy back program. But I may have to wait up to a year for one to show up with a blemish. Only factory rejects for the buy back program.
I only gave the bike 3 for value because SC is going to make me wait so long for a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
santabarbaradude
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cold Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Strengths:
Uphill/Downhill Climbing, this bike rocks, I have had 8 Santa Cruz Bikes in the last 10 years, I just sold my 2007 Nomad for the Nomad 2, it is a better climber and decender with the new VPP. GET IT. I have had: Superlite, Heckler, Bullit, Blur LT, Super 8, Blur Classic, Nomad 1 and now Nomad 2.
Weaknesses:
Cost
Bike Setup:
DHX RC4, 36 Talas, King hubs, HS, Kenda tires, Saint Group
Bottom Line:
GET IT, we ride hard here in Santa Barbara and this bike eats it up!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
I have a kool bike
a Downhiller
from D-ville, ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything from all mountain to downhill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Did not purchase
Strengths:
Nimble. Light. Do anything bike. Worth every penny. Vpp 2nd gen. Best climber
Weaknesses:
No iscg tabs for hammerschmidt. Bike is amazing other wise
Similar Products Used:
Heckler. Yeti asr 7 bionicon supershuttle fr. Knolly delierium t. Specialized enduro
Bike Setup:
Shimano saint 2x9 everything thomson stem & seatpost wtb saddle rock shox lyrik. Cane creek double barrel
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike. Buy it. You will be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtn_freeride
a Racer
from Auburn Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Full XTR, FOX 36 Talas, Formula ONE, WTB AM Team Kit, PO1NT 70mm Stem, Crank Brothers Mallet Pedals, GAMUT P40, Easton Monkeylite DH
Bottom Line:
This is an absolutely amazing bike, super fast, strong in all situations...the quintessential light DH race bike. I have loved this bike from the beginning and it excels in all types of riding. Mark Weir is so right in loving this bike, it is a go everywhere/do everything bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
motinky
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1976.00
Strengths:
VPP that really works
Weaknesses:
Nomad had better colors a few years ago.
Similar Products Used:
Outland VPP5, Kona Stinky.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 55 TST2, Sun Charger Wheels, Sram X9 and Shimano XT drive train, Fox dhx air, Juicy 5 brakes, Kenda Neval tires, etc. 32.1 lb.
Bottom Line:
I used to ride an Outland VPP5 which had VPP system and 5 inches of travel. That bike was a hell. I spent more time fixing problems than riding the bike. Lots of cracks on the frame and, pivot shafts and bushings wore out after every 10 rides. After that, I rode 2002 Kona Stinky for 6 years. Stinky was a very good bike. I rode and rode, upgraded almost all parts and only the frame and the saddle were original after 6 years. This frame did not have single problem. There still is no play at all in the linkage. But I switch to Nomad because I wanted to get something lighter. This Nomad is 4 lb lighter than my Stinky. Nomad gives the same or more confidence on decent and climbs much better. Suspension absorbs bumps better both going up and down probably because of rearward movement of the wheel. Outland VPP5 often gave me harsh kick back on climbs. I think it happens when you lose traction on the climb. Once you loose traction, there is no chain tension for a moment, which make the bike move downward and this down ward movement will pull the chain more and you feel this as kick back. I often stalled on steep rough climbs. It was like once I lose traction, it was over. I started doubting if VPP is actually helping climbing. This was one of the reasons why I switched to Stinky. Stinky was actually much better climber when the trail was rough. This kickback on Nomad is much more controllable compared to the one on Outland. I sometimes feel this kickback but I manage to keep going most of the time. And when the wheel has traction, this bike move forward faster than I ever felt on other bike. Over all, I was a little bit worried about VPP system but now I feel VPP is really working to help climbing and descending. This bike also has very well balanced feel as other people points out. I don't know where it is coming from. At the beginning, I set up my seat close to the handle bar so that I can climb better compensating relatively slack seat tube angle. But I was not feeling comfortable and I put the seat at the center of the seat tube to test how I feel. It suddenly felt so natural. It was not my riding style but it now became my riding style. It is like this bike told me how I should ride. As you can feel from what I am writing, I am very happy with this bike so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
winerdiner29er
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: April 23, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist
Strengths:
Everything, This bike has no draw backs that I have noticed at all.
Medium black, Fox 36 Talas RC2 fork, Sram XO trigger shifters and Rear Der, Avid Elixr cr brakes, X9 front der, XTR cranks, Thomson stam (100mm) and post, Selle Italia XC SLR saddle, DT swiss 240 hubs laced to Mavic 819 hoops, CK devolution head set, Maxxis cross mark 2.25 tires (waiting for my WTB tires) just under 30lbs
Bottom Line:
I'm super impressed with this bike. All the bikes mentioned above are all great bikes, But I was looking for something with more travel so I could have more fun on the DH. I built mine up for all-day riding and so far I haven't been dissapointed.
I can climb anything on this bike, I took it out the other day on the local group ride. The ride was mostly rolling single track with a few monster climbs mixed in. I was worried about the climbing ability of the bike when I first purchased it, But it blew my mind on how well it climbs. I left the fork in 160mm the whole ride and I kept the Monarch shock full open the whole time. And the bike climbed everything I could throw at it, It never left me wanting more. This bike is a excellent climber.
I won't even comment on the DH because this bike is hands down the best I have ridden in a long time. The bike is very well balanced, I felt like I was perfectly centered in the middle of the bike on climbs. On the DH the bike is very nimble and flickable in the air and in the sketchy stuff.
In my opinion you can't beat this bike. It is a very good bike well made and designed. This is the perfect long travel trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rhharter@olemiss.edu
a Cross Country Rider
from Crested Butte, CO, U.S. Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the Butte. Porcupine Rim, and anything that is fast and technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Everything. Climbs great, corners great, eats rock gardens and drops for lunch, and hauls ass downhill.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
None with the same amount of travel. Switched from a Haro Sonix LT
Bike Setup:
XL Ano Black Frame, Sram XO Triggers with XO Rear and XT Front Derailleur, Fox Talas 36 RC2, Fox DHX 5.0, Mavic Cross Max XL Wheels, Juicy 7 Brakes, Chris King Head Set, Thompson Seat Post.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!! I am aggressive Cross Country rider with more emphasis on downhill, drops, hucks, and sketchy rock gardens. I bought my bike because I have broken many bikes in the past, and I wanted something that would give me the confidence to ride anything without any fear. My bike weighs just under 32 pounds and climbs just as well as my Haro Sonix but surpasses anything I have ridden on the downhills. I chose the Nomad over the Enduro and Yeti 575 because I have read the reviews here and the Nomad fits my riding style better. The Nomad has made me a better and more confident rider without a doubt. I float over the sketchy sections that I previously walked or barely got down. I now look for the more gnarly sections of the trails and approach and float them without second guessing myself or skill. Most people look at the weight and amount of travel and wonder how could this machine possibly climb? I think it climbs like a beast and there is hardly any noticeable pedal bob, and once this thing reaches the top its all over. The bottom line is that I can still keep up with my Cross Country friends on the climbs and ABSOLUTELY blow them away on the downhills. They always have a puzzled look on their face when I float over the sections they walk. If you want an awesome trail bike that will keep a smile on your face the entire ride while also giving the confidence to ride the more technical sections without hesitation, then the Nomad is the bike for you. This bike does it all , and it is so much fun to ride. Believe the hype and try one for yourself; you will not be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bizhsn
a Weekend Warrior
from kuala lumpur,wilayah persekutua,MALAYSIA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kiara
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
KSH,TTDI
Strengths:
the vpp really works, great looking frame.
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Similar Products Used:
jamis parker,sc heckler,merida am 400.
Bike Setup:
white 'm' frame with fox dhx air shocks,chrisking devo h/set,easton monketlite xc cnt bars,thomson x4 50mm stem,fox van 36 forks,odi'yeti'lock-ons grips,avid elixir cr brakes,sram xo shifters & rd,sram pg 990 cassette,kmc tianium coated gold chain,xtr fd,fsa k-forcelite carbon crakset,e 13 bashguard,crankbros mallet 2 pedals,thomson s/post,wtb rocket v saddle,dt swiss e 2200 wheelset,kenda nevegal dtc 2.35f & 2.1r tyres.intense racelite tubes.
Bottom Line:
awesome frame with the vpp! i have a 08 heckler which was good but the nomad is even much better with the extra travel & vpp.i could ride faster & more more aggessive with the nomad.the nomad is really good on singletracks,technical trails & downhill.it trully lives up to its reviews.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nakedshoe
a Downhiller
from El Cajon, Ca USA Date Reviewed: January 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merchant
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
The whole thing. Great frame, rides and handles like a dream. Climbs like a mountain goat. Goes down like a cheerleader! All around great ride.
Weaknesses:
Needed to drop down 100 lbs on the spring. Other then that it's great.
Similar Products Used:
Joker, Vp-Free, Heckler, Bullit, Highline, and many more.
Bike Setup:
09 Fox Float RC2, Face Race cranks, stem, bars, seat post, Dee Max rims, Saint Derailers, and shifters, Juicy 7's, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is a great ride, hands down one of the best rides on the plant. There is no getting use to this bike. It is all what the reviews say and then some. I went from a Vp-Free to this and am very happy with the new VPP design. Not as much travel as the Vp, but just as good. I love this Bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fast track
a Downhiller
from Auburn California Date Reviewed: December 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Third divide
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$6800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Plus
Strengths:
Goes fast downhill!!! climbs fireroads easy.great trailbike that can still hang with dh guys on bigger bikes . My build is not the lightest Nomad out there but it is one of the lightest "BIG" build Nomads you will ever see.33.9 LBS
Weaknesses:
the only knock I can think of is on steep technical climbs it sometimes feels like it stalls out on sharp bumps.Like maybe the chain is loading up or somthing?? Fortunately I dont do alot of technical climbing.So it,s no big deal for me.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler/stinky/ Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:
08 nomad/1.5 headtube/king headset/DT swiss 1750EX wheels Marz 66rc2 coil/Foxdhx 5.0 TI coil/SRAM XO /syncros mental magnesium flat pedals/Race face dues XC cranks/Juicy 7 brakes/answer bars
Bottom Line:
Cant go wrong with the nomad the 09 are said to be even better, although I rode one in downieville and didnt notice much if any difference except maybe it climbs a bit better the build was kinda XC though so maybe it would have rocked with my build.Great deals online Buy One.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCB for life
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelso Wa Date Reviewed: November 6, 2008
Cannondale Gemini, Santa Cruz Hekler (My other favroite bike), Klein Palomino
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX air, 36 Rc2, king headset and hubs, xt drivetrain, thomson post, easton bar and stem, avid juicy 7's, mavic 321 rims, kedna nevegal 2.23 kevlar beads. sram pc991, WTB laser v saddle, north shore lock on's, time z pedals.
Bottom Line:
I think i wrote a review on this bike 2 and 1/2 years ago. This bike has been the best ride I have ever owned. It climbs, traverses, jumps, drops, turns, decends, eats anything the trail can dish out, and crashes better than anything I have ever ridden. I am 245 pounds and ride this bike 3 times a week on an average and have done so for 3+ years. I'm pretty hard on my bike, it pulls my xc, free ride, and downhill duties with ease. 3 years 4 months 4 sets of chainrings, cassettes, and chains / 3 sets of brake pads and tires / 4 rear derailers, I had not had a single problem with the frame untill 2 weeks ago when I noticed a 2cm crack at the weld on the upper pivot axle. I contacted SCB with the issue and 3 hours (yes hours) after sending the e-mail they called my back and told me they were going to replace my front triangle at no charge even though it was a year out of warranty. I sent the frame out on a thursday and it was back in my garage the very next thursday. They also replaced both pivot links and bearings (at no charge). As far as I am concerned, SCB has the best customer service on the planet. For comparison, when I broke my Gemini, it cost me $285 to fix when it was still under warranty. Meanwhile I will continue to shred the Nomad for years to come. When it finally wears out I will buy another and probably ride nothing else for as long as I live. That's right people, when you see a 60 year old fat man beating a 35 year old mountain bike design on the trail, it will be me. Bottom line, the Santa Cruz Nomad is the best 4 grand you can spend for a bicycle period
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jman
a Weekend Warrior
from stamford uk Date Reviewed: October 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
langedla
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
strong/light/fast
Weaknesses:
NONE !!!
Similar Products Used:
heckler/ rocker mountain slayer
Bike Setup:
36 talas r - dhx air - truativ carbon cranks - dmr v12 - sun ringle - intense 2.2's hope m4's (203/180) thomson stem/post king h'set
Bottom Line:
does everything.. goes up... goes down ( fast !!!!) drops off.... turns in.. quick out...
santa cruz got this very right ... lighten it up to do all mountain marathons, beef it up to freeride/dh.. this will take the lot !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robcadle
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Alamitos, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Does everything well. Soaks up big bumps, has incredible traction on steep technical climbs. This really and truly is the "one bike". You can go anywhere on it not suck.
Weaknesses:
Makes you feel justified in paying whatever it costs to get what you really want. What if I applied that philosophy to everything in life?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Big Hit, Santa Cruz Bullet
Bike Setup:
Large black ano frame. Fox 36 Van RC2 fork, Fox DHX 5.0 Air shock, Race Face Atlas cranks, WTB Laser Disc rims w/ Hadley hubs, XT front/rear derailleurs and shifters, WTB Speed V saddle, TruVativ XR riser bars and seat post, 2.5" WTB tires, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, 8"f/7"r rotors
Bottom Line:
What can I say that hasn't been said a million times before? Believe the hype. If you don't want a garage full of bikes, buy this one. I can ride it anywhere, in any terrain. It may not be the fastest bike in any given condition, but it's the best bike for all conditions.
I have had this bike now for almost two years before I put in a review, and absolutely nothing has changed. The first time I rode it, I loved it, and I still do. I've never been this happy with anything I ever bought so long after I bought it. It's so simple: I lube the chain, fill the tires up with air, and ride. That's it. What more can you ask for? The bike is expensive, and the way I built it, it is pretty heavy (~36 lbs). Still, I wouldn't change a single thing about the bike or the equipment. Nothing has ever let me down. I'll be a Santa Cruz guy for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RickBullotta
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this first impression was a great one. I'm used to the feel of a VPP bike, since my everyday ride is an Intense Spider 29er, but I wanted to add a freeride/all-mountain rig to the quiver since I've developed an addiction to the bike park at Seven Springs. I rode my Nomad on the rocks and hills of French Creek yesterday, and it performed extraordinarily well. Plush as can be but still climbed like a goat. I think I'd feel the weight after a couple hours, but for < 2 hours, it was barely noticeable. I'm looking forward to hitting the DH course and dirt jumps at Seven Springs in two weeks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
liv2_mountainbike
a Downhiller
from Sac Town, CA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Downieville DH!!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bikes
Strengths:
Versatility. I've used this bike for 50+ mile endurance rides to downhilling @ Mammoth & Northstar. I constantly swap out forks, wheels, shock, and other components depending on what type of riding I'm doing. The geometry is so neutral that it will accommodate practically anything (from 8" DH fork to 5" trail fork).
Weaknesses:
None after year & a half. Everything is tight, smooth, and quiet, even after lots of power-washing (just be careful around bearings!!)
Can't say enough about the versatility, and I even own 4 single purpose bikes for everything from XC to Downhill. The finish and durability are tops. Love the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DMCFence
a Cross Country Rider
from PNW Date Reviewed: September 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
PNW
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Coloradocyclist
Strengths:
Nimble for the weight...
They stand behind their product 100%
Climbs well out of the saddle
Weaknesses:
Suspension Maintenance every season...
Pricey
Some say the frame is heavy... My fastest rides have been on my Nomad here on the singletrack though... faster than the niner race bike.
Bike Setup:
XO/FOX RC2/DHX 5 coil(better than air IMHO)....ect
Bottom Line:
The Nomad is the real deal AM that can do it all. From climbing to XC to DH this bike is the shizz. This bike gets me through the winter here in the PNW and has never let me down. Hard to believe this bike at 33lbs with the coil rear can be so responsive but it really is.
Be aware the suspension bearings will not last long if you ride in the wet rainy trails like we have here. You will need the pro pack and make sure the bearing kit is the right size. They have a rolling change in the upper link bearing size as of last year. I found out the hard way when I had to order a new upper link and the new one was bigger than the bearing for the larger pivot point. Santa Cruz fixed the issue on the spot!
They have top notch service and follow up- Thanks goes out to Tim Fields!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Haruno
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI, USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Royal Summit
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3299.00
Purchased At:
BIKEWERX
Strengths:
Handling, Suspention travel, VPP, 1.5" head tube.
Weaknesses:
The top tube is a good nut buster
Similar Products Used:
None, came from a Giant yukon fx.
Bike Setup:
1.5 AM kit
Bottom Line:
This bike is awsome. I use to ride a yukon fx 4" travel cheap bike and it's like night and day. Sharp handling, good climber, great on decents. My friends said this bike made me way more aggresive on the trails. All around monster of a bike! A little expensive but well worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joebrz
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterbury, VT, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
joe's trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It eats up everything. The rougher the ride gets the better it rides. This bike inspires you to ride everything. It is tolerable for climbs and makes you grin on the way down.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy compared to my XC bike (32lbs vs 26lbs), a wee bit sluggish for twisty single track (again compared to my Superlight).
I'll start by saying that I'm 39, have been riding XC for almost 2 decades. Although I still race XC casually, I mostly ride for fun now (after several years of racing sport class "back in the day"). I'm not as sensitive to bike weight as I used to be (as my waistline is more of a concern), and I'm no longer trying to be first to the top of the hill. This is also my first "long travel" bike.
I can see this really being a do-it-all bike for a lot of people. Not for the XC racers or those who want to be first to the top of a climb. If you ride trails that have a lot of roots, rocks, steeps and drops than this bike is for you. Bring on the football-sized rocks and steeps - this bike laughs at that stuff. If you're riding tight, twisty, smooth trails I'd recommend sizing down in travel. I'm not saying it's not a fun ride, it's just more suited to the rougher stuff.
Personally I was torn between the Nomad and the new Blur LT, given my XC history. The trails I ride at lunch are technical and rough, but the trails I ride on the weekend are smooth, twisty singletrack. I figured for a 2 or 3 lb difference I'd go with the longer travel.
This bike has really inspired me to change my riding style. I would consider myself to have better than average handling skills, especially on descents. But this bike has me riding stuff either would have sent me over the bars or I would have walked (more like scrambled). Where I was white-knuckling on my Superlight I'm now catching air and smiling.
It is a tolerable climber, decent in the single track once you get used to the handling and position, and a real killer on the downhills. For the first time in my life I'm considering doing some chairlift riding. It is that much fun down hill. It is plush, but somehow still climbs. You get a little squish during climbing, but not annoyingly so. I'm torn on which bike I would do for enduro-rides like the VT50 (Nomad or Superlight).
I guess to sum it up I'd say that you will keep your buddies in sight on climbs, still match them in the single track, but blow them away on down-hills. On open, rough sections they will probably lose site of you.
I would still like to try that new Blur LT though....
4 Chilis because it is a pricey rig. But not any more so than it's competitors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jlukes42
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver CO USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mathews-Winters/Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Various sources—cust
Strengths:
Climbs like a goat, descends like a goat on wheels. Strong, pretty light for the travel, nimble as can be expected.
Weaknesses:
The chain lengthening can be a little disconcerting at times, but I've gotten used to it. Pivots have started to creak, but it's not too terrible—not like a Blur.
Similar Products Used:
MC Zen, SC Superlight, Yeti 575, Blur, Blur LT, Giant AC Air, Maverick ML7
Bike Setup:
DHX Air, Fox 36 RC2, Crossmax XL, Marta SL, Maverick Speedball, XO shifter/RD, RF Atlas cranks, WTB Mutanoraptor 2.4
Bottom Line:
I built this up to be pretty light but still able to take a hit where it counts, felt sluggish on climbs with big FR tires, but absolutely flies with Mutanoraptor 2.4s
Bottom line is that I've tried a lot of bikes to get to this one, and this is the first one that I felt truly comfortable on both the climbs and the descents. I liked all of my other bikes for individual reasons, but this one has all of those wrapped up into a single package. People who don't like to call this the "one bike" are people who can afford more than one bike (and have the space for them too), but I can take this on sweet singletrack or a brutal climb and hit the chairlifts the same day without a hitch—and with a permanent grin pasted to my face the whole time. That's as close as I'll ever get to the "one bike." One review said that other bikes may excel in specific areas far better than the Nomad (you'll never race this as an XC bike), but as an all around bike it can't be beat—that's pretty much it.
The Yeti 575 was probably the next closest for me—a very fun bike as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
seeingblue
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, Ca Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
For me to know, and you to never find out!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Another Bike Shop
Strengths:
Pedaling, Ergonomics, Stability, Suspension!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Never ridden a VPP designed bike. My old ride is a 2005 specialized Enduro Comp 130 with a Rock Shox Pike 454 fork and Push'd Float R shock. Great bike for it's time, but it ain't no Santa Cruz....
Bike Setup:
2008 Medium Ano Slate With 2009 Fox Float R shock and 1.5 Lyrik Solo Fork, With Shimano Saint Bashguard and Stinger Chainguide. Sram and Shimano mixture with 2.35 Kenda Blue Groove up front and 2.35 Nevegal in the rear.
Bottom Line:
Proven design, All my friends ride them and love them. It's a bike that motivates and makes you dream of riding. Santa Cruz spared no expense in terms of quality of the product and the durability of the design. Zerk fittings(2009 blur LT2) or not this is one great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pau11y
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
For this bike, anything bumpy
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Suspension design
Weaknesses:
A touch on the weight
Similar Products Used:
Karpiel
Bike Setup:
Light(sub 30); built for trail/all mountain vs. freeride.
Bottom Line:
If you're running the DHX 5 Air, do yourself a favor and call Fox and buy a RP3 air sleeve and swap it out. It'll keep the shock from blowing thru mid-stroke and still remain very supple. I'm 190 and ran 190/250 main/piggy back w/ a stock DHX, and still blowing thru most of the travel on light hits. With a RP3 mod, I'm running 155/120 and getting up to 90% travel on Apex (bumpy!), and it doesn't wallow in mid-stroke.
Do a search in the forum section of this site and you'll find all you need to know to do this mod. If your DHX is relatively new and you don't need to replace the seals, it takes literally 2 minutes and costs less than $50 for this mod!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kootenay guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Kootenays, Canada Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Versatility, slack front end, good climber.
Weaknesses:
Pricy, but I paid for it and don't regret it.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, VP Free
Bike Setup:
X9 AM package with Talas 36
Bottom Line:
If you buy this bike and like to do steep technical climbs buy an adjustable travel fork like a Talas 36. I was against the concept of an adjustable travel fork, but with the fork in 6" mode it's really tough to keep the front end down. The 2" front end drop makes all the difference. The DHX air is perfect for this bike. I leave the pro pedal off the majority of the time since it takes the harshness out of the rooty terrain in the Fernie area. No bobbing to complain about at all. The geometry of this bike is a little different than what I'm used to. The top tube is significantly shorter than my heckler and VP free. I have to say that I can climb just as well on this bike as I did on the heckler. On the nomad I'm not sitting on the tip of my seat as much. The frame sizing for the Nomad is different than the other SC frames so make sure you do a good test ride.
I've ridden mountain bikes for the past 19 years and I'm now 35 years old. VPP bikes are the best bikes I've ever ridden. If you don't race XC or do drops over 6' this bike does it all. This bike is so plush with the TALAS and DHX air you won't regret the purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spdracr58
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Family Cycle Center
Strengths:
The ability to make whoever rides it a better rider and more confident. With the DHX 5.0 air shock it is a great all around bike.
Weaknesses:
weight and price, weight can be fixed at a price and a trade-off for strenght
Similar Products Used:
test rode the Giant Reign, good bike but the Nomad is definately on the next level
Bike Setup:
DHX 5.0 air, everything else is standard, SRAM etc.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that you do everything on then pick up a Nomad. I use it every weekend for rides around Santa Cruz, and finally have a chance to take it to Tahoe for some downhill runs this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weylin
a Downhiller
from seattle Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
vpp suspension works and pedals awesome, super versatile - can be set up for whatever style of riding you want from being an xc platform to full on downhill. it climbs incredibly for a bike with 6.5" of travel and makes awesome rear traction for those hard uphill grinds.
Weaknesses:
a little expensive, but worth every penny
Similar Products Used:
1st full suspension bike I've owned
Bike Setup:
'08 model with 1.5 headset and Sram X9 components. Fox 36 talas. Fox dhx 5.0 shock. Avid juicy 7's w/185mm rotors. Kenda navegal 2.5" dh tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome, I've set it up for free ride and downhill but it still rides single track 100's of times better than my Kona Hoss hardtail. I was considering keeping my hardtail because I figured I wouldn't want to ride this bike everywhere, but I think I'll still ride this bike to the video store 5 blocks from my house. It's just that much of a pleasure. The VPP suspension is amazing, it pedals really awesome, I don't notice any pedal bob. That's not saying there's none there, but there's certainly no bob that's noticeable. Pressuring the bike through corners gives it a remarkable amount of traction that pushes you to ride harder and harder. Where it really shines is on downhill, it just asks to go faster and find new lines. Jumping the bike is a pleasure as well, it took a little while for me to get the suspension set up to my liking, but now that I have I've never had more fun jumping a bike. For full on downhill I think a double crown fork would be well applied to slacken the head tube angle a little more and add some front travel. But 160mm up front is still plenty of travel for any riding you want to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Lintilhac
a
from Shelburne, VT Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
its a secret, Stowe, VT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
East Burke Sports
Strengths:
I reviewed my bike before, with little saddle time and with slightly lighter setup, Freeride w/ a bit of A/M. Most of what I said stands true: Great climber for it's class, i now weigh 220 lbs, and live in Vermont where youre either going up or down. great pedaling efficiency, If you get sag or bob its because you need to adjust your rear shock. Not as fast as a gravity sled full throttle, but it can absolutely slay in the tight descents becuase of that steep but balanced cockpit. It sticks to bridges like sticky on ductape, and suspension doesnt kick on dirt jumps (although i suck). Inspired a friend to build one like an Am/almost XC rig with an oil rear shock, talas rc2, Mavic crossmax rims, etc. Much smaller/lighter bike. I was able to use it on a full weekend trip in Quebec and found that with his relatively light build, it climbs better than a dream, still descends like a champ, and held momentum and speed over the pesky little speed eaters and roots on the flats. Overall was as good or better than any lighter dualie XC/AM rig ive ridden, tending towards better. Have a new XC/AM rig of my own so the Nomad has graduated to FR/DH status. It gets a lot of descending miles now, and takes a very heavy beating. Ive raced downhill on it some for UVM on thier club team, and it annihilates in dual slalom. IT IS NOT A DH RIG!!! Doesnt hold a fluid pedal stroke through the really rough stuff. That said IT IS ALMOST A DH RIG!!! It can keep up with a gravity sled on most terrain, and corners far better, especially in tight/steep stuff. Most speed loss in my case is pilot error. Several SC Syndicate pro riders, and semi-pro have been known to prefer the Nomad in some Norba (possibly World Cup) downhills. Ive seen the Nomad do XC, AllMtn, dual slalom, FR, DH all like it was designed to do those things...impressive.
Weaknesses:
In my case, a bit small for DH, especially as I am still not very good at DH and need all the help i can get. like i said, it isnt a DH rig so i will deduct no points. Ive noticed that in the really high turns in slalom, putting a lot of force on my frame, the rear triangle flexes a fair amount but again, i wiegh 220 lbs. Also, this frame takes some fiddling to get the rear rebound just right. I have no idea why but ive never spent that much time playing with my suspension, something about the geometry.
Similar Products Used:
My buddies Nomad, lighter build. Raced DS on an Intense something-er-other for a day.
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX 5.0 rear shock. Vanilla RC2. full XT (short cage rear). Xo grip shift. Hayes HFX-9 (old). Saint (38t) w/ raceface guide/bashguard. King headset. Chromag fubars, cutblock stem. Arrow racing frx rims on Marzocchi front, xt rear hub. Kenda Nevgal DH 2.5 front, 2.35 rear tire.
Bottom Line:
As youve done enough reading, this will be short and sweet. with the right set up, you can make the Nomad work for just about anything and have it roll with the tops bikes of that class. Get one, you'll like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Weekend Warrior
from Murfreesboro, TN USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hamilton Creek, Nashville
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bicycle (MOAB)
Strengths:
Long travel with lightish weight. Excellent suspension performance without a bunch of bouncing. Slack angles lets it hold a line in the really rough stuff. Climbs up anything. Loves to thumb its nose at steep rooty inlines. Stays glued to the ground until its time to drop of a ledge.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than my previous Intense 5.5? Still bobs a little bit, but I suspect that is due to my lackluster shock setup. I'm still figuring it out. Pretty slack angles requires some pretty low leaning in sharp turns.
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC-1, Intense 5.5, nothing else even close.
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talas 1.5, DHX Air 5.0, XT drivetrain and brakes, Gravity stem and handlebar, Chris King hubs laced to DT 5.1D rims, Crank Brothers Joplin seatpost and Candy C pedals.
Bottom Line:
Love it. The Intense was too twitchy at my favorite rock gardens, and the Giant bobbed like a cheerleader on prom night. I'd have liked an Intense 5.5 with about a 68d head angle for some stability at the Creek. I could get a Nomad a lot quicker and cheaper than a 6.6. It is the only MTB I ride now. I can also mount knee-high steps much more easily than on the Intense. It has a sweet spot that you can lean into to lift the front right up when you need to, but it stays planted otherwise. It is also a lot of fun on the less technical trails in the area. Thank you M.O.A.B. for a great deal on a fantastic bike. Great shop, great service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Medium frame, CCDB shock, '06 66RC2X forks, RF Atlas cranks, X9, Crossmax SX wheels, Minion 2.5" DHF ust tyres, Answer ProTaper bar, Thomson post, Syncros stem, Juicy 5s 8".
Bottom Line:
The Nomad really could be "the one bike", especially if you are able to swap between FR/XC style forks and wheels. I've got mine set up so that i won't break anything.
It originally had a Float R rear shock that was alright. I replaced that with a DHX-C that was better but i always felt chain pull in the granny/3rd combo with thse shocks. Changing to a CCDB and setting it up properly fixed that and also smoothed out the low speed bumps.
With the set up that i'm running i don't think there is anything that can stop this bike, except my skills (or lack of!). The handling and suspension performance is brilliant, very forgiving of rider error. The steering sometimes feels a bit slack at slow speeds but it's never caused any problems, just made me think that the bike feels a bit slow at the time. The climbing is excellent compared to FSR style designs. It really gets over things very easily. My build isn't the lightest and the big tyres punish me a bit on the climbs but descending is amazing.
No other bike i've ridden has given me so much confidence over a wide variety of terrain. For me, the Nomad exceeds the hype surrounding it. It is just a fun bike to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ari
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Bike Co.
Strengths:
Everything! This bike truly epitomizes the terms All Mountain and Freeride. This bikes does it all! If you can only afford one bike and want to do everything on it the SC Nomad is the bike for you. Excellent at climbing and decending with razor sharp handling. This bike can and will get you out of most "Oh Sh*t!" situations. handels 6+ foot drops with ease.
Weaknesses:
Slightly cramped cockpit (easily fixed with the right bar stem and seat set up)
DHX Coil, Fox 36 Float 1.5, Sram X9, DT swiss wheels, chris king headset
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is you can't go wrong with this bike. If your someone who likes the rewards of the climb and the exhileration of the desent all on one ride you can do it all on the Nomad. It is hard to believe that a bike with almost 7" of travel climbs this well! By far the best bike I have ever ridden. It has drastically enhanced both my skill level and enjoyment when riding...and thats what its all about!
Side Note: Make sure you put a coil on it! Sacrifice half a pound! The Nomad really comes alive with a coil!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Minniear
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, California Date Reviewed: February 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
private party
Strengths:
The suspension and handling on this bike is simply amazing! The bike has awesome balance and turns better than it should given the geometry and wheelbase. The overall build quality is good, better than production bikes, but not as good as high-end custom frames (e.g. Ellsworth, Intense)
Weaknesses:
For it's intended application, I don't see any real weaknesses. For me personally, the effective TT is short and the cockpit a little tight. I ride medium frames and, while this bike is a medium, it feels an inch to and inch and a half more compact than my other bikes. Depending on your size, you may want to go up one size with SC. The cable routing, while effective, is not elegant and I'd prefer routing than minimizes cable rub and that looks a little better thought out. NOTE: these are primarily personal preference items.
Similar Products Used:
Intense 5.5; Intense 6.6; Kona Stinky; Specialized Big Hit; Specialized Demo
Bike Setup:
2008 Medium - Fox TALAS 36 RC2; DHX 5.0; XT drive train with e 13 chain guard and tensioner; Hope Pro II wheels, Race Face stem, seatpost and bars. Weight 34.34 lbs with flat DH pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike lives up to the hype and is an excellent AM or light FR/DH mount. Don't buy this is your primary riding is XC. This bike demands more technical terrain. You will be surprised by how well a bike with over 6 inches of travel and over 30 lbs climbs. One final note. I don't buy into the marketing hype that this, or any bike, is the ONE bike. It's outstanding, but will not replace my 4 inch race bike or my 5 inch XC AM bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
uphillslug
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
mojo wheels
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Top tube could be a little longer for the 6'5" and over club.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Kona Dawg
Bike Setup:
Thomson stem and post, mavic 823, Dt 340 hub, xo, xtr
Bottom Line:
After one ride I found the Nomad to be far superior to my Enduro. At 6'5" I added a layback post and a 100mm stem and this seems to be the ultimate combination. The VPP pro pedal combo has increased my speed on the up hill and the sweet geometry has improved my downhill considerably. Overall the best bike I have ever ridden!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: November 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
San Juan Trail (SJT)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Co. (bikeco.com)
Strengths:
Frame is very strong, Great stock build, VPP works, Juicy 7 brakes, Super strong wheels, Killer looks, long legs (who dosen't like long legs?)
Weaknesses:
Pivots creaking.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Intense, GT
Bike Setup:
X9 AM build except 50mm stem with 36 talas and DHX 5.0 air
Bottom Line:
Great bike, #34 with pedels and 2.5 Kenda tires, #31 with XC pedals and XC tires. This bike is a blast to ride down and very good climbing. I have been able to conquer climbs I couldn't before and take trails down I never would even try in the past. My smaller Intense Uzzi SL was only better climbing over super steep uphill lips but lacked travel for the descents. On long very steep rocky climbs the Nomad is more than capable. Four bar is still the best rear suspension but VPP is very close. On one trail I accidentally went off an overhead steep downhill drop because I was going so fast and I had never been on the trail before. The bike flowed right off and place me about a dozen feet down the trail with no problems. All other descending is without a doubt more fun and safer with the Nomad than most bikes in the same category. The only complaint I have so far is the creaking pivots. I have found a product specifically designed to fix Santa Cruz VPP pivots so it must be quite a common issue. Too bad Santa Cruz didn't incorporate this fix for their production bikes (www.ctsmtb.com/pps.cfm). Anyone who buys a mountain bike to actually ride and is not extreme XC or DOWNHILL only should buy this bike. Those that huck should take the coil spring route and all others should take the air route. Upgrade the fork to the adjustable TALAS if you climb a lot because the front is much better lowered while climbing. Four chilis because of the creaking pivots.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from phillymtb.com Date Reviewed: November 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Guys bikes
Strengths:
Handles great in all conditions. Very versatile bike.
Weaknesses:
The suspension feels like crap if you don't have your sag set up right. I always notice when my rear shock needs air right away. Lots of pedal feedback.
Similar Products Used:
Cove gspot, Gemini, Norco shore.
Bike Setup:
Talas 36. DHX air 5.0 2.5 tires.
Bottom Line:
Now that I've spent some time on this bike I can honestly say it's the best all around bike I've ridden so far. It does everything from fast downs to climbs to dirt jump sessions. It feels really good in the air and the suspension takes big hits great.
You must have your sag set up correctly or it feels like garbage.
I even raced this bike in xc races on technical PA courses and had a blast. My titus Racer X has dust on it. I parted out my DH bike once I rode the Nomad. www.phillymtb.com Join us.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan doggydawg
a
from orem, utah Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bennie creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
weight, strong frame, climbing, descending, corners, pretty much everything. this bike is versatile
Weaknesses:
not much, the dhx 5 isnt too hot. Like others have said it kind of blows through its travel too easily.
Similar Products Used:
intense 6.6, specialized enduro, yeti 575, ellsworth moment, titus super moto, moto lite,trek remedy 66, cannondaleprophet, gary fisher fat possum, rocky mountain slayer, kona coilair, kona dawg, and a few more i cant remember.
well, I wanted a bike that I could do anything with. So I tried out as many do it all bikes I could. This is the one that I liked the best. Ive had it for about two years, and I love it. It really does everything good, it pedals up like a hardtail, mine weighs in at about 31, or 32 lbs. It corners awesome, it blazes downhill. Now it isnt the lightest or the fastest cross country bike, and it wont take 3000 foot drops like a downhill bike. But it does everything in between and it does real well at. I like to go down much more than up, but sometimes I like to go up, or have to go up because I have no other choice. It does everything I am capable of and more. I love it, if you havent ridden one, try it out before you get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Omar
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Climbing abilities,Corners well,Tuff frame
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
Custom build( Fox Talas 36, DHX-C, CK Hubs w/819s, XT HollowtechII Crankset etc....)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I needed a allrounder bike. Since I built this bike I've been doing alot of shuttling. The 6.5" rear travel and 6.3" front soaks up 6ft to 10ft drops with ease. Raise the seat up and you have an excellent trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Calgary Cycle
Strengths:
suspension work so very well. Truely can be your one bike.
Weaknesses:
DHX air shock has issues
Similar Products Used:
Trek liquid 25
Bike Setup:
X9 AM, DHX air, 36 TALAS
Bottom Line:
This bike is great and after my first ride I decided that I no longer required my Ellsworth dare. I got this bike because I wasn't riding much DH anymore and I wanted to get back more into XC. Problem is that after DHing for years, I still want to go really fast on the downs but I want to be able to ride the ups. This bike is the answer. It climbs really well, and I'll take a 5 lbs weight penalty any day of the week for a bike that can go down as well as this bike.
The 36 TALAS is a great option, because the ability to have the front end drop to 4" helps the bike feel more like an XC bike and then when you need to you can go back to 6" and drop your seat and you're ready to tackle a killer down or hit a 20' road gap. I wouldn't hesitate to take this bike on stunts, it is built tough.
Would recommend this bike for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
no mad man
a
from uk Date Reviewed: September 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
its strength
Weaknesses:
weight, front stack height, mid stroke performance
Bike Setup:
med ano, dhx air, talas rc2
Bottom Line:
after 1 year and the hype is long gone-
1. it is heavy (more than 2 hours and it starts to hurt) 2. the dhx air has bad mid stroke performance (i have tried every setting!) it blows through the travel too quick in the mid stroke - this is more important than it sounds - get a coil shock / other air shock 3. the front stack height is very high for a med frame
still, CANT LIVE WITHOUT IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryson
a
from SLC Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I am merely writing a halfassed review because I want to comment on whopper chelch who just gave this bike a 1/5. I am willing to wager a thousand bucks that he has never even been on a trail with this bike, let alone bought one...stay off the reviews if youre going to be a dumbass!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from novato, califonia, USA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
towers
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
geometry is excellent, you can leave the seat up a bit to get great peadeling and still hall ass on the teck DH. VPP is the best its unbelivable. pedals great. light weight. corners like its on rails. jumps great and easy to through around and can pinn it better than a DH bike
Weaknesses:
a little chain slap but no big deal
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky dee lux, v10, specialized enduro pro, hardrock pro.
Bike Setup:
06 fox tales, juicy 7's, xo rear deralier, xo carbon shifters, silo crancks, ect
Bottom Line:
best all mountain bike ever made. i mostly ride DH but if u have to ride to the top this is the bike for you even on big trails i preffer this over my big bike and it just rails. never knew how 6.5 inches of rear travel could feal like 8 until this bike. overall if mark can rail his at 55mph on the narliest trail in my town and feal comfortable on it then its good enough for me. if you can afford it get it if u cant save up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Galbraith
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland - New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bitty T RoadVagus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Purchased At:
Planet Cycles Mt Eden
Strengths:
WOW what to say Amazing grat stable and responsive riding platform. On fast and frantic trails the VPP keeps the power to the ground and you just keep on going . I out climbed even faster then beforeon my Nomad. You can ride out of jumps upon landing and ready to hit the next jump.
Weaknesses:
NO weaknesse
Similar Products Used:
Old bike AC1 Giant
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talas. DHX 5.0 Air. And a mix of Sram XO and X9 and XT. Wide SPD's pedals.
Bottom Line:
Just Do It - Iv Done It AMAZING Love It ))
And Big thanx and Cheers to the Boys at Planet Cycles Mt Eden
Cheers Craig
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Satan's Little Fluffer
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Amazingly versatile bike. Great all-mtn, and getting Free-ride'ish
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, VP-Free
Bike Setup:
SPX FR build kit with DHX-5 Coil shock and Talus 36
Bottom Line:
I'm a 220 lb free-rider who is pretty tough on gear. I built this bike up with the FR kit not so that I could actually use it for DH / FR but simply to prevent taco'd rims and bent cranks. I've got a DH rig for shuttling but really wanted a do-it-all bike that could handle the odd 6 footer but still climb okay. Well, this bike has blown me away. Long climbs, moderate drops, DH race-course...you name it and this rig can do it. I wouldn't huck it off your local gymnasium roof (that's ridiculous anyhow!) but if you want to free-ride and earn your turns (ie; climb) and do the odd XC ride, this is it. I was skeptical about the Talus 36 offering being capable to deliver a plush ride but so far I've been impressed. It took some fiddling to dial it in, but now it is sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Satan's Little Fluffer
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Amazingly versatile bike. Great all-mtn, and getting Free-ride'ish
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, VP-Free
Bike Setup:
SPX FR build kit with DHX-5 Coil shock and Talus 36
Bottom Line:
I'm a 220 lb free-rider who is pretty tough on gear. I built this bike up with the FR kit not so that I could actually use it for DH / FR but simply to prevent taco'd rims and bent cranks. I've got a DH rig for shuttling but really wanted a do-it-all bike that could handle the odd 6 footer but still climb okay. Well, this bike has blown me away. Long climbs, moderate drops, DH race-course...you name it and this rig can do it. I wouldn't huck it off your local gymnasium roof (that's ridiculous anyhow!) but if you want to free-ride and earn your turns (ie; climb) and do the odd XC ride, this is it. I was skeptical about the Talus 36 offering being capable to deliver a plush ride but so far I've been impressed. It took some fiddling to dial it in, but now it is sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Centerville, Ohio Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
hidden in Dayton, Ohio
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Fast Wheels, Cinci, OH
Strengths:
Stiff, balanced (uphill/downhill) geometry, great pedaling, plush travel, good looks, good quality
Weaknesses:
difficult to achieve perfect pedaling platform, lackluster Fox DHX Air 5.0 performance
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V Active (my last bike)
Bike Setup:
Durable cross-country setup: mostly SRAM X.9/X.7 with Sun Rhyno Lite XL rims, Marzocchi Z1 Fr fork (130mm travel), with Race Face and handlebar (Next SL) and seatpost (XC)
Bottom Line:
I've had trouble dialing in the DHXair to improve the pedaling platform. In the big ring the suspension compresses perhaps 3-5mm during hard pedaling (acceptable). In the middle ring the bike pedals perfectly with only a trace of rear shock compression - I love pedaling this bike in the middle ring!
In the granny gear, however, under medium to hard pedaling, the rear shock tends to extend, producing unwanted feedback onto the pedals... it feels like the drivetrain resistance momentarily increases making it awkward and difficult to pedal. Apparently its possible to dial this out, but the SantaCruz website doesn't discuss this problem so I don't find this and easy to setup bike.
I've got some feedback from helpful people on mtbr.com and I believe I'm onto a solution. The whole reason I purchased the Nomad over the Heckler is because of the alleged improved pedaling platform with the Nomad's VPP.
Otherwise the bike is tremendous. Good climbing geometry (I'm 6'1, 32" inseam, using a Large Frame with a 110mm stem and 1.5" riser bar and 10mm of spacers under the 6deg rise stem), great decending, plush suspension (although I haven't bottomed out the rear shock yet, I'm continuously using 95% of the travel - blowing through the travel), very stiff frame (I ride out of the saddle quite a bit and I weight about 195lbs.), and nible in the slow, technical stuff too.
I love the bike. I'm on the fence to giving the bike 4 stars, but I feel I'm getting closer to dialing out the granny gear pedaling problem (by sacrificing small bump compliance, however!!) so I'll go ahead and through 5 stars at it. Lets say 4.5 stars...
With the extra $600 (over the Heckler) it costs to buy these pedaling problems, with more pivots to maintain, etc., I'd recommend one to look closely at the new Heckler.
In summary, if you like to ride up as well as downhill, are rough on your equipment or a heavy rider, and are looking to add a fun factor to your jump and berm-filled cross country trails, consider this bike. I'm glad I did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Horsetooth Mountain Colorado Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the one in my backyard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle Fort Collins
Strengths:
It's made by elves and fairies and sprinkled with magic dust.
Weaknesses:
Makes me think I can take lines I really have no business attempting - so far, so good but how long will that last...? Oh, the TruVativ cranks seem to back out all by themselves once in a while...
Similar Products Used:
I currently also have a Blur LT X9 AM and a Black Sheep single speed -
Bike Setup:
Nomad XO AM with Mavic Crossmax XL's which are probably about to give out - some Stan's started to leak through my spoke nipples the other day... for the record I'm 205 lbs and run 220 psi in the rear DHX and approx 75 in the front 36 -
Bottom Line:
Here's a tip - Trust SC's sizing charts if you have any doubt about what size frame you need. I'm 6'2 and originally went with an XL - after 6 mos of riding I realized that the bike was just a little too big so I sold the XL and bought a Large - and swapped out the parts including the 90mm stem. I liked the bike before but I love it now. It really is a very fun and very versatile bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phill Hall
a Downhiller
from West Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
SPCA Woodhill, Patersons 2 Riverhead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Planet Cycles Mt Eden
Strengths:
Stable and responsive riding platform. On fast and frantic trails the VPP keeps the power to the ground. I out climbed a roadie on my Nomad it climbs that well. You can ride out of jumps upon landing without slackness or sloppy rearend.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't like not being riden, my Nomad tends to cry if I haven't ridden it for a few days.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar, this replaced my Spec. Stumpjumper 30th edition.
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talas. DHX 5.0 Air. And a mix of Sram 7 and XT. DMR V8 pedals and Maxxis Highrollers 2.35 (will change to 2.5+ very shortly)
Bottom Line:
Don't put of the pleasure any longer. By one from hyperformancehardware.
Anyone that loves to do everything Mountain Biking that doesn't want to compromise on any performance NEEDS to buy a Nomad.
This frame can and does do everything see http://www.hyperformancehardware.blogspot.com/ for a description of my Nomad's first 3 weeks of life.
This is all in New Zealand
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANDY DODSWORTH
a
from UP STATE UK Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
CBC, PENGU, PANGOR
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
STIF
Strengths:
QUALITY, DESIGN, PERFORMANCE. THIS BIKE HAS IT ALL, FEELS LIKE A 4" BIKE ON THE UPS AND A DOWNHILL BIKE WHEN IT GETS ROUGH. PERFECT UK DO IT ALL BIKE.
Weaknesses:
PRICE, ONLY 2 COLORS IN ANO.
Similar Products Used:
HECKLER, V10, VP FREE
Bike Setup:
FOX DHX 5 AIR, 36 TALAS R, HOPE HOOPS, SHIMANO.
Bottom Line:
IF YOU ONLY HAVE ROOM OR BUDGET FOR 1 BIKE AND YOU ENJOY ALL FORMS OF MOUNTAIN BIKEING THIS HAS TO BE THE PERFECT BIKE, RIDE ALL DAY, OR HAMMER FOR 3 MINS ON A DOWNHILL COARSE IT CAN TAKE IT ALL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dunc
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All at Glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Distributor in Oregon
Strengths:
Overall package, Lightweight yet tough, superb handling (when there's no play in the back end!)
Weaknesses:
Cost, Bearings / Bushings in rear suspension linkage.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized enduro
Bike Setup:
x9 am with fox36 and dhx air 5
Bottom Line:
The bearings and/or design of the pivots in these bikes(and possibly other Santa Cruz Bikes)are a MAJOR weak point. After only 9 months of riding i started to get some serious play in the pivot points. I only use my bike on the weekends and maybe once during the week so the life span of these components is really short. You are looking at £90 for replacement parts and another £50 for a tool to fit the bearings....every nine months! Ouch!! Santa Cruz distributor in the UK (Jungle Products) were most unhelpful - to the point of being abnoxious....not a good sign for Santa Cruz in the UK market place. "Wear and Tear" was the official line, however i find that hard to swallow as i have known other full suss bikes to go for 24 months before needing any bearing replacement while being ridden on the same trails at the same frequency. Very dissapointing overall. Customer service at Santa Cruz UK was absolutely terrible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Bjelic
a Weekend Warrior
from Milton, Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
3 Stage, Gooseberry Mesa, Zippity Doo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
4000.00
Strengths:
Rigid under power. Well constructed. Versatile design. Great looks. PLUSH! Many tuning options on air fork and shock.
Weaknesses:
No demo's to ride in Canada. Availability. If you see one in you're size get it. Production at Santa Cruz can't keep up with the demand.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Switchblade
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX air and 36 RC2, DT Swiss 5.1, Avid Juicy7, Sram and Shimano bits and pieces.
Bottom Line:
Well...I didn't think it was possible but it happened. I finally rode a bike that feels better than my Titus Switchblade. This is my 7th season on the blade and it's a superior 5.6 inch travel bike, but the Nomad has now become my ride of choice. It doesn't have the off-the-start-zip that the Titus has, but it's much more capable if you have downhill or aggressive tendancies. It tracks and responds really well, and it's neutral ride position really let you work the bike on a trail. It's lateral stiffness provides a really solid feel when you're powering the pedals. The VPP is incredible, you can feel the rear triangle responding to hits yet you can be hammering away and still feel a firm transmission of you're power. The bike loves to lean into corners, it's ride position lets you rail the thing around but you're weight is neutral enough to keep both wheels biting. I laughed out loud at my first drop because it was so plush I was actually stunned. I'm no big drop hucker, I love to race cross country actually, but the meat of my riding is really aggressive, really technical and rocky all mountain style riding and this bike fits the bill. I'll keep the Titus to race, but the Nomad will get most of my attention. The longer travel takes some getting used to. The VPP is always working so you're bottom bracket tends to ride lower than you think, so I've been bashing the hell out of my crank arms. That will solve itself as my instincts improve on the bike. I also need to find the optimum shock setup in order to firm up the inital part of the stroke. I still have new-bike-dementia and refuse to store the bike anywhere but the livingroom, drives my wife crazy. She'll understand when I get her one as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mrad01
a
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame geometry, suspension, the whole bike really!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Giant Reign
Bike Setup:
XTR running gear, Fox DHX Air 5.0 shock, Rock Shox Lyric fork, Magura Loiuse brakes, Truvativ Team Stem, FSA Carbon Bars, Thomson Elite Seatpost
Bottom Line:
Fast bike. Loves to go downhill, but somehow climbs like a 4 inch trail bike. Robust stable ride. Feels like you could ride it all day. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Phillymtb.com Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wiss
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Guys Bikes
Strengths:
Well designed. The ride. The look.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Cove g spot, Cannondale Gemini, Specialized Enduro, Norco Shore, Kona Stinky Deluxe
Bike Setup:
badass
Bottom Line:
Hands down, best performing Mountainbike I've ridden so far. I did my first real ride on this bike yesterday. Climbed rocky technical hills that I have trouble cleaning on my XC race bike. Hit downhill lines faster than I've ever hit them on my DH. Incredible bike. Thank you Santa Cruz. Phillymtb.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nhefr
a Weekend Warrior
from France - Le Cannet Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
neway
Strengths:
So comfortable and stable. Design. Multi usablilty. Geometry.
Weaknesses:
So far so good
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Black anodized Brakes hope M4 Wheelset : Crossmax XL ...
Bottom Line:
This bike is the perfect one. I love it so much. Did cross country, freeride and downhill with same settings and the bike was performant in all conditions. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scotteross
a
from Bend, Oregon Date Reviewed: May 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, yet bombproof. I lost nine pounds switching from my last bike to this one.
Weaknesses:
It can't beat gravity.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Chapparal
Bike Setup:
X9/X0, Deus XC cranks, Juicy 7's, DHX Air 5.0, Talas 36RC2, nine-geared wonder.
Bottom Line:
This is THE bike, and as cliche as it sounds, it IS the "do-it-yadda-yadda-yadda" ride. I've set it up as a 1x9, with at 34-tooth ring and 11x34 cassette, and it pedals over anything you can put in front of it. On the descent, it goes over everything, holds a line like no-one's business. It's like a sore peter...you can't beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawne Camp
a Downhiller
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Santa Cruz, CA
Strengths:
Frame design and strength. The geometry allows this bike to both climb and decend like a champ.
Weaknesses:
Seeing a Nomad on the trail here in Nor Cal is as common as seeing a Yeti in Colorado. Decals seem rather cheap but hey....they're decals. good luck finding one in the color and size of your choice without the 3 month wait.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mt Slayer
Bike Setup:
Pike 454, Fox DHX, Saint drivetrain, hubs, brakes, thomson post and stem, Race Face Diablos bars, King head set, Crank Bros 50/50
Bottom Line:
I did my homework before purchasing and took the time to read every review posted on MTBR and the rest is history. My bike is pretty heavy due to the build kit but it does suprisingly well up hill. Take the time to tinker with the suspension and don't be afraid to change it everytime you ride a different style of trail. I've not had any pivot issues. Other than being a great performing frame it's just plain sexy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Miguel Torres
a Weekend Warrior
from Aguascalientes, Mexico Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007
The comments in the megazines were true is a do-it-all bike, I can take it to a cross country ride one day and the next day to a downhill race or a freeride trail, is an excellent bike, I will keep it for a long time. If you complain about the weight just try it first because when you are on it you dont feel it. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ForestHorse
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flagstaff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Awesome bike - smooth ride, soaks up all the bumps/rocks. VPP works great - zero bob as long as in saddle.
Weaknesses:
Wish there was a lockout on fork and suspension. No water bottle cage mounts. Giving a 4 for value because $4k+ is a lot for a bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jeckyll, Intense 6.6
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas 36 RLC fork, Fox DHX 5.0 Air suspension.
Bottom Line:
Amazingly versatile bike, both for cross country and more intense all mountain riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre Lavor
a Weekend Warrior
from Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Date Reviewed: March 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cantareira Mountains/Mammoth
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Robinson Wheel Works
Strengths:
Geometry (Do everything at all, color and stiffness
Weaknesses:
Be honest...none until now!!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS, SC Bullit; Specialized Stumpejumper
Bike Setup:
XTR, Race Face XC cranks/Steam and Seatpost, Sunrims Disc-o-Tek, Fox DHX Air/36 Talas RC2/crankbrothers/Hayes Mag brakes
Bottom Line:
That is my dream bike...This bikes is amazing...do everything that you can image and just go!!!Choose your travel and nothing can stop this machine.Climb fantatic, going down as a rocket...That is a very versatile bike, doesn't matter wich trail you will face!!Probably the only concern is the weight, once all my tried bikes were CrossCountry, but it is just a question of time for you to forget that. I'm still learn and feel this bike, mainly with a all the set ups possibilities for this shocks and suspension. I would to give a special thanks for Robinson Wheel shop in San Leandro, for give all the support to build this and for everyone that was thinking to put all your save on that....go for!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dante
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: March 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
$3750.00
Strengths:
Frame and suspension combo excells in both climbing and downhill. Weight is reasonable for amount of suspension travel and overall strength of system
Weaknesses:
Very little if any
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur LT, Gary Fischer MT Tam, Kona,
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR, Manitou Nixon, Fox DHX Air, Mavic,
Bottom Line:
Nomad is the real deal. The one.
This bike climbs very well on both gradual and steep technical climbs -- The geometry takes a bit of getting used to for bombing UP very steep shelves. On the downhills Nomad will soak everything up, from babyheads and sand to small and large drops. Riders can either crawl down or launch off of drops.
The extra 5lbs of weight is noticible compared to my Blur but it just makes me stronger. I was able climb nearly everything in Moab last season except the really steep top parts of slickrock. Those I had to walk. The rest, I got up. Then the downhills came: Porcupine Rim, Slickrock, Amasa Back -- should I go on? Pure moutain bike heaven, both up and down, on the Nomad.
This bike is simply a blast to ride. Excellent on the cross country trails as well.
Long Live Nomad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: February 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kirroughtree
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Alpine Bikes
Strengths:
Technical climbs are a doddle (great traction)- long fire roads are fine (which was a surprise). Descends like a dream - eating everyting in it's path. Cornering is spot on - point and shoot. Super stiff, and looks the dogs danglies!
Weaknesses:
Welds aren't the best (but show's it's hand made). Price - but hey you only live once and if you can then you owe it to yourself!
Similar Products Used:
Last Bike was a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro (which as first foray into full suss was great). Test ridden Whyte 46.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Lyrik 2 Step, Mavic 519s on Hope Pro II, Hope M4 Mono (new style), Fox Float R, Thompson post/stem, Easton CNT bar, SDG Bel Air, SRAM X9 with XT Cranks, Crank Bro Candy, Obligatory Chris King headset.
Bottom Line:
I've been riding this a couple of months and initally had a few concerns about being over-biked. This is 3-4lbs heavier than my last bike and thought this might punish me. I could not be more wrong! OK you feel the fire-road drag - but then don't we all? This bike inspires confidence going down - but I have been amazed at how easy it pedals especially technical climbs. The setup above seems to be spot on - especially the fork which in my opinion is better than the Fox equivalent (and that's saying something).
If you are only allowed one bike, sell a kidney on the internet if you have to - you won't be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane,Australia Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gap Creek.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6276.00
Purchased At:
For The Riders
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet 1000
Bike Setup:
X0AM build with Mavic SX wheelset.
Bottom Line:
This bike has set a new bench mark for me,i have never experienced anything as good.All my riding buddies have had a go and everyone gets off with a grin from ear to ear.Can't put my finger on one particular thing it just excels at everything. If you ride one,be prepared to buy one,these things are FUN!Can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from having one of these in their garage. Big thanks to the guys at For The Riders in Brisbane who know mountain bikes and go out of their way to ensure their customers are happy.I am a fussy purchaser and these guys are Grade A.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Schwartz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresh Meadows Date Reviewed: December 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge or MT Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Sierra Cycles
Strengths:
No bike has ever done so many things so well. Pedals great and feels like it is accelerating every time the rear shox releases after compressing (must be the VPP). You can freeride this bike to a certain extent. The bike will not break but your wrist and ankles may from 10+ feet drops to almost flat.
Weaknesses:
This is a chain breaking machine. I have broken my chain 7 times in 6 months. This could be because I am ridding harder and enjoying ridding more than ever before, but I think it may be a flaw in the VPP Geometry.
Similar Products Used:
Giant DH Comp, Cannondale MX2. Truthfully nothing as been similar, and nothing comes close.
Bike Setup:
2006 Chrome frame, Oversided 31.8 carbon bars, Fox Van 36/ dhx 5.0 air in the rear, X0 almost everything, Avid juicy 5's with 203 rotor, Cross Max XL wheels Kenda 2.5 up front/2.35 rear. CB 50/50 pedels, and black spire bash guard.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever ridden in life. I am enjoying biking more than every because this rig has allowed my skill level to increase significantly. It is so forgiving that it offer you an invisible safety net. If you are a racing who next a 19 pound rig, or if you are a hucker who risks your life with each drop do not buy this bike. If you are anyone else I beg you to buy this bike. Not because I work for SC fool. Its because I love all people and I know this bike will bring joy to your life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Tucson Date Reviewed: November 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light for the amount of travel, geometry is perfect, effecient design.
Weaknesses:
Pivots creak after a month of riding and the anodizing doesnt hold up well.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler and Moment.
Bike Setup:
Stock x9 AM kit with 36 float and DHX air.
Bottom Line:
An alright ride but did not live up to all the hype. Basically my old heckler feels better up and down and costs $1000.00 less. Also at $2200 for the frame it is way over priced and the pivots began to creak after a month of riding in the desert, no rain. I noticed that when setting the rear shock at the recomended sag there was no mid stroke support so it would blow through its travel very easily no matter how i adjusted the ifp chamber while the fork had a very progresive feel making the bike ride unbalanced. You can realy feel how the spring rate changes through the travel compared to a strait or progressive rate like the FSR or single pivot. An overal good or alright ride but not worth $2200 and it didnt live up to all the hype for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from nevada city, ca Date Reviewed: November 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
squaw leap
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Nothing big, a bit more bob than I had expected
Similar Products Used:
Foes FXR
Bottom Line:
I have been riding a Foes FXR for 4 years and love the bike. I recently was able to take the Nomad for a ride and thought I would post my thoughts. Both bikes serve the same type of rider and ride very similar. I am more of an xc rider and I do a bit of shuttling. I am 6' 205 lbs and consider myself a good technical rider that understands bike geometry and mechanics well (the engineer in me). I found the Nomad to be a bit better in the downhill arena, better small bump sensativity and a bit plusher. However, I liked the FXR better on fast single track and climbing (super stiff rear end). The SPV works well in both but does not eliminate pedal feedback completely. I have had a few issues with the curnutt but Foes has excellent service. I have always liked the feel of the suspension on the Santa cruz bikes and I think the quality of both bikes is excellent and you can't go wrong with either one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Reasonably light frame, yet seems to be stong enough to take the pounding. VPP works good, minimum pedal bob, little to no effect from braking, and excellent on the bumps.
Weaknesses:
Does suffer from a little pedal feedback. Pricing needs to drop at least $400 - $500. Higher maintenance on bearings, but SC looks to have this solved.
Similar Products Used:
VPP - VPFree, DW - 7.7, 7.5, MK III, Maestro - Reign and Trance.
Bike Setup:
SRAM X-9 drivetrain with E-13 DRS, Juicy 7's, have both DHX-C and DHX-A, just added 2007 Marz 66 SL 1 ATA. The bike is built on the heavy side for a Nomad with 2.7 tire and DH tube up front and 2.5 on the back. The bike is somewhere around 38lbs, but could easily get lighter by changing out the tires and tubes for lighter ones.
Bottom Line:
I use this bike as a freeride bike, I have a 5" trail bike for the XC/AM stuff, so the Nomad is dedicated to the Freeride/AM stuff.
The bike performs very well. I like the virtual pivot type bike and have had a go on many of them. I would put it's performance equal to or slightly better than the Giant Reign 2 that I owned. The Nomad pedals about the same as the Reign but is far better in the rough.
I have only given 4 chilis on the overall because of the pedal feedback on the bike that is evident on slow techinal terrian when climbing is required. This is not a huge deal, and can almost be tuned out by setting up the rear shock to be less progressive in it's travel. NOTE: the pedal feedback is not noticable on the decents or fast single track type XC trails. The only reason I would even point it out is that the Iron Horse DW link bikes perform as well as the Nomad in all other categories but are able to better the VPP by totally emininating the pedal feedback. The Nomad is about 3lbs lighter than the Iron Horse 7 Point, which is why I now ride the Nomad.
All in all the Nomad is truely a do it all rig. It can handle everything your typical weekend freerider can throw at it and more. I have run it the Whistler bike park as well as some of the local Whistler trials, as well as the regular workout it gets on the shore. So far the bike has only had one really long trail ride (a 4.5 hour heli-bike drop) and the Nomad was simply outstanding.
So depending on how you want to build up this frame, it can handle whatever you want to do with it - this frame/bike is as good as the hype. Don't try one unless you are ready to buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR USA Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
It's by McKenzie Bridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
FTF
Strengths:
Stable over rocks, climbs well over step ups. Well built. Paint and stickers hold up well.
Weaknesses:
More pivots to maintain. A tad heavy for all day epics.
I run 10 lbs extra in the DHX on big climging days (220 lbs). Love the spacesaver, put a piece of tape under the clamp to save carbon bars. On the top tube put a piece under the cable. I ran my cables outboard, crossed under the shock, then ran outside of the seatstay. Atlas needs two shims on drive side. The Talas runs well at recommended pressure, 160mm setting works for all but the knarlyest trails. The Candy pedals had my right foot hitting the seatstay occasionally, the XTR pedals fixed that. Stay under 4 hrs. if hammering and you will love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RYE
a Downhiller
from SANTA CRUZ, CA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
BEST ALL-AROUND BIKE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I CAN RIDE IT DOWNHILL OVER OR OFF JUST ABOUT ANYTHING AND I CAN CLIMB IT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER DOWNHILL SET-UP I HAVE EVER HAD.
Weaknesses:
STILL RIDING AND CHANGING PARTS BUT NONE FOUND SO FAR.
Similar Products Used:
SANTA CRUZ BULLIT AND A BUNCH OF SPECIALIZED BIKES FROM CROSS COUNTRY TO DOWNHILL.
Bike Setup:
36 VAN RC2 UP FRONT, FOX COIL DHX 5, NEVENGAL 2.5 TIRES, FR 61 D RIMS WITH SWISS 440 HUBS, JUICY 7S WITH 8 INCH ROTORS, SRAM CARBON SHIFTERS, GAMUT CHAIN GUIDE, EASTON HIGH RISE BARS, AND A CHRIS KING HEADSET.
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE DOES IT ALL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pauly
a Cross Country Rider
from west islip, ny usa Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything dangerous
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Junkie
Strengths:
Durable, VPP, light-weight for its category, higher bottom bracket than a xc bike, highly tunable Fox forks and Fox shocks
Weaknesses:
price (but you get what you pay for), SUPER SLOW CUSTOMER SERVICE- BUT WHEN THEY'RE THAT GOOD, AS A COMPANY, THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4900. Not so similar but similar abuse
Bike Setup:
King headset, XO shifters/rear derailleur, Crossmax XL wheelset, Raceface Deus XC low riser bars/stem, lizard skins lock-on grips, Kenda Nevegals 2.35 tires, thompson seatpost, Fox 36 RC2's, Fox DHX 5.0 rear shock, Avid juicy 7's, truvative stylo cranks with raceface bash guard, shimano 959 pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike exceeds all expectations. It is pricey. That's what you get when you purchase something of high quality. I completely outgrew my hardtail, and am now approaching the learning curve in this rig. I've taken this bike up the chair lift for a true downhill experience. All I did was drop the seat, and change pedals to platforms, and go. I did 3-4 ft drop-offs and pounded through jagged rock gardens (wet and dry) and this bike sucked it all up. The nevegals stuck to uneven surfaces like glue. I bombed down hill faster than imagined. This experience made my xc riding get bumped up a few notches, and gave my freeriding skills a bigger set of balls. In the xc setting, or up steep hills, I click the travel to 4 inches for a steeper head angle. This helps the front tire get more traction, and makes technical trails easier. This bike really is the "one bike." It's not a master of any riding styles, but you can master your own riding with the Nomad. I got my rig to weigh in at 30.5 lbs, and I enjoy passing people on the trail with much lighter xc bikes. Whoever says this bike can't climb is inexperienced or just a weakling. The VPP suspension holds traction on the rear wheel very well when in or out of the saddle on climbs or on straight away attacks. The bottom bracket is relatively low compared to a true downhill bike, but this is what sets it apart from DH or XC. I use a Raceface bashguard for protection for riding obstacles or craggy terrain. The Fox shocks and forks rock! I weigh over 210 lbs and the stuff I do on this bike is only because of those. The forks compensate for my mistakes, and the DHX Air 5.0 takes the hit out of Sh#t! A machine of this type has NO business needing a place for a water bottle mount, either. It's made for gnarly terrain where a water bottle would fall out. Just get a Camelback, dudes, and stop whining. As far as downhilling goes, I will get another set of wheels and rotors made for downhilling so I don't ruin my Xmax XL's. The Nomad's frame can easily hold 2.5" tires, too. Furthermore, this bike simply kicks ass, and I'm so stoked I went with Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, I think this bike can handle more abuse than my body. However, between the rigid frame, anti-bob VPP, and the Fox shocks set-up, there is no reason to not get this bike if you like big hits, gnarly terrain, steep downhills, jumps, or just fun technical terrain. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oren Goldman
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all over
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
all over
Strengths:
Really comfortable, VPP is acting great, too big of a drops are a thing of the past, great on jumps, really fast when going down hill. Great grip on fast curves (2.35 Maxxis). hitting rocks on the way up hill are unbelievable!
Weaknesses:
VERY low Crank, much too low, even when changed to 170 mm". could be better climbers. to much$$$$.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, prophet.
Bike Setup:
all XT, Mavic 819, Talas/float R.
Bottom Line:
all in one. XC, free ride, jumps and even down hill, extreme down hill. just like that no need to say nomore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Downhiller
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: November 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Stunt (local) Post canyon(far)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
$2200 frame only
Strengths:
This is by far the most versatile bike I've owned. I lean towards freeride and DH but I sold my V10 as I have to earn most of my downhill. I think I ride down most trails faster on this bike than I did on the V10 and it's way more fun to ride. I have it down to 33lbs and it climbs well - especially with the ETA function on my Z1. I do limited FR stuff but drops of 10' are no problem and it dirt jumps pretty well to.
Weaknesses:
First off SC customer service sucks. I've had bad experiences twice now and I feel no brand loyalty anymore. My next bike may not be a SC. Premium prices should deliver premium customer service. They are VERY slow to do anything. A minor problem with the bike though is the lack of a water bottle cage ( for night riding). It's sexy curves make it hard to find a good nook to place a batt. I got an ano frame so the paint wear thing is a non issue.
Similar Products Used:
Demo ridden many bikes ( Coiler, Stinky, 6 pack) and owned a few TI CC bikes as well as an Uzzi SLX , V10 and a freeride hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Medium Black Ano, DHX 5 Coil. Zoke Z1 FR1( with ETA). Saint cranks and other freeride goodies.
Bottom Line:
It lives up to the hype for sure but it's still a jack of all trades master of none compromise. If you want one bike this is the one to have. It's better than many categorie specific bikes in all categories. It also looks pretty damn good all dirty , leaning against my truck after a good blast down a trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Penticton Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bog
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Takes everything I can throw at it.
Weaknesses:
$$$$
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Stinky, Enduro
Bike Setup:
Travis up front, Fox DHX 5.0 Coil, seat, brakes, some other things that help.
Bottom Line:
Depends on riding style, pricey bike but takes allot of abuse. Like any SC a fun bike to ride. I don't build bikes to climb, so I made it a little bigger at 36+ lbs. I know you can make this bike lite and a little xc buddy but the thing is born to fly. Like they say it's the bullit's and the blur's long lost child. Likes to climb but loves to drop. Put the right fork on it and it's one of the best do all bikes availible today. Just get out and ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Claude Comtois
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
bicyclettes de Hull
Strengths:
This bike feels like a cloud. The rear suspension chews up rocks, roots, etc.... The welds on this thing are fenomonal!! Climbs are a little bit harder than a true XC bike.
Weaknesses:
I would have to say none so far...
Similar Products Used:
This is my first dual suspension bike. I did demo a Kona Stinky, Santa Cruz Blur LT, Rocky Mountain Slayer.
Bike Setup:
-Fox 36 Talas RC2 fork -SRAM X.9 Drivetrain -Avid Juicy 7 Disc brakes -Fox Float R rear Shock (Will change to coil later) -Truvativ Stylo Giga X-Pype Crank -Thomson Elite Seat Post -Race Face Deus XC Handle Bars -Race Face Deus XC Stem
Bottom Line:
I have only been using this bike for 2 weeks but so far so good. I have been riding mostly single track and some XC so far. I will be going to Mont St-Anne next week and then to Mont Bromont a few weeks after. This will be a good test for the bike. I can say that this bike will climb very well and will chew up a lot of rough stuff.
I am still getting used to jumping off small stuff with this bike. I am used to a Santa Cruz Chameleon which you can ping off of a pebble and get good air. This thing is a little different because when you try jumping off of small stuff the suspension just sucks up any attempts at getting any air. Maybe I need a coil rear shock. Other than that the bike is awsome and I would recommend to anyone. Plus I got the bike for a really sweet deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin S
a
from Edmonton, AB, CA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Too many, Fernie, North Van, Moab, Kananaskis etc.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
RiverValleyCycle
Strengths:
I have to say it actually lives up to the hype, the thing climbs better than most bikes 5lbs lighter, descends great- good and stable, just make sure you spend the time to set up the shock and stem reach. I regularly throw my DH wheelset and flats on for chairlifting, drop the saddle and go, next day raise the seat, lighter wheelset and clipless pedals and its great for an epic.
Weaknesses:
No WB cage mount - mainly for lightset use, had to ream out the seat tube to allow full range of motion on seatpost. Took a while to arrive after ordering, 5 months. Would be nicer if there were more anodized colour choices, could use an iscg mount for the DRS.
Similar Products Used:
Ells Joker, Kona Stinky, Titus El Guapo,Commencal 5.5, Felt Equilink, Foes Inferno, Yeti 575, Spec. Enduro (04),Haro Xeon, Turner 5 Spot, BMC etc
Bike Setup:
XL Nomad - liquid blue, DHX Air, Saint Cranks and Brakes w/ Goodridge lines, E13 DRS, XT der's (8 spd), Hope hubs w/ X321s, Nevegals, Easton Carbon DH bars, Thomson post and stem, Marz 66 fork.
Bottom Line:
A Great bike, there are few that can do as many things as well, the Titus El guapo is close, the Inferno is a better descender, the 5" Felt is a better climber, but none do it all as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric t
a Weekend Warrior
from honolulu, HI Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
too many to mention
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
skitec
Strengths:
truly "point and shoot" ... it will eat anything you throw out, albiet with a little effort.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy. Expensive. Paint job and decal work is subpar for a frame in this price range.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Yeti 575, Turner 6-pack & 5 Spot, Intense 5.5, Ellsworth Epiphany & Joker, Iron Horse MkIII, Titus Moto-Lite
I have the good fortune to split time between CO and HI, and got tired of spending a fortune either demo'ing bikes ($45-75/day) of shipping my bike back and forth ($170+ RT and a pain). Instead I decided to spend a fortune on something I could truly get 'intimate' with ;-)
While in CO (and UT) over the last couple of years, I've had the opporunity to demo most of the decent "all-mountain" rides I could find. My goal was to keep my good "trail bike" ('04 Enduro) in CO, and bring something more FR oriented to HI (where most of my riding is freeride oriented ... hard to find that epic trail ride here). I debated getting something that is truly FR, but I do on occassion put together a long ride here, so I still wanted something I could pedal up.
Debated the new Enduro, Intense 6.6 and the Nomad.
Ultimately bought the Nomad and broke it in by touring SW Colorodo in an RV with the new bike in tow (with wife on old Enduro). Got a chance to ride Fruita, Cortez, Durango, etc. which included some epic (30+ mile) rides. Was afraid the bike would be too burly and too heavy for such rides, especially since my lungs are used to sea level. Fortunately, I was dead wrong.
This bike is perfect for the all day trail ride, regardless of the terrain. True ... you'll probably never be the first guy up to the top, but you'll easily win the "count the bugs in my teeth" competition on the way down.
Coming from the short travel Enduro, and having demo'd the new Enduro, I initially felt the FSR design still had a slight edge on downhill feel. After getting the suspension dialed in, I no longer feel that way. And there is no comparison when climbing ... the Nomad is head and shoulders superior. That was where I was actually the most surprised and impressed. Despite the 30+ lb weight, it was every bit as capable a climber as anything else I've ever owned ... it just requires a bit more effort. If you've got the strength, you'll be able to clean climbs you never thought you could do before.
While I'll agree that the "fit and finish" on this doesn't appear to be as good as the Intense (which I never got a chance to demo) or some other nice rides like the Turner, Ellsworth, & Titus, once you toss a leg over it and start riding, these thoughts quickly disappear as your smile grows ... and isn't that why we all ride in the first place?
Believe the hype ... if there ever was a "one bike quiver", this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darth
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, B.C. Date Reviewed: October 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any and all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Everything!! I began as a crosscountry rider who evolved into a full on Freerider and have now become an All-mountain rider. This bike truly does it all !! I can now keep the leg shavers in site going up hill(and destroy them on the downhill) and still shuttle with the freeriders without embarassment!! This bike truly does it all!!
Weaknesses:
If you want a true all mountain ride there is no weakness!!
Similar Products Used:
All kinds
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talos forks, Fox DHX Air shock, Mavic tubeless with Geax 2.25 sturdy tires, Chris King hubs.
Bottom Line:
You will not find a better all mountain ride. The Intense 6.6 comes close but no cigar!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Dixon
a Weekend Warrior
from Tauranga, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike Vegas - Rotorua
Strengths:
This bike is unbelievably fun to ride. It's like the joystick on an airbus, simply point and go and the set-up and great forks do the rest. Take a tight decent line badly, the bike will almost correct it for you. This bike demands dedication and fitness, but the effort is so worth while.
Weaknesses:
It ain't light, and it ain't the fastest climber on the trail but it's probably the best all mountain bike out there without doubt. I wasn't very fit when I took delivery of the bike. The first few rides it kicked my arse, but with time, and training we are now one - grasshopper.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz All Mountain SRAM X0 kit with CrossMax wheels and Fox 36 RC2 Vans.
Bottom Line:
Hugely expensive rig to buy (taking into account the exchange rate with the greenback), but if you're passionate about mountain biking then this is definitely the rig for you. As I've said, it is a demanding mistress who requires fitness and dedication but the rewards are so sweet!!!!! I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who enjoys their mountain biking as much as I do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamitos CA USA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Turnbull Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclists
Strengths:
Excellent climber, better than my 04 blur. Feels real nice going down hill on 2.5 tires. Handles big drops well.
Weaknesses:
After 3-4 months of riding the pivots start squeaking. Eventually the bottom linkage starts giving you up and down play. If you let it go the rest of the pivots start to go and you start getting right and left play and it becomes totally unsafe to ride. The good news is that it’s covered under warrantee and Santa Cruz will fix it for free. Also the paint job is wearing fast. Most of my stickers have also pealed off it in what seems to be a short time.
Bike Setup:
Nomad XO AM kit with the Vanilla RC2 and a DHX 5.0 550Ib coil over. Kit details and retail pricing are available on their website. Upgraded items are the Kenda Navengale 2.5 folding tires and a 3 ring Holzfeller downhill cranks.
Bottom Line:
Out of the box the bike handles the best. I admit though I may be a little rough on my bikes. I weigh 220 and I like to launch off anything that I see. As for the pivots, linkage, and bearings going bad, what’s interesting is that the same thing happened to my 04 Blur, in fact the bottom linkage looks the same; although, the Blur lasted longer and it never led to lateral play. With the Nomad both the top and bottom linkage eventually failed giving me a lot of vertical and lateral play. It may be possible that the 550Ib coil over puts too much stress on those pivots, especially if you’re a jumper but for my weight that’s the coil Santa Cruz recommended. Honestly though when it’s working it absorbs the hits really well. I believe the Vanilla with the DHX 5.0 to be a great combination for someone who likes to jump. It responded very well to my all around style of riding. I did try the DHX air version on my blur because I blew the shock it came with but it failed too so I don’t trust it. If you only weigh about a buck sixty and are strictly XC rider these issues may not concern you. Also the XO AM kit comes with the Truvativ stylo team cranks which only lasted me about a month before the right arm came off so then I paid an extra $100 to Truvativ for the upgrade to holzfellers downhill crank. This bike does climb extremely well even with all that travel and the front end stays down even with the steeper climbs. The next upgrade my bike is getting is a dual ring E13 chain guide with a bash guard since the chain tends to fly all over the place during fast descends taken paint off my frame and cranks with it. This would be a truly great bike if they could in prove on the linkage system. Sorry to have to bust everyone’s bubble but I’m just trying to keep it real. I’ll let you know how long the new pivots last.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Young
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Biking, who cares.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush, tuneable, it is a mountain bike frame, from Fort Bill DH to 40+miles XC change the wheels and one bike does it all.
Weaknesses:
Bearings and lower plate made from cheese, and not cheap to replace. Could do with better rear tyre clearance for DH tyres.
Fox 36VAN RC2, Easton EC70 CNT DH Bars, thomson stem and posts (one DH with SLR saddle, one XC with SDG Bel air ti saddle), RF ATLAS cranks, XTR drive, CK HS, Hadley-Stanz ZTR FR wheels or Hope Pro II-DT Swiss X4.1d wheels. Diabolus grips. Hope Mono 6ti Brakes (soon to be Mono FR when they come out!)
Bottom Line:
Lovely bike to ride, if you are looking for one bike to do everything this could be the one. Comfortable for long days in the saddle, and capable down any DH track. Loves to jump. I am 6ft and bought a medium and use a 50mm stem, this works for me as it makes the bike nimble and flickable. Not as fast on an open DH course as the Vp Free (with 40's), but if you are not racing or hucking >20ft regularly then what is the point in a big bike?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Tremblay
a
from BC Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Gerick's
Strengths:
It's pure fun, no question. Once you get past the hollow feeling that you paid lots and lots of $$ for a toy(albeit a neccesary one if you live in the mountians of BC). It reflects my strengths as a biker. Being my first dually, and coming from a commuter/xc background I found it first to be a good pedaller and second a scream on the downhill, with which I'd had relatively little experience. I can now boast solid airtime taken with aplomb. It dances over techy rooty gnarl and rock gardens with ease as well.
Weaknesses:
Two things: I do find the bike wanders if I don't take the time to crank my talas all the way down to 100mm, which is annoying on technical ups. And, I find I get sticks and grass caught in the bottom suspension linkage. It's nothing major, and would never be a deterrant in buying this bike, but you need to get someone else to sit on the bike and bounce the rear suspension while you yank the sh*t out. I guess there's a third, kind of a comparison. Though the Nomad was NOT made to be a downhill monster I find it sketchy on the really steep rollers and I'm less likely to huck it blindly off of little ledges and drops in the trail. However, when compared to my hardtail I'm MORE likely to bomb over little drops etc. I guess the point is that you need to be aware of the middle ground and your own skill level. Becuase you NEED skill to ride this bike more like a downhill bike than if you were to be riding a DH specific bike.
Though Iv'e written more in the weaknesses section, don't let it deter you too much. I still think the strengths outweigh the weaknesses in this case.
Similar Products Used:
nothing similar. But as far as other duallies, Norco Team and A-line. Both way more plush, but I've no use for a 50lb bike.
Bike Setup:
spx Allmountian Complete
Bottom Line:
The most fun I've ever had on two wheels. I guess I basically treat this bike like a light FR, or a hard core XC if you need some sort of referance. If you are a versatile enough rider and don't let yourself be caged by shuttling and road gaps this just might be the bike for you.
Simply put: pedal lots, put your pads on and then hold on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Engelhorn
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirkland, WA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
too many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone
Strengths:
looks, geometry, VPP, amount of travel, quality of travel
Weaknesses:
a small amount of pedal feedback
Similar Products Used:
Owned: Titus Switchblade, Titus Quasi-Moto, Santa Cruz Heckler, Santa Cruz Superlight, Santa Cruz Bullit, Intense 5.5, Ellsworth Moment, Ventana LaBruja Tested or demo'ed: Turner 6-pack, Specialized Enduro, Intense 6.6
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talas, Fox DHX-Air, SRAM X-O triggers and rear derailleur, XTR front derailleur, XT cranks, Thomson post and stem, Easton carbon bar, XT disc brakes with Goodridge lines, Hadley hubs, Sapim C X-ray spokes, Mavic 819 rims, WTB saddle
Bottom Line:
I don't even know where to start. As you can see, I've owned a lot of high end bikes from a variety of builders with every imaginable suspension design. I'll preface this by saying I've only ridden the bike three times, but it absolutely blows me away how well this thing rides.
I take most reviews here, as well as the magazines, with a huge grain of salt; but every positive thing that has been written is true. The bikes eats technical trails for lunch, it climbs much lighter than its 31 pounds would indicate and the pictures just don't do it justice.
Let's start with the ride. I rode the bike this weekend on a technical local trail. By technical, I'm not talking North Shore ladder bridges and 10 foot drops, but rather a trail full of downed logs, stumps, root balls, rocks and the like. In my opinion, real trail riding. I've never ridden this trail that well. Obstacles that previously had me walking or at least dabbing, were conquered with ease. It's a cliche, but the bike makes you a better rider. I noticed with other VPP designs that the bike negotiates obstacles better than single pivot, four bar or horst link designs, but the Nomad felt way better than my Intense 5.5. The slightly rearward wheel path combined with all the travel makes logs and rocks easy.
While not light, for a trail bike with 6.3 inches up front and 6.5 in the back, the bikes pedals extremely well. It pedals as well as my Moment, but feels more plush when you hit something. I really like my Moment, but after three rides the Moment got relegated to the indoor trainer, so I can get fitter to ride the heavier Nomad.
The pictures in magazines just don't capture the beauty of this bike. I wasn't wild about the looks until I saw one in person. Everything about it screams trail bike. While the welds are not in the same league as a Ventana or the older US made Titus', they are still a work of art. The two swing links are beefy and create a front to rear stiffness that is exemplary.
The reality is that I'm a 49 year old rider who needs all the help I can get. I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy about any bike I want, and this bike gives me a technical advantage over my buddies. I'm still not as fast as they are, but the Nomad helps close the gap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Lintilhac
a Racer
from Shelburne, VT USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all the Kingdom Trials
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1845.00
Purchased At:
East Burke Sports
Strengths:
I'm a big kid (210 lbs) and i need to get up hills where I ride, lots of em. The VPP tech on the Nomad is spot on. I can get up anything, not super fast, but it gets there, and certainly better than other bikes in its class. Also, obviously this frame will descend well, but in particular the steeper headtube makes this thing ridiculous for really sketchy east coast riding. It won't descent on fast stuff like a real DH rig, but it'll devour super techy stuff just like any ol 8,9,or 10 incher. you can pinn'er on the shore, dirt jumps, dual slalom, 4X, sketchy E.C. downhill, enduro rides, xc if you have an oil shock.
Weaknesses:
You cant ever really push this bike to the limit. If you want a TRUE enduro rig, you might try something slightly smaller. Its true it can do many things, all of them pretty damn well, but at the same time, you wouldnt buy this bike to be your long distance enduro rig, it would be overkill. similarly, not much of a true DH bike, quite a bit underkill. it might hurt your wallet, but not bad when compared to other bikes in its class.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti AS-X, Ellsworth Rogue.
Bike Setup:
fox VANrc2 fork, fox dhx 5.0 rear. full sram x-9 w/ xo gripshift. hayes el camino 8". custom arrow racing frx rims on xt rear hub, marzocchi 20mm thru front. kenda nevgal dh 2.5" frt, 2.35" rr. Saint triple crankset.
Bottom Line:
If i can make it up the steep ass tollroad at my local mountain on this bike, you can to. this bike will bring you that much closer to Nirvana. Santa Cruz really did a good job with the geometry on this bike. very versatile, and smooth. if you are a versatile sort of rider, this is a great piece of metal. get out there and SEND'er
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from nj Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1860.00
Purchased At:
MOJO WHEELS
Strengths:
All around awesome do-all trali bike, My lazy boy on wheels, smooth on descents good climber, plenty of plush subtly travel, big enough for serious downhill, quick enough for fast single track. nimble but heavy duty huckster.
Weaknesses:
price, Believe it or not, after 30 rides I sheered the Chainstay off the drive side, clean break, Santa Cruz said it's impossible but it happened (must be my massive leg power) , lets see if they make good, stuck riding My AC for while.
polished, DHX 5.0 Coil Crossmax Xl, Hutchinson UST, Fox 36 talas, Carbon, thmpson, 959's. Hayes disk
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike, as they been saying, the best ride I ever had, clears climbs I haven't been able to do on other bikes, screams down like a roller coaster, fast , quick nimble and hell of a fun ride, MY BEST TRAIL BIKE YET, I DON'T WANT TO GET OFF IT. FUN, FUN . FUN And it looks sooooo cool. worth the money, only if you can afford it. Get the Talas had the Pike great fork, but nothing feels like the 36, skip the air shock go coil, or complain to someone else. Unbreakable!! (I don't beleive that anymore)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mudd
a Downhiller
from Fallbrook, SoCal U.S.A. Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Won on this website!
Strengths:
The VPP is amazing! Climbs like there's no tomorrow, Flickable Trail Bike, Ano Slate Rocks!
Weaknesses:
Price. But that's ok 'cause I won it here! Many thanks to EAS and Mark Weir.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz VP-Free and Bullit.
Bike Setup:
2006 Large Ano Slate Nomad, Fox DHX-5 Coil, Marzocchi 66RC, SRAM Shifters and Derailleur, Hayes 7" Hydro Brakeset, Easton Monkeylite Bars and Vice Stem, Thomson Post, WTB Saddle, Azonic Outlaw Wheelset, Kenda Nevagal 2.5" Tires, Oury Grips, Cane Creek C2 Headset, Raceface X-Type Crankset; 44/32/22, Shimano 9-speed Cassette 11/34, SRAM PC-951 Chain, Crank Bros Mallet Pedals, etc.
Bottom Line:
The "Retro design" turns heads on the trails! Not as plush as the VP-Free, but very trail flickable! Replaced the air shock with a Fox DHX-5 coil shock. The air shock felt too linear. Climbs as well as the sub-30 lb bikes. Nevegals work great with this frame...grip, grip! Don't buy the powdercoat version, save up the extra pesos and get the anodized! Holds up well, and the silkscreened graphics do too! The Marzocchi 66RC is the perfect shock for this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wojciech Zakiewicz
a Weekend Warrior
from Warsaw, Poland Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Crazy Crank - Poland
Strengths:
Brilliant as an allround bike. I use it as an all-mouintain do it all rig.
Weaknesses:
Low BB - do not use 175 mm cranks as I found myself hitting the ground while pedalling in turns. Planning to buy the 170mm next season, as there were too many scary moments. Crap rear shock - float r. Either I can't set it up properly or this shock is just rubbish. It appears to lack consistency in the way it behaves - you can go over the same bump with the same speed and it feels different each time.
Bike Setup:
XT mechs/shifters + Race face Prodigy DH crank, Hope M4 brakes, Mavic D521 rims + Maxxis Highroller 2,35 tires, Manitou Black fork, Fox Float R
Bottom Line:
Expensive, but worth it. I bought frame only + rear float r shock but regret not having paid more for the dhx coil. The bike is not yet finished (planning to change fork to new RS offerings next year) but I can honestly recommend it. Although it isn't meant to be a world champion in each category, it does everything very well - from everyday light xc escapades with the girlfriend to much much heavierr stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M.C. tigre
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX. Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
havent found it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Shuntavi Bikes
Strengths:
repost
Bike Setup:
Kool
Bottom Line:
I dont want to mislead anyone. The price listed below was without Push Race modifications to my shock and Ti Sring change, Carbon bar Change and Syncros peddles and and and, you get the point. I dont want to burst anyones bubble but these bikes are expensive. However--You will get the best price from Shuntavi Bikes--(Garunteed).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M.C. tigre
a
from Austin, Tx. Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
havent found it yet
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4700.00
Purchased At:
Shuntavi Bikes
Strengths:
Peddles very well. Very stable at speed. Handles tight switchbacks well. The perfect fit. Feels lighter than it is. Can be buit up many dif. Ways.
Weaknesses:
I already have a ding on the down tube from when my bike fell over about 6 inches from upright pos. onto futon wooden frame. Damn I wish this one did not happen. Oh well its very small.
Similar Products Used:
Tested: Test rode a Kona Coiler Delux from Kona Demo days Great Bike.Specialized enduro, Blur Lt. Kona CoilAir, Rocky Mountain Switch light and SC Heckler.
Bike Setup:
Medium Trans Red, AM XO Kit, Z1 light Fork, Pushed DHX5 with Ti Coil, Mav Speedball, FSA Downhill Carbon Bar, Thompson 70mm stem, Odi Grips,E13 Red Bashgaurd, White Syncros magnisium peddles(these are light), Wheels are DT Swiss 340 front hub and 240 rear hub laced to Mavic 321 rims, Kenda Nevegals 2.35 and THE-Industries Downtube Fender.
Bottom Line:
Well, this is my 1st Dual suspension and I did too much research on this and other bikes. I am very pleased with my Nomad. A Big thanks goes out to Doug and Laurel Wilson at Shuntavi Bikes, Give them A Call 435-635-7328. They did everything and More for me. They are Genuinly Nice and caring people and after all the time they spent with me trying to give me my dream bike, Which they did, I consider them good friends. Thanks again yall. Back to the Bike. I am still playing around with the set up but I think I hve it dialed in. This Nomad climbs soo easy. I am not a good climber but it feels lighter than it is. Mine weighs 33lbs with a E13Bash on it. This Bike tracks extremely good. It floats everything rock gardens, to tree roots and the Drops(extremely Funnnn!) When you land it is like well a cushen. This bike can Climb, Decend and cruz better than I realy thought it could. If you get a chance to ride or buy one do it. The Nomad= Perfect Super D Race Bike, Trail Bike, and Fun Bike. This type of bike is the most anyone would need in the Austin, Tx area. I am very Happy with my puchase. Heck I feel like a Kid on Christmas Morning. Thanks Santa.....Cruz and Doug Wilson for making this bike just for Me. Heheheh
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Mans
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Britain Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
to many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6580.00
Purchased At:
Bromley Bike
Strengths:
Frame, Fast on decline,looks,fork
Weaknesses:
uncomfortable seat
Similar Products Used:
none, its my first bike
Bike Setup:
ok, nomad black frame,07' Fox 36 R2, Shimano xt hollow crank+gears, Avid Juicy 5 brakes 185mm rotors, Fox DHX5 rear shock, hope Pro 2 hubs, monkey bar(ea 70), yeti speed grips, SDG bel air RL(ouch!!) King no thread set, dmr pedals.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that i don't really know about bikes to much yet but this does feel better than the grifter i had. The bike is good, real good. The front forks are good, very good, they are no silly buisness they are a major factor on this bike, and so is the DHX5 its got on it, you wouldn't want the bike without this rear shock, it really makes you feel your riding something special. With these two suspention products you can set the Nomad to conquer any terrain. Up hill and ascents are good and before you know it you are at the top or started the descent which is where the fun begins on this bike. Even slight declines on the trail are more than enough to keep you smiling. This bike goes well and fast when the horrizon starts to drop. The price is expensive at 3,500 GBP when really all it is is a bike but the front forks are very well made and like i said you need these forks, minimum, to get the bike feeling good. All in all it is a beauty and i have only ridden it a few times at local woods so i couldn't tell you how it feels doing drops or downhill riding, But for the local trails it feels good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Los
a Weekend Warrior
from Beth, Pa USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4100.00
Purchased At:
Saucon Valley Bikes
Strengths:
All around great bike !
Weaknesses:
Whats up with Santa Cruz, had to wait 5 weeks for my Ano frame ( small frame size ) to come in ?? Other than that, no weakness' so far.
Similar Products Used:
N/a
Bike Setup:
Nomad Ano X9 AM Fox Talas36 Fork / Fox DHX Air Rear
Bottom Line:
Its pricey, but worth it. Climbs with ease and cuts through the rocky stuff effortless.. Would recomend the Nomad to anyone, everyone !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Ern
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Florida Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Vortex
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent Bike!!! Climbs well for a 6" travel bike (heck, for just about any full suspension bike), descends awesome, very versatile, absolutely loving it!
Weaknesses:
Having to wait about 11 months for an XL frame. Very glad i did, though!
Similar Products Used:
K2 Razorback for the past 6 years
Bike Setup:
Fox air shock, Fox RC32 Van fork, XTR der/shifters, race face bar/stem/post/bb/crankset, avid juicy 7 brakes, DT hubs
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. used mostly for xc, but in a two week period, i spent four days throwing myself and the bike downhill at snowshoe, wv, then raced in the Off-Road Assault on Mount Mitchell in Old Fort, NC, which was 64 miles and over 11,000 ft of climbing. the bike did equally well on both extremes. it seems to do everything, and also seems to be giving me courage to do things i wouldn't have done on my short travel bike. I love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Porch
a
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climing ability is an A++ It begs for steep rocky, knarly, loose trails. Over all it simply the finest MTB I've ever had the oppertunity to ride. It absolutly rips downhill, get the DHX air, the ProPedal function is cool. Tighten her up on the climbs and let er' rip on the way down, it really makes a huge difference.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
ridden: Heckler, BLT, 5spots, etc... Owned a Superlight for several years.
Bike Setup:
Ano Nomad w/ DHX air, Maverick DUC, CK headset, easton monkeylite carbon bars, Formula Oro Puro brakes, odi lock on gris with danger boy end caps, Atlas cranks, XTR front D, XO med cage rear D, X9 triggers, Maverick Speedball seatpost, WTB saddle, CK front Hub & Hadley rear laced to DT 5.1EX rims, Kenda Nevgals 2.35, Candy SL pedals.....etc. Comes in about 31 lbs!
Bottom Line:
The finest MTB I've ever ridden, period. It has made me a stronger rider. Some people may say that it high $$, yes that may be true, but I bought my car for $500.00! So what you gonna do? You get waht you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ward Tuttle
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
It's pretty light for a bike that I use for mostly cross-country riding, 32 lbs. It climbs gnarly technical singletrack amazingly well. And downhill performance? Forget about it. I took it to Soquel Demo Forest (SDF) yesterday for the first time and that place was a new experience. SDF is a place that has fast, flowing singletrack with some rocks and roots along the way. Having 6" of travel instead of 4 is a huge difference on stuff that like. You can get going really damn fast. Highly recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
glen {bartman}
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland /new zealand Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
planet cycles
Strengths:
agile .smooth better than any bike i have had since 1986.downhills /climbs.very very good
this bike is very very very good makes me a better rider ,climbes great. worth all the $$$$.makes me want to ride each day of the week.very smooth bike.downhills great.looks sexy rides like a dream .you only live once get one now. you will not forget the ride.go hard or go home
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Alvir
a Weekend Warrior
from West Nyack NY USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
bikeworks
Strengths:
Plush ride with mucho suspension travel for rough terrain.
Weaknesses:
The Nomad isn't going to shine on easier trails or smooth surfaces. The price is high, but you get what you paid for and it's worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth, Titus Switchblade
Bike Setup:
Liquid blue medium frame with full XTR, Nixon Platinum fork with 20mm thru axle, Notubes system with 355s, Kenda Nevegal tires, Thomson post, Ritchey handlebar and stem, rear King hub, WTB Rocket Team saddle, Marta SL brakes.
Bottom Line:
The Nomad is a sick ride, no doubt. My setup weighs in at 27.5 pounds without pedals, due to a custom build primarily consisting of XTR components. The liquid blue paint job with all black components makes this Nomad aesthetically wicked. Forget the anodized black or any other colors. Liquid blue varies depending on the lighting making it look anywhere from black, to navy, to purple. Anyway, the ride is what counts. Shifting is flawless with the XTR all around. It bunny hops as though it had springs underneath it. Rock gardens get chowed with ease. The Nomad was built for the rough stuff and descents, but this Nomad can climb too. With the IT travel on the Nixon, you can compess the travel to 80mm with a touch of a button. The problem is that you have to unweigh the rig for the travel to return to 145mm. This bike is definitely for you if you want 6.5 inches of suspension and ride rocky terrain. It does it all. If you're more into XC with fireroads and hardpack, this bike may have too much suspension for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Aspen Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim and Prince Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Aspen Velo
Strengths:
Everything... so sick
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
Black Chrome frame with 2007 fox DHX air. Marzocchi Z1 light. sram X9 stuff. Hayes El Caminos. Race Face Deus Cranks and handlebars. crossmax enduro wheels. Maxxis high rollers 2.35. king headset. Crank Bros Mallet pedals.
Bottom Line:
this is my third Santa Cruz and it is hands down the Sickest bike i have ever had. i cant live without it. at 30 pounds it climbs nicely and comes back down like a rocket. if you have the chance to ride one... do it. this is the ultimate trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Colorado Date Reviewed: May 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Do I have to choose just one?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mountain & Road Bicycles, Idaho Springs
Strengths:
Stable in the gnarliest terrain, big travel sucks up everything, climbs like a jackrabbit, VPP sticks to the ground and makes techy climbs ridable where a hardtail or short-travel frame would get bounced. Believe the hype, this bike is the real deal.
Weaknesses:
People keep whining about the price, but that's their problem, not Santa Cruz -- supply vs. demand, you know. If no one bought the frame, the price would go down, but I don't see that happening... So far, I've found nothing to complain about whatsoever.
Similar Products Used:
Test-rode the 575 and the Enduro, they're good but each has its drawbacks.
Bike Setup:
DHX 5.0 coil, 36 Van RC2, Dee-Max UST, XO, Thomson, etc.
Bottom Line:
Suck it up and buy one. You'll be happy you did. I beat the snot out of this thing over a week in Moab, rode Porcy (from town), Kokopelli, Fisher Mesa, Amasaback, Slickrock, Sovereign, and I was astonished at how well the Nomad handled the rough stuff, especially on Porcy. It flows through twisty singletrack (Fisher), floats over the hairball stuff on Porcy, and climbed the Sand Flats Road so well, you can barely tell you have 6+ inches of travel below you. If you have the legs to push a 30+ pound rig, you'll find that the Nomad can reach the top of just about any hill, as long as you're willing to work. No, it's not a light bike, even if you build it up with dainty XC parts. But who cares, unless you're some weight weenie racer geek, in which case you should go shave your legs and ride a road bike. You may not be the first to the top on a Nomad, but you will be the first to the bottom. And it helped me clean some techy sections on the Porcy climb that I never made on my NRS or my old S-Works, simply because the suspension works so well -- it sticks to the rocks, keeps the rear wheel planted and gives you tons of traction. Worth every penny. One tip -- if you plan to run a triple, you'll want a chain tensioner like the Heim 3-ring tensioner. Or else you'll want to run a 36/22 double with a e-thirteen DRS or something similar. Because the bike is so capable on the downhills that chain slap becomes a real issue, you'll hit stuff faster than on most XC rigs. I have Lizard Skin chainstay protectors on both the chainstay and seatstay on the drive side, and I just ordered a Heim tensioner to combat the problem. But that's probably more a symptom of my riding style than the frame design, I tend to ride over stuff rather than around it. Anyway, Santa Cruz nailed it, buy one, you'll love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dominic plume
a
from North Island New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Everything in Rotorua. NZ.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Planet Cycles. Auckland. NZ.
Strengths:
It's versatility. It feels good whatever the ride. I've raced 12hr enduro's on it, marathon 70+km races, regular 35+km cross country races aswell as weekend epics and daily larking around. Tune it right and it'll sing your favorite song everytime.
Weaknesses:
Non as yet, maybe the price....but i agreed to pay its ranson it so i guess i'm the weak product here.
Similar Products Used:
My previous bike was an 2005 Intense 5.5 EVP. I still think that the Intense is a better quality build. Its weld quality is a thing of pure masterful beauty. My gripes with the 5.5 though were poor rear tyre clearance (aftermarket rear triangle is now available for older models and newer models come standard with wider rear). The second was front fork selection options. I shod Fox 36ers up front and the Talas dial scoured the beautiful welds supporting the beefed-up front tubing of the frame. I also put Fox Talas RLC on too and same problem. I just couldn't bear to trash the frame when the forks were turned through more than 90 degrees. The Nomad's frame geometry allows plenty of clearance front and back and i can now play with different manufacturers tyre treads and widths upto 2.5.
Bike Setup:
Large Ano slate frame. DHX-air 5.0 shock. Fox 36RC2. Thomson Elite post. Thomson 90mm 0degree X4 stem. Monkeylite carbon oversize bars. Full XTR except for XT 8inch rotor up front and 6 inch rear, XT levers and old school XTR rapid fires. Flite TT saddle, Chris King headset, Chris King ISO rear hub laced onto 819UST rim rear. Hope Pro II front hub laced to 819's up front. Salsa QR. ODI Ruffian lock-on grips and the list goes on. Sub 30lbs and as strong as an ox!
Bottom Line:
Yeah i like it.....lots! i didn't want to because i loved the Intense and considered the 6.6 instead. The 5.5 in my opinion set the high standard for all- mountain bikes and now the Nomad continues in this rich vein. The Nomad gives me what i couldn't get from the 5.5 and a little bit more. It's jolly good, good for me anyway! I literally ride it for everything mountainbiking. Five flamin' red hot Mexicans for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Can really do it all, comfortable geometry, going downhill
Weaknesses:
price, if that's classed as a weakness
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla R36, Race Face Deus cranks, Juicy brakes, X819 wheelset, DHX Air shock
Bottom Line:
On my first ride on this bike, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice bike, but didn't live up to all the hype. I found it great going down hill, but the front end wandered quite a bit going up. I have since changed to a 90mm stem from a 70mm stem and this has made a huge difference. I have also dialled in the rear shock a lot better. It now weight about 32lbs and rides brilliantly.
Now I've got it set up properly, this bike climbs really well, not just for a 6.5in bike, but really well full stop. And heading down hill it comes into it's own. It almost 'dumb's down' riding! I can now ride terrain I wasn't able to before, and with confidence.
I guess the bottom line is...you can believe the hype, it really is THAT good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Eagleson
a Weekend Warrior
from Belfast Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kirroughtree Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bikedock Belfast
Strengths:
Weight, suspension action, looks?
Weaknesses:
Fox dhx air shock, slightly overpriced, looks?
Bike Setup:
Fox 36s, avid juicy 5s, mix of thomson, easton, fsa and wtb parts
Bottom Line:
Brilliant do it all trail bike.
Super plush but responsive, comfortable and fast, climbs brilliantly.
The looks of the bike are interesting, I like them and it does get you noticed.
Well done SC!
The fox dhx air shock was a £200 upgrade yet failed on its first ride. Came back fixed and so far has worked well. Fox did contact me to try and speed the repair process up a bit (I am based in the UK) so fair dues for their help in getting this done. We'll see how the shock and bike do in Whistler this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin Lakes, NJ Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
MONSTER, BLUE MTN.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
MOJO WHEELS
Strengths:
All mountain trail bike, strong, climbs well for it's weight, plush and clean standover height. Descends like a Gorilla, no need to pick your line, point and shoot technology. comfortable for epic rides and has very little bop on the uphill climbs. it's my lazy boy with wheels!
Weaknesses:
cost is high, but I have had 4 Santa Cruz bikes and they are tough, durable and they hold there value, so it's an investment, would not invest in ant other frame set.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Sanat Crux Blur 4X, Heckler, Super light, Giant AC-1
Bike Setup:
Polished Frame,Thompson, Pike pop loc, DHX coil, Crossmax XL, seat pedals you know the rest.
Bottom Line:
Probably my biggest investment in one bike to date (if you were to tell me I would spend close to $4 grand on a bike 4 years ago?) Rides like a dream, endless joy and always eager for the next ride. I ride eastern technical trails and I am 230lbs. I wanted a trailbike with a little more travel, without the weight of a downhill rig. The Nomad was a perfect match. worth every dime. Weighs in at 32LBs. My freinds are jealous, you may pass me going up, but you going to eat my dust going down! I am glad I am in the elite group of Nomad riders. This is the one!
$
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