could you go into more detail on why the nomad mk2 isn't a potential candidate? the reason i ask is because currently i'm on my first full susp rig in many years, a blur LT2. i'm happy w/ it, but i was thinking that perhaps a nomad mk2 or tracer vp might make sense as i improve my riding skills. i spend most of my time climbing to get to the downhill, so i was curious to see if anything uphill related caused you to discount the mk2. thanks!
Nomad Mk I to Tracer VP?
Hello,
I have posted this on the Intense forum as well but I would like to know what Santa Cruz aficionados think about the thoughts I am bearing in my mind...
I am seriously considering to retire my first generation Nomad in favor of an Intense Tracer VP. The Nomad has served me well and I do still enjoy it, so I wouldn't mind riding it for another season. However, the Tracer VP is the first bike in a while (actually since the first Nomad came out) that I am excited about. Something I can unfortunately not say about the Nomad Mk II since I like Santa Cruz as a bike brand a lot.
If I bought a Tracer VP, I would build it up rather burly with a Fox 36 (probably a Float RC2) and respective components, i.e. I do not expect it to be much lighter than my Nomad (32lbs) and I don't particularly care about the weight either.
My style of riding are mainly long backcountry rides of 6h and more with a lot of elevation and typically long, technical climbs and downhills. I am not into jumps and stunts but I do appreciate challenging terrain.
I am a better climber than downhiller which is one of the reasons for which I like the Nomad: it feels good at higher speeds and thus let's me go faster than I would on a lesser bike.
Has anybody experience with both bikes? I understand that the second generation VPP is supposed to be more efficient but I am rather happy with the uphill capabilities of the 1st generation Nomad and I am afraid to lose the comfortable feel of the Nomad downhill.
Thanks for any helpful answers!
I have posted this on the Intense forum as well but I would like to know what Santa Cruz aficionados think about the thoughts I am bearing in my mind...
I am seriously considering to retire my first generation Nomad in favor of an Intense Tracer VP. The Nomad has served me well and I do still enjoy it, so I wouldn't mind riding it for another season. However, the Tracer VP is the first bike in a while (actually since the first Nomad came out) that I am excited about. Something I can unfortunately not say about the Nomad Mk II since I like Santa Cruz as a bike brand a lot.
If I bought a Tracer VP, I would build it up rather burly with a Fox 36 (probably a Float RC2) and respective components, i.e. I do not expect it to be much lighter than my Nomad (32lbs) and I don't particularly care about the weight either.
My style of riding are mainly long backcountry rides of 6h and more with a lot of elevation and typically long, technical climbs and downhills. I am not into jumps and stunts but I do appreciate challenging terrain.
I am a better climber than downhiller which is one of the reasons for which I like the Nomad: it feels good at higher speeds and thus let's me go faster than I would on a lesser bike.
Has anybody experience with both bikes? I understand that the second generation VPP is supposed to be more efficient but I am rather happy with the uphill capabilities of the 1st generation Nomad and I am afraid to lose the comfortable feel of the Nomad downhill.
Thanks for any helpful answers!
1 - 20 of 37 Posts
I am afraid the reason is rather shallow: I don't like the look of the bike! The 1st gen Nomad had character, the 2gen Nomad looks to me like a watered down version of it. I am sure it's the better bike (at least for climbing) of the two but esthetically it is just not very appealing.
I consider the BLT2 a very nice bike, but I'd like to have a bit more travel.
I consider the BLT2 a very nice bike, but I'd like to have a bit more travel.
I tested Intense Tracer VP CRC Limited Edition during 2 weeks for a bike magazine. I can tell you that is a great looking bike (especially in works blue) with very light weight (Talas 150, full XTR component, syntace components as well). My only remark about this frame was the shock rate. With several tune and 2 cm of sag, i used always all shock travel. Imagine while i was jumping => bottoming all the time. I reach a "non bottoming setting" by putting more air on the float and reduce rebounding. But even with this tuning, i'll not try a 1m high step down.
So if you run for a Tracer, you have to know that and maybe you have to go directly with a shock that will tune the end of the travel like DHX Air.
So if you run for a Tracer, you have to know that and maybe you have to go directly with a shock that will tune the end of the travel like DHX Air.
Thanks for that info. I'll keep it in mind.
Was that with the new 2010 rp23 shock or the older one. There is a significant difference between them as far as performance goes.
I owned both the 2009 Intense Tracer Vpp Note with the old Fox 2009 rp-23 and a 2009 S/C NomadMKII with Fox DHX 5.0 Coil on it. I can tell you this about the Tracer Vpp. Yes the 2010-Tracer Vpp has the GREAT 2010 Fox rp-23 BV on it. I say great because I have both these shocks on my 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A and My 2010 BlurLT2 carbon. Great air shock. The rear on the Intense Tracer Vpp- I found it to be VERY FLEXY!!! Note- I also cracked my Intense Tracer Vpp in two spots on the drive train side of the rear tri. I understand you don't like the look of the 2010 S/C NomadMKII. I would look into a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A or a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-carbon or what I am getting for my next bike the S/C TallBoy. After owning the Tracer Vpp, BlurLT2-A, BlurLT2-c, NomadMKII. I feel the S/C BlurLT2-A and Carbon and the NomadMKII are made better, the QC is BETTER, and are stronger. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2 c HAS NO FLEX IN THE REAR AT ALL. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A has very little next to no flex in the rear Tri. Hope this helps with your decision. P.S The 2009 S/C NomadMKII I had climbed VERY well for a bike with 6+ inches of travel on it. But my S/C BlurLT2's climb allot better than the NomadMKII and my old Intense Tracer Vpp. Both my 2010 S/C BlurLT2's climb so well, it feels like I am on HT frame. Like you, I like to climb, so when choosing a MTB. I look for a bike, that can climb well, and that has a stiff rear Tri.Wonko said:Hello,
I have posted this on the Intense forum as well but I would like to know what Santa Cruz aficionados think about the thoughts I am bearing in my mind...
I am seriously considering to retire my first generation Nomad in favor of an Intense Tracer VP. The Nomad has served me well and I do still enjoy it, so I wouldn't mind riding it for another season. However, the Tracer VP is the first bike in a while (actually since the first Nomad came out) that I am excited about. Something I can unfortunately not say about the Nomad Mk II since I like Santa Cruz as a bike brand a lot.
If I bought a Tracer VP, I would build it up rather burly with a Fox 36 (probably a Float RC2) and respective components, i.e. I do not expect it to be much lighter than my Nomad (32lbs) and I don't particularly care about the weight either.
My style of riding are mainly long backcountry rides of 6h and more with a lot of elevation and typically long, technical climbs and downhills. I am not into jumps and stunts but I do appreciate challenging terrain.
I am a better climber than downhiller which is one of the reasons for which I like the Nomad: it feels good at higher speeds and thus let's me go faster than I would on a lesser bike.
Has anybody experience with both bikes? I understand that the second generation VPP is supposed to be more efficient but I am rather happy with the uphill capabilities of the 1st generation Nomad and I am afraid to lose the comfortable feel of the Nomad downhill.
Thanks for any helpful answers!
__________________
Damien - the Firebird has an 'easier to bottom' suspension that needs the BO adjustment similar to what Burak described... and the 2010 RP23 is not working on those very well. I'd go with a DHX air so you can have an adjustable boost valve and bottom out curve. JMO.Damienp said:Was that with the new 2010 rp23 shock or the older one. There is a significant difference between them as far as performance goes.
As far as the looks of the Nomad2, I love it. I'd also say that people tend to consistently report more problems with Intense customer service than with SC. SC is fantastic when it comes to CS.
That's a helpful insight. From he feedback that I got here and on the Intense forum I start to be more interested in an Uzzi VP. Or maybe I get more used to the Nomad Mk II design and re-think my opinion of that bike.JohnnyG 1970 said:I owned both the 2009 Intense Tracer Vpp Note with the old Fox 2009 rp-23 and a 2009 S/C NomadMKII with Fox DHX 5.0 Coil on it. I can tell you this about the Tracer Vpp. Yes the 2010-Tracer Vpp has the GREAT 2010 Fox rp-23 BV on it. I say great because I have both these shocks on my 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A and My 2010 BlurLT2 carbon. Great air shock. The rear on the Intense Tracer Vpp- I found it to be VERY FLEXY!!! Note- I also cracked my Intense Tracer Vpp in two spots on the drive train side of the rear tri. I understand you don't like the look of the 2010 S/C NomadMKII. I would look into a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A or a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-carbon or what I am getting for my next bike the S/C TallBoy. After owning the Tracer Vpp, BlurLT2-A, BlurLT2-c, NomadMKII. I feel the S/C BlurLT2-A and Carbon and the NomadMKII are made better, the QC is BETTER, and are stronger. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2 c HAS NO FLEX IN THE REAR AT ALL. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A has very little next to no flex in the rear Tri. Hope this helps with your decision. P.S The 2009 S/C NomadMKII I had climbed VERY well for a bike with 6+ inches of travel on it. But my S/C BlurLT2's climb allot better than the NomadMKII and my old Intense Tracer Vpp. Both my 2010 S/C BlurLT2's climb so well, it feels like I am on HT frame. Like you, I like to climb, so when choosing a MTB. I look for a bike, that can climb well, and that has a stiff rear Tri.
__________________
I don't want to sacrifice any of the Nomad's downhill performance, so I don't see myself on a BLT2 or a Tallboy.
I second that: the SC customer service in the US is great and one of the reasons I am fond of that brand. However, I will be moving back to Europe within one year and therefore the customer service is not an argument for me anymore.gticlay said:Damien - the Firebird has an 'easier to bottom' suspension that needs the BO adjustment similar to what Burak described... and the 2010 RP23 is not working on those very well. I'd go with a DHX air so you can have an adjustable boost valve and bottom out curve. JMO.
As far as the looks of the Nomad2, I love it. I'd also say that people tend to consistently report more problems with Intense customer service than with SC. SC is fantastic when it comes to CS.
The QC and CS issues with Intense are one of the main reasons why i have not seriously considered them previously. I am in Australia so any issues that you guys have in the US would be severely amplified by the distance. The last thing i would want is to have an issue and be waiting for months for rectification or repair.gticlay said:Damien - the Firebird has an 'easier to bottom' suspension that needs the BO adjustment similar to what Burak described... and the 2010 RP23 is not working on those very well. I'd go with a DHX air so you can have an adjustable boost valve and bottom out curve. JMO.
As far as the looks of the Nomad2, I love it. I'd also say that people tend to consistently report more problems with Intense customer service than with SC. SC is fantastic when it comes to CS.
However, I have been considering the Tracer VP due to the fact that IMO it sits between the Blur and Nomad. Adjustable travel is a nice feature however i wonder how much someone would actually play with it.
I guess this is why a Blur LTc with a 160 or 150 mm fork is still the front runner for me.
Well, as long as we are talking about great CS and a great bike... take a look at the Pivot Mach 5 (with a Fox 36) and the Firebird.
I would them go with a 2010 S/C NomadMKII with a Fox DHX RC4 coil and a Fox 36 Talas. You can't go wrong there. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: P.S Had a brand new in the box 2010 Intense Uzzi Vpp with Fox DHX coil. I didn't even build it up. Sold it and bought my 2010 S/C BlurLT2 carbon. And have never looked back. LOL !!!Wonko said:That's a helpful insight. From he feedback that I got here and on the Intense forum I start to be more interested in an Uzzi VP. Or maybe I get more used to the Nomad Mk II design and re-think my opinion of that bike.
I don't want to sacrifice any of the Nomad's downhill performance, so I don't see myself on a BLT2 or a Tallboy.
:thumbsup:Probably would if they weren't so damn expensive in Australia.gticlay said:Well, as long as we are talking about great CS and a great bike... take a look at the Pivot Mach 5 (with a Fox 36) and the Firebird.
Dang, I almost thought your post had some credibility until I realized who wrote it.JohnnyG 1970 said:I owned both the 2009 Intense Tracer Vpp Note with the old Fox 2009 rp-23 and a 2009 S/C NomadMKII with Fox DHX 5.0 Coil on it. I can tell you this about the Tracer Vpp. Yes the 2010-Tracer Vpp has the GREAT 2010 Fox rp-23 BV on it. I say great because I have both these shocks on my 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A and My 2010 BlurLT2 carbon. Great air shock. The rear on the Intense Tracer Vpp- I found it to be VERY FLEXY!!! Note- I also cracked my Intense Tracer Vpp in two spots on the drive train side of the rear tri. I understand you don't like the look of the 2010 S/C NomadMKII. I would look into a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A or a 2010 S/C BlurLT2-carbon or what I am getting for my next bike the S/C TallBoy. After owning the Tracer Vpp, BlurLT2-A, BlurLT2-c, NomadMKII. I feel the S/C BlurLT2-A and Carbon and the NomadMKII are made better, the QC is BETTER, and are stronger. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2 c HAS NO FLEX IN THE REAR AT ALL. My 2010 S/C BlurLT2-A has very little next to no flex in the rear Tri. Hope this helps with your decision. P.S The 2009 S/C NomadMKII I had climbed VERY well for a bike with 6+ inches of travel on it. But my S/C BlurLT2's climb allot better than the NomadMKII and my old Intense Tracer Vpp. Both my 2010 S/C BlurLT2's climb so well, it feels like I am on HT frame. Like you, I like to climb, so when choosing a MTB. I look for a bike, that can climb well, and that has a stiff rear Tri.
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http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=572228
They are worth it.Damienp said:Probably would if they weren't so damn expensive in Australia.
Did you think about MDE Bikes ? These are italian made, very nice and well finisherd bike, amazing geometries. They are my favorite after SC bikes.
140 - 160 mm : MDE Damper : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202&Itemid=198&lang=it#top
165 - 180 mm : MDE Pusher : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=69&lang=it
I tested both, really surprizing frame so quick handeling and very nice rear suspension
140 - 160 mm : MDE Damper : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202&Itemid=198&lang=it#top
165 - 180 mm : MDE Pusher : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=69&lang=it
I tested both, really surprizing frame so quick handeling and very nice rear suspension
I did not know MDE bikes. Thanks for pointing me into that direction. I like the look of the bikes. Where did you get to test them?Burak said:Did you think about MDE Bikes ? These are italian made, very nice and well finisherd bike, amazing geometries. They are my favorite after SC bikes.
140 - 160 mm : MDE Damper : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202&Itemid=198&lang=it#top
165 - 180 mm : MDE Pusher : http://www.mdebikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=69&lang=it
I tested both, really surprizing frame so quick handeling and very nice rear suspension
Intense is probably off my radar now. I've contacted them and it seems that I can expect trouble if I have a problem with a frame when moving back to Europe. In contrast to that Santa Cruz said they would take care of the warranty even if the bike moves out of the US. Maybe the Nomad Mk II is not that bad after all...
Here we go again.nmtim said:Dang, I almost thought your post had some credibility until I realized who wrote it.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=572228
Another Intense Cheerleader !!!! :madman: :madman: :madman: To funny !!!!1 - 20 of 37 Posts
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