The New Santa Cruz Nomad is About Modern Refinements More Than Drastic Changes

Santa Cruz has unveiled the seventh generation of its Nomad enduro bike, focusing on refined improvements rather than radical redesigns. The new Nomad retains its signature 170mm travel front and rear and continues with the mixed-wheel (mullet) setup, foregoing any shift to larger front wheels. Instead, Santa Cruz has concentrated on subtle enhancements to frame design, geometry, and suspension kinematics to maximise performance and rider comfort. Significant updates include improved internal cable routing that now accommodates both mechanical and electronic drivetrains, addressing previous limitations that forced riders into electronic shifting. The frame is exclusively offered in the high-end CC carbon material, which has been slimmed down in the downtube to shed 86 grams, enhancing compliance and reducing rider fatigue on rough terrain. Storage solutions have also been upgraded with the new Glovebox V2, featuring a more robust latch and quieter, more durable construction, along with additional accessory mounts on the top tube. Geometry tweaks bring a slightly slacker head angle, aligning the Nomad’s handling more closely with the Bullit model, while the seat tube angle has been steepened for improved climbing efficiency. Suspension kinematics have been carefully adjusted, with reductions in anti-squat and anti-rise to boost traction, suspension activity under braking, and overall ride quality. Despite these changes, Santa Cruz maintains that pedalling efficiency has improved, a claim that underlines the brand’s commitment to balancing downhill prowess with climbing capability. The Nomad is available in four builds, with a fifth, more affordable option expected soon. All models come with CC carbon frames in five sizes, and component choices range from SRAM and Shimano drivetrains to Fox Factory suspension and Reserve wheels, depending on the specification. Pricing starts at $6,099 for the entry-level 90 build and rises to $9,499 for the top-tier X0 AXS Reserve model, with a frame-only option priced at $3,999. Santa Cruz continues to back the Nomad with a lifetime warranty on frames and bearings, reinforcing its confidence in the bike’s durability and performance.