Santa Cruz NOMAD - REVIEW (just added)

[Slayer77]

My Nomad..

Size: Medium
Top Tube: 22
Seat Tube: 70
Head Angle: 68 (depends on tire and fork choice) (mine is 67.5)
Bottom Bracket: 13.7 (depends on tire and fork choice)
Weight: 30.4 lbs.

Days ridden: 7
Crashes: 7

Problems: 0, no problems yet. Since I'm 6'0 I think a large would be in order... The top tube is a bit short for my taste. A through axle option would be nice for those of us that are using the bike for aggressive DH/All Mountain riding.

The Nomad

Santa Cruz has built a bike that meets the needs of someone who would like to use the same ride for everything. Most of us have a plethora bikes for every style of riding; unfortunately we can't always take multiple bikes with us on trips. The Nomad allows us to have a bike that can handle everything, it is a cross between an XC race bike and a full on DH machine. Although the bike is not built specifically for either style of riding it can handle both extremes. The Nomad can be classified as an Aggressive Trail Bike and its geometry lends itself to almost any style of riding.

Sloping Top Tube:

Santa Cruz has scored with those of us that find it important to slam their seats on technical descents. Having a sloping top tube not only brings the center of gravity down a but it also gives you far more clearance to throw the bike from side to side without hitting your legs. While riding fast technical singletrack it is very important for a rider to move the bike from side to side without the top tube getting in the way. People use the term "flickable" when describing this phenomenon, I can say for sure that this frame has that attribute. It is very "flickable" and almost feels like you are riding an overgrown slalom bike with XC prowess. Hitting corners at speed seems easier when you have a sloping top tube; it just feels like you can get your body and center of gravity lower in the corners.

Cornering:

The shorter wheelbase allows for much quicker direction change, thus tight corners can be negotiated at higher speeds. Quick hops out of corners are much easier as well. The 67.5 degree head angle is steep enough to get your weight forward so that its easy negotiate high angle flat corners. Once again the 70 degree seat tube allows the rider to put the saddle all the way down to the frame for a more comfortable position.

Climbing:

On the climbs the Nomad feels like a true XC rig. It is very stable while pedaling in the saddle and its also very easy to transfer your weight over the front of the bike when the climb gets steep. The seat tube allows the rider to utilize a full-length post for long climbs. The 70 degree seat tube makes for a comfortable ride while pedaling in the saddle. Other bikes in this category have very slack seat tubes which make it hard to pedal uphill. My bike feels very stable on the climbs, it sits down into the first 1/3 of travel and does not move much while on smooth ascents. If you happened to run into roots or logs on the way up the trail, the bike will soak them with no problem.

Descending:

The Nomad's suspension set up is similar to other Santa Cruz designs such as the Blur and Blur 4x. Depending on how you set up your shock, will determine how the bike performs. I have a DHX Air on mine that has 200lbs in the main chamber and 80lbs in the boost valve. I weigh 185 lbs. My bike is set up for more of a high speed DH/Trail application. I ride trails that are very fast (in excess of 30 mph during most of the ride) with large hits. By hits I mean holes, rocks, railroad ties, logs, roots and jumps.

Set up will vary based on personal preference, intended use and riding style. For Instance Mark Weir likes to run 40% sag in his shock. Mark Weighs 165. He runs 160lbs in the main chamber and 100 in the boost valve. People may choose to run a softer application like this for aggressive trail riding. It allows the rider to utilize more travel during the ride. Keep in mind if you set it up like this you will bottom out occasionally on larger hits.

Jumping:

This bike is killer for jumping. Once again, it's low BB and sloping top tube make it easy to throw around in the air. Whether you are hitting dirt jumps or trail style hits the Nomad will perform.


Written by Forrest
Additional info provided by Mark Weir.

[konabiker]

Soooo....how does the suspension work?

Sick ride holmes.

[Slayer77]

I'll let you know as soon as I can... My ankle is all jacked up but I should have some info by next week...

Thanks,Forrest

[crazyfreerider]

dam thats sexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[COmtbiker12]

That looks about 150x better than the chrome one! That is one sexy bike. :drool: You gonna use her for mostly trail riding or all around fr/xc/dh/whatever type stuff?

[sreiman]

awsome

[toyota kawasaki]

i wonder how those hydroformed tubes compare to normal tubing, strength wise

[mosplat]

damn i gotta agree that's a fackin FINE bike.
i want one...

[Acadian]

when are you getting "SantaCruz" tattooed across your belly?

[gonzostrike]

that looks way more slick and organic than the prior press kit/Sea Otter images we've seen (white powdercoated and polished alu). let us know how well it rides.

[crazyfreerider]

when are they going to be on santa cruz's website

[Innocent Bystander]

Can you put a coil on that rig? I have yet to hear a definitive answer on that one.

Sweet ride, BTW.

[Slayer77]

Originally Posted by COmtbiker12

That looks about 150x better than the chrome one! That is one sexy bike. :drool: You gonna use her for mostly trail riding or all around fr/xc/dh/whatever type stuff?

Thanks for the compliments... I will let you know what's up after I ride it...

Forrest

[Slayer77]

Originally Posted by toyota kawasaki

i wonder how those hydroformed tubes compare to normal tubing, strength wise

I'm not sure but I've heard they are very strong...

[Slayer77]

DHX coil... It has an 8.5 eye to eye... I bet it would be really nice with one.

thanks

[A-team]

shes perdy

[Innocent Bystander]

With a coil, IMO (and mine only) that would be the PERFECT bike. Then again, Intense has a 6.6 on the way. Seems as though SC is first to market with any new VPP genre of bike. Maybe that is part of the licensing deal... who knows.

You must be the first Nomad owner in the whole damn world.

[mentawais]

AMAZING BIKE!!!! how did you get one?

[SHIVER ME TIMBERS]

efing 31 pounds...wow. that is light what are all the components

[TheSherpa]

Originally Posted by mentawais

AMAZING BIKE!!!! how did you get one?

Umm...thats Forrest. Hes sponsored by Santa Cruz.

[Slayer77]

let me have one at such an early stage... I think it may be because I usually break all my stuff. Anyway, I'm super stoked to have it!

Thanks,Forrest

[Slayer77]

Medium Ano Grey Nomad, Fox 36, Fox DHX Air, King Headset, WTB Dual Duty Wheelset, Thomson Stem, Easton Monkey Bar 31.8, XO drivetrain, Truvativ GXP crank with a triple, XT front der, Thomson Post, WTB Shadow V Stealth Saddle, WTB Mutanor 2.4 rear, Weirwolf 2.5 front, Hayes Mag disc brakes...

I think that is it...


Thanks, Forrest

[SHIVER ME TIMBERS]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

Medium Ano Grey Nomad, Fox 36, Fox DHX Air, King Headset, WTB Dual Duty Wheelset, Thomson Stem, Easton Monkey Bar 31.8, XO drivetrain, Truvativ GXP crank with a triple, XT front der, Thomson Post, WTB Shadow V Stealth Saddle, WTB Mutanor 2.4 rear, Weirwolf 2.5 front, Hayes Mag disc brakes...

I think that is it...


Thanks, Forrest

thanks...running tubeless will get it to 30 pounds ...WOW ...if that can hold up to abuse

[Trevor!]

One can safely conclude after seeing pictures of it in White, that this ol' color looks mighty fine indeed. Nice bike!

Whats the saddle may I ask? It looks a little beefier than a SLR but a little less stout in contrast to the other WTBs I've seen.

[COmtbiker12]

Originally Posted by SHIVER ME TIMBERS

thanks...running tubeless will get it to 30 pounds ...WOW ...if that can hold up to abuse

I bet it can, seems like it'll be tough competing with this and the new Enduros.

[6milliondollarman]

Damn, like something straight outta MOMA...Truly a work of art. Looks like I'll be waiting til '06 to get my grubby lil' mitts on one.

[ironhorsebike1]

that's a really sick bike. looks much better than i thought it would. have fun on that thing.
nice.

[Photo-John]

I think we're going to have to get you to a fisheye lens anonymous meeting.

That first photo is super cool.

People are asking about hydoform tubing. It's supposed to be both lighter and stronger. And maybe more importantly - ithe hydroform parts supposedly cost less to manufactuer. That should mean cheaper and better bikes for all of us. That's what they say, anyway.

[COmtbiker12]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

I think we're going to have to get you to a fisheye lens anonymous meeting.

That first photo is super cool.

People are asking about hydoform tubing. It's supposed to be both lighter and stronger. And maybe more importantly - ithe hydroform parts supposedly cost less to manufactuer. That should mean cheaper and better bikes for all of us. That's what they say, anyway.

The hydroform looks pretty damn cool at times as well... and in certain colors.

[M.C.]

Whats the top tube length. Head angle, and bottom bracket height?
Curious ya know!
Thanks, M.C. Yeh, that is nicer than what I was expecting.

[Slayer77]

and give you the skinny...

Thanks, Forrest

[KRob]

Originally Posted by Photo-John

That first photo is super cool.

That's what I was thinking.....but I don't know nuthin' about photos, so I was glad to hear PJ say it first.

Cool bike.

[NotQuiteJdm]

Santa Cruz's are hot **** thats for sure.

[b12yan88]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

and give you the skinny...

Thanks, Forrest

you Should take some more pictures
. that color looks much much much much better than the white and polished ones.

[Yoshimura]

wow..that is a nice ride..!!! i really need an all mountain bike...i got a 2000 cannondale jekyll 600 and its quite shitty especially with the head shock!! but i just bought myself an IH Sunday factory..so i guess it will be the end of this year that i will be getting an all moutain bike..
and the Nomad is defn on top of my list...
but sick ride!!! how did u get it so quickly? i tried to order a v10 and got the sunday instead as it was taking ages to arrive!!!
like pictures as well

KC

[ianjenn]

what the hell thompson stem is that? i thought i was gonna need their 6 bolt bmx stem. is it out to the public yet?

[Slayer77]

I'll try to get some detailed ones.

Thanks

[moff_quigley]

Holy! That is sex on 2 wheels. Must resist the urge to sell off stuff to own one. Simply gorgeous.

[Nick.]

Very nice Forrest. I liked the white, but yours looks even better. I'll be looking forward to a ride report.
picture request: closeup, non-drive side, BB area. Gracias.

BTW: how did you jack up your ankle?

[gwm]

Originally Posted by moff_quigley

Holy! That is sex on 2 wheels. Must resist the urge to sell off stuff to own one. Simply gorgeous.

thats the best color i've seen on the nomad so far! that bike freaking rocks bro! let us know how she rides...

looks like my heckler's got a year left to live... enter the nomad

[binary visions]

Wow, that looks great. The polished version looks downright hideous but that's very.. understated. Sweet!

[Jm.]

Can you measure the following for me;

BB Height
Wheelbase
Chainstay length
Effective TT length


Thanks

[robsetsfire]

Every Nomad I have seen set up has seemed to have a 6in rear rotor. I don't want to get into a debate about not needing more than 6 since I'm sure you don't really. I just happen to have a 7in M4 and am wondering if I am going to have to buy a new rear brake if I get a Nomad.

Will a 7 or 8in rear brake rotor fit on that frame?

Thanks

[mtb care bear]

That is an AWESOME bike dude! im so jealous!!! Let us know how it rides!

[AsianPersuasion]

Always thought the bike was FUUUUUUUUUGLY...till I saw this one. SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!! Definately a better color choice than what they released to press so far. Anyone have a clue what a frame is gonna cost yet? I love my Heckler and I spec'd it out lovely. If any change was to happen, it'll prob be just be frame and any little thing I break till then.

[Slayer77]

That is the new Thomson 31.8 X4 stem...

[Slayer77]

in Santa Cruz and came off sideways... I tried to put my foot down to keep me upright but it didn't work... No biggie though, it could be worse!

thanks,Forrest

[Slayer77]

the weight...

thanks,

[e<i>o]

Nice bikey.

What about tire width?

[MannyECG]

That is a sick looking bike bro!!! I can't wait to get my hands on one next year! I currently ride a VP Free and I'm very satisfied with the Santa Cruz craftsmanship and the VPP suspension.

Have fun on that!!!

More pics please!!!

[Acadian]

Pics of the thomson stem here:
http://www.lhthomson.com/gallery/50x4c_1280.jpg

http://www.lhthomson.com/gallery/50x4b_1280.jpg

http://www.lhthomson.com/gallery/50x4a_1280.jpg


Get well soon Forrest. BTW...congrats on getting the cover shot of this month's Mountain Bike - how much did you have to pay them?

[Techfreak]

The photos of the chrome bike at Sea Otter made me want to yack, but now its growing on me. (Like a tumor, maybe). The grey is WAY nicer than the chrome (or the white for that matter).

Sweet bike!

[Slayer77]

sure...

Thanks

Originally Posted by eo

Nice bikey.

What about tire width?

[STrackMike]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

sure...

Thanks

Hey Forrest, who is that person in the pics? He looks familiar to me. I've seen him in the shop in the back of Walnut Creek Performance Bike.

[Acadian]

Originally Posted by STrackMike

Hey Forrest, who is that person in the pics? He looks familiar to me. I've seen him in the shop in the back of Walnut Creek Performance Bike.

Fast new kid on the block - Ryan Condrashoff

[Slayer77]

Condrashoff... Hanging out!

[CraigH]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

Anyway, let me know what you think!!!

Lust...

By the time these are out, it may be time to replace the Blur and the Bullit.

Thanks for posting the pics, looking forward to seeing more.

~~~~~~~~~~~

How has your VP Free been working for you?

BTW, how come you aren't joining the rest of the MTBR crew on the FFTF road trip?

[Slayer77]

I can't go this weekend man, although I would love it!

Thanks,Forrest

[dmananderson]

that is one sweet bike. i wonder how the DHX air will work. have fun on it

[M.C.]

Hey, we need some specs. I want to know Head angle, top tube lenght, bottom bracket height, seat tube angle. If you can or know. I love the welds. Does the design of the top tube seem visually strange when you are riding it or do you not notice?
Thanks, M.C.

[M.C.]

One more Question, How easy is it to flick the bike from one side to the other. With the shock being so high I would think it wouldnt be that great, but your the one with the bike.
Thanks, M.C.

[Slayer77]

a 2.4 Mutano Raptor in the rear and a 2.3 weirwolf in the front. TT is 22.5, but I will measure again. Not sure of BB and ST, I will measure today. I didn't notice the TT when pedaling around my court.

Thanks

Originally Posted by M.C.

Hey, we need some specs. I want to know Head angle, top tube lenght, bottom bracket height, seat tube angle. If you can or know. I love the welds. Does the design of the top tube seem visually strange when you are riding it or do you not notice?
Thanks, M.C.

[STP]

Damn Forrest you are such a rockstar. That bike looks awsome! You always have the best toys.

[Gregory]

SICK! That thing looks SO good, and no doubt it will ride awesome!

[hearnoevil]

swwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! haha, this bike sure is getting a lot of attention! it is prurdy though.

[mentawais]

hey guys , right now i'm puzzle ...my little drama; last year i was looking out for new trail bike, i was tired of heavy IH SGS expert harsh suspension feeling , my choice was FOES INFERNO (with titanium coil , floating brake), after 5 month in waiting it will arrive next week here in Brazil ...but after i had read some MTBR foruns i realized that VPP design is the best to kind of rides i do( very technical rocky downhill) then comes Forrest bike , 5 pound lighter than inferno , stunning sexy machine ...i gonna to let INFERNO frame in the store to sell, save all money as i can ( no sashimis,no party , no new surfboard ever good weed) to a buy a NOMAD and wait another 5 month of course , it's my dream come true bike!!!!!

[Castle]

Sweet bike Forest!!!!


we regular folk, aren't suppose to see those in production till fall right? anyone heard? I've been meaning to ask our rep just haven't thought about it while I was on the phone with him.

[CanadianHooligan]

Thats a sweet bike. Would it be good for 4X? Maybe take off that triple and put on two ring with bashguard? I think the hyrdoformed tubing looks sweet,especially in that colour

[Slayer77]

We took about 10 more photos for you folks... Let me know what you think...

Thanks,forrest

[Slayer77]

Here you go...

[Slayer77]

More....

[Gregory]

photos are sick man!

[binary visions]

Your fisheye lens makes my eyes hurt but the frame looks awesome! Some bizarrely large welds on that rear end near the linkage, though.

[gonzostrike]

Forrest thanks for that last pic on the non-drive dropout. that Nomad is full of nice design details. the folks at SCB should be proud.

[Slayer77]

Head angle 67.5, Wheelbase 43.5, Top Tube 22.5, BB height 13.5.... Everything seems pretty darn cool! Can't wait to ride it!

[Katana]

Hey Forrest,

When will you be testing that at JM?? I'd like to check it out sometime...
Let's ride.
Rolfe

ps congrats on the sea otter dh, you were flying....

[Slayer77]

Prototype frame...

Here is a photo of Mark Weir's, he has taken it on a few spins already!!!

Thanks,Forrest

[bighitboy]

how did u get 1 so quick? does the top tube become a bugger with the man marbles ? looks like a great spot to park them for a milisecond of pain

[Slayer77]

Ankle is healing fast!

Thanks for the note on Sea Otter, I had a really good time down there but a bad run... No worries though, next year!

Thanks,Forrest

Originally Posted by Katana

Hey Forrest,

When will you be testing that at JM?? I'd like to check it out sometime...
Let's ride.
Rolfe

ps congrats on the sea otter dh, you were flying....

[Slayer77]

I don't think so man, it doesn't feel any higher than a regular top tube. think it just looks like that because of the shape. I'm not sure why I got one so soon, I have some good buddies at SC.

Thanks

Originally Posted by bighitboy

how did u get 1 so quick? does the top tube become a bugger with the man marbles ? looks like a great spot to park them for a milisecond of pain

[moff_quigley]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

Head angle 67.5, Wheelbase 43.5, Top Tube 22.5, BB height 13.5.... Everything seems pretty darn cool! Can't wait to ride it!

I don't recall you stating what size frame this is? Based on the TT# I'd say it's a "medium" correct? Might be a little slack for the riding I do...but I still want one. SC=Hammer hit nail on head.

[Slayer77]

You could make the headangle change with a twist of a knob on the 36... The TALAS travel adjuster on the 36 works really well..

Thanks,Forrest

Originally Posted by moff_quigley

I don't recall you stating what size frame this is? Based on the TT# I'd say it's a "medium" correct? Might be a little slack for the riding I do...but I still want one. SC=Hammer hit nail on head.

[Jm.]

Originally Posted by Katana

Hey Forrest,

When will you be testing that at JM?? ....

Never evidently. I was considering it initially as my next frame, but the BB height is too low (and the wait too long obviously). I've been riding a 6" travel frame with a 13.3" BB, this is already a damn-low BB for that much travel and I have to be carefull to not bang my pedals on rocks, but 13.5 for 6.5" of travel is just too low. I was expecting more like 13.75-14" or so, given the travel. I don't want an excessively high BB, but 13.5 is too low IMO for that much travel. That top tube is a little short for me as well. I can see where the bike is short, it's in the front end. The 43.5" wheelbase is a little short for my tastes (I prefer around 43.75-44, and with the short top tube, I'd bet that it has ~16.75" chainstays. The shorter front end is probably what keeps it from being more like a 44" wheelbase.

Not dissing the bike, but I'm very particular when it comes to geometry, so take it with a grain of salt. It looks like an impressive bike and I'll try to bum one off someone in the future for a little ride. Nice to see SC filling the "gap".

[C88]

Originally Posted by Slayer77

Medium Ano Grey Nomad, Fox 36, Fox DHX Air, King Headset, WTB Dual Duty Wheelset, Thomson Stem, Easton Monkey Bar 31.8, XO drivetrain, Truvativ GXP crank with a triple, XT front der, Thomson Post, WTB Shadow V Stealth Saddle, WTB Mutanor 2.4 rear, Weirwolf 2.5 front, Hayes Mag disc brakes...

I think that is it...


Thanks, Forrest

Pedals, please?

Looking for some decent flats...

[DMFT]

- Weir's bike has an 8 inch rotor on the back.
I remember that question being asked quite a bit.....

Sooooper slick rig Forrest, enjoy!

[Renegade]

Before any moron asks, "why is there a suspension seatpost on a full suspension bike?", it's a gravity dropper seatpost. You can raise or drop the saddle 3 inches, on the fly. They kick ass!

[e<i>o]

Originally Posted by Renegade

You can raise or drop the saddle 3 inches, on the fly. They kick ass!

My wife wants one.........I can't imagine why?

[Renegade]

Originally Posted by eo

My wife wants one.........I can't imagine why?

Because she won't have a saddle attached to the end?

[e<i>o]

Originally Posted by Renegade

Because she won't have a saddle attached to the end?

Dammit! I knew there was a motive..........

[Slayer77]

Thanks

Originally Posted by C88

Pedals, please?

Looking for some decent flats...

[Slayer77]

thanks,

Originally Posted by C88

Pedals, please?

Looking for some decent flats...

[flatulentfox]

very sick, but can you not get black zip ties? otherwise orgasmic.

[freeriderizzle]

That bike is fugly.

I'll keep my Intense 5.5.

Did Santa Cruz just hire some newbie kid designer who just graduated from the Design Center???

It reminds me of those concept drawings that never make it to production.
Some one was high on crack when they gave the "green light" to produce that bike.

[Slayer77]

sucks.

Originally Posted by flatulentfox

very sick, but can you not get black zip ties? otherwise orgasmic.

[k1dude]

I get a chubby every time I look at those photos.

[Daner]

Note that only the 50mm version looks like that. All others have a more or less rounded body between the clamps.

Originally Posted by Slayer77

That is the new Thomson 31.8 X4 stem...

[hearnoevil]

Originally Posted by freeriderizzle

That bike is fugly.

I'll keep my Intense 5.5.

Did Santa Cruz just hire some newbie kid designer who just graduated from the Design Center???

It reminds me of those concept drawings that never make it to production.
Some one was high on crack when they gave the "green light" to produce that bike.

It's just a bike buddy, calm down. The frame follows the same looks as the v10, and I think it looks good with the rest of their line up. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

[mentawais]

because i like it!!! i will buy one

[hearnoevil]

That's the spirt!

[hearnoevil]

ewww...