Santa Cruz Nomad 5 C/XT (2022)

Santa Cruz Nomad 5 C XT-Kit - New concept for the classic: Trail-Fully with Enduro genes.

An enduro machine that loves to swallow or a lively trail fully? The new Nomad 5 C/R blurs the boundaries between the two. Because the Californian cult forge Santa Cruz has rethought its classic. In close cooperation with the riders of the Race Team, the geometry of the Nomad has been completely revised. The result is a competition-ready Enduro-Fully that is just as much fun for surfing flow trails. The steering angle, which has been flattened by one degree, combined with the steep seat angle ensures outstanding climbing ability. What has remained the same: the Nomad continues to roll on 27.5-inch wheels. And it does so classically, with identical-sized front and rear wheels. A coherent concept, because the chassis gives this enduro exactly the agility on narrow trails that many 29ers lack. The tried-and-tested Santa Cruz Lower-Link kinematics have also been retained, which make the 170 millimetres of rear suspension travel controllable. This is a double joint that allows the swingarm to rotate around a virtual pivot point. A highly efficient technology that almost completely eliminates annoying bobbing when riding uphill. In addition, a platform damping can be activated on the shock, which moderately counteracts the chain pull.

Santa Cruz carbon frame - workmanship at the highest level

When it comes to workmanship, the Nomad 5 C/R is in a league of its own. It is not without reason that mountain bike connoisseurs roll their eyes when they hear the name Santa Cruz. Of course, this level has its price, but in return the manufacturer grants a lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings. In addition, useful details on the frame help to protect the noble carbon: Below the bottom bracket and in the upper area of the down tube, two rubberised protectors defend against stone chips. And even below the main joint on the rear triangle, a small protector effectively deflects sharp projectiles. The cables do not run loosely inside the frame, but in separate tubes. We have two versions of the Nomad, both based on the Santa Cruz C-Carbon frame. This is slightly heavier than the CC frame, which is considerably more expensive. The R-Kit comes with RockShox Zeb suspension fork and Sram NX Eagle drivetrain and gears. It also comes with lightweight Sram Guide RE brakes with 200mm discs.

Details

• Santa Cruz C Carbon frame & rear triangle, 170 mm travel
• Fox 38 Float Performance Elite suspension fork & RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock.
• Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain and Shimano XT disc brakes
• RockShox Reverb Stealth telescopic seatpost as standard