Santa Cruz Bicycles

Nomad AL Mountain Bike Frame - 2018

Completely overhauled from the previous generation, the Santa Cruz Nomad Aluminum Mountain Bike Frame moves further into the gravity spectrum with its lower-link mounted air shock and adjustable flip-chip with high/low geometry settings. Frankly, we were blown away upon first glance of the fourth-gen Nomad with its V10-inspired chassis mated to an elongated wheelbase and super-slack geometry that screams of downhill aggression. After a few minutes of further inspection, we were even more impressed with thoughtful details protecting the bike's sensitive regions—mainly with the cleanly integrated downtube and chainstay protectors, but also with the shock fender that keeps out flinging mud and errant trail debris.

Seeing the previous generation Nomad aimed squarely at enduro domination, the newest generation is less of a dedicated race bike and more of a gravity/freeride rig that you can actually pedal uphill without struggling like other long-travel sleds. Think of it as a freeride bike for riders seeking one that's versatile enough to destroy lift-accessed downhills and park laps, then pedal along backcountry epics the very next day. The 65-degree head tube angle (high geometry setting) and longer reach keep things calm and comfortable on wicked descents, yet the steeper 75-degree seat tube angle puts you in an optimal pedaling position, so you're never struggling to shift your weight forward on climbs.

The flip-chip integrated into the swingarm gives you the ability to fine-tune its geometry to your exact riding preferences and local terrain. Keep it in the high setting for a more efficient pedaling position or switch it to the low setting for even slacker head tube angle of 64.6 degrees that's purely focused on gravity disciplines. Ultimately, its adjustable geometry lends the ability to push the bike to the absolute limit on downhills or retain more balance for earning your turns across large swaths of alpine terrain.

Moving to the revised shock placement, the engineers at Santa Cruz sought to achieve a more linear shock rate with the fourth generation Nomad, much like you'd find with the V10. The VPP suspension is driven by a lower-link mounted air shock, marking a radical departure from the likes of Santa Cruz's more trail-oriented models, like the 5010, Hightower, or Tallboy. This revised shock location eliminates the Nomad's previous tendencies to settle in the middle of its travel, meaning it feels more active and tracks to the ground noticeably better across steep descents and rugged terrain. Although its shock rate is more linear, it doesn't sacrifice support deep into the travel, meaning it never feels harsh on bigger hits and downhills.

This particular frame is made of alloy, which saves you a good bit of cash over pricier carbon models, so you can build up your dream bike without emptying out your entire bank account. Santa Cruz alloy frames are fully backed by their lifetime warranty, which is a testament to just how strong and resilient these alloy frames are from everyday abuse on the trail. Additionally, the alloy frame enjoys downtube and chainstay protectors, which keep flinging trail debris from damaging the frame's most sensitive areas.