Santa Cruz Nomad

The mixed-wheel configuration—often called a mullet setup—combines the rollover stability of a 29-inch front wheel with the maneuverability of a 27.5-inch rear wheel. This makes the bike feel more agile in tight, technical corners while still maintaining composure on high-speed, rough descents.

While the Nomad is a beast on steep, aggressive terrain and bike park laps, its suspension kinematics are efficient enough for long days in the saddle. It pedals surprisingly well for a 170mm travel bike, though it is definitely optimized for descending rather than cross-country speed.

The flip-chip allows you to tweak the bottom bracket height and head tube angle to suit your riding style or specific trail conditions. The 'Low' setting slackens the bike for more stability on steep, fast descents, while the 'High' setting provides a bit more pedal clearance and quicker handling for tighter, more technical trails.

The Nomad features an integrated downtube storage compartment, which is perfect for stashing tools, a tube, or snacks. It helps keep weight off your back and ensures you have the essentials for trailside repairs without needing a bulky pack.

Yes, the Nomad comes equipped with a dropper post, which is essential for a bike with this much travel. It allows you to quickly drop your saddle for technical descents and raise it back up for climbing efficiency without stopping.

Yes, the Nomad is built with UDH compatibility. This is a significant advantage because it makes finding a replacement hanger much easier at almost any bike shop, regardless of where you are riding.