SC really nailed it with the geometry. Reach isn't extreme, steep seat tube, slack head tube, and long chainstays.

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

One of the most balanced bikes I've ridden in a while and one that really compliments my riding.

Very nice bike skills Sir!

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

Thank you

Another great review! What are your thoughts on how the Nomad compares to the carbon Transition Patrol? I'm currently riding an alloy Transition Sentinel (which I really like), but feel like the 150mm rear travel gets overwhelmed on bigger or repeated hits. Looking for something that stays more composed on chunky descents without sacrificing too much on the climbs.

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

I felt similar about my Sentinel, the Trek Fuel EX and Evil Offering seemed to use their travel better in rough terrain. The Santa Cruz suspension stays more active in the chunk and the Patrol BB was too low for my taste even in the high position.

I got this bike from Jenson back in April and I absolutely love it. I was between the new RM Altitude and this. Having never ridden Mx wells, it was a tough call not going with a 29er, but glad I did. I’ve been hitting features I had before and can say the bike has bailed me out a few times. It climbs well enough for me, and honestly not much different than my previous bike (latest gen Hoghtower). I put a vivid and a fox 38 on it and it feels dialed, especially the vivid. Considering updating to the new gripx2 damper on the fork. What’s your thoughts so far on that damper? Great review as always!

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

It's not a night and day difference in the fork as a whole but it is a surprisingly better damper. I'm still dialing in setting, but the traction and small bump compliance is so much better even with having it setup for larger features.

@NB-ski

Ай бұрын

@@NICADV how much of small bump compliance would you attribute to the new bushings vs the damper? Having previously broken my wrist, I’m all for the smooth feeling fork.

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

@@NB-ski Its hard to tell but the damper seems to be the bigger change

I have been looking at getting a Nomad, however at 5'9 I am stuck between a size medium or size large. You mentioned that you tested a size large at 5'11 and do you think that for someone shorter the size large might lose a lot of its playfulness and maneuverability?

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

It would lose some of the maneuverability. I think the medium would probably be a better fit, especially with the shorter rear end. You may also have to shorten the dropper. I have a 210 OneUp dropper and it is fully slammed, bottomed out on the inside of the seattube. I have a 74cm saddle height center bb to top of saddle.

Great review. I’ve been interested in this bike for a long time. I recently moved to Phoenix, soon appreciated your sharing what this is like in Moab. We’ve got a lot of tech climbers here. I also do an annual trip with friends to the pnw each year. I currently have the forbidden Druid v2 and I wish it had a little higher bb for Phoenix and I wish it had a little more travel. I’m thinking about getting a Bronson instead, but wonder if this wouldn’t be the better choice all around. Thoughts on nomad vs Bronson?

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

I’ve ridden the current Bronson but it’s been awhile, and I wasn’t taking the “review” approach. I’m hoping to get one out soon for a proper look. Are running the Druid with mixed wheels?

Great review. The bike sounds sick! I'm on a Wreckoning and trying to decide between this bike and the Megatower. How does this bike feel compared to the Wreckoning?

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

They will both climb better, due mostly to the steeper seattube. Compared to the Wreckoning the body position on the mixed wheel bike is just better for jumps and steeps. The longer rear center also makes it feel more balanced and stable at higher speed.

@Chance.B

Ай бұрын

@@NICADVThanks, that helps!

I’m thinking about getting a Santa Cruz Bronson but also thinking about the nomad i am on a xc team but not competitive and plan on doing more dh/enduro but still want a good climber. Which do you think would do the best?

@NICADV

24 күн бұрын

The Nomad will certainly be better at dh/enduro and due to the updated geometry is actually a bit better climber than the Bronson. The downside to racing XC is that it is heavier by about a pound. It could help to run XC tires for the race and burlier tires for the DH/Enduro.

@chasecelli9747

24 күн бұрын

@@NICADV Alr thank you so much I think ima get the Bronson since my local store is giving me a good deal but I’ll definitely get the nomad in the future

I need a review of INTENSE TRACER man 🎉🎉

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

I'm definitely interested in checking one out, but unfortunately they don't appear to have any demo events in the PNW. I'll keep an eye out

I've got a bronson V4.1 and its fucking sweet. I imagine this is just like it just a bit bigger.

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

I’d think so, but I’m hoping to check one out soon.

The only thing about this video is the trail. I never do mixed wheel bikes. The only way will be to make the bike full 27.5. Change the fork to longer travel.

@karp3306

Ай бұрын

You and your relentless comments on mullet bikes. I’m on my third mullet spandex boy

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

🤷🏻‍♂️

How tall are you?

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

5’ 11” or 180cm

*I ride everything from fresh 2023 Santa Cruz - beginning Tallboy to Megatower... Many years passed and nothing changed and never will be changed with this particular VPP design, even geometry cannot fix it. It is not a problem may be, for 80% of people or noobies, but those bike suspension never gives you a fun factor. I mean It eats all the terrain you push through but It does It without any response and understandind what is going on under your legs... Yes u r always ready for any challenges - huge drops, endless roots, stone sections, but when you try to get fun on some simple stuff like trail riding or a technical elements It just so boring to ride Santa's VPP. I even like much more Kellys upside down VPP suspension, It gives at least some poppy feeling and u always do understand the surface u r riding + vpp botomless feeling... No hate, just IMHO about santa's VPP. I can ride any modern bike everywhere with the same modern geo and shocks and i always get a tons of fun, i can jump higher and i can get the feeling i am riding on the edge...trying to improove myriding skills. With VPP I feel myself as an old grandpa in Range Rover with last gen air suspension... I go 150 miles per hour but i feel like i moove 30 miles per hour... Boooooring comfort) Your voice even not interrupting during downhill...it is so boring plush, I think you can give interview during DH race on VPP without any problems)) What kind of fun and nimble people are talking about here, only your breath is destroyed by lack of efficiency (sorry NO efficiency is correct word) Best friend that will kill your with 200 pulse) LOL)))*

@Cevirus93

Ай бұрын

Very sad to hear that. I dont share your experience. Maybe try the high flipchip setting or dial in your suspension more. Im able to totally change my nomads character to what You like by turning some knobs on my suspension.

@NICADV

Ай бұрын

🤷🏻‍♂️