Santa Cruz Nomad V6 Long Term Review | Still a Party Machine!

[@Star_lord22]

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

[@NICADV]

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

[@sham8723]

​@NICADV How tall are you? I'm super stoked on my Heckler SL but not sure about the reduction in reach on the Nomad. I have tended to be most comfortable at about 480 on reach lately.

[@NICADV]

@@sham8723 5’ 11” or 180cm

[@sham8723]

@NICADV Ha! That doesn't help me decide. I'm 6'1" really I'm six feet and three quarters of an inch, so I round it up. Good video though.

[@NICADV]

@@sham8723 sorry, but at 6’ 1” I’d usually recommend XL 497 reach works well with the other measurements and you could opt for a shorter stem.

[@rockieswin8724]

Very nice bike skills Sir!

[@NICADV]

Thank you

[@DarrenSmith-x6h]

Hey man enjoyed your vid,can u tell me what brakes your running and if there doing a good job in the steeps,cheers

[@NICADV]

@@DarrenSmith-x6h I’m mostly running Shimano 4 pistons XTR, XT, and Saint with 203 rotors and they work great. I have tried a number of new bikes with SRAM Maven brakes and had mostly good results. The Maven Brz that came on my Bronson are impressive and I’ve been able to get away with a 180 rear rotor. We’ll have to see how they hold up, longevity and consistency have been the issue I see on the sram brakes.

[@danielray1558]

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]

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?

[@NB-ski]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@Chance.B]

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]

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]

@@NICADVThanks, that helps!

[@snoochies4256]

For riding Galbraith type terrain, would you go with the Patrol or the Nomad if you had to choose one?

[@NICADV]

I made that decision and went Nomad. It has better traction at high speed and in steep terrain but also a bit higher bb if you find yourself on the slabs in the area.

[@ytluder]

While ago you tested Evil Insurgent - I wonder what made you choose Nomad over the Insurgent? I'm torn between the two. I ride Insurgent currently, but it's too small and need for a change, so I'd much appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

[@NICADV]

That's a simply one, but may not help your decision making. The biggest reason was that riding for Jenson USA it makes sense to ride what we sell. The differences how I perceived them are: The Insurgent is a bit more playful and on jumps the shorter rear and wheelbase is more manageable. The Nomad excels and is more stable at higher speeds, is a bit more planted and the frame storage is a plus.

[@ytluder]

​@@NICADVthanks so much for your answer. That's a valuable input to the decision.

[@NICADV]

@@ytluder Hope I can help, the current deals on Evil-bikes.com are pretty good and Jenson is running some nomad deals as well: alnk.to/9moLqzm

[@Hot_dog_jello]

So actually my bike was just stolen last night and might as well replace it and ball out while doing it It was a Santa Cruz 5010 with custom parts. So I’m not new to the world of trails and downhilling and all of it. And ofc I’m a SC purist. But I wanted the nomad for more travel and able to take the more intense rides. So is it a good bike for multi use, as in I could do some XC with it and some trails but then also hit lots of features? And is it good as an every day trail bike?

[@NICADV]

I'm sorry to hear that. What a huge bummer. The Nomad is my everyday trail bike. I find it to be the best compromise of all out capability and fun. It will probably depend on your area but for what I like to ride around the PNW and Colorado it absolutely delivers. My DH bike is currently down, but I already had a Whistler trip planned. I rode a couple new features as well as some of the gnarlier stuff that can't be missed and even made the climb up to Dark Crystal. The Nomad handled all of it without fuss. If I had to go back down to one bike it would be the Nomad.

[@Hot_dog_jello]

@@NICADV alright. Thank you for that. I’m in Colorado and sometimes California so doing lots and lots of stuff. So I’ll definitely look more into. You’re awesome!

[@NICADV]

The current Nomad was new in 2023 so depending on the size you want Jenson USA has huge discounts on frame options if you're looking to custom build or 2024 complete bikes marked down. They even have some 2025 colors and builds: alnk.to/3ybeOYa

[@Hot_dog_jello]

@@NICADV yeah so actually im going with the bronson gx axs. i found it at a huge discount near me. thanks for sharing that link with me though! Stay safe and have fun dude!

[@NICADV]

@@Hot_dog_jello Nice, that’s a great bike. I’m stoked there are still so many deals out there. Have fun!

[@carter5885]

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]

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.

[@chasecelli9747]

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]

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]

@@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

[@matth8924]

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

[@NICADV]

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

[@lukienduro]

Which size would you suggest for someone 6'1.2" (186 cm) tall?

[@NICADV]

@@lukienduro I would definitely say XL. There is always room for preference, but the Nomad’s reach is pretty conservative compared to some companies so unless you like a really short reach the XL is the way to go.

[@ryanstewart7725]

This Nomad Vs Spire for everyday shredding?

[@NICADV]

@@ryanstewart7725 I prefer the Nomad for my terrain. It’s more nimble, stable enough and the mixed wheels.

[@leafydialupking1]

So this vs the chainsaw on agility and playfulness?

[@NICADV]

The Nomad does have the edge for agility and playfulness but only by a little. The Chainsaw wins out for chunk and stability.

[@leafydialupking1]

@@NICADV damn really? I’d have for sure thought the chainsaw would be more agile with how much shorter it is, even at sag the chainstays are 10mm shorter.

[@NICADV]

@@leafydialupking1 It’s only a little. I think it’s the weight and lower center of gravity.

[@pccy1998]

How tall are you?

[@NICADV]

5’ 11” or 180cm

[@LvCapsule]

I need a review of INTENSE TRACER man 🎉🎉

[@NICADV]

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

[@juanhidalgo7043]

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]

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

[@NICADV]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Playwholeday]

*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]

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]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DarrenSmith-x6h]

U probably running wrong suspension +setup for vpp

[@rowendaly7136]

sounds like your not riding hard trails lol