How the Nomad Outperforms the Competition? [2025 Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS Review]

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2025 Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS Review

• Price:  $6,999
• Suspension System：VPP
• Max Tire Size: 2.5″

What we like about it:  Excellent Suspension、Stable Geometry、Powerful Brakes、Efficient Climbing、Durable Frame、Stiff Wheels

What we didn’t like about it: Heavier Build、Maintenance Required、Aggressive Geometry、Not for Novices

Rating: (4.9/5)

The Santa Cruz Nomad might be the ideal bike for you if you’re a regular mountain biker searching for one that can negotiate the most difficult courses and terrain. A real game-changer in the realm of all-mountain bikes, the Nomad is renowned for its durability, creative design, and outstanding performance. We shall explore in great detail in this review the characteristics, ride quality, and general value of the Nomad, so distinguishing it from the competitors. Whether your riding experience is weekend warrior or seasoned professional, the Nomad promises to improve it to unprecedented levels.

Riding Scenes

Just beginning to rise over the rocky landscape of Downieville, California, a little mountain hamlet tucked away in the Sierra Nevada, comes the sun. For a mountain bike event, this location is well-known for its difficult courses, steep climbs, and quick descends. The air is crisp, and as racers get ready for the daily event, I can sense the thrill rising. I inhale deeply and quickly once-over my Santa Cruz Nomad to ensure everything is ready for the trip forward.

Approaching

Surrounded by other cyclists equally keen as I am, I clip into the pedals and roll up to the starting line. The first stage of the race winds via steep trails and deep pine forests, a difficult hillside section. I switch into a lower gear as the race gets underway and feel the power move across the VPP suspension system. With its 160mm front and rear travel cushioning the pebbles and bumps under me, the Nomad climbs easily. I force my legs harder, but the bike seems to be dragging me upward—almost as if it were designed for this kind of pain.

As I ascend further into the mountains, the trail steepens cause me to feel burn in my legs. One after another, the switchbacks show the geometry of the Nomad brilliantly. Its long reach and slack head angle help me to be confident and balanced even on a more challenging path. I hardly slow down as I negotiate little gaps between rocks and tree roots. The Boost spacing in the wheels guarantees the bike stays responsive and steady even with the additional weight from my gear. Every turn seems exact, and I can keep momentum going through the toughest peaks.

At last, following what seems like eternity, I summit. I pause to gather my breath, but the race is still under way. The downhill part of the true test is just about starting.

In descending order

The track drops right away, and before me the world opens. Downieville’s downhill portion consists of steep drops, loose dirt, and tight bends. Tightening my hold on the handlebars, the Santa Cruz Nomad springs to life. The bike easily manages the downhill. Though light enough to make the bike nimble, the Carbon C frame is sturdy enough to take every rock and root hit. I could feel the RockShox Super Deluxe shock in action as I accelerated, absorbing every bump without skipping a beat.

Though the path is quick and erratic, the Nomad remains calm. I bank off berms with a confidence derived from knowing my bike will handle tight bends. With amazing stopping power, the SRAM Code RSC brakes let me slow down just enough for the next hairpin corner, then let go and speed once more. Flying, I find myself smiling as the bike seems to glide over the uneven ground.

This bike goes beyond simply managing the difficult hills and forceful descents. It’s about savoring every riding moment and knowing you have the confidence to meet whatever the course presents. From the mountain paths of Downieville to any race circuit, the Nomad shows itself as the ideal friend for those living for the excitement of the ride.

Specifics

The Santa Cruz Nomad has a really unique suspension setup. Built with the VPP (Virtual Pivot Point), the bike offers 160mm of travel in both front and rear. Whether you’re hitting rocks, roots, or deep ruts, this provides the Nomad amazing capacity to soak up tough tracks. The suspension stays active even under intense pedaling, thus I don’t lose energy on climbs or during technical part powering. It provides amazing stability and control on downhill runs, absorbs stress without feeling overly soft or slow. Whether the ride is a quick, flowing descent or a lumpy, rocky climb, the bike feels as though it fits the terrain.

Perfect for challenging terrain, the Nomad’s geometry is meant for aggressive riding. Particularly on quick descends or when negotiating tight curves, the bike’s slack head angle helps stability. The low bottom bracket and extended reach help the bike to remain balanced, so enabling me to remain centered and under control even on steep hills. When I’m negotiating difficult areas or working with uneven ground, the Nomad’s confident, rooted sensation on the ground comes from this mix of angles. At high speeds, the bike seems steady and encourages trust in every turn or dip.

Regarding braking, the SRAM Code RSC produces very remarkable stopping power on the Nomad. These brakes give consistent performance whether I’m slowing down for a drop or approaching a steep turn. Excellent modulation from the 4-piston arrangement helps me to adjust my speed without feeling choppy. Although on long, steep descends, I never have to worry about fading; the brake levers seem quick. The Nomad’s braking mechanism guarantees that I won’t lose control and can boldly manage challenging terrain and fast runs.

The Nomad excels on climbs as much as on handling difficult downhills. On hilltop parts, it provides excellent power transfer thanks to the carbon C frame and effective VPP suspension. The way the bike is built keeps the back suspension from swaying too much, therefore allowing me to put force into the pedals without losing momentum. Whether the climb is short, high tricky or a long fire road climb, the Nomad stays responsive and effective. The Boost spacing in the wheels guarantees a strong and rigid ride, which helps me to keep speed even on difficult ascends. The Nomad is flexible enough for both climbs and descents because of its mix of power and efficiency, which gives me the confidence to conquer any route.

Video

Various Forms

Being a trailblazing brand, Santa Cruz cleared the path for a lot of other forthcoming companies on the scene. Santa Cruz NOMAD is a high-end full-suspension bike, hence the NOMAD X01 AXS carbon frame features high-spec components: a 70mm diameter, 38mm fork and 170mm VPPTM rear suspension.

For more effective pedaling, these are coil and air shock compatible. Aggressive launching long rides with both crush and comfort is possible from the Maxxis Assegai 29 “x2.5” vacuum tires.

Enough power is delivered by the SRAM 1×12 electronic drivetrain even on strenuous upward climbs. Moreover, when rappelling across more drop-off terrain, SRAM braking makes you rather confident. It can also provide you help in races and take you for an interesting journey.

Advantages

• The VPP suspension has 160mm of front and rear travel, therefore enabling a smooth ride on tricky, uneven terrain.
• The low bottom bracket helps handling on steep terrain; the slack head angle and lengthy reach provide stability on descents.
• Strong stopping strength and excellent modulation made possible by SRAM Code RSC brakes guarantees control on steep downhill portions.
• On hills without too much bobbing, the Carbon C frame and good suspension help the Nomad to be efficient.
• For demanding courses, the lightweight yet sturdy Carbon C frame strikes a mix between performance and durability.
• Boost spacing gives more stiffness, therefore enhancing responsiveness and control on quick descends.

Consents

• Though the carbon frame is light, the bike is often heavier, which would be less perfect for long-distance rides.
• Advanced parts like the RockShox shock and SRAM brakes need regular maintenance to retain top performance.
• Aggressive Geometry: For casual or novice riders seeking a more laid-back ride, the bike’s aggressive configuration might not be best.
• The Nomad is meant for experienced riders and might b

FAQ

From what is the suggested fork?

Nomad 6 geometry is derived on a 170mm fork with 44mm offset. Less travel than that is not advised since the BB will go really low. If you would want, up to 180mm is acceptable.

Does this have chainguide compatibility?

Indeed, this bike features easily available chain guide mounting ISCG-05 tabs. Most guidelines andbash guards adhering to ISCG-05 criteria should be compatible.

Could I translate the Nomad into either full 29″ or full 27.5″?

No, the Nomad 6 is built just for MX wheels; 29″ up front, 27.5″ in the rear. Attempting to switch to different wheel sizes will compromise handling, geometry, and performance.

Standards

Suspension System	VPP
Front Derailleur	No compatibility
Headset/Headtube	Integrated (IS41/52)
Seat Post	31.6mm
Seat Clamp	36.4mm
Eye to Eye length	230mm
Stroke	65mm
Fork Compatibility	170-180mm
BB Shell	73mm Threaded
Max Tire Size	2.5″
Water Bottle Mounts	1
Shock Mounting Bushing Front	30×8
Shock Mounting Bushing Rear	30×8
Brake Mount	200 PM
Fork Offset	44mm

Table of Analogues

Bike	Price	Drivetrain	Tires	Brakes
Ibis Ripmo V2	$5,199	1×12 electronic	29” x 2.5”	Shimano XT, hydraulic disc
Yeti SB150	$5,299	1×12 electronic	29” x 2.5”	Shimano XT, hydraulic disc
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO	$6,100	1×12 electronic	29” x 2.3”	SRAM Code RSC, hydraulic disc

Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS VS Ibis Ripmo V2

Using DW-Link suspension, the Ibis Ripmo V2 boasts 160mm of rear travel and 170mm up front. On climbs, its suspension is effective; it also offers a smooth ride on descents with minimum bobbing. It strikes a mix of pedaling efficiency and softness. On the rouhest paths, the Nomad provides more softness, though. On tight corners, the Ripmo V2 is more agile because of its somewhat steeper head angle and taller bottom bracket; on steep descends, it is less stable than the Nomad. The bike has Shimano XT brakes, which provide consistent stopping power; but, the SRAM Code RSC on the Nomad provides better modulation in very steep circumstances. Because of its more forgiving suspension, the Nomad has the advantage on long, steady climbs even if the Ripmo V2 is somewhat more efficient on difficult climbs.

Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS VS Yeti SB150

The Yeti SB150 has 150mm of rear travel and 170mm up front, and Switch Infinity suspension. This system is rather good in offering mid-stroke support, which keeps the bike effective on climbs and smooth on descents. On climbs, it seems somewhat more efficient than the Nomad; but, it provides a little less plushness when negotiating hard impacts. With a loose head angle akin to the Nomad, the SB150’s geometry is intended for stability on high-speed descents. On very steep slopes, the SB150 does, however, feel a little more reactive and unstable. Although the SRAM Code RSC on the Nomad gives somewhat greater modulation under severe braking, Shimano XT brakes give great stopping force. With low suspension sag and great support, the Switch Infinity system helps the SB150 to be quite efficient on steep climbs.

Santa Cruz Nomad GX AXS VS Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

Fox float X2 rear suspension, 150mm of travel, and a 160mm fork equip the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. Though it offers a comfortable ride on most terrain, the suspension is flexible and feels less optimized for aggressive riding than the Nomad. Adjustable geometry on the Stumpjumper EVO lets riders customize the bike for various kinds of terrain. On tight courses, it is agile and responsive; nevertheless, it lacks the downhill stability of the Nomad. Though they lack the raw strength and modulation of the SRAM Code RSC, the bike employs SRAM G2 RSC brakes to provide respectable stopping force. While on technical ascents the Stumpjumper EVO is effective but does not match the climbing efficiency of the Nomad or Ripmo V2.

Finally

Ultimately, the Santa Cruz Nomad is more than simply a bike; it’s a friend for people who enjoy riding difficult courses and stretching their mountain biking ability. The Nomad’s great build quality, sophisticated features, and adaptability help to explain why it’s among the best choices for serious riders. The Nomad is eager to be your next adventure partner if you’re ready to advance your mountain bike. Thus, get ready and equip yourself to confidently ride!