Enduro bike without an engine: Better shooting with the Santa Cruz Nomad 7?

With the new Nomad 7, Santa Cruz continues to rely on the MX wheel concept with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels. The VPP kinematics have been revised and have a reduced anti-squat and anti-rise value, which should improve off-road sensitivity and traction under braking. A flatter progression in the characteristic curve should also ensure a more constant ride feel over the entire suspension travel.

The top model in size L is said to weigh 15.3 kilos. Cost point: 10,199 euros. The entry-level model costs 6299 euros.

VPP kinematics with reduced anti-squat

The VPP suspension works with a lower anti-squat value than its predecessor. According to the manufacturer, this should improve sensitivity to impacts. The anti-rise value has also been reduced, which should increase traction when braking. The leverage rate shows less progression and a modified characteristic curve. As a result, Santa Cruz promises more even response behaviour over the entire spring travel. The set-up is based on the Bronson 5.

A flip chip on the lower handlebar enables two geometry settings. The high position results in a steering angle of 63.6 degrees, the low position 63.3 degrees. The bottom bracket height changes between 346 and 343 millimetres.

CC carbon for all frame sizes

Santa Cruz only uses CC carbon frames. All five sizes from Small to XXL use the same material. The manufacturer gives a lifetime guarantee on the frame and bearing bushes. The new frame saves 283 grams compared to the Nomad 6c and 86 grams compared to the 6cc. The stiffness has been adjusted for each size in order to achieve similar riding characteristics in all variants.

The Glovebox V2 in the down tube offers storage space for tools and spare parts. The locking mechanism has been revised. The latch is wider for better engagement and the lever is more ergonomically shaped. The cover uses additional adhesive for improved contact with the frame. There are attachment points for accessories on the top tube.

Geometry based on Bullit 4

The head angle corresponds to the Bullit 4 and is slightly slacker than the Nomad 6, while the seat angle is steeper, also similar to the Bullit 4. Reach, chainstay length and bottom bracket height remain similar to its predecessor. The chainstay length varies depending on the frame size: Small uses 439 millimetres, Medium 440 millimetres, Large 443 millimetres, XL 446 millimetres and XXL 450 millimetres.

The reach increases from 435 millimetres in Small to 455, 475 and 495 millimetres and up to 520 millimetres in XXL. The stack measures between 624 millimetres (Small) and 670 millimetres (XXL). The standover height ranges from 712 millimetres to 733 millimetres. The seat tube length varies between 380 millimetres (Small) and 500 millimetres (XXL).

Five equipment variants

Santa Cruz offers the Nomad 7 in five versions. The entry-level model uses a RockShox Zeb Base fork with 170 millimetres of travel and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select shock. The brakes come from SRAM DB8 Stealth with 200 millimetre discs front and rear. The wheels combine Reserve 30|TR and 30|HD aluminium rims with Zipp ZM700 hubs. An SDG Tellis seatpost is part of the equipment.

The GX AXS (€ 7499) version comes with a RockShox Zeb Select fork and SRAM Maven Base brakes. The drivetrain uses SRAM GX AXS. The wheels rely on Reserve aluminium rims with DT Swiss 370 hubs. A OneUp seatpost replaces the SDG Tellis.

The XT Di2 (€ 8299) Coil model uses a RockShox Zeb Select+ fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. Shimano XT Di2 takes care of the shifting. SRAM Maven Bronze brakes provide deceleration. The wheels use Reserve 30|SL and 30|HD AL 6069 rims with DT Swiss 370 hubs.

The X0 AXS RSV Coil version relies on a Fox 38 Float Factory fork with Grip X2 damping. The Fox DH X2 Factory Coil shock works at the rear. SRAM X0 AXS controls the gears, SRAM Maven Silver the brakes. The wheels combine Reserve 30|SL and 30|HD AL 6069 rims with DT 350 DEG DF hubs.

The top model (€ 10,199) also uses a Fox 38 Float Factory fork and Fox DH X2 Factory Coil shock. SRAM X0 AXS and SRAM Maven Silver are retained. The wheels switch to Reserve 30|HD carbon rims with DT 350 DEG DF hubs. All versions ride on Maxxis HighRoller 29x2.4 tyres at the front and Minion DHR II 27.5x2.4 tyres at the rear.

Without having ridden the new Santa Cruz Nomad 7, the innovative leap seems small. The head angle is a little slacker, the seat angle a little steeper - classic detail adjustments. We will soon be testing whether the revised kinematics are a game changer. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester

Technical specifications:

• Frame: CC Carbon, MX wheels, SM-XXL Sizes
• Suspension travel: 170 mm front and rear
• Suspension: VPP system
• Damper: 230 x 65 mm
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Base/Select/Select+ or Fox 38 Float Factory, 170 mm
• Rear shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select/Select+ or Fox DH X2 Factory Coil
• Flip Chip: steering angle 63.6°/63.3°, bottom bracket height 346/343 mm
• Seat angle: 77.4°
• Reach: 435 mm (S), 455 mm (M), 475 mm (L), 495 mm (XL), 520 mm (XXL)
• Stack: 624 mm (S), 633 mm (M), 643 mm (L), 660 mm (XL), 670 mm (XXL)
• Chainstay length: 439 mm (S), 440 mm (M), 443 mm (L), 446 mm (XL), 450 mm (XXL)
• Seat tube length: 380 mm (S), 405 mm (M), 430 mm (L), 460 mm (XL), 500 mm (XXL)
• Protrusion height: 712 mm (S), 720 mm (M), 723 mm (L), 727 mm (XL), 733 mm (XXL)
• Weight saving: 283 g compared to Nomad 6c, 86 g compared to Nomad 6cc
• Availability: immediately
• Prices: from € 6299 to € 10199
• Weight: from 15.3 kilos
• Colours: Gloss Aqua Magenta, Matte Metallic Earth