Santa Cruz Nomad Gets a Refresh: What’s Changed?

The Santa Cruz Nomad has been a staple in the brand since way back in 2005. Back then the Nomad was a 165mm do-it-all trail weapon, and while in 2026 the Nomad’s travel has been upped marginally to 170mm, the Nomad remains the brand’s premier big-hitting trail slayer. With an updated carbon frame, mullet-only setup, glovebox updates and geometry adjustment, this big-hitting trail sender features a well-earned glow-up. Let’s take a closer look.

Nomad frame updates

The new Nomad is available only in the CC frame model – the highest grade carbon Santa Cruz uses in frame production, and comes standard in mullet configuration. This leads to a marginal weight reduction of 86g over the outgoing model. But it’s not just about weight savings, Santa Cruz states that removing material in the downtube has been intentional, making the bike feel more compliant resulting in better handling when things get uber chunky on the trail. For riders backing up day after day (think Trans Tasmania or Trans NZ) the new frame should result in feeling fresher and less beaten up at the end of your run.

Geometry-wise, the New Nomad has also had a few tweaks to bring it into line with the Bullit, with a head tube angle of at 63.6 in Hi and 63.3 in Lo settings, thanks to the flip chip that seems to be a mandatory inclusion in all new bike releases. The new Nomad also features size-specific chainstay lengths, making for a more consistent ride no matter the riders’ size.

Santa Cruz’s unique VPP also gets an upgrade, with kinematics tweaked to enable reduced anti-squat and anti-rise. What this means is increased traction when pedalling, and performance when encountering square-edged impacts, while allowing the bike’s suspension to work to the best of its ability.

The 2026 Nomad is also compatible with mechanical drivetrains, features an updated Glovebox V2 and the adjustable geometry via the flip chip. The Nomad has also had an update to its bashguard, with a simple, two-bolt ISCG mount paired with a top chain guide.

Nomad Build Options

The new Nomad is available in sizes from Small to XXL, tipping the scales from 15.3kg. Available in five build options, the new Nomad is available in Matte Metallic Earth or what the office calls ‘Barbie-spec’: Gloss Aqua Magenta, with both colourways available in all builds. 

Starting at $7699, the five build kits are based around Shimano Deore, Eagle 90, GX AXS, XT Di2 and XO AXS.

NOMAD CC • Deore – $7699

• Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230×65
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Base, 170mm
• Dropper: SDG Tellis 
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
• Brakes: SRAM DB8
• Wheels: Reserve 30|TR/HD AL/Zipp ZM700 hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″/Maxxis High Roller 29″x2.4″

NOMAD CC • 90 – $8999

• Rear Shock:  RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230×65
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Select, 170mm
• Dropper: OneUp Dropper Post
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX 90
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Base
• Wheels: Reserve 30|TR/HD AL/DT Swiss 370 hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″/Maxxis High Roller 29″x2.4″

NOMAD CC • GX AXS – $10499

• Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230×65
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Select+, 170mm
• Dropper: OneUp Dropper Post
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX 90
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze
• Wheels: Reserve 30|HD/30|SL AL 6069/DT Swiss 370 hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″/Maxxis High Roller 29″x2.4″

NOMAD CC • XT Di2 Coil – $11499

• Rear Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory
• Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory, Grip X2, 170mm
• Dropper: OneUp Dropper Post
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT Di2
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
• Wheels: Reserve 30|HD/30|SL AL 6069/DT Swiss 350 hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″/Maxxis High Roller 29″x2.4″

NOMAD CC • X0 AXS – $13999

• Rear Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory
• Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory, Grip X2, 170mm
• Dropper: OneUp Dropper Post
• Drivetrain: SRAM XO Eagle AXS
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
• Wheels: Reserve 30|HD Carbon/DT Swiss 350 hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5″x2.4″/Maxxis High Roller 29″x2.4″

Our Take

The drop of the new Nomad was well due, and while it features several important changes, Santa Cruz haven’t exactly reinvented the wheel with this release. As they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

Taller riders will appreciate the geometry changes with a steeper seat tube angle allowing for better positioning on the liaisons between runs, and many will appreciate the versatility of retaining wired gear routing and flip-chip adjustable geometry. In the end, the Nomad looks to be a sensible all-rounder for those taking less-than-sensible line choices.

For more information head to santacruzbicycles.com/en-au