REVIEW - The NEW 2021 Santa Cruz NOMAD V5 - $8,699

Since its inception, the Santa Cruz Nomad has been the mountain bike meant to take on anything.

The Nomad became the benchmark bike for any rider seeking a big-travel bruiser that could also deliver an all-day adventure. Wheel sizes and geometry have changed but the Nomad sticks to its roots. This newest rendition is a continuation of that mission, but with today's crop of long-travel 29ers, we wanted to know if the 27.5-inch-wheeled bike is overkill or just right? We've had the new Nomad for a bit of time and are ready to share our conclusions in this bike review.
#MTB #mountainbike #biketest

Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Nomad V5 Weight
1:52 - Frame Details & Geometry
2:44 - Frame Refinements
3:49 - Nomad V5 Models and Prices
5:08 - Ride Impressions
7:26 - Coil or Air Shock?
9:35 - Longer Dropper Would Be Nice
10:22 - Conclusion

2021 Santa Cruz Nomad V5 Highlights
27.5-inch wheels
170mm of lower link driven VPP rear travel
170mm fork
Flip chip adjusts head angle by .3-degrees
64-degree head angle and 78-degree seat angle (high position)
Size-specific chainstay lengths
Carbon C & CC frames
Reserve 30 carbon wheel options (tested)
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Revised leverage curve and twin swingarm uprights
37mm fork offset
Available with coil and air shocks
SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger
Lifetime warranty
Price: $8,699 as tested (CC X01 Reserve)
Weight: 32 pounds (size medium CC X01 Reserve with FOX Float X2 shock, no pedals)

Strengths
A true, "do-it-all" bike
Easily maneuvered down the trail
Motors up technical climbs
Composed in high-speed, rough trail
Maintains speed in low-angle trail sections
Tempered geometry updates
Handles big terrain without feeling like a "big" bike
Weaknesses
150mm dropper post on medium is short
No alloy options
Shock tunnel / linkage will gather mud and debris

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Musicbed SyncID:
MB01ACCLNBBZRQH

[vitalmtb]

Oxblood Red or Green and Pink?
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Nomad Weight
1:52 - Nomad Frame Details & Geometry
2:44 - Nomad Frame Refinements
3:49 - Models and Prices
5:08 - Ride Impressions
7:26 - Coil or Air Shock?
9:35 - Longer Dropper Would Be Nice
10:22 - Conclusion

[adventuroustrio]

“Where does the nomad preform best”

“Yes”

[willeaton]

i love when bike company's release new bikes that don't change that much from the previous version because you can find killer deals on the last gen

[fademasterfade]

Yea that oxblood is giving me vampire lust. I'm still on 27.5 at the moment and don't really want to go 29'r so I'm glad companies are still making 650b bikes that rip. Having owned a 2019 Bronson I already know the suspension platform is great. This is at the very top of my list now.

[holyfreakinguacamole]

JUST as I was getting stoked to see you’d include an “S” build review, ya cut me short. 😂

[casparharte]

Got a feeling this will age very very well. Both in tech, looks and ride-ability. I feel like tech has matured to the point where this will easily be relevant for years and years.

[justinsiever]

And that geo is so perfect on the large. Maybe a slightly longer chain stay would be cool.

[hassebir]

First non ebike review to watch in over a year. Do i miss my nomad. Yes it was great. its BULLIT TIME!!!

[kotoucek]

Totally love it, riding my 2020 Bronson but in rough terrain full of rocks gardens here, I am thinking about this beast. I am just little bit afraid about how difficult will be riding nomad all day in mountains compared with bronson.

[bambangsoepryatno]

Mine is Nomad V-5 CC Oxblood Medium size, DHX2 on trhe rear and FOX 38 180 Shiny Orange on the front..., very nice to ride, more stable on root and more grip on berm...., the Best....!!!!

[theotherphillhall]

Been loving my Nomad(s) for over a decade. It does everything, one amazing bike and well worth it.

[MrSatchelpack]

Yea, every time I test an $8k+ bike it's always been pretty good.

[Onlydansmtb]

I own a Nomad V5 oxblood, and have watched this video more times than I care to admit.

[torquecanyon]

I still love the canyon torque, good value of money and it's a beast on any kind of trails.

[cg]

Those 27.5 long travel playful bikes are the best for me ...

[thetuningfactory]

Slayer would DEF hit it, waiting on the next production run for this cc frame in this colorway 😉

[ErichVonCartmann]

Oxblood is sick! The Medium has numbers that I teally like. 450mm Reach, the 1225mm WB, 64 Deg HTA, and the 78 deg STA, but I would prefer 5mm longer chainstay. Top Tube length is about 15-20mm shorter than traditional.mediums, but still very doable. Now SC just needs a Mullett Nomad with the same numbers!

[destro_]

just literally bought this today i love it!

[artvandelay]

I purchase an oxblood Nomad C S and its absolutely brilliant; a true do-it-all bike!

[rinky_dinky]

The life time pivot bearings replacement joke is so funny😊