15,3 kg in size L (Manufacturer’s specifications) | €10,199 | Manufacturer’s website
Few bikes have earned a place among the enduro elite quite like the Santa Cruz Nomad. It’s a no-compromise trail bruiser with a reputation for superb composure, traction and confidence on the descents, earning a loyal following along the way. Generation 7 stays true to that identity while directing its updates where they count.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Nomad 2027 is all about refining a classic. Updated kinematics, modern geometry and a host of detail tweaks are all aimed at pushing an already strong package even further. The real question is: are those changes enough to make a noticeable difference on the trail?
To find out we headed to Wales and put the Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil 2027 through its paces in real-world conditions. The latest iteration of Santa Cruz’s enduro bruiser weighs 15.3 kg, retails at €10,199 and runs 170 mm of travel front and rear with a mullet wheel setup.
The new Santa Cruz Nomad 2027 in Detail
Nomad fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the seventh-generation of Santa Cruz’s enduro icon stays true to its roots. The signature VPP rear suspension has been part of the Nomad’s DNA since 2005, and Generation 7 is no exception. Where Santa Cruz’s latest e-mountain bikes, the Bullit and Vala, adopt a four-bar linkage with Horst Link, the Nomad stays loyal to VPP.
And there’s more good news. The iconic “Gloss Aqua Magenta” paint finish from the third-generation Nomad makes a comeback, adding a welcome touch of nostalgia to MY 2027. If you prefer something more understated, there’s also the “Matte Metallic Earth” option.
A closer look at the main frame reveals clear inspiration from the latest fifth-generation Bronson, with the Nomad almost feeling like its bigger sibling. The low-slung shock integrated into the frame and the triangular structure around the bottom bracket make the family ties hard to miss, something that extends into the suspension kinematics as we will explore later.
Where the Bronson is available in two carbon layups, the Nomad 2027 is not. Santa Cruz have gone CC-only for the seventh generation, meaning every model benefits from the brand’s lightest and highest-quality carbon construction. The more accessible C layup is no longer part of the lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the new Nomad 7 has a slightly slimmer downtube.
As you’d expect, the build quality is right up there with Santa Cruz’s usual high standards. A welcome detail can be found on the bike’s new rear end: unlike the current Bronson, Santa Cruz have brought back greater flexibility in cable routing. All Nomad 7 frames are once again compatible with mechanical drivetrains, a move that’s likely to please plenty of fans.
New to the seventh generation is a neatly integrated tool mount on the top tube, with enough clearance below it to strap on your trail essentials for quick access. Anything else can be stashed away inside the revised storage compartment, the Glovebox V2. The new lid is tougher and secured by a high-quality metal latch. It closes with notable firmness, perhaps more than strictly necessary, though the feeling it imparts is one of solid, lasting durability.
A revised chain guide interface rounds out the detail changes. The new Nomad uses a simplified two-bolt ISCG05 configuration, which Santa Cruz call “ISCG05 Minus 1”, doing away with the traditional three-bolt setup in favour of a lighter and easier-to-service solution. An integrated OneUp upper guide mounts directly to this interface, with a small top guide completing the system. Cleaner in appearance and more practical in use, it is a modest but well-considered improvement over conventional ISCG05 setups.
Last but not least, the new Nomad 7 sticks to Santa Cruz’s well-known standards: a lifetime warranty on the frame and free bearing replacements.
The Spec of the 2027 Santa Cruz Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil
Retailing at €10,199, the Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil we tested delivers a no-compromise high-end package. The suspension consists of the latest FOX 38 Factory with GRIP X2 damper up front and a FOX DHX2 Factory coil shock at the rear. Adjustability is extensive and on-trail performance is impressive across the board. One frustration does stand out, though: the shock’s rebound adjuster is poorly accessible in practice, frequently demanding tools or even full shock removal to make changes. For those who dial in their setup on the fly, this is a genuine limitation.
As is typical for Santa Cruz, the drivetrain defines the model name. Power is delivered through a SRAM X0 crank with 170 mm crank arms, driving an X0 chain that transfers the load to the electronic SRAM X0 Transmission rear derailleur.
A real highlight of the new Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil 2027 is Santa Cruz’s in-house Reserve carbon wheelset, paired with the latest DT Swiss 350 DEG DF hubs. The rear hub’s DF technology lets you adjust the engagement angle between 0°, 10° and 20° with minimal effort, allowing you to either reduce drivetrain influence on the suspension or opt for a more direct response to pedalling input.
Santa Cruz also show a willingness to experiment when it comes to tires – at least up front. At the rear, a MAXXIS Minion DHR II in the MaxxTerra compound with a robust Doubledown casing delivers solid puncture protection while still rolling efficiently. Up front, the new MAXXIS HighRoller III makes its debut, featuring the grippier MaxxGrip compound but paired with a lighter EXO+ casing instead of the more robust Doubledown.
There’s no cause for complaint when it comes to braking. Santa Cruz spec SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes with the new B1 SwingLink, paired with 200 mm SRAM HS2 rotors front and rear. SRAM’s gravity stoppers deliver brutal power yet remain easy to modulate, maintaining consistent performance even on long, demanding descents. Tool-free adjustment of lever reach and bite point rounds off an already impressive package.
For the dropper post, Santa Cruz rely on the OneUp V3, which offers a generous 210 mm of travel in frame size L. It impresses with low operating force, finely controlled return speed and quick extension – not without reason it was the clear winner in our dropper post group test last year. OneUp also supply the cockpit: the 800 mm aluminium handlebars with a 35 mm rise provide noticeable compliance, adding comfort without sacrificing precision. Paired with Santa Cruz’s own grippy grips, it results in a very well-balanced cockpit setup.
Santa Cruz Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil 2027
Specifications
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX DHX2 Factory 170 mm
Seatpost OneUp V3 210 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Silver 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12
Stem OneUp Enduro Stem 42 mm
Handlebar OneUp Auminium Handlebar 800 mm
Wheelset Reserve 30|HD Carbon 29″/27.5″
Tires MAXXIS High Roller MaxxGrip EXO+/MAXXIS DHR2 MaxxTerra DD 2.4″/2.4″
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Specific Features
Storage compartment
Tool mount
Flip Chip
Tuning tip: Fit a more robust front tire with a tougher casing.
Other spec options for the Santa Cruz Nomad 2027
At launch, the new Nomad is available in four build options ranging from €6,299 to €10,199, with a more affordable variant set to follow. Notably, coil shocks are reserved for the two top-spec builds, while the entry-level models rely on air suspension throughout. The premium DT Swiss DEG hubs are likewise limited to the higher-end configurations.
The most affordable entry into the new Nomad line-up is the Nomad 90, priced at €6,299. Shifting is taken care of by the mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission. The suspension consists of a RockShox ZEB Select fork and a matching Super Deluxe Select shock. SRAM MAVEN in the more basic Base version handle stopping duties. For the wheels, Santa Cruz opt for a mixed aluminium setup, combining a Reserve 30|TR rim at the front with a 30|HD AL at the rear. While the TR rim is designed to save weight and offer a bit more compliance, the HD version adds extra strength at the back. Both are laced to robust but more entry-level DT Swiss 370 hubs.
Next in the range is the Nomad GX AXS at €7,499, built around the electronic SRAM GX Transmission. Suspension steps up to a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork and Super Deluxe Select+ shock, bringing greater adjustability and a higher-spec damper at the front end. Braking remains with SRAM MAVEN, here in the upgraded Bronze specification. Santa Cruz retain the mixed wheel setup, pairing a lighter Reserve 30|SL rim up front with the more robust 30|HD AL 6069 at the rear. Both are aluminium and run on DT Swiss 370 hubs.
Retailing at €8,299, the Nomad XT Di2 Coil marks the entry into the high-end segment. Alongside the electronic Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain, it features the same FOX Factory suspension with a coil shock as the pricier XO AXS RSV Coil model. SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes are also included. The rims are the same as those on the Nomad GX AXS, but here they’re paired with DT Swiss 350 DEG hubs featuring DF technology.
The Geometry of the Santa Cruz Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil: Everything the same?
The Nomad is still available in five frame sizes, S to XXL, covering a suitably wide range of rider heights. Key figures such as chainstay length and bottom bracket height carry over unchanged from the Nomad 6. Reach starts at 435 mm in size S and increases in 20 mm increments up to 520 mm in XXL.
The head angle slackens further to 63.6° in the High setting and 63.3° in Low, making it 0.2° slacker than before and putting it on par with the decidedly descent-focused Bullit eMTB. At the same time, the seat angle steepens to 77.4°, noticeably improving the climbing position – another trait carried over from the Bullit. As before, the geometry can be adjusted via the familiar flip chip.
More intriguing, however, are the changes to the rear suspension kinematics. The revised VPP layout promises significantly reduced anti-squat throughout the travel, now said to be more in line with the trail-focused Bronson. That should translate into improved traction and efficiency on the climbs, while also delivering a more sensitive response over small bumps on the descents. At the same time, the anti-rise value at the beginning of the travel has been slightly reduced, aiming for a more active suspension feel under braking without it firming up as much.
Santa Cruz have also revised the leverage curve of the VPP rear end. Overall, it’s now slightly less progressive and has been tuned so that the mid-stroke and end-stroke progression work more harmoniously together. The goal is a more consistent feel throughout the entire travel. At the same time, the suspension is designed to remain sensitive to small impacts even deeper in the stroke.
All things considered, the geometry stays true to the Nomad’s character, but has been modernised and refined where it counts. On paper at least, climbing performance in particular has seen a clear improvement.
| Size | SM | MD | LG | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 574 mm | 595 mm | 611 mm | 633 mm | 655 mm |
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° |
| Seat angle | 77.4° | 77.4° | 77.4° | 77.4° | 77.4° |
| Chainstay | 390 mm | 405 mm | 430 mm | 466 mm | 500 mm |
| BB drop | 346/343 mm | 346/343 mm | 346/343 mm | 346/343 mm | 346/343 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,225 mm | 1,249 mm | 1,274 mm | 1,298 mm | 1,323 mm |
| Reach | 435 mm | 455 mm | 475 mm | 495 mm | 520 mm |
| Stack | 624 mm | 633 mm | 643 mm | 660 mm | 670 mm |
The New Santa Cruz Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil on the Trail
For a clearly descent-focused enduro, the latest generation of the Nomad climbs impressively well. The steeper seat angle makes a noticeable difference even with the flip chip in the Low setting, putting you in a comfortable and surprisingly efficient position, even if there are still stronger climbers out there. The rear suspension shows a slight bob, but it stays well within acceptable limits, allowing you to tackle climbs without needing to reach for the lockout.
When needed, the lockout on the FOX DHX2 Factory coil shock also proves highly effective, further improving pedalling efficiency on long, gruelling climbs. All in all, the new Santa Cruz Nomad 7 doesn’t set new benchmarks uphill, but it delivers entirely respectable climbing performance and is more than capable on longer rides – a noticeable step forward compared to its predecessor.
Point it downhill and the new Nomad really comes into its own. The suspension is a clear highlight: the combination of the latest FOX 38 Factory fork and DHX2 Factory coil shock delivers superb sensitivity from the first metre, loads of traction and just the right amount of progression. You still get that signature Nomad feel – planted and glued to the trail – while striking a fine balance between comfort and support. As with its predecessor, the Nomad leans towards the softer side, so maximum pop isn’t the main priority. Instead, it inspires huge confidence with its outstanding composure, especially on fast, demanding trails.
On flowing sections the handling is pleasantly accessible, with the Nomad feeling intuitive, agile through tight corners and never once sluggish or cumbersome. Santa Cruz strike a smart middle ground with frame feedback: it’s rigid enough for precise handling and clear trail feedback, while offering enough compliance to remain comfortable on long descents.
That’s matched by a notably quiet ride. The moulded internal cable routing really pays off, giving the Nomad a calm, composed feel on the trail. Rounding out the strong overall impression are the well-chosen components. The MAVEN Silver brakes deliver their usual abundance of power, now paired with the new B1 SwingLink for improved modulation with less effort at the lever.
The DF technology in the DT Swiss rear hub is a neat feature. In direct comparison, the different settings are noticeable, even if not dramatically so, and they do help reduce drivetrain influence in rough terrain. The effect would likely have been even more pronounced on the previous model.
For maximum downhill performance, we’d still recommend running at least the 10° setting, if not 20°. The downside of slightly delayed power engagement is minimal, and it’s something you quickly get used to.
Who is the new Santa Cruz Nomad 2027 the right bike for?
The new Nomad is clearly aimed at riders looking for a descent-focused enduro that delivers maximum control, traction and confidence in demanding terrain. If you like to ride fast, thrive on rough trails and want a bike that stays composed and predictable at speed, this one will be right up your street.
Thanks to its sensitive, slightly plusher suspension, the Nomad is particularly well suited to riders who prioritise grip and comfort over maximum pop or an ultra-playful feel. It rewards an active riding style, yet remains forgiving and confidence-inspiring – especially in technical terrain.
Despite its clear downhill DNA, the Nomad remains versatile enough for long days in the saddle. If you’re willing to accept minor compromises on the climbs, you’ll get a surprisingly capable all-round package for big rides.
Less suited, however, is the Nomad for riders who want an extremely firm, ultra-direct bike with plenty of pop and maximum efficiency. If your focus is firmly on long-distance riding or outright climbing performance, there are better options out there.
The right bike for:
Die-hard Santa Cruz fans who loved the sixth generation and wanted an even more refined package, dialled in down to the smallest detail. Here you go!
Riders after a tough, dependable all-rounder. Whether it’s bike park laps or your local trails, the Nomad delivers consistently high, predictable downhill performance wherever you ride.
Nostalgics and collectors: if you owned a third-generation Nomad, the sight of that Gloss Aqua Magenta paint job will likely hit you right in the feels – and rightly so!
Conclusion on the new Santa Cruz Nomad X0 AXS RSV Coil – Refining an established classic
Santa Cruz haven’t reinvented the Nomad, nor did they need to. The seventh generation is built on targeted, effective refinements rather than bold risks, with subtle frame updates and a more finely tuned VPP rear suspension kinematic. On the descents it remains the dependable benchmark, delivering abundant traction and reserves while feeling more controlled and accessible than ever. Greater versatility rounds out a package that retains all of its familiar strengths while becoming meaningfully more well-rounded.
Tops
- quiet, high-quality overall package
- sensitive, superbly tuned suspension
- excellent composure with impressive agility
- well-thought-out detail improvements
- noticeably improved climbing performance
Flops
- rebound adjustment on the shock is very hard to reach
- front tire casing not quite up to enduro use
For more information, visit Santa Cruz.
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Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Max Schumann