Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon Reviews

Pros: Everything. Flick a lever, turn a dial and say hello to Sybil - climbs better than my RM ETSX-70 (which changed my life and I love) and has more descending confidence and prowess than I'll ever tap. It's stiff and tight on the climbs; accurate and terrain gobbling on descents. (It's not a plush downhill rig, though you could do some freeriding with the right set up. I went with the RP-23 and TALAS, both of which help the versatility at the expense of a little plushness, but I live in the Rockies with long, punishing climbs to get those sweet descents and it's the purest marriage I can imagine.) To top it off, I've always liked the Nomad because it created a niche and it's lines make me weep. It's the sweetest machine I've ever sat on, and I can't wait for tomorrow.

Cons: Nothing. It's not cheap - and I hate cliches - but you get what you pay for. And from that perspective, it's a downright bargain, and a dam good value.

Recommendation: If you are looking for a bike that kicks ass in more arenas, that will take you to more greatness, this will fit the bill (plus, it's just plain sexy). I give huge props to the Mojo HD and Remedy 9 as well. Sometimes history and aesthetic make the final difference.