Finally took a step forward to invest in this 2011 Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon for good. No more excuse to upgrade, as this is the best all mountain bike you can ever get. The first test ride at Bukit Timah Hill bike trail was awesome! The stiffness provided absolute confidence in tackling all situation, be it rock garden, drop or rock climb. Though it was slightly heavier than my previous Trek EX fuel, it flew like a bird in both light and rough trials. The Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon is the sexiest bike ever built, the look itself can kill!
Over the years, Santa Cruz has perfected the geometry of nomad. In my opinion, 67.0 degree headtube is most ideal is all situation, be it XC, freeride or downhill. In contrary to other mass production bike, where new models are launched every year, Santa Cruz has perpetuate the design of Nomad. Unless absolutely necessary, any change to Nomad will be minimum. The patented counter-rotating link design allows flexibility to design and manipulate shock rates for a huge diversity of uses, from razor sharp XC performance to bomber tough and ultra plush 10-inch travel downhill duty. The Short Links (Carbon Fiber Upper, Forged Aluminum Lower) and large diameter axles combined with angular contact bearings bring chassis integrity and handling precision to a whole new level. The grease ports provide low maintenance, superior durability, easy to service when the time finally comes. My Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon comes with a grease gun. The quality of hardware or versatility of design or chassis integrity is second to none. Santa Cruz Nomad was voted best All-mountain by many renowned magazines and riders all over the world. (Mountain Bike Review)MY SANTAS CRUZ CARBON NOMAD SETUP
The setup of my Nomad Carbon: Fox Talas 36 Fit RLC; Deity Dirty30 handlebar (740mm); Point One Split-Second Stem; ODI Rouge lock-on Grip; KSi950R seatpost, Prolog scratch pro Ti Solid saddle; Chris King Headset; Chris King & ZTR Flow Wheelset; Kenda Nevagal 2.35 (Front); 2.1 (Rear) Tubeless; XT Brake set; XT Groupset; and Point One Podium Pedal. It weight approximately 14.2 KG.
| Components | Weight (g) |
| Nomad Carbon w/ Fox DHX 5.0 | 3,213 |
| Fox Talas 36 RCL FIT 160mm | 2,120 |
| Point 1 Split Second Stem | 137 |
| Deity Dirty 30 handlebar | 289 |
| ODI Rogue Lock on grip | 130 |
| Hope skewer | 50 |
| KSi950R seatpost | 463 |
| Prolog scratch pro Ti Solid | 225 |
| Chris King Headset | 200 |
| Point One Spacer | 40 |
| Chris King Hubs & ZTR Flow Rims | 1,835 |
| Kenda Nevegal 2.35/2.1 Tubeless | 1,580 |
| XT Brake set | 260 |
| XT Rotors 180mm/160mm | 600 |
| XT Groupset | 2,033 |
| Ponit One Podium Pedal | 359 |
| Santa Cruz seat collar | 49 |
| Others (cable, bolts, nuts, screws) | 500 |
| Total weight in grams: | 14,083 |
The following links are reviews of Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon:
1. Sickline
FOX SHOCK DHX AIR 5.0:The DHX Air 5.0 is the heavy-duty trail riding shock, designed specifically for the rigors of big-hit, big-terrain riding. Offering all the tuning options of the DHX coil - position sensitive, patent pending Boost Valve, adjustable bottom-out resistance, 15 click ProPedal adjustment, and external rebound adjustment - but featuring large volume air spring, the DHX Air 5.0 offers superlative small thru big-hit performance, in any terrain and any style of riding, in an incredibly lightweight package. The large volume air spring and position-sensitive, velocity sensitive Boost Valve damping offer an amazing amount of stutter-bump thru big hit performance in any type of terrain. With adjustable ProPedal, linear adjustable rebound adjustment, and independent adjustable bottom-out resistance, the DHX Air is ready to get you there fast. Weight: .99lbs/450 g. Lengths: 8.5x2.5. External Adjustments: Air spring pressure , ProPedal, Bottom-out resistance, Adjustable tuning range via schraeder and Rebound damping.
SHOCK SAG ADJUSTMENT: Refer to above chart, Santa Cruz recommended 15-20mm sag for rear shock. However, I setup the sag of my DHX 5.0 Air by 25%. My opinion is that this setting is ideal for all mountain riding, with the benefits of not compromising the climb. Any setting lesser than 20% will experience harsh riding, even on relatively small rocks session. For downhill or frequent big jump, I suggest the setting to be 30% to 35% sag. 
FOX 36 TALAS 160 FIT RLC:
Fox 36 Talas 160 Fit RLC is an ultra-lightweight long travel All-mountain fork. According to Fox, it offers riders an incredibly wide range of low-speed compression and rebound adjustments in a new, lighter weight damper that provides unparalleled front wheel terrain following. The new lockout lever has been ergonomically designed for quick and easy use. As with all 36 models, the super-stiff chassis matched with the 20QR thru axle system give riders the maximum steering precision and front-end confidence available. The 36 TALAS features all-new, 2-position travel adjustability set at 120 and 160 mm, allowing riders to switch from short travel for climbing efficiency to full, long travel plush quickly and easily with the top-mounted and ergonomically perfect 36 TALAS lever.
XT BRAKE SET:
This the the second XT Brake Set I own. The first was installed in my Trek Ex Fuel, and the second set in Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon. The brakes are reliable, precise and almost maintenance free. Excellent stopping power and great modulation. Peace of mind, especially when you need it during the most challenging situation. The XT brake set encompasses an adjustable reach and free-stroke design so you can customize to your hand size very easily. It also uses non-corrosive mineral oil, which is friendly to the environment. The only problem I had with the second XT brake set was the squeaking sound created by the brake pad rubbing non-XT disc rotor. The problem occurred just after one trail ride. The rubbing effect was eliminated after I replaced both the front and rear rotors with 2011 Shimano XT SM-RT76 Disc Brake rotors. The alloy center spider has long arms that eliminate some of the heavier stainless steel. According to Shimano engineers, the new hole pattern in the new rotor keeps the rotor cooler during braking. A cooler rotor keeps the pads cooler and the cooler pads keep the brake fluid cooler. The result is improved performance. My set up are front 180mm diameter and rear 160mm diameter. It pays to invest in good brake set, and you will be surprised a good pair of brake disc rotor can make significance improvement in braking power.
ERGON CARBON TEAM SERIES GRIP:The white Ergon grip blended nicely with the white Prologq seat, which provides contrasty visual effect and enhances the sexiness of nomad. The rubbery feel and patented palm support offer both comfort and confident when maneuvering the nomad. However, it was proven a burden in the technical trail at Bukit Timah Hill, where the forest was infested with large hanging creepers in tight corners and narrow tracks. The danger of the carbon 'hook' being entangled with the creepers are apparent, especially when you ride in high speed. The benefit of flat palm support is a double-edged sword, especially during jumping and hopping in technical terrain, where free movement of hands are crucial.
Immediately after the test ride at Bukit Timah Hill, I replaced the Ergon Grip with the ODI Rogue Grip, voted the best MTB grip by Mountain Bike Review. The ODI Rogue Lock On Grip was the thickest and most popular grips in ODI range. The extra thickness provides exceptional shock absorption and reduces hand numbness when the trail gets rough. The deep grooves is designed to channel away dirt or debris. The ODI grips can be installed with ease, as its come with ODI Lock-Jaw clamps.
POINT ONE SPLIT-SECOND STEM:
The Point One Split Second Stem is fully designed and manufactured in USA. One of the innovative designs is to do without the top cap, which not only reduce weigh, but improve the strength. According to a review by Sicklines, the design shave off approximately 20 grams of weight from typical top cap assembly. However, you need to either saw the steerer tube or add spacers underneath the stem to ensure flushness on the top of the stem. According to Point One, the Split Second’s wide 55mm clamping stance offers increased torsional strength while allowing for more material to be removed from the stem in unnecessary areas. The main benefit of wider clamp is for those who install wide bars, as the bar can be secured further from the center for increased stiffness. According to Point One, the design further reduces the weight to just 144 grams. The weight achieved beats both Thomson’s venerable X4 and Sunline’s V One of similar size and rise, and claimed the trophy for one of the lightest steerer tube mounted stems in the market. Besides lightweight, Point One Split Second Stem is also one of the highest strength to weight ratios in the industry. Point One Split Second Stem not only looks good, but offers strength and stiffness which is second to none.
DEITY DIRTY 30 BARThe infamous Deity Dirty 30 has been a staple in the DH scene for over two years, but there was room for improvement. The construction and design of the Dirty 30 has been close to flawless with one exception... the finish. Powdercoat can never take the abuse that a quality Anodized finish can, so the introduction of Ano finished was inevitable, welcomed and requested by many of you. Featuring a Bead Blasted Anodized finish with High Polished Ano grip surfaces, even the White Powdercoat model has been masked off to also provide a High Polish Black Ano surface for your brakes, shifter and grips. A finish that can stand the test of time, you will now also find the Dirty 30 weighing even less at a remarkable 289 grams. Insane. The Deity Dirty30 is a lightweight high end butted 7075 T6 DH race handlebar and is, in fact, one of the very lightest wide bars ever made. Do your research and see how our new high end handlebars stack up against the competition. We guarantee that they are some of the lightest options in this industry and designed in house by true riders who know what works. Features: Made from custom Double Butted 7075 T6 Aluminium; Featuring a 25mm rise; 9 degree bend X 5 degree upsweep; 31.8mm clamping diameter; Graphics positioned to clear race plates; Featuring Bead Blast Anodized finish with Polished Ano grip Area; Podium ready handlebar which must be seen in person; Weight: 289 grams.
CHRIS KING HUBS:
ISO 20MM THRU-AXLE FRONT DISC HUB: According to Chris King website, the 20mm Thru-Axle Front Disc Hub is the best money could buy. The design is based on one piece super strong axle that could be adjusted in the field with a single wrench, without removing the wheel, the toughest bearings possible and it needs to build an excellent wheel while still looking sharp and not weigh in like a stuffed pig. Chris King designed an entirely new bearing for this 20mm front hub. It is about the same size as a one inch headset bearing. Bigger than anything else out there. A high strength, 110mm, one piece aluminum axle is capped with 2 stainless steel axle biters to hold onto the fork legs. It is the strongest and most reliable hub you can get in the market.
ZTR FLOW RIMS:
The ZTR Flow Rims designed by Stan's NOTUBE offers the best stiffness-to-weight ratio, thanks to the innovative internal arch design. Wider inside cavity lends more stability to tires run at low pressures as well as the perfect compliment to larger volume tires. The ZTR Flow was ridden to an amazing nine DH World Cup victories by Sabrina Jonnier since 2008. The Flow is light enough for all mountain but up to the task of downhill racing. The best it its class.
CHRIS KING HUBS:ISO 20MM THRU-AXLE FRONT DISC HUB: According to Chris King website, the 20mm Thru-Axle Front Disc Hub is the best money could buy. The design is based on one piece super strong axle that could be adjusted in the field with a single wrench, without removing the wheel, the toughest bearings possible and it needs to build an excellent wheel while still looking sharp and not weigh in like a stuffed pig. Chris King designed an entirely new bearing for this 20mm front hub. It is about the same size as a one inch headset bearing. Bigger than anything else out there. A high strength, 110mm, one piece aluminum axle is capped with 2 stainless steel axle biters to hold onto the fork legs. It is the strongest and most reliable hub you can get in the market.
ZTR FLOW RIMS:The ZTR Flow Rims designed by Stan's NOTUBE offers the best stiffness-to-weight ratio, thanks to the innovative internal arch design. Wider inside cavity lends more stability to tires run at low pressures as well as the perfect compliment to larger volume tires. The ZTR Flow was ridden to an amazing nine DH World Cup victories by Sabrina Jonnier since 2008. The Flow is light enough for all mountain but up to the task of downhill racing. The best it its class.
KENDA NEVEGAL TUBELESS JOHN TOMAC SERIES TIRES (FRONT 2.35, REAR 2.2):
The tires are made of Dual Tread Compound with new side wall Shield Technology, and two ply construction with added STICK-E Compound for better grip. The Nevegal tires are grippy, durable, sheds mud and works well in most conditions. Only if the tubeless Nevegal tires can be built lighter, it would otherwise be the best tires you could get for all-mountain riding.
The tires are made of Dual Tread Compound with new side wall Shield Technology, and two ply construction with added STICK-E Compound for better grip. The Nevegal tires are grippy, durable, sheds mud and works well in most conditions. Only if the tubeless Nevegal tires can be built lighter, it would otherwise be the best tires you could get for all-mountain riding.
CHRIS KING 1.5 NO THREAD HEADSET: According to Chris King website, Chris King designed the first sealed bearing headset in 1976. Thirty-four years later, the King headset remains a benchmark for quality. No other bicycle component can claim the precision, performance and absolute reliability of a Chris King headset. The quality of the component is so high that Chris King offer a 10-year warranty on all models of headsets. The Chris King 1.5 headset took a while to develop, as the design needs to include all the qualities that have made King sealed bearing headsets so trustworthy. But we weren’t about to simply pump up a current design and call it a day. Any King headset has to be strong enough to live up to a 10-year warranty. Next, it has to perform better than any other system on the market while, at the same time, being easy to maintain. An important new feature of our 1.5 NoThreadSet is the PreLoader™, a system Chris King developed in place of the more commonly-used star nut. The PreLoader installs through the steerer tube of the fork and allows for the proper setting of bearing preload. Chris King No thread Headset was voted the best headset by Mountain Bike Review in 2010.
POINT ONE PODIUM PEDAL:The Podium Pedal has a finite element analysis optimized axle for the greatest strength to weight ratio. It is CNC machined from 4140 Chromoly steel, then heat-treated to Point One Racing's custom specifications. The axles are hollowed and use an oversized flange at the base of the threads to help distribute stress onto the crank arms, allowing the axle to be lightweight and also stronger than traditional axles. The pedal has a machined aluminum frame and a special steel axle. The weight is 359 grams. The frame is open so the mud goes through the pedal easily. The pedal is very grippy in wet and muddy weather conditions. I ride in the Five Ten Impact Karver shoes so the grip is extremely good. The pedal's rotation is stiff and the pedal won't rotate too much if you do come off them in really rough conditions. The outside profile of the body has been designed to deflect rock impacts and keep you moving in the same direction, at the same speed. The outside edge is chamfered in high probability impact areas to improve deflection and reduce wear.
