Santa Cruz Nomad

1st Gen Nomad – Am riding the 1st gen alu Nomad bought in 2007. Built it relatively light (29lbs) for XC riding with a Fox F 140 RLC fork and combination of XTR and XT components but recently upgraded the fork to a 150mm DT Swiss EXM fork to better match the 6 inches of travel at the back. Extremely plush and hardly any bobbing when pedaled uphill. Never had to touch the Pro-pedal on the DHX Air shock once sag has been set to the recommended 15-20mm. Only drawback is that the rear shock seems to 'squat' when hitting certain square-edged bumps, whacking the pedals against the rock or root in the process.

Great bike and I'm sure the later models with tweaked suspension are even better. Efficient pedalling platform despite the 6 inches of travel at the back. Pedals like a hardtail up hills and extremely plush and forgiving on the downhills. The 'squatting' problem when hitting certain square-edge obstacles as a result of which the pedals get whacked!