One of the best bike review!! I was actually after Bronson but due to the unavailability in size small I decided to go for nomad v5. I normally do trail ride and love climbing. I hope I will not disappointed with my choice. Looking forward to watch more content from you.
It will be a tank to pedal uphill. If you put a lot of power in when climbing then you will find it far worse than a slow climber would. I always take with a grain of salt when statements are made as to how well a long travel bike like this climbs. It is not this bikes gig. Its a bit like trying to say an xc race bike is really good on the downhill.
The bronson is the worst bike I’ve ridden , it’s awful at climbing and downhill it’s wooden and stiff the Nomad is 100 times better , I’d rather have a 5010 than a Bronson
Nice review. Really interested to demo the new Nomad and see how it compares to my V3 Bronson. Wasn’t a fan of the V4’s climbing, but I think the V5’s STA will help a lot. And I like the symmetrical rear triangle and shorter ST now too.
@@NICADV I am riding the Bronson V3 and always think that weight is a important factor for climbing which surprise me when you mention the new V5 is better with the new changes.
I would agree. Santa Cruz just continued on that path. It definitely climbs better and it should descend marginally better. However, there will be fewer riders that notice the extra stability or stiffness of the frame. The 38 is also a perfect upgrade if you’re pushing the bike to its limits.
Both climb exceedingly well for the travel. The CBF suspension on the Revel climbs without regard to gear or body position. That said the climbing position of the Nomad distributes weight more evenly. On the descending side the 38 coming stock at the front of the Santa Cruz makes it the clear winner. The Rail with a 38 would be a different story, but a slacker headtube angle would also be nice.
In that case I would probably go Nomad or maybe Bronson. The 5010 is super playful but the Nomad is no slouch in that department. The 5010 definitely relies more on the rider to get down the hill in one piece. I would call the 5010 capable in the right hands but still not planted.
I was always wondering how low the handlebars are on the v4. I put a couple of spacers and 40mm rise bars. I can say that my handlebar is quite high now, but good ! Interesting how many spacers you have on your v5 because it has a significant longer head tube. So your handlebars are high, too. This shows me that i'm not wrong with my setting.
When wheels got bigger headtubes got shorter to maintain the status quo for climbing geometry. However, with the changes to how we think of geometry ie. the steepened seattube angle, it no longer requires a low handlebar to keep traction on the front wheel when climbing. I would say you’re on the right track especially when it comes to the descent!
It is a drastically different machine. The Transition Patrol would be the comparable option. I have gotten a few days on the Scout and it’s a ton of fun. I have considered a Scout or the Santa Cruz 5010 as a second bike for when my Evil Wreckoning is a bit much. Or for days that are spent primarily hitting jumps. Unfortunately, getting my hands on any of those bikes has been hard.
@@murphykim9074 the geometry makes for a better climbing position than the V3 Bronson. The new mixed wheel Bronson should benefit from the same improvements but I have not been able to ride one yet.
For an all-rounder in the purest sense I would have to say the Sentinel. It’s weight and the traction of the 29” wheel are benefits to the widest range of conditions. My personal preference would still be the Nomad or Wreckoning as my definition of “all-rounder” leans more toward having the most fun on the way down.
I have gotten a good amount of time on the Hightower. I'll attach a link to my first ride review below. While both bikes will conquer similar terrain they do it in very different ways. The Hightower leans more toward the 50/50 up and down while the Nomad is very much 40/60 or even 30/70. For the average descent or all day epic the Hightower out performs the Nomad. The bigger wheels are a benefit for traction and roll over. Those big wheels do a lot for correcting mistakes and stability on the steeps. Where the Nomad excels is the bigger hits and features as well as the roughest downhills. If you are looking for an all arounder leaning toward long rides and everyday comfort than go with the Hightower. If that sounds good but you are regularly riding things that take you out of your comfort zone or your preference is for jumps and freeride then check out the Nomad. www.evo.com/discover/bike/santa-cruz-hightower-review
I did...havent riddent it yet and I already slapped a Lyrik 29 up front but I am stoked just looking at it. (rehabbing ACL surgery, a few more weeks...).
That is going to depend on your feelings on the v4. They are similar enough that I would not recommend simply based on performance. If you find yourself at the end of the current nomad’s performance then yes. It is certainly more stiff and more slack. If your complaint with the v4 is climbing then it is probably not necessary. The v5 does climb better but it is marginal. It does descend better but most riders will not push it to its limits. The new frame also allows for more shock options and the stock 38 is nice.
It was the baller build. CC frame, Fox factory suspension, X01, and reserve wheels. Unfortunately, I only got a first ride on the bike and had to return it.
My riding on both the Nomad and Yeti SB165 have been very short. I did get to ride the SB165 in a bike park. I really like both bikes. I do not think you could go wrong with either. That said if you’re on the tall side the Yeti fits a little bigger. According to the websites the Yeti is also a bit lighter.
Thanks for the review. I have a 2021 Bronson and love the small wheels and the emphasis on fun, similar to what you describe for the nomad.
Thanks, I totally agree!
Wow. That was some serious climbing! Great video!!
Thanks
27 isn’t dead.
Not even 26
Of course not. Slopestyle is on freaking 26!
One of the best bike review!! I was actually after Bronson but due to the unavailability in size small I decided to go for nomad v5. I normally do trail ride and love climbing. I hope I will not disappointed with my choice. Looking forward to watch more content from you.
Thank you for the compliment. I know you'll be stoked on your choice and I am excited to see where it takes you!
It will be a tank to pedal uphill. If you put a lot of power in when climbing then you will find it far worse than a slow climber would. I always take with a grain of salt when statements are made as to how well a long travel bike like this climbs. It is not this bikes gig. Its a bit like trying to say an xc race bike is really good on the downhill.
The bronson is the worst bike I’ve ridden , it’s awful at climbing and downhill it’s wooden and stiff the Nomad is 100 times better , I’d rather have a 5010 than a Bronson
@@pcarts232 Which version you referring? V3 or the new MX Bronson?
@@murphykim9074 v3
Nice review. Really interested to demo the new Nomad and see how it compares to my V3 Bronson. Wasn’t a fan of the V4’s climbing, but I think the V5’s STA will help a lot. And I like the symmetrical rear triangle and shorter ST now too.
I definitely feel it climbs better than the current Bronson. That said it’s still heavier and with more suspension movement.
@@NICADV I am riding the Bronson V3 and always think that weight is a important factor for climbing which surprise me when you mention the new V5 is better with the new changes.
Looks like an awesome bike. Honestly though, all the positives you mentioned about this bike are exactly what I'd say about my V4.
I would agree. Santa Cruz just continued on that path. It definitely climbs better and it should descend marginally better. However, there will be fewer riders that notice the extra stability or stiffness of the frame. The 38 is also a perfect upgrade if you’re pushing the bike to its limits.
Beautiful bike!
And here I am with my Nomad 2 I built in 2009 and Blur from 2005 with 26 inch wheels.
Nice video! What do you think of this bike compared to the revel rail? Climbing and descending?
Both climb exceedingly well for the travel. The CBF suspension on the Revel climbs without regard to gear or body position. That said the climbing position of the Nomad distributes weight more evenly. On the descending side the 38 coming stock at the front of the Santa Cruz makes it the clear winner. The Rail with a 38 would be a different story, but a slacker headtube angle would also be nice.
I am stoked with this bike! Your height for size Large?
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, I’m 5’ 11” with a 74 cm saddle height.
Awesome video! This place looks so good! Subbed!
Thanks! Tokul is a prime winter riding spot for the Seattle area.
I’m torn between the 5010 and the nomad, I want something playful and poppy but still planted and stable on the downhill parts
In that case I would probably go Nomad or maybe Bronson. The 5010 is super playful but the Nomad is no slouch in that department. The 5010 definitely relies more on the rider to get down the hill in one piece. I would call the 5010 capable in the right hands but still not planted.
@@NICADV ok thanks
I was always wondering how low the handlebars are on the v4. I put a couple of spacers and 40mm rise bars. I can say that my handlebar is quite high now, but good !
Interesting how many spacers you have on your v5 because it has a significant longer head tube. So your handlebars are high, too. This shows me that i'm not wrong with my setting.
When wheels got bigger headtubes got shorter to maintain the status quo for climbing geometry. However, with the changes to how we think of geometry ie. the steepened seattube angle, it no longer requires a low handlebar to keep traction on the front wheel when climbing. I would say you’re on the right track especially when it comes to the descent!
Great video 💃
I loved that you did this at gritty ass wild tokul.
Yeah buddy!
Would love to know how this bike compares to the new transition scout 👍
It is a drastically different machine. The Transition Patrol would be the comparable option. I have gotten a few days on the Scout and it’s a ton of fun. I have considered a Scout or the Santa Cruz 5010 as a second bike for when my Evil Wreckoning is a bit much. Or for days that are spent primarily hitting jumps. Unfortunately, getting my hands on any of those bikes has been hard.
If you could have only one bike and had to chose between the nomad and the scout which one would you take ?
@@creece1 personally I would go Nomad. It can handle everything from bike park and shuttle laps to big mountain adventures.
@@NICADV Hi Nic, why not the Bronson V3 or the new Bronson MX instead of the Nomad V5?
@@murphykim9074 the geometry makes for a better climbing position than the V3 Bronson. The new mixed wheel Bronson should benefit from the same improvements but I have not been able to ride one yet.
Great video. How does this bike compare to the sentinel you had as an all-rounder?
For an all-rounder in the purest sense I would have to say the Sentinel. It’s weight and the traction of the 29” wheel are benefits to the widest range of conditions. My personal preference would still be the Nomad or Wreckoning as my definition of “all-rounder” leans more toward having the most fun on the way down.
Have you ridden the new Hightower ? Curious how they compare , climbing and fun factor . Sick riding too 🤙🏻🕺💯🥜🍻🇺🇸
I have gotten a good amount of time on the Hightower. I'll attach a link to my first ride review below. While both bikes will conquer similar terrain they do it in very different ways. The Hightower leans more toward the 50/50 up and down while the Nomad is very much 40/60 or even 30/70. For the average descent or all day epic the Hightower out performs the Nomad. The bigger wheels are a benefit for traction and roll over. Those big wheels do a lot for correcting mistakes and stability on the steeps. Where the Nomad excels is the bigger hits and features as well as the roughest downhills. If you are looking for an all arounder leaning toward long rides and everyday comfort than go with the Hightower. If that sounds good but you are regularly riding things that take you out of your comfort zone or your preference is for jumps and freeride then check out the Nomad.
www.evo.com/discover/bike/santa-cruz-hightower-review
What about the rearcenter-lenght, is it achieved with different links? And not with different size chainstays?
Yes, it is the links that achieve the different rear center length.
In your opinion should one "upgrade" from a Nomad V4 to the V5 version?
I did...havent riddent it yet and I already slapped a Lyrik 29 up front but I am stoked just looking at it. (rehabbing ACL surgery, a few more weeks...).
That is going to depend on your feelings on the v4. They are similar enough that I would not recommend simply based on performance. If you find yourself at the end of the current nomad’s performance then yes. It is certainly more stiff and more slack. If your complaint with the v4 is climbing then it is probably not necessary. The v5 does climb better but it is marginal. It does descend better but most riders will not push it to its limits. The new frame also allows for more shock options and the stock 38 is nice.
What build you have ?
It was the baller build. CC frame, Fox factory suspension, X01, and reserve wheels. Unfortunately, I only got a first ride on the bike and had to return it.
Nice! What bike size and riders height?
Size large, I am 5’ 11”
Can you compare it to the SB165?
My riding on both the Nomad and Yeti SB165 have been very short. I did get to ride the SB165 in a bike park. I really like both bikes. I do not think you could go wrong with either. That said if you’re on the tall side the Yeti fits a little bigger. According to the websites the Yeti is also a bit lighter.
@@NICADV Thanks mate :)
Design language 😂
🤷🏻♂️