Tech
New Santa Cruz Nomad switches to mullet setup and gets geometry update – BikeRadar
Santa Cruz increases the versatility of its burley Nomad with mixed-wheel sizes, plus suspension and geometry changes
Published: August 2, 2022 at 8:01 am
The heavily gravity-focused sixth-generation Santa Cruz Nomad is designed to be more versatile than ever. The most obvious change to the new bike is Santa Cruz has ditched its 27.5in front wheel and now uses a mullet-wheel setup, dubbed ‘MX’. It features a 29in wheel up front and 27.5in wheel on the back.
The suspension travel remains the same with a trail-smashing 170mm front and rear. However, Santa Cruz has updated the kinematics with the aim of making the Nomad more supple on square-edge hits, improving geometry stability and creating a more consistent feel through the stroke.
With the bigger front wheel come geometry changes. Taking what it learned from its Hightower and Bronson mountain bikes, Santa Cruz claims to have struck a balance between the high-speed stability of a long-travel bike and the agility Nomad riders expect.
Geometry is frame-size specific, with chainstays and effective seat tube angles changing on bigger bikes.
Five sizes are available, and there are 10 build options, with prices starting at £5,499 / $5,649 / €5,799 and topping out at £9,699 / $11,199 / €11,799. There’s also a frame-only option for £3,699 / $4,249 / €3,899.
Santa Cruz Nomad 6.0, what’s new?
The bike retails the same the 170mm of suspension travel front and back as the outgoing Nomad.
The new bike has been given a 29in front wheel in an attempt to increase the Nomad’s versatility. It’s available in five frame sizes, from small to extra-extra-large.
The Nomad is available in both Santa Cruz’s C and high-spec CC carbon layup options. The latter is said to offer the same strength and stiffness as the C carbon, but for less weight.
As is common on Santa Cruz’s carbon frames, each size has a specific carbon layup that influences the frame’s stiffness. That means bigger bikes are stiffer than smaller frames, so each size should give a similar ride experience.
The new Nomad uses Santa Cruz’s Glovebox internal frame storage. This comes with two internal bags, a tube purse and a tool wallet to keep everything organised.
Frame storage in the down tube enables you to stash your ride essentials. Two internal bags help keep everything organised.
The suspension system is Santa Cruz’s tried-and-tested VVP platform with its co-rotating links and lower-link driven shock. However, Santa Cruz has made some updates designed to improve the Nomad’s performance.
Firstly, it has lowered the anti-squat over the previous model. This may reduce pedalling efficiency, but it’s also intended to minimise harshness over square-edge hits, such as rocks, roots and braking bumps in the trail.
Anti-squat at sag is still claimed to be over 100 per cent. It’s great to see Santa Cruz publish its data for how it measures anti-squat – including frame size, gearing and centre of gravity. It would be good if there were an industry standard for this.
The lower starting leverage rate is intended to help better support body weight movements and maintain geometry stability. Also, overall progression has been lowered, which “allowed the suspension to have consistently better tracking qualities throughout the stroke” according to Santa Cruz.
The rear triangle has 180mm post mounts and can accommodate 27.5×2.6in tyres according to Santa Cruz. It also uses the brand’s version of the SRAM universal derailleur hanger.
The frame has a high- and low-position flip chip on the lower-link that enables you to fine-tune the geometry.
Santa Cruz keeps things simple with a threaded bottom bracket, and the frame features ISCG05 tabs to attach a chain guide.
New Santa Cruz Nomad geometry
The new Santa Cruz Nomad is available in five sizes, from small to extra-extra-large. Santa Cruz has increased the chainstay lengths for each frame size with the aim of keeping the weight distribution between the wheels more similar for each frame size.
For the high flip-chip setting, reach values start at 430mm for size small and finish at 520mm for extra-extra-large. The corresponding chainstay lengthens from 439mm to 450mm between the small and extra-extra-large frames.
The head tube angle is 63.8 degrees for all frame sizes. However, the effective seat tube angle increases as the frames get bigger to help keep taller riders in a more centred seated pedalling position. These range from 77.2 degrees on the small frame to 77.7 degrees on the extra-extra-large frame, with a peak of 77.9 degrees on the large frame.
Seat tube lengths should allow riders to choose between sizes and range from 380mm to 500mm. The bottom bracket is moderately low at 346mm, with a 27/28mm drop from the front and rear axles.
Swapping the flip chip to the low setting slackens the head tube by 0.3 degrees and effective seat tube angles by around 0.2 degrees. It drops 3mm off the bottom bracket heights and shortens the reach lengths by around 3mm. Chainstay lengths gain nearly a millimetre.
Santa Cruz Nomad specs and pricing
The new Nomad comes in four ‘drivetrain’ models. The two highest-specced bikes with SRAM GX AXS and X01 AXS have an air- or coil-shock choice, plus different wheel options. So, 10 build kits are available. The coil-shock bikes come with Maxxis DoubleDown tyres, while the air-shock bikes use Maxxis EXO+ tyres.
While 10 build kits sounds like a lot, they’re easily simplified. The two base models, the Nomad R and Nomad S, use Santa Cruz’s C carbon frame, with no options to choose between a coil and an air shock.
The next model is the Nomad GX AXS MX. This also uses the Carbon C frame. There are four models for this drivetrain build kit. All builds use a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. There are air and coil options.
Both shock options are available with either RaceFace ARC rims or Santa Cruz’s Reserve 30 Carbon, both built around Industry 9 hubs 1/1 hubs. That gices four bikes to choose from for this drivetrain group.
The highest-spec Nomad X01 MX bikes use the brand’s CC carbon frame. The four models here follow the same pattern as the GX AXS builds. Air- and coil-shock options exist for RaceFace ARC wheels and Santa Cruz Reserve 30 carbon rims.
The coil-shock bikes for the XO1 AXS use a Fox Float DHX2 Factory shock, while the air-shock bikes have a Fox Float X2 Factory shock.
There is also a frame-only option so that you can build a custom bike. This is built with the higher-spec CC carbon and costs £3,699.
Santa Cruz Nomad C R MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: RockShox Zeb R, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace AR rims, SRAM MTH hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Guide G2 RE, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: SDG Tellis Dropper/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: e13 TRS Base, 800mm/e13 Base, 40mm
- Price: £5,499
Santa Cruz Nomad C S MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Performance GRIP, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace AR rims, DT Swiss 370 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code R, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Burgtec RideWide alloy, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £6,599
Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS Air MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RS, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £7,899
Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS Coil MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RS, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £7,899
Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS Air RSV MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: Reserve 30HD rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RS, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £8,999
Santa Cruz Nomad C GX AXS Coil RSV MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz C carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: Reserve 30HD rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RS, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £8,999
Santa Cruz Nomad CC X01 AXS Air MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz CC carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Factory GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £8,399
Santa Cruz Nomad CC X01 AXS Coil MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz CC carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Factory GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: Fox Float DHX2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £8,399
Santa Cruz Nomad CC X01 AXS RSV Air MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz CC carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Factory GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: Reserve 30HD rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £9,699
Santa Cruz Nomad CC X01 AXS RSV Coil MX
- Frame: Santa Cruz CC carbon, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Forks: Fox 38 Factory GRIP2, 170mm (6.7in) travel
- Shock: Fox Float DHX2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 AXS Eagle (1×12)
- Wheels: Reserve 30HD rims, i9 1/1 hubs, Maxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip DoubleDown 29×2.5in WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown 27.5×2.4in WT (r)
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors
- Seatpost/saddle: RockShox Reverb Stealth/WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
- Bars/stem: Santa Cruz Carbon 35, 800mm/Burgtec Enduro Mk3, 42mm
- Price: £9,699
Authors
Luke Marshall is a technical writer for BikeRadar and MBUK magazine. He’s been working for both titles since 2018 and has over 20 years of mountain biking experience. Luke is a gravity-focused rider with a history of racing downhill, previously competing in the UCI Downhill World Cup. Educated to a degree level in engineering and with a penchant for full-throttle speed, Luke is more than qualified to put every bike and product through its paces to bring you informative and independent reviews. You’ll most likely find him on a trail, enduro or downhill bike riding the off-piste tracks around south Wales and the south west of England. He often makes an appearance on BikeRadar’s podcast and YouTube channel.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
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Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
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- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
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4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
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