

2027 Santa Cruz Nomad 90
Built for riders who want a long-travel bike that can climb efficiently and charge hard on the way down, the Nomad 90 combines 170mm rear travel, a 170mm fork, and a mixed-wheel platform. Designed for steep terrain, bike park laps, rough enduro trails, and aggressive all-mountain riding, it delivers a composed feel at speed while remaining efficient on the climb back up.
Key highlights
- 170mm front / 170mm rear travel built for aggressive descending and rough terrain.
- Carbon CC frame Santa Cruz’s premium carbon layup for lower weight and high strength.
- VPP suspension platform balances traction, support, and climbing efficiency.
- Mixed wheel setup combines front-end rollover with rear-wheel agility.
What’s new for 2027
- Completely redesigned Nomad platform.
- Updated VPP suspension for improved climbing and descending balance.
- Glovebox in-frame storage with updated latch design.
- More compliant ride feel for improved comfort and traction.
- Lighter chassis than the previous generation.
Ride characteristics
- More efficient climbing than prior Nomad generations.
- Reduced brake feedback helps suspension stay active in rough terrain.
- Improved traction under power and while cornering.
- Stable, composed feel when speeds increase and terrain gets rough.
Who this bike suits
- Riders who want downhill confidence without giving up climbing ability.
- Bike park and shuttle riders who still pedal local trails.
- Aggressive trail riders wanting one bike for steep terrain and travel.
- Riders who value long-travel capability, traction, and high-speed composure.
Fit, setup, and recommended upgrades
- We want every rider to get the most out of their new Nomad.
- Local pickup customers: We can help dial in sag, rebound, cockpit setup, and suspension settings before your first ride.
- Shipped bikes: Bikes arrive professionally assembled and tested. Our staff can assist with setup questions if needed.
- Recommended upgrades: Pedals, tire inserts, heavier rotors or pads depending on terrain and riding style.
2027 Santa Cruz Nomad 90 – Full specifications
Frame
| Frame | Carbon CC MX, 170mm Travel, VPP™ |
| Weight | 35.15 lbs / 15.94 kg |
| Wheel Size | MX (29 front / 27.5 rear) |
Suspension
| Fork | RockShox Zeb Select, 170mm |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230x65 |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | SRAM 90 Eagle T-Type, 12spd |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM 90 Eagle T-Type, 12spd |
| Crankset | SRAM 90 Eagle DUB T-Type, 32t |
| Cassette | SRAM XS 1275 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle T-Type |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide |
Brakes
| Brakes | SRAM Maven Base |
| Rotors | SRAM HS2 200mm front / 200mm rear |
Wheels & Tires
| Front Rim | Reserve 30|TR AL |
| Rear Rim | Reserve 30|HD AL |
| Hubs | DT Swiss 370 |
| Front Tire | Maxxis High Roller 29x2.4, 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5x2.4, 3C MaxxTerra Double Down |
| Valves | Reserve Fillmore Valves |
Cockpit
| Handlebar | OneUp Aluminum Bar, 800mm |
| Stem | OneUp Enduro Stem, 42mm |
| Seatpost | OneUp Dropper Post (size-specific) |
| Saddle | SDG Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips |
Frame geometry (mm and degrees)
Hi / Lo geometry positions shown. All values in millimeters or degrees.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (Hi/Lo) | 435/433 | 455/453 | 475/473 | 495/493 | 520/518 |
| Stack (Hi/Lo) | 624/626 | 633/635 | 643/645 | 660/662 | 669/671 |
| Head Tube Angle | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° | 63.6°/63.3° |
| Rear Center | 438/439 | 441/442 | 444/445 | 447/448 | 451/452 |
| Wheelbase | 1219/1219 | 1246/1247 | 1276/1274 | 1305/1306 | 1339/1339 |
| BB Height | 346/342.5 | 346/342.5 | 346/342.5 | 346/342.5 | 346/342.5 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 78°/77.7° | 78.2°/78.1° | 78.6°/78.4° | 78.7°/78.5° | 78.9°/78.7° |
| Seat Tube Length | 380 | 400 | 420 | 450 | 500 |
| Standover | 711/707 | 719/715 | 722/718 | 726/722 | 732/728 |
Sizing and fit
If you're between two recommended sizes, compare the reach and stack of your current bike to the Nomad to understand what already feels comfortable. We can also help guide sizing based on your height, proportions, riding style, and fit preferences.
Riders with longer legs and a shorter torso often prefer the smaller size. Riders with a longer torso or longer arms often prefer sizing up.
A larger frame typically offers more stability at speed and more room to move on descents. A smaller frame often feels quicker, easier to maneuver, and more playful in tighter terrain. Your riding style matters as much as height.
| Frame Size | Recommended Height | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 5'1" – 5'5" | 435mm |
| Medium | 5'5" – 5'9" | 455mm |
| Large | 5'9" – 6'1" | 475mm |
| X-Large | 6'0" – 6'4" | 495mm |
| XX-Large | 6'4" – 6'7" | 520mm |
Component note: Specifications are subject to change at any time without notice.