Help me make sense of it all . . . . Nomad related

[InspectorGadget]

Continuing my consideration of all things Santa Cruz Nomad (http://tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112033), I have some questions I'd like to get some help with. As Santa Cruz is known to make running changes in their lineup, I've been pouring over the 2006 and 2007 specs as listed in the respective product brochures. Other than an inch and half head tube - which I don't think is necessary for my riding style - I don't yet know what else may have changed for 2008.

I've included the specs for my current Marin (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_attack_trail.html) and the Nomads below. For what it's worth, I love the way the Marin rides; I just want a bit more for those special days.

2006
toptube 22.8"
head tube angle 68
seat tube angle 71
wheelbase 43.6"
chainstay 17.5"
bb height 13.7"

2007
toptube 23"
head tube angle 67
seat tube angle 70
wheelbase 44.1"
chainstay 17.5"
bb height 14.2"

Marin Attack Trail
toptube 23"
head tube angle 68.5
seat tube angle 71.5
wheelbase 43.75"
chainstay 17.25"
bb height 13.25"

The differences between the specs for these three bikes seem fairly subtle, but I suspect the ride characteristics are anything but. What differences would you expect to see between the Nomads? Given equal opportunity, would you buy one year over the other?

I have the option of buying AG's ASX; which would give me a bigger bike for those times when I, um, well, when I need a bigger bike. The alternative is to buy a Nomad and I have one bike that should do everything I want a bike to do. I'm not a hucker, but I have been known to dawn some pads. (They scuff up nicer than I do.)

Hell, while I'm at it, is there another bike that's staring me in the face that I'd be silly to overlooking?


Sorry about the Dear Diary.

[Arty50]

http://www.intensecycles.com/web/66.html

toptube 22.8" (med)
head tube angle 68.5
seat tube angle 73
wheelbase 43.3" (med)
chainstay 17"
bb height 13.75"

[Clack]

and there's a more appropriate thread

[phatfreeheeler]

I wouldn't doubt if the only real difference between the 2006 and 2007 is that one was measured with a Fox 36 while the other was measured with a longer Marz 66 or RS Totem. Either way you'll be really happy in Moab and at DV.

Are you keeping a more XC bike, cause I could see you missing one in Park City riding a Nomad.

[InspectorGadget]

Are you keeping a more XC bike, cause I could see you missing one in Park City riding a Nomad.That is the best reason for keeping the Marin and buying AG's ASX.

[Trackhead]

That is the best reason for keeping the Marin and buying AG's ASX.

Sell the Marin, spend the money on a new toy.

[bagtagley]

I wouldn't doubt if the only real difference between the 2006 and 2007 is that one was measured with a Fox 36 while the other was measured with a longer Marz 66 or RS Totem.


A taller fork extended the top tube? ;)

SC has made geometry changes to the Nomad for the past 3 seasons. It seems like the 07s were kinda long all around. The TT on the large was 24" IIRC, which to me seems long for their typical large sizing. If you can pull off an 08, that's what I'd do. Otherwise, just get whichever one you can get a better deal on.

[phatfreeheeler]

A taller fork extended the top tube? ;)

SC has made geometry changes to the Nomad for the past 3 seasons. It seems like the 07s were kinda long all around. The TT on the large was 24" IIRC, which to me seems long for their typical large sizing. If you can pull off an 08, that's what I'd do. Otherwise, just get whichever one you can get a better deal on.

Not saying you're wrong, but it is Horizontal TT length. If you raise the top of the headset (where it is measured from) due to a longer fork, and tilt the seattube back, it can increase the horizontal TT dimension because you end up measuring to a higher point on the seatpost. In geometry terms, if that leg of the triangle grows while the the seattube to toptube angle is constant (along with the actual TT), you have to increase the length of the free leg or Horizontal TT length. I'm really not as dumb as I look ;)

[powwrangler]

Not sure if this is a good deal I am a hardtail guy myself, but you might wanna check:

http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16451

[kellen]

Go ride them and find out yourself.

/number geek rant

[altagirl]

Go ride them and find out yourself.

/number geek rant

That's pretty helpful.

You have any suggestions on where he's going to find a 2006, 2007 and 2008 Nomad to test ride?

[bagtagley]

Not saying you're wrong, but it is Horizontal TT length. If you raise the top of the headset (where it is measured from) due to a longer fork, and tilt the seattube back, it can increase the horizontal TT dimension because you end up measuring to a higher point on the seatpost. In geometry terms, if that leg of the triangle grows while the the seattube to toptube angle is constant (along with the actual TT), you have to increase the length of the free leg or Horizontal TT length. I'm really not as dumb as I look ;)

Yeah, you're right, but you could have saved my ego and skipped the length discussion, complete with definitions, diagrams and bullet points. :D

The change was to a Fox 36, and that's still what they're measuring by (545mm). So, the 06 and 07 frames are the same (excepting the addition of a 1.5 HT), but the 08s have been altered...fer realz this time.

IG, I still think you should try to track down a deal on an 08. Otherwise, go with the best deal/best condition you can find.

[phatfreeheeler]

Yeah, you're right, but you could have saved my ego and skipped the length discussion, complete with definitions, diagrams and bullet points. :D

As Rotorhead would say, "that's what you get!". It's the professor wannabe in me ;)

[InspectorGadget]

Not sure if this is a good deal I am a hardtail guy myself, but you might wanna check:

http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16451

Thanks for the lead wrangler. ;)