[crashwins]

Based on my experience with Santa Cruz and other bikes of theirs, I've decided to bump up to the Nomad. I do mostly XC and AM riding, but I live now at the base of several ski mtns (bike lifts) so I wanted the option to go burly..My question is should I fork over for something new (like 2010 or newer) or spend much less and get a Nomad from 2008? I'm seeing so many of both and I simply don't know enough about their designs to decide. I understand '08 was the last American-made model, but I'm not sure if that's been much of a difference. I've seen several 08s in great condition, used by people who just never put these tanks to the test. Or I could spend more than 2X that amount for something very recent. Thanks for reading!

 

[Lelandjt]

If you plan to do a lot of lift riding you should have a lift bike and a trail bike. If finances are tight go cheap/used/oldish on both. You'll still be happier than trying to use one newer/more expensive bike for everything.

 

[Ridge_Rider]

I've had both and I would go new for sure, the older models are better descenders, but the newer models (the Al or the Carbon) are much better all-arounder bikes and the collet axles are much easier to maintain.

 

[crashwins]

Yeah, I guess I just want a full-suspension bike for my XC riding and just want to do a little of lift riding..definitely not looking to make it my primary mode. If I could get a complete Nomad from '08 with lots of updated parts for, say $1800, bad deal? Here are some of specs and its seems very well-maintained:

6.5 inch of rear travel fox dhx5.0 shock
2011 rockshox lyrik rc2DH 170mm travel fork.
stram x9 everything
Juicy 7 disc brakes
2011 revolution 32 rims
maxis minion dhf front tire 2.5
Max is high roller rear tire 2.5
Straight line flat pedals

 

[BigBoi]

I bought an '08 Nomad with the exact same intention and built it tough.

Then I put it on some lift-serviced runs and immediately wanted something burlier.

Then I got a Driver 8 and now all I want is a V10.

I suggest that you don't buy one bike to do it all, especially if you live at the bottom of a lift(s!).

 

[-BB-]

I would rent a few bikes at the mtn and try them out to see if you are hooked. Both something in the 6in range and a full on DH bike. Then, determine what you want. If you want a full on DH and a trail bike, then go used. DH bike and something like a 4in xc/trail. If you are happy with a 6in, then get a new Nomad.
Price of a new nomad would be the same as a used DH and trail bike.

 

[crashwins]

That's great advice. I can say, though, that I'm definitely not going to get into full-on DH stuff. I've done it before and it's great, but I'm more of an xc/am guy. So, that's where the Nomad seemed to fit. Burly enough for some mild DH/FR, but really solid for AM riding. Seems like the 08 Nomads were a good lot and not much has changed design-wise since then. It would be hard to shell out $4500ish for a new Nomad when I could grab a clean used one for less than half from 08.

 

[weedkilla]

I've had both and I would go new for sure, the older models are better descenders, but the newer models (the Al or the Carbon) are much better all-arounder bikes and the collet axles are much easier to maintain.

After a few Santa Cruz experiences - including a VP Free that was so maintenance heavy it was ridiculous - I wouldn't have an older generation bike at any price. Of course there are lots of older VPP bikes running about under people who obviously have a different opinion to me. Everyone i know who has tried the new collet axles wouldnt go back though.....