2027 Santa Cruz Nomad 7 CC GX AXS

The 2027 Santa Cruz Nomad CC GX AXS comes in right in the bang-for-your-buck sweet spot. The Nomad is an excellent modern enduro bike, and the GX AXS build kit gets you premium shifting and a very capable suspension package, without leaping all the way into the most expensive builds. Yes, it's a wireless drivetrain.

The biggest change from the previous generation: Santa Cruz redesigned the Nomad around a VPP layout. The company highlights better climbing efficiency, reduced reactivity while braking, and stronger traction across the travel. All points that matter, because the Nomad is expected to handle steep chutes, repeated square-edge hits, and hard braking zones without losing composure.

The updated anti-squat, anti-rise, and leverage characteristics are intended to make the bike smoother through rough terrain while also improving support in the middle and deeper portions of the stroke. That gives the chassis a more consistent feel when speeds rise and lines get messy.

The geometry and wheel format reinforce the smooth-and-consistent mission. A 29" front wheel leads the way with stability and rollover confidence, while the 27.5" rear wheel keeps the back of the bike quicker when you want to snap it through corners and over trail features.

Size-specific chainstay lengths and seat angles help maintain balance across the full SM to XXL range. A lower-link flip chip gives you an additional tuning tool.

Glovebox V2 improves the storage system inside the downtube with better access, contact, and latch engagement. Top tube accessory mounts add space for ride essentials. Updated guide hardware and two-bolt ISCG compatibility are good choices for rough terrain. Santa Cruz also kept mechanical derailleur routing available across all frames to improve serviceability and rider choice.

The GX AXS build kit is fully trail ready. The RockShox Zeb Select fork brings 170mm of travel with stout chassis support, while the RockShox Super Deluxe Select shock handles the rear with a firm, controlled character.

SRAM GX AXS transmission shifting gives the cockpit a cleaner look and delivers the crisp, dependable shift quality many aggressive riders now prefer. SRAM Maven Bronze calipers with 200mm rotors front and rear deliver all the braking power you need.

Wheels and contact points are chosen with similar logic. Reserve 30SL and 30HD alloy rims on DT Swiss 370 hubs strike a nice compromise between durability and responsiveness, and the Maxxis High Roller front with Minion DHR II rear remains a proven aggressive tire pairing for mixed-wheel bikes. The OneUp cockpit and dropper package match the Nomad’s aggressive nature without adding maintenance drama. Even the small parts reflect a bike that is meant to be ridden hard, parked dirty, and taken back out the next morning.

It's a bike you can buy and keep for years without second-guessing your choice. It delivers the latest Nomad frame, huge braking power, a smart wheel spec, and wireless shifting in a modern, durable build.