2013 Santa Cruz Nomad MK2.1 Build

am moving away from my XC oriented bikes. Never raced XC don't intend to and climbing isn't a joy of mine.

To my first All Mountain build; went for 26" due general bargains on quality second hand parts, ridden all three sizes preference is 27.5 or 26".

Advertised for a Specialized Enduro or Giant Trance Frame and this came up;

2013 Santa Cruz Nomad XL



Came with the following goodies for a awesome deal;

Fox 34 Float CTD
Fox CTD
Rockshox Reverb
Raceface Bars

The paint was rough on the frame and will eventually have a powder coat done next year. For time being touch up paint and polish have worked wonders, VPP has also been serviced.







Planned parts;

Hope Pro EVO II laced to Stans Flow
SLX M675 Brakes
XT M8000 1 x 11 Transmission
Red Raceface Turbine Cranket
RaceFace NW
Gravity 70mm Stem
New Saddle

Then it is time to ride.

Great bike

Heard it is the do it all original All Mountain bike, that's why I got one.

Plus 26" bikes price tag in the second hand market have suffered dramatically.

If you like 26" then yeah, lots of bargains. The last decent 26ers like yours have tapered headsets too so I don't imagine that you would notice any difference if you put a 650b front fork and wheel on it in the future as well, so pretty futureproof.

I am fan of 26er's myself.

Tired the other wheel sizes, had a Cannondale 29er and 27.5 Jamis Dragon but did like both as much as the 2010 Trek Top Fuel 8 I let go.

But will look to build a 29er XC bike after this, which will couple as a commuter as well.