$1860 (Frame and shock)
31.6 pounds
6.5-inch rear wheel travel
Santa Cruz, (831) 459-7360
Maxi test: September 2005

Highlights: No matter what parts are hung on it, the Nomad chassis steals the show. The curving frame members are mostly devoid of external gussets, because each tube has been tapered, butted or shaped in some manner to optimize the strength of each junction. The formed, monocoque top tube creates a generous amount of standover clearance and, while we are on the subject, there is room for wide, 2.35-inch tires inside its swingarm. Oversized swing links give the Virtual Pivot Point rear suspension an extra measure of rigidity, and sealed ball bearings keep it cycling smoothly over the bumps. Firm pedaling is insured by the patented VPP linkage and boosted by the shock's adjustable Ã'ProPedalÃ" platform feature. Welding and finish work is topnotch throughout the chassis, and you can choose between a number of powder-coat paint or anodized colors.

Best quote: "Lean forward when you attack a descent and the front tire will find traction almost anywhere. Push too hard around a bend and the rear tire will break loose slightly before the front."

Bottom line: You can find a better climber, and there are more capable black-diamond and big-drop descenders available, but the Nomad finds itself on the short list of bikes that can do it all. It can run with any four-inch trailbike, jump alongside a four-cross racer and, in the hands of a good bike-handler, can launch almost any stunt that a 50-pound gravity sled can handle. The Nomad ain't cheap, but the most expensive version that Santa Cruz offers is a paltry sum compared with the three bikes it replaces. Heck, the Nomad's fun factor alone is worth twice that.