Dirty Details

The Nomad benefited from the evolution of the V10, with Santa Cruz applying that downhill knowledge to this trail bike in a substantial transition to a lower-link mounted shock setup.

The movement of the bike, grounding midstroke, and ability to maintain light-as-air sensitivity through minor bumps are elements that would typically only come with a downhill model – all possible because of a nearly linear shock rate. You can outfit it with either metric coil or air shocks.

By creating a design that allows people to switch out shocks as they prefer, space in the region of the bottom bracket gets tight. However, Santa Cruz's superior understanding of carbon technology has allowed it to innovate with a front triangle and swingarm that exemplify both sturdiness and smoothness.

Read The Santa Cruz Nomad Guide

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks: RockShox Zeb (R), FOX 38 Float Performance (S), FOX 38 Float Performance Elite (XT), FOX 38 Float Factory (X01)

Shocks: RockShox Super Deluxe Select (R), RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (S & XT), Fox Float X2 Factory (X01), Fox DH X2 Factory Coil (X01 Coil)

Drivetrains: SRAM NX EAGLE (R), SRAM GX EAGLE (S), Shimano XT, SRAM X01

Brakes: SRAM Guide RE (R), SRAM Code R (S), Shimano XT, SRAM Code RSC (X01)

Rims: WTB ST i30 (R), RaceFace AR Offset 30 (S), RaceFace ARC Offset 30 (XT & X01) 

Dirty Details

The Hightower is intended to allow the rider to take on huge mountains while maintaining lightning speed. It holds its own on the climbs and transfers and turns on the gas for the downs.

It's got a little more travel than the original model and the slacker 65-degree head tube angle pushes you to really send it in high gravity situations.

The VPP suspension’s lower-link-mounted shock soaks up all kinds of bumps and the flip chip disc allows riders to fine tune their ride by slightly adjusting the bottom bracket height.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: Aluminum (AL), C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks:  RockShox 35 Gold RL 150mm (D), RockShox Yari RC 150 (R), FOX 36 Float Performance (S), FOX 36 Float Performance Elite (XT), FOX 36 Float Factory (X01& XX1)

Shocks: FOX Float Performance DPS (D + R models), RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (S & XT), RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (X01 & XX1)

Drivetrains: SRAM SX (D models), SRAM NX EAGLE (R models), SRAM GX EAGLE (S models), SRAM X01, Shimano XTR, SRAM X01, SRAM XX1 

Brakes: SRAM Guide T (D models), SRAM G2 R (R models), SRAM Code R (S models), Shimano XT, SRAM Code RSC (X01 + XX1)

Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29" (D + R models), Race Face AR Offset 30 29" (S models), Race Face ARC Offset 30 29" (XT & X01), Santa Cruz Reserve 30 Carbon Rim - 29 28h (XX1 )

Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR2 29"x2.4" 3C EXO TR

Dirty Details

The big story with the 2022 Bronson is that the wheels have been updated too a mixed platform the combines the fast, trail-smashing abilities of a 29 inch front wheel with the playful flickability of a 27.5 inch rear wheel. This best of both worlds bike can take on any trail and can be your go-to ride for any an all trail fun.

The Bronson utilizes a new lower-link mounted shock configuration that takes this bike's capabilities to 11. You'll love the increased bump performance, supportive midstroke, and a bottom out that you can barely notice.

The redesigned, one-piece swingarm allows the rear wheel to keep tracking through the rough and the 65-degree head angle keeps the handling nimble and responsive.

Read The Santa Cruz Bronson Guide

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks: RockShox Lyrik Select (R), FOX 36 Float Performance (S), FOX 36 Float Factory (XX1)

Shocks:  FOX Float X Performance (R), RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (S), RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (XX1)

Drivetrains: SRAM NX EAGLE (R), SRAM GX EAGLE (S), SRAM XX1

Brakes: SRAM G2 R (R), SRAM Code R (S models), SRAM Code RSC (XX1)

Rims: Race Face AR Offset 30/35 (R models), DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 28h (S), Santa Cruz Reserve 30/V2 Carbon Rim (XX1)

Tires:  Maxxis Minion 

Dirty Details

The 5010 is able to take on rigorous and sophisticated uphill rides, featuring a low bottom bracket height, abbreviated chainstay, and 130mm travel. 

Going downhill, you benefit from the bike's superb, finely tuned maneuverability, thanks to its marriage of a short stem and long reach, along with its 65.7-65.4° head tube angle (adjusted via flip chip). 

With the 5010, you will suffer fewer rock strikes with the optimized clearance allowed by the fully recessed lower link; and you will also gain rigidity and toughness with the upper link, which is mounted to the upper tube.

Read The Santa Cruz 5010 Guide

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon

Shocks:  FOX Float Performance DPS (R), RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (S & XT), RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (X01)

Forks: FOX Rhythm 34 (R), FOX 34 Float Performance (S), RockShox Pike Select+ (XT), RockShox Pike Ultimate (X01)

Drivetrains: SRAM NX (R), SRAM GX (S), Shimano XT, SRAM X01

Brakes: SRAM Guide T (R), SRAM G2 R (S), Shimano XTR M8120 (XT), SRAM G2 RSC (X01)

Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 (R), Race Face AR Offset 30 (S), Race Face ARC Offset 30 (XT & X01), Santa Cruz Reserve 30 28h Carbon Rim (XT & X01)

Tires:  Maxxis Minion 2.4" 

Dirty Details

The Megatower employs a similar lower-link driven Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension system as the V10 for the best tracking, bottom out resistance, and small bump, mid-stroke support.

Megatower benefits from two flip chips that allow you to dial in your ride for optimum efficiency. One is housed in the lower-link and lets you adjust bottom bracket height and rear shock progression. The other lives in the rear dropouts and provides 10mm of fore-aft chainstay adjustment to create a more stable or playful ride.

A 76-degree seat tube angle and 65-degree head tube angle combine to give you plenty of cockpit room and ultimate stability on steep, technical descents.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks:  RockShox Yari RC 160mm (R), Fox 36 Float Performance 160mm (S), Fox 36 Float Performance Elite 160mm (XT), FOX 38 Float Performance Elite 170mm (XT Coil), Fox 36 Float Factory 160mm (X01), FOX 38 Float Factory, 170mm (X01 Coil), Fox 36 Float Factory 160mm (XX1)

Shocks:  RockShox Super Deluxe Select (R), RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ (S & XT), RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ (XT Coil), Fox Float X2 Factory 2-Position lever (X01), Fox DHX2 Factory Coil 2-Position Lever (X01 Coil), Fox Float X2 Factory 2-Position lever (XX1)

Drivetrains: SRAM NX EAGLE (R), SRAM GX EAGLE (S), Shimano XT M81000, SRAM X01, SRAM XX1 AXS

Brakes: SRAM Guide RE (R), SRAM Code R (S), Shimano XT, SRAM Code RSC (X01 + XX1)

Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 (R), Race Face AR Offset 30 (S), Race Face ARC Offset 30 (XT & X01), Santa Cruz Reserve 30 28h Carbon Rim (XX1)

Tires:  Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5" EXO+ TR / Maxxis Minion DHR II 29x2.4"

Dirty Details

This short-travel 29er benefits from 10mm more rear travel than previous model years, and with the addition of the lower-link VPP suspension and a few geometry tweaks, the Tallboy has become a total Bad Boy.

VPP design is so effective because it allows the chassis to be incredibly responsive while keeping the rear shock progressive via the lower-link mount. Plus, the short 430mm chainstays can be adjusted by 10mm to suit different riders and different styles.

Santa Cruz has opened the geometry up a bit on this bike so you can have some serious rowdy fun while keeping the responsive handling that makes the Tallboy such an awesome, versatile machine.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: Aluminum, C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks:  RockShox Recon RL 130 (D), Fox Rhythm 34 130mm (R), Fox 34 Float Performance 130mm (S), FOX 34 Performance Elite (XT), RockShox Pike Select+ 130mm (X01 & XX1))

Shocks:  FOX Float Performance DPS (D + R + S), FOX Float Performance Elite DPS (XT), FOX Float Factory DPS  (X01 & XX1)

Drivetrains: SRAM SX (D), SRAM NX EAGLE (R), SRAM GX EAGLE (S), SRAM X01, Shimano XT M8100, SRAM XX1 

Brakes: SRAM Level (D), SRAM Guide T (R), SRAM G2 R (S), Shimano XT 8120, SRAM G2 RSC (X01), SRAM G2 Ultimate (XX1)

Rims: WTB ST i25 (D & R), RaceFace AR Offset 27 (S & XT), RaceFace ARC Offset 27 (X01), Reserve 27 29" Carbon (XX1)

Tires:  Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.3" EXO TR, Maxxis Minion DHR2 29x2.3 EXO TR

Dirty Details

The 2022 Santa Cruz Blur has undergone some big changes to cement its place as a contender for the top of the podium. Santa Cruz developed their lightest-ever rear suspension for this bike, and gave it size-specific flexstays, head tubes, and seat tubes so every rider can get pro fit and performance.

Plus the new Blur RSV models come with Santa Cruz's newest carbon rims, the Reserve 28 XC.

The Blur comes in two styles: a true XC race build, and the Blur TR, for tougher terrain and when you want a little more freedom to get a bit rowdier. Models with 'TR' or 'Trail' indicate you'll get a beefier fork, dropper post, and knobbier tires.

Read The Santa Cruz Blur Guide

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks: RockShox Sid SL Select+ (S), FOX 34 Step Cast Performance (S TR), RockShox Sid SL Ultimate (X01 & XX1), FOX 34 Step Cast Factory (XX1 TR)

Shocks:  RockShox SidLuxe Select+ (S), FOX Float Performance DPS (S TR), RockShox SidLuxe Ultimate (X01 & XX1), FOX Float Factory DPS (XX1 TR)

Drivetrains: SRAM GX EAGLE (S), SRAM X01, SRAM XX1

Brakes: SRAM Level TL (S models), SRAM Guide TLM (X01 models), SRAM Level Ultimate (XX1 models)

Wheels: RaceFace AR Offset 27 29" (S), Santa Cruz Reserve 28|XC Carbon Rim (X01 & XX1)

Tires: Maxxis Aspen, 29"x2.4WT, 3C, EXO, TR (non TR models), Maxxis Rekon Race, 29"x2.4WT, 3C, EXO (TR models)

Dirty Details

The Highball matches the speed and weight of the best XC race bikes out there, but benefits from added capability thanks to a few key features.

This bike is designed to be up for the longest and toughest rides while simultaneously helping riders minimize fatigue. The 27.2 seatpost, carbon frame, and special carbon layup results in a hardtail that doesn't feel so hard when you're on it. The low-angle, bridgeless seatstays connect to the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to help reduce the repetitive, small bumps on the trail.

Also, there's room for 3 bottle cages so you've got all the hydration you need to get on that podium or to the peak and back.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: C Carbon, or CC Carbon 

Forks:  FOX Rhythm 32 100mm R), FOX SC 32 Float Performance 100mm (S), FOX SC 32 Float Factory (X01)

Drivetrains: SRAM NX EAGLE (R), SRAM GX EAGLE (S), SRAM X01

Brakes: SRAM Level T (R), SRAM Level TL (S models), SRAM Guide TLM (X01 models)

Wheels: WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 (R), Race Face AR Offset 25 (S), Race Face ARC Offset 25 (X01)

Tires:  Maxxis Rekon 29"x2.25", 3C, EXO, TR

Dirty Details

This classic bike has been around so many years that riders have often already ridden a previous model-year or are familiar with its reputation. The bike was originally given its name because it can be single speed or geared, and it can be ridden on city roads, in the mountains, on pavement or dirt.  And for the first time ever, this legendary mountain bike is available in C Carbon frames.

Today, the Chameleon name fits better than it ever has. Originally a hardtail capable of taking on any trail, it is now ready for long adventures and any dreary condition, with a graceful yet purposeful transition to 29" or MX wheels. 

You can choose single speed for either size wheels, and you can switch from one wheel to the other by using interchangeable dropouts.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: Aluminum or C Carbon 

Forks:  RockShox Recon RL 120mm (D), RockShox Recon RL 130mm (D+), Fox Rhythm 34 120mm (R), Fox Rhythm 34 130mm (R+) 

Drivetrains: SRAM SX (D), NX (R)

Brakes: SRAM Level (D), Guide T (R)

Wheels: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 (D), WTB ST i40 (D+ & R+), WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 (R)

Dirty Details

For better, more even damping on a trip, the shock rate was adjusted by Santa Cruz for better linearity. 

By improving cost-efficiency with a study of carbon lay-up and redesign of the frame, the manufacturer was able to redirect spending to make the V10 more durable and capable of seamlessly landing flat from large jumps. 

The bike is also made stronger and more rigid by greater-diameter sections of the front swingarm and triangle. 

This bike comes with appropriate wheels for each frame size. The smallest frames rock 27.5" wheels, while sizes M and L can run two 29ers as well as a mixed wheel setup, and size XL runs two 29ers.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: CC Carbon 

Forks: Fox 40 Performance (S), Fox 40 Factory (X01)

Shocks: FOX DHX2 Performance Elite Coil (S), Fox DHX2 Factory Coil (X01)

Drivetrains: SRAM GX DH 7spd (S), SRAM X01 DH 7spd

Brakes: SRAM Code R (S), SRAM Code RSC (X01)

Wheels: Race Face ARC HD 30 27.5"/29" Rims

Tires:  Maxxis Assegai (29"/27.5") 2.5 MaxxGRIP 3C

Dirty Details

You are able to make the Stigmata what you want. Whether you buy it built up as a 700c gravel racer or a 650b adventure machine, you'll still be able to swap wheelsets down the road to suit the moment. Clearance for 700c is 45mm, and if you're running 650b wheels you can fit up to a 2.1" tire.

The bottom bracket, a PressFit 30, is brand-new and only available on the Stigmata. This piece is durable and strong enough to meet the strict, proven Santa Cruz standards while also being lightweight. It also is fully compatible with any type of road bike crank.

Specs + Build Kit Highlights

Frames: CC Carbon 

Drivetrains: Rival 1 Long Cage 11sp (Rival), Shimano GRX 11spd (GRX), SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 12spd (Force 650b & 700c 1x), SRAM Force eTap AXS Medium Cage 12spd (Force 700c 2x)

Brakes: SRAM Rival 1 Flat Mount, Shimano GRX 810, SRAM Force

Wheels: WTB EZR i23p 700c (Rival), RaceFace ARC Offset 25 650b (Force 650b), DT Swiss XR 361 Asym 29" (GRX & Force 700c)

Tires:  Maxxis Ravager EXO, 700x40c (Rival), WTB Ranger TCS 27.5x2.0 (Force 650b)