2025 Santa Cruz Megatower vs 2027 Santa Cruz Nomad
The XL is the Santa Cruz Nomad size closest to your XL Santa Cruz Megatower. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Santa Cruz Nomad
Compared with the Santa Cruz Megatower in XL, the Santa Cruz Nomad in XL places the top of the head tube 4 mm higher and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +4 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- +7 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.2°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +4 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Only the Santa Cruz Megatower is drawn. The Santa Cruz Nomad numbers we have for size XL are missing the seat angle.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Megatower XL | Santa Cruz Nomad XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 495 | 495 | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 656 | 660 | +4 mm |
| Head tube angle | 63.8 | 63.6 | −0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 77.8 | not listed | |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 627 | |
| Chainstay length | 443 | 447 | +4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1298 | 1305 | +7 mm |
| BB drop | 26.5 | not listed | |
| BB height | 346 | 346 | ±0 mm |
| Standover | 722 | not listed | |
| Seat tube length | 460 | 450 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 135 | 140 | +5 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Nomad minus the Santa Cruz Megatower. Full charts: 2025 Santa Cruz Megatower, 2027 Santa Cruz Nomad.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz MegatowerSanta Cruz Nomad
Each bike is ranked against its own type on Quiver (enduro and trail), on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Santa Cruz MegatowerGX AXS | Santa Cruz Nomad90 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Santa Cruz Megatower | Santa Cruz Nomad |
| Fork | Fox 38 Performance Elite | RockShox Zeb Select |
| Rear shock | Fox Float X Performance Elite | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
| Shifter | SRAM Pod Controller | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM 90 Eagle DUB T-Type |
| Chainring | SRAM GX Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | SRAM DUB |
| Tire | Maxxis Assegai, Maxxis Minion DHR II | Maxxis High Roller, Maxxis Minion DHR II |
| Hub | DT Swiss 370 | DT Swiss 370 |
| Rim | Reserve 30|SL AL 6069, Reserve 30|HD | Reserve 30, Reserve 30|HD |
| Brake | SRAM Maven Bronze | SRAM Maven Base |
| Rotor | SRAM HS2 | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 | OneUp Components Aluminum Bar |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 | OneUp Components Enduro |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House | Santa Cruz House Grips |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 | Cane Creek 50 |
| Dropper post | OneUp Components V2 Dropper Post | OneUp Components Dropper Post |
| Saddle | SDG Bel Air V3 | SDG Bel Air V3 |
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