One forum-hunting reader (thanks Erik!) sent over this image of an apparently updated Santa Cruz Nomad with a new 142×12 rear thru axle. Word is it’ll also get the revised grease port angles on the lower pivot to move them out of harms way, like on the current Tallboy LT and such.
Looks like they’re sticking with the IS mount rear brake tabs rather than post mount, something SC has made clear they like because of the simplicity in replacing an adapter versus ripping out threads.
UPDATE: Yep, it’s official, and the new frames are shipping now. It’s a rolling change made largely to satisfy consumer demand. Santa Cruz marketing man Mike Ferrentino told us it’s not so much a performance enhancement as it is something people wanted and, given the prevalence of wheels with that axle standard now available, there seemed no harm in giving the people what they wanted. But wait, there’s more…
The Nomad carbon now gets their offset lower link, too. This allows better clearance for more chainrings and/or bash guards, same as on some of their other newer bikes. And yes, the grease port nipples are placed facing inward to prevent damage.
A bit of a surprise, the Tallboy Carbon (regular, not just the new LT) is now shipping with 142×12 thru axle rear ends also! The alloy Nomad and Tallboy continue to use standard QR dropouts.
