During the week of March 16, we had the privilege of being invited to Santa Cruz Bicycles to visit their headquarters located just steps from the ocean in Santa Cruz, California.
This unique immersion gave David the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the brand founded in 1994, renowned for its high-end mountain bikes, fully assembled on site. The factory that builds the bikes produces only Santa Cruz models, ensuring unmatched quality and attention to detail.
Secret trails for insiders
During his visit, David benefited from local guidance to explore trails not yet listed on Trailforks—a true privilege for any MTB enthusiast!
And as a highlight, he had the chance to ride alongside the people who bring the brand to life every day. A strong sense of community quickly formed within the group of athletes and experts. He shared trails with Annie Ford, ambassador and activist known for her involvement in the cycling community, as well as talented professional rider and long-time ambassador Tobin Ortenblad.
The ride also led to exciting technical discussions with Kiran MacKinnon, R&D specialist, who brings real-world insight into future bike development. David also spent time with Jorge, a key member of the Santa Cruz team with whom we regularly coordinate in-store for warranty and customer service support.
The new Nomad: an exclusive preview
The highlight of the trip? The all-new Nomad V7, officially unveiled on April 14, 2026. David had the honour of testing it firsthand in Santa Cruz before its release. His unfiltered verdict: it’s insane.
What’s new on the Nomad:
- All models now feature a CC frame (283 g lighter than the previous V6 C frame)
- Redesigned “glove box” storage 2.0
- Revised and improved VPP™ suspension curves
- Lower anti-squat and anti-rise
- More efficient pedalling and improved climbing traction
- Increased braking sensitivity
- More aggressive geometry for a faster, smoother ride
Californian engineering: where the magic happens
Beyond the trails, David toured the design, R&D, and assembly departments. In the heart of research and development, engineers rigorously test frames in a cutting-edge carbon lab to uphold the brand’s famous durability promise. Nothing is left to chance: the workshop is filled with 3D printers for rapid prototyping, as well as unique in-house machinery developed to push the limits of performance.
What truly sets the Santa Cruz experience apart is seeing “custom” production at scale. Unlike mass manufacturing, every bike is treated as a unique build. From meticulous frame inspections to precision pivot bearing assembly, everything is done by hand by passionate technicians. Whether you choose Shimano or SRAM components, or opt for premium Reserve wheels—hand-built on site and backed by a lifetime warranty (a rare promise in the industry)—your bike is built to order, tested, and tuned to hit the trails straight out of the box.
One of the most meaningful moments of the visit was meeting the employees who sign off on the bikes we receive in-store. To highlight the work of its 200 employees, Santa Cruz goes the extra mile: every assembled bike includes a photo of the team member who built it. This attention to detail and human recognition is deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA.
A vision for the future of MTB
David also observed how the MTB world is increasingly shifting toward e-bike platforms. Long dismissed by some purists, E-MTBs are now gaining acceptance thanks to manufacturers like Santa Cruz, who manage to deliver high-performance bikes while preserving the playful feel of traditional mountain bikes. Riders can now go further, ride longer, and enjoy the same trail experience as with an acoustic bike. The momentum behind mountain biking continues to grow, especially with the latest E-MTB models combining fun, reliability, and simplicity.
An experience not to be missed
This visit offered a rare opportunity to see how Santa Cruz blends tradition, innovation, and passion for riding. Between ocean views, secret trails, and the first test rides of the new Nomad, David returns from California with unforgettable memories—and one certainty: since 1994, Santa Cruz Bicycles continues to redefine the mountain biking experience, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Already a Santa Cruz owner?
The Santa Cruz Owner’s Club is an exclusive community for owners of Santa Cruz Bicycles bikes. By joining, you gain access to unique benefits such as extended warranties, special offers, events, and member-only experiences. The goal is to connect passionate riders with the Santa Cruz universe, both in-store and on the trails.
To sign up, simply visit the official Santa Cruz Bicycles website, create an Owner’s Club account, and register your bike using its serial number. Once completed, you can immediately start enjoying the benefits.
Sign up here: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/fr-ca/pages/owners-club
