2023 Santa Cruz Nomad 5
Frame specs, torque values, bearing sizes, and maintenance guide for the 2023 Santa Cruz Nomad 5.
Published June 9, 2026 Overview
See also: VPP Suspension
Weight
| Config |
Weight |
| Frame only (C) |
2.86 kg / 6.3 lbs |
| Complete bike (stock C S) |
~14.5 kg / ~32 lbs |
Frame Specs
| Spec |
Value |
| Compatible Forks |
170-180mm |
| Fork Travel |
170-180mm |
| Headtube Standard |
Tapered |
| Headset |
Integrated — IS41/28.6 upper, IS52/40 lower |
| Bottom Bracket Shell |
73mm threaded ISO |
| BB Standard |
BSA threaded |
| Seatpost Diameter |
31.6mm |
| Seatpost Min Insertion |
100mm |
| Rear Hub Spacing |
148x12mm Boost |
| Rear Axle Standard |
12mm thru-axle |
| Max Tire Size |
2.6" (may vary by rim) |
| Max Brake Rotor (front) |
203mm |
| Max Brake Rotor (rear) |
180mm |
| Seatpost Clamp |
36.4mm |
| Shock Dimensions |
230x57.5mm |
Geometry
| Measurement |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
| Reach |
430mm |
455mm |
480mm |
505mm |
| Stack |
618mm |
628mm |
638mm |
648mm |
| Head tube angle |
63.5° |
63.5° |
63.5° |
63.5° |
| Seat tube angle |
77° |
77° |
77° |
77° |
| Chainstay length |
432mm |
432mm |
432mm |
432mm |
| Wheelbase |
1224mm |
1254mm |
1283mm |
1313mm |
| BB drop |
18mm |
18mm |
18mm |
18mm |
Shock Hardware
| Spec |
Value |
| Stroke |
57.5mm |
| Eye to eye length |
230mm |
| Leverage ratio |
2.96:1 |
| Progression |
~28% |
Bearing Specs
| Location |
Size (ID x OD x W) |
Type |
| Headset upper |
41mm |
IS41 cartridge |
| Headset lower |
52mm |
IS52 cartridge |
| Main pivot |
6902 (15x28x7mm) |
Sealed cartridge |
| Lower link |
6800 (10x19x5mm) |
Sealed cartridge |
| Rocker link |
6800 (10x19x5mm) |
Sealed cartridge |
Torque Specs
| Component |
Torque |
| Stem bolts |
5 Nm |
| Handlebar clamp |
5 Nm |
| Headset top cap |
1 Nm |
| Brake lever clamp |
6 Nm |
| Rear axle |
12 Nm |
| Front axle |
12 Nm |
| Rotor bolts |
4 Nm |
| Derailleur hanger |
4 Nm |
| Rear derailleur b-tension |
4 Nm |
| Crank bolt |
40 Nm |
| Bottom bracket |
40 Nm |
| Seatpost clamp |
5 Nm |
| Dropper lever clamp |
6 Nm |
| Shock hardware |
12 Nm |
| Linkage pivots |
12 Nm |
Suspension Setup
Fork (170mm — Fox 38 or RockShox Zeb)
| Setting |
Value |
| Recommended sag |
15-20% |
| Air pressure (70kg rider) |
~75 psi |
| Air pressure (80kg rider) |
~85 psi |
| Air pressure (90kg rider) |
~95 psi |
| Rebound |
8-10 clicks from closed |
| Compression |
5-7 clicks from closed |
Rear Shock (Fox Float X2 or DHX2)
| Setting |
Value |
| Recommended sag |
25-30% |
| Air pressure (70kg rider) |
~185 psi |
| Air pressure (80kg rider) |
~200 psi |
| Air pressure (90kg rider) |
~215 psi |
| Rebound |
8 clicks from closed |
| High speed compression |
3 clicks from closed |
| Low speed compression |
6 clicks from closed |
Service Intervals
| Component |
Interval |
| Fork lower legs |
Every 50 hours |
| Fork full service |
Every 200 hours |
| Rear shock |
Every 200 hours |
| Pivot bearings |
Annually or as needed |
| Dropper post |
Every 100 hours |
| Brake bleed |
Annually or as needed |
| Headset bearings |
Annually or as needed |
| Bottom bracket |
Annually or as needed |
Tool List
- T25 Torx
- 4mm, 5mm, 6mm hex keys
- Torque wrench
- Bearing press
- 32mm bottom bracket tool (BSA)
- Shock pump
- Fox or RockShox suspension setup guide
Compatible Parts
Forks
- Fox 38 Factory/Performance (170-180mm, 44mm offset)
- RockShox Zeb Ultimate/Select (170-180mm, 44mm offset)
Shocks
- Fox Float X2 (230x57.5mm)
- Fox DHX2 (230x57.5mm)
- RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (230x57.5mm)
Dropper Posts
- Fox Transfer (31.6mm)
- RockShox Reverb AXS (31.6mm)
- BikeYoke Revive (31.6mm)
Common Issues
- Pivot bearing wear — check for play in the rear triangle annually.
Creaking under load is usually the first sign.
- Shock hardware — inspect bushings for wear every season.
- BB shell — threaded BSA shells can develop creaking if not
properly faced and greased on installation.
Mechanic Notes
Resources & References