Santa Cruz Nomad 2017 Carbon CC

Santa Cruz Nomad 2017 Carbon CC

The Santa Cruz Nomad 2017 Carbon CC is indeed known for its impressive performance in bike parks and gravity-oriented riding. It is designed to excel in downhill sections and handle technical terrain with ease, making it a popular choice for riders seeking an aggressive and capable bike.

In terms of its downhill capabilities, the Nomad 2017 Carbon CC lives up to its reputation as a "beast." Its carbon frame construction offers excellent stiffness and durability while keeping the weight relatively low, allowing for confident descents and enhanced control over rough trails. The bike's suspension system, featuring Santa Cruz's VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) design, provides excellent traction and absorbs impacts effectively, ensuring a smooth ride even on challenging and bumpy terrains.

However, where the Nomad 2015 Carbon CC falls short is its performance when it comes to climbing and pedaling efficiency. The bike's geometry and suspension setup prioritize downhill performance, which can make it feel sluggish and inefficient on ascents. This is especially noticeable on flatter and less demanding trails, such as those commonly found in Ontario, which are known for their relatively flat terrain.

Considering Ontario's predominantly flat landscape, the Nomad 2017 Carbon CC might not be the ideal choice for riders seeking a bike primarily for climbing or endurance riding in the region. Its aggressive nature and emphasis on downhill performance can make climbing feel laborious and less enjoyable, potentially detracting from the overall riding experience.

However, it's important to note that individual preferences and riding style can vary. Some riders may still find pleasure in descending smaller hills and technical sections on the Nomad 2017 Carbon CC, even in flatter regions like Ontario. The bike's robust build and capable suspension system can still provide an exciting and engaging ride when tackling downhill features, jumps, or berms.

If you're primarily focused on climbing or riding more varied terrain, you may want to explore other options in Santa Cruz's lineup, such as the Santa Cruz Tallboy or Hightower models. These bikes are designed to offer a better balance between climbing efficiency and descending capability, making them more suitable for a wider range of trails, including flatter terrain.

Ultimately, choosing the right bike depends on your specific riding goals, preferences, and the type of trails you most frequently encounter. It's always recommended to test ride different models and seek advice from local bike shops or experienced riders to ensure you find a bike that aligns with your needs and maximizes your enjoyment on the trails.

 

Here is the list that went on it. 

- Bars: BZA 800mm 35 mm Chromag
- Stem: Easton Haven 50mm -  35mm clamp
- Headset: Chris King
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory Series 170mm 
- Rims: T Swiss EX 471 wheels
- Tires: new Maxxis minions DD and DH case set up tubeless
- Hubs: Chris King 32H
- Cassette: XT Shimano 11 speed
- Cranks: XT Shimano
- Shifter: XT Shimano 11 speed
- Derailleur: XT 11 Speed
- Brakes: Shimano Zee
- Dropper Seat post: KH 150mm
- Shock X2 Fox
- Grips: Chromag
- Seat: WTB

 

 

Close frontal up look of the bike with a brick wall at the back

Close up of the hubs and the front fork

Bike on a car bike rack