Some bikes just aren't suited to plunging down the steepest, gnarliest lines on the mountain, causing you to question how far you're willing to push a shorter travel, less aggressive bike on terrain where falls carry serious consequences. Not here. The Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame begs you to purposely seek out ridiculously steep descents, bike park hits, and sketchy freeride terrain that would otherwise have you dismounting and walking in shame. This particular 2019 Nomad Carbon CC Frame retains all of the major design features as the 2018 model, it's just decked out in fresh color schemes that pop vividly when you're lapping the resort's bike park or hitting freeride lines tucked away in the woods. Although the previous generation Nomad aimed squarely at enduro domination, the newest generation is less of a dedicated race bike and more of a gravity rig that you can actually pedal uphill without struggling like other long-travel sleds. Think of it as a freeride bike for riders seeking one that's versatile enough to lap the resort park and shuttle downhill laps, then pedal along backcountry epics the very next day. The 65-degree head tube angle (in high setting) and longer reach keep things calm and comfortable on wicked descents, yet the steeper 75-degree seat tube angle puts you in an optimal pedaling position without struggling to shift your weight forward on steep climbs. The flip-chip integrated into the swingarm provides the ability to fine-tune its geometry to your exact riding preferences and local terrain. Keep it in the high setting for a more efficient pedaling platform on rides with a mix of blistering descents and steep climbs. Conversely, you can switch it to the low setting for an even slacker geometry (head tube of 64. 6 degrees) that's purely aimed on downhill laps at the resort and shuttle runs up the pass where climbing isn't an issue. Ultimately, its adjustable geometry lends the ability to push the bike to the absolute li...