Its reputation is built on consistently pushing the envelope on how lawless a single-crown bike can get, while still remaining a capable daily driver, the Nomad R Complete Mountain Bike goes even further towards the outer limits in this year's iteration. Gaps, shuttle laps, and lift passes are the Nomad's preferred business, and since it retains all the pedal-ability of Santa Cruz's VPP suspension, it does you a favor when you have to pedal out. The build kit and aluminum frame extend ensure durability, as well as affordability, bringing the price to ride down to a more palatable level for self-sponsored flow artists. The previous Nomad was aimed squarely at enduro domination, but 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 who want 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 while partying hard, but 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 limit on lift-accessed days or retain more balance for earning your turns across large and imposing alpine terrain. Moving to the revised shoc...