Hey guys! Let's dive into a detailed review of the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC. This bike has made a name for itself as a versatile and capable machine for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. If you're considering picking up a used one or just curious about its performance, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its geometry and suspension to its components and overall ride quality. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC

The Santa Cruz Nomad CC is renowned for its ability to handle steep, technical descents while still being efficient enough to pedal back up for another lap. The CC designation indicates that the frame is constructed from Santa Cruz's higher-end carbon fiber, which offers a better strength-to-weight ratio compared to their standard carbon frames. This makes the bike lighter and more responsive, enhancing its climbing and descending capabilities. The 2016 model features 27.5-inch wheels, a VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension design, and 165mm of rear travel. It's designed to be a do-it-all bike for riders who prioritize descending performance but still need a bike that can handle a variety of terrain. The geometry is aggressive, with a slack head angle, a long top tube, and a low bottom bracket, providing stability at high speeds and confidence on steep trails. The Nomad CC is not just a downhill bike; it’s a versatile machine that encourages you to push your limits and explore new trails. Whether you're tackling technical rock gardens or flowing through berms, this bike delivers a smooth and controlled ride. The combination of its advanced suspension system and carefully chosen components makes it a top contender in the enduro bike category. It’s a bike that inspires confidence and lets you focus on enjoying the ride, knowing that it can handle whatever the trail throws your way.

Key Features and Specs

Delving into the specifics, let's highlight some key features and specs of the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC. The frame is crafted from Santa Cruz's high-modulus carbon fiber, making it incredibly stiff and responsive. This stiffness translates to efficient power transfer when pedaling and precise handling when carving through corners. The VPP suspension design is a standout feature, providing a plush and supportive feel throughout the entire range of travel. It effectively soaks up bumps and chatter while maintaining pedaling efficiency, making it suitable for both climbing and descending. The 165mm of rear travel is paired with a 160mm fork, offering a balanced and capable suspension setup.

• Frame Material: Santa Cruz CC Carbon
• Wheel Size: 27.5 inches
• Rear Travel: 165mm
• Front Travel: 160mm
• Suspension Design: VPP (Virtual Pivot Point)
• Head Angle: 65 degrees
• Bottom Bracket Height: 343mm
• Reach: (varies by size, but around 425mm for a size large)

The components on the Nomad CC are typically high-end, with builds often including SRAM or Shimano drivetrains, RockShox or Fox suspension, and reliable wheels and tires. Common component choices include SRAM X01 or Shimano XT drivetrains, providing smooth and precise shifting. Suspension duties are often handled by a RockShox Pike or Fox 36 fork, offering excellent damping and control. The combination of these high-quality components ensures that the Nomad CC is ready to tackle even the most demanding trails. The bike's geometry is designed for aggressive riding, with a slack head angle and a low center of gravity, providing stability and confidence on steep and technical terrain. The reach is generous, allowing for a comfortable and balanced riding position. Overall, the Nomad CC is a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed bike that is built to perform at the highest level.

Ride Quality and Performance

When it comes to ride quality and performance, the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC truly shines. The bike's VPP suspension system provides a supple and active feel, effectively absorbing bumps and chatter while maintaining excellent pedaling efficiency. This allows you to tackle rough and technical trails with confidence and control. Whether you're climbing steep, rocky ascents or descending fast, flowy singletrack, the Nomad CC delivers a smooth and predictable ride. The bike's geometry is optimized for aggressive trail riding, with a slack head angle and a long wheelbase providing stability at high speeds. The low center of gravity enhances cornering ability, allowing you to rail through berms and switchbacks with ease. The Nomad CC is not just a downhill bike; it's a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of terrain. Its climbing ability is surprisingly good for a bike with 165mm of travel, thanks to the efficient VPP suspension and the lightweight carbon frame. The bike's responsiveness and agility make it a joy to ride, whether you're exploring new trails or pushing your limits on familiar ones.

On climbs, the VPP suspension minimizes pedal bob, allowing you to maintain traction and power. On descents, the plush suspension soaks up big hits and keeps the bike planted on the ground. The Nomad CC inspires confidence and allows you to ride faster and more aggressively. Its playful and responsive nature makes it a fun and engaging bike to ride, while its stability and control ensure that you stay in control even in the most challenging conditions. Overall, the ride quality and performance of the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC are exceptional, making it a top choice for riders who demand the best.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC:

Pros:

• Excellent Suspension: The VPP suspension design provides a plush and supportive feel, soaking up bumps and chatter while maintaining pedaling efficiency.
• Lightweight and Stiff Frame: The CC carbon frame is light and stiff, offering excellent power transfer and responsive handling.
• Aggressive Geometry: The slack head angle and long wheelbase provide stability at high speeds and confidence on steep terrain.
• Versatile Performance: The Nomad CC is capable on both climbs and descents, making it a great all-around trail bike.
• High-Quality Components: The bike typically comes with high-end components, ensuring reliable performance and durability.

Cons:

• Price: The Nomad CC was expensive when new, and even used models can command a premium price.
• Climbing Efficiency: While the VPP suspension helps, it's still not as efficient as some shorter-travel bikes.
• Maintenance: The VPP suspension system can be more complex to maintain than simpler suspension designs.
• Availability: Finding a used 2016 model in good condition may require some patience and searching.

Who is This Bike For?

The 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC is ideally suited for aggressive trail riders and enduro racers who demand a bike that can handle a wide range of terrain. If you're the type of rider who loves tackling steep, technical descents and pushing your limits on challenging trails, the Nomad CC is a great choice. Its plush suspension, stable geometry, and lightweight frame make it a capable and confidence-inspiring machine. The bike is also suitable for riders who want a versatile trail bike that can handle both climbs and descents with ease. While it may not be the fastest climber, its efficient VPP suspension and responsive handling make it a joy to ride on a variety of trails. However, if you're primarily focused on cross-country riding or long-distance touring, there may be better options available. The Nomad CC is designed for aggressive riding, and its geometry and suspension are optimized for descending performance. If you prioritize climbing efficiency and lightweight above all else, you may want to consider a shorter-travel bike. Overall, the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC is a great choice for riders who want a capable and versatile trail bike that can handle anything they throw at it. It’s a bike that inspires confidence and allows you to ride faster and more aggressively, making it a top contender in the enduro bike category.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC remains a highly capable and desirable bike for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. Its plush suspension, lightweight frame, and aggressive geometry make it a formidable machine on challenging terrain. While it may not be the most efficient climber, its versatile performance and confidence-inspiring handling make it a joy to ride on a variety of trails. If you're looking for a used trail bike that can handle anything you throw at it, the 2016 Santa Cruz Nomad CC is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to pay a premium price and potentially invest in some maintenance to keep it running smoothly. But trust me, the ride quality and performance are well worth the investment. This bike continues to be a shredder, holding its own against newer models and proving that a well-designed bike can stand the test of time. So, if you get a chance to snag one, don't hesitate – you won't be disappointed! Happy trails, guys!