Santa Cruz Tallboy

Wheel Size: 29” | Front Travel: 130mm | Rear Travel: 120mm

Embrace the next level of short-travel mountain biking with the new 120mm Santa Cruz Tallboy. This bike redefines what a short-travel bike can achieve, thanks to its innovative lower-link VPP suspension system that delivers exceptional performance and control. The 120mm travel ensures a balanced ride, handling technical trails with ease while maintaining a lively, responsive feel. Featuring Santa Cruz's renowned refinement and progressive geometry, the Tallboy combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology, making it a standout in the industry. The bike is available in several build kits, including the R Kit for a solid and budget-friendly option, and the GX AXS for a high-performance setup with advanced components. Each build offers a tailored experience, from reliable functionality to top-tier precision. Whether you're tackling challenging trails or enjoying a fast-paced ride, the Tallboy's advanced suspension and modern design promise to elevate your riding experience. Prepare to push the boundaries of short-travel biking and embark on thrilling adventures with the genre-bending Santa Cruz Tallboy, a bike that blends innovation with the excitement of trail riding.

Santa Cruz Tallboy
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Highlights and information

Santa Cruz Tallboy: The Ultimate Short-Travel Trail Bike


Wheel Size:
29” | Front Travel: 130mm | Rear Travel: 120mm

The Santa Cruz Tallboy redefines short-travel mountain biking with a perfect balance of climbing efficiency and descending prowess. Featuring Santa Cruz’s renowned VPP suspension system, the 120mm rear travel and 130mm front travel deliver an optimal ride for technical trails and fast, flowing singletrack. The Tallboy is designed with modern geometry, ensuring a stable and responsive ride for every terrain type. Its lightweight Carbon C and premium Carbon CC frame options offer durability without compromising performance. Whether you're conquering tight switchbacks or powering through rock gardens, the Tallboy’s advanced suspension and geometry will elevate your trail riding experience.

Why the Santa Cruz Tallboy Stands Out

The Tallboy punches above its weight with its impressive combination of lightweight performance and trail-ready versatility. Its VPP suspension provides both pedaling efficiency and bump absorption, making it ideal for aggressive XC riding. The Proportional Geometry system ensures that every rider experiences a responsive and controlled ride regardless of size. The Glovebox storage in the downtube adds practicality, offering secure storage for tools and essentials, making it a true all-rounder in the XC bike category.

Who Should Ride the Tallboy?

The Santa Cruz Tallboy is perfect for riders who want a high-performance XC bike that handles all types of terrain. With its advanced suspension, balanced geometry, and ability to tackle everything from climbs to technical descents, the Tallboy is designed for those who demand versatility and precision in their rides. Whether you're a seasoned rider or an enthusiast looking to elevate your trail experience, the Tallboy offers everything you need to push your limits.

WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT the Tallboy

  • Versatile and Capable: With 120mm of rear VPP suspension and 29-inch wheels, the Tallboy is ready for anything from steep climbs to fast descents.
  • Tailored Geometry: The Proportional Geometry system ensures optimal handling for riders of all sizes.
  • Glovebox Storage: The Tallboy’s downtube features Glovebox storage, offering a convenient, secure place to store tools and other essentials. The included Tool Wallet and Tube Purse make accessing your gear on the go easy and practical.

Frame Material

The Tallboy comes in either Carbon C or the premium Carbon CC frame, offering a lightweight, durable build that excels in aggressive XC riding. The frame’s balance of strength and weight makes it perfect for tackling rough terrain while maintaining performance.

Suspension System

With 130mm front and 120mm rear VPP suspension, the Tallboy provides excellent pedaling efficiency and smooth bump absorption, ensuring a comfortable ride over challenging terrain. This suspension setup allows for confident handling on both climbs and descents.

Geometry and Fit

  • Climbing Efficiency: The steep seat tube angle and moderate rear center deliver efficient pedaling and good traction on climbs.
  • Descending Confidence: A slack head tube angle and longer wheelbase provide stability and control on steep descents, while the low bottom bracket enhances cornering.
  • Balanced Handling: Reach and stack offer a well-rounded riding position, with smaller sizes prioritizing agility and larger sizes maximizing stability.
  • Adjustable Geometry: The "hi/lo" settings allow you to make small adjustments. You can change the bottom bracket height from 335 mm to 332 mm. You can also adjust the head tube angle from 65.7° to 65.5°. This feature makes the bike more adaptable to different riding styles and terrains.

Highlighted Models and Key Components

Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC XX AXS Reserve

  • Frame: Premium Carbon CC frame for lightweight performance on aggressive terrain.
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain for precise electronic shifting.
  • Suspension: FOX 34 Float Factory fork with 130mm travel and FOX Float Factory shock.
  • Wheels: Reserve 30|SL Carbon wheels for exceptional durability and performance.

Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC X0 AXS Reserve

  • Frame: Carbon CC frame for a lightweight, durable build.
  • Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain for responsive shifting.
  • Suspension: FOX 34 Float Factory fork and shock with 130mm travel.
  • Wheels: Reserve 30|SL Carbon wheels for technical trail handling.

Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC X0 AXS

  • Frame: Carbon CC frame for a balance of lightweight performance and durability.
  • Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain.
  • Suspension: FOX 34 Float Factory fork and shock with 130mm travel.
  • Wheels: Reserve 30|SL AL wheels for durable XC performance.

Additional Highlights

  • 120mm Rear VPP Suspension: Offers efficient pedaling and excellent bump absorption on rough trails.
  • 29-Inch Wheels: Provide stability, reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced traction.
  • Built for All Terrain: Designed to tackle climbs, descents, and technical trails with ease.
  • Ready for Anything: The Tallboy’s versatile design ensures high-performance action in all conditions.

Not Exactly What You're Looking For?

  • Santa Cruz Blur: The Santa Cruz Blur is renowned for its ability to both climb and descend with ease. It offers a comfortable and confident ride, remaining efficient on climbs thanks to its well-engineered suspension system. This suspension absorbs small bumps without feeling too soft or unstable, ensuring a smooth ride across various terrains while maintaining solid control.
  • Santa Cruz Hightower: The Santa Cruz Hightower is the ultimate all-in-one trail bike, striking an ideal balance between climbing efficiency, descending prowess, and comfort for all-day rides. With its top-notch VPP suspension, innovative geometry, and thoughtful design elements, the Hightower is geared up for any trail adventure that comes your way.
  • Scott Spark RC: The SCOTT Spark RC series is crafted for riders who thrive on speed and technical precision, whether on high-paced cross-country courses or rugged terrain. Built for unmatched agility and control, these bikes offer enhanced geometry and advanced suspension, ensuring you stay fast and steady, uphill and down, regardless of the challenges ahead.

THE BOTTOM LINE 

The Santa Cruz Tallboy stands out as the ultimate cross-country bike, expertly blending lightweight agility with responsive geometry to enhance your riding experience. Its capable suspension system is designed to handle a variety of trails, making it suitable for both technical terrain and smooth descents. Whether you are skillfully navigating rocky paths or racing down fast, flowing trails, the Tallboy ensures a thrilling ride that is both efficient and enjoyable. This bike is engineered to meet the demands of serious cyclists who seek performance and versatility in their adventures.

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An action shot of a man riding a Santa Cruz Tallboy along a forest trail, tackling loose rocks and rough terrain, highlighting the bike’s stability and performance in demanding conditions, available at Contender Bicycles.
An action shot of a man riding a Santa Cruz Tallboy on a forest trail, navigating through loose rocks and uneven terrain, demonstrating the bike’s stability and performance in tough conditions, available at Contender Bicycles.
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