2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5: Specs, Pricing, Review

Santa Cruz has been on a tear this year, revamping nearly its entire mountain bike line-up, and the ever-popular Tallboy is up next.

Well I’ve got good news for Tallboy fans. Instead of a major revision, it's just getting a few minor tweaks that should help it stay ahead of the competition. It’s going to be the same Tallboy we already know and love, but just a tiny bit better. (Hey, if it ain’t broke, right?) Here’s what riders can expect from the new and slightly improved 2023 Tallboy 5

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2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 key features

The 2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 in Gloss Ultra Blue.

• 29” wheels 
• 120mm lower link-driven VPP suspension
• 130mm fork
• 65.5° head angle
• C and CC frame options
• XS-XXL frame size options
• Revised suspension kinematics
• Size-specific seat angles and chain stay length
• Glovebox down tube storage compartment

What’s new with the 2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5

With its updated 2023 line-up, Santa Cruz has taken the evolution, not revolution approach. The previous-generation Tallboy 4 was “the downhiller’s XC bike,” and it earned a loyal following thanks to its combination of efficient suspension and downhill-oriented geometry. Those features remain largely unchanged. Instead, Santa Cruz has tweaked the suspension kinematics and geometry to address some of the nitpicks Tallboy riders might have (though many owners had no complaints). 

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Refined suspension kinematics

Santa Cruz wanted to maintain the Tallboy’s downhill-friendly attitude, but it also wanted to make the rear end feel a bit more predictable and active. To achieve this, the Tallboy 5’s leverage curve is slightly less progressive to improve sensitivity deeper in the travel and help the bike ride higher in its stroke. This gives the new Tallboy a slightly more responsive and snappy ride feel.

Santa Cruz also lowered the amount of anti-squat and anti-rise to reduce how much the chain restricts suspension movement. This improves small bump sensitivity, the ability to absorb square edge hits, and braking traction. There’s still enough anti-squat to provide a solid pedaling platform for all-day epics. As an added bonus, reducing anti-squat also improves climbing traction on loose and rough surfaces. 

Size-specific seat angle and chain stay length

We used to expect bikes to get longer and slacker with every iteration, but we’re finally reaching the point where geometry is settling down. The Tallboy's geometry is already pretty dialed, so for the Tallboy 5, reach has only grown 5mm, stack has increased 9mm, and the head angle remains the same.  

The big change for the Tallboy 5 is a move to size-specific seat angles and chain stay lengths (or “rear center”). Santa Cruz calls this “Proportional Geometry.” It means that the seat tube angle gets steeper and the chain stay length gets longer as frame size increases. 

Since taller riders have taller saddle heights (which makes the effective seat angle slacker), they need steeper seat angles to help them stay over the bottom bracket on climbs. Also, since large frames have longer reach and front center measurements, longer chain stays will help tall riders feel more stable and centered on the bike. 

Glovebox down tube storage

The final addition to the new Tallboy 5 is Santa Cruz’s Glovebox down tube storage compartment for storing tools, spares, and other goodies. Inside, it comes with a fabric “Tool Wallet” and “Tube Purse” to organize gear and keep it from rattling around. With a convenient place on the bike to stow gear, you can ditch the backpack or hip pack for shorter rides and you’ll alway have your trailside repair essentials on the bike. 

2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy specs & pricing

The 2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC X01 AXS RSV in Matte Taupe.

• Max tire width: 29 x 2.5”
• Fork Compatibility: 130-140mm
• Boost 148mm spacing
• Post mount brakes with 180mm rotors
• ISCG05 chain guide mounts
• BSA threaded bottom bracket
• Weight: 28.67-34.62 lbs
• Price: $5,299-10,399

Key specs like tire clearance, fork compatibility, the BSA threaded bottom bracket, ISCG05 mounts, and universal derailleur hanger remain unchanged for the Tallboy 5.

Estimated weights for the Tallboy 5 have yet to be confirmed by Santa Cruz but we will update this article as more information is released.  

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Photos courtesy of Santa Cruz Bicycles.