Santa Cruz Tallboy Bikes & Framesets For Sale

Is the Santa Cruz Tallboy a trail or downcountry bike?

The Santa Cruz Tallboy is a perfect trail-riding mountain bike. With shorter travel (120/130mm), it’s an exceptionally versatile bike that’s as adept going downhill as it is for XC trail riding. Thanks to this versatility, it’s often hailed as an exceptional bike for long-distance rides and training.

The Tallboy, with that short travel, has the ingredients of a good downcountry bike, but it leans more to trail-riding with its slightly longer travel and relaxed geometry compared to other downcountry bikes. Santa Cruz’s better downcountry option is the Blur TR.

How much does a Santa Cruz Tallboy frame weigh?

A Santa Cruz Tallboy frame weighs between about 6 lbs to 7 lbs, depending on the size (medium to XL). This puts it roughly in the middle of the pack as far as MTB frame weights amongst its competitors.

Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon C - Weight, Specs, Price

The Santa Cruz Tallboy carbon options are remarkably efficient and packed with all the high-end bells and whistles you could ask for. Offered in two levels of carbon, C or CC, and several component packages from SRAM or Shimano, aluminum, or Reserve carbon MTB wheels. The Tallboy is a lightweight ride that climbs up anything and rolls through everything with confidence. 

2022 Santa Cruz Tallboy Review - A TPC Quick-Take

Riding a trail, especially the challenging ones, often feels like dancing on a tightrope between daring and caution. The 2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy promosies the agility fund on a shorter-travel trail bike while offering a touch of the brawn of enduro models. But does it live up to the Santa Cruz name?

Pros:

• Short-travel efficiency: With its 120mm rear travel, the Tallboy combines the benefits of an efficient climber with enough suspension to handle rough patches, making it a genuine all-day bike.
• Geometry adjustments: The flip-chip adjustment is a commendable feature, allowing riders to tweak the geometry based on terrain or personal preference.
• Versatile performance: The Tallboy’s character seems adaptable, making it suitable for flowy singletracks and challenging technical descents.
• Reliable build options: With a range of build kits available, riders can find a configuration that matches their budget and performance needs.

Cons:

• Jack of all, Master of None: While the Tallboy endeavors to merge the worlds of XC and enduro, it might not satisfy those who want a dedicated bike for either discipline. It's good at many things but might not be exceptional at one.
• Weight issues: At ~29 lbs and compared to some competitors in its category, the Tallboy can feel a bit hefty, especially on long climbs, especially compared to modern XC rides.
• Premium pricing: Like many Santa Cruz models, the Tallboy isn’t easy on the wallet. The high cost might deter some potential buyers, especially newcomers to the sport.
• Component choices: Some might argue that given the price, certain component choices (like the base model’s brakes or drivetrain) could have been better.

Bottom Line:

Drawing parallels with my sentiments towards the Santa Cruz Blur, bike choices often mirror personal journeys. The 2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy is a testament to adaptability and versatility, striving to blend the worlds of efficiency and ruggedness. However, potential buyers should introspect on their riding needs. If you're chasing a bike that can handle a bit of everything, the Tallboy is a worthy contender. But if your heart seeks the raw purity of a dedicated XC racer or an enduro beast, this middle child might leave you yearning for a touch more specificity.

Shop all Santa Cruz bikes! For detailed size info, visit our Santa Cruz Tallboy size guide
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