Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er Carbon Frame: Combining the acclaimed performance and durability of the latest VPP suspension with a sophisticated carbon fiber chassis and a set of big 29" wheels, we present the Tallboy.
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern California
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2012
Strengths: . . .
Weaknesses: . . .
Bottom Line:
I am a former professional downhiller who was anti 29er's for years. I finally made the switch to this bike without even test riding one (thought a change would be fun). All I can say is WOW! This thing climbs and descends insanely! I've only ridden my bike twice, but I can say without a doubt, that I will never ride another 26" bike again (unless I need an all mountain or DH bike). I've owned 5 Santa Cruz bikes over the years, and again, they've hit the nail on the head. The first 20 minutes was a little different, but after that, I felt right at home. I don't even feel like I'm riding a 29" bike (other than the fact that it climbs and descends better than my 26" cross country bikes). If you're on the fence, jump! You won't regret it one bit!
Bike Setup: Large Tallboy Carbon, 2012 Shimano XT, Fox 120 Kashima Fork, Fox RP23 Kashima Shock, Stans Wheels . . . tubeless
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Submitted by
schugu
a Cross Country Rider
from Heber, UT
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2012
Strengths: Lightness, cockpit comfort, agility, for the..."vein".. aesthetics.
Weaknesses: product availability when spring arrives
Bottom Line:
I'm not gear head so forgive any inaccurate or lack of details to the exact set up. I'm 6'3 200Lbs "geared up" and this bike makes me feel like a forest nymph frolicking through the woods. Oh yea, it's January in Utah and I'm having as much fun on a bike as should be having on a board that I haven't used yet... It's fast, it climbs, it handles effortlessly. Pedal scrape is the sacrifice for stability. Gonna be a while before I mount a 26". Seems like the bike for Tallboys has arrived..Ungha!
Similar Products Used: coconut conditioner, k.y. jelly, Turner 5 spot
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er XL.XT drive train and brakes, Fox float 29 Kashima coat, RP23 kashima coat.
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Submitted by
AK Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida through Alaska
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2012
Strengths: Weight - 5.28# for a XL frame WITH seat collar
Stiff
Can be set XC firm or AM plush
Weight - 5.28# for a XL frame WITH seat collar
Fast, just motors over everything
VPP very active over pretty much everything
Zerks make pivot maintenance easy (thanks David Turner for showing everyone the light)
Weight - 5.28# for a XL frame WITH seat collar
Did I mention its light?
Weaknesses: Don't know if its a weakness, but the geometry is skewed a little XC IMHO, low BB and steep HT angle
Carbon durability - so far so good but the downtube gets blitzed by a lot of crud off the front tire
Cost - but what boutique frame is inexpensive?
Bottom Line:
This is an update after almost a year-and-a-half - this thing has changed the way I ride and I'm still very happy with my purchase. I'm 6'2" and the XL was a tad larger than my Turner, but SC's sizing is kind of between most others, so I went XL with no regrets - fits perfect. My frame with seat collar weighs just 5.28#, so there was no weight penalty upsizing, its actually 2 pounds lighter than my last DW Turner.
The Tallboy is fast, it really just motors everything. I set up mine with my Reba at 140mm to slacken the geometry about 1 degree and raise the BB to just under 13" unsagged. The extra travel up front is perfect for me, lots of squish and very stiff. I run a short/flat stem and low rise bars so the added front end height from the fork doesn't make the TB feel like a chopper. I'm not an XC racer so the slacker ride hits a sweet spot for the handling, its still fast, but lots of flow - its not twitchy at all.
With sensible parts its light, but stiff very bombproof. The wheels are a little heavy compared to my previous 26" setup - so I'm looking to upgrade to some lighter hoops ... should get my bike under 24#. I'm going a little more XC since moving to Florida, plus the wheels feel a little slow to spin up to speed.
One of my favorite attributes of the Turners was how low slung the bike always felt, on fast DH runs the bike just flowed - the TB rides a lot like my Turner, you just get into a speed groove and point it where you want to go. Its a lot of fun. I'm not the greatest rider, but I find it easier to keep up with faster friends on the TB than my DW Spot.
The VPP is very active and can be setup to your preferences - more XC firm or more AM plush. I opted for more plush. With modern shocks and designs like VPP, DW Link and Maestro you get the best of both worlds - active over small and large bumps, plush, no bob so these days it just comes down to what you want in terms of cost, travel, geometry, weight and so on. The TB hit all of the check boxes for me, its been nirvana. Its a great time for MTB's with so many designs that work so well, this one suits my needs to a T.
I'll say this, I've owned about 2 dozen bikes over the last 15 years and about half of those didn't last longer than one Alaskan summer (about 4 months), if I didn't like the way it rode I just stripped the frame, sold it and bought something else. I'm keeping the TB and this coming year I'll be road trippin to explore all the great trails I can in TN, NC, VA and everywhere else within about 1000 miles of Tampa. The Tallboy will be the only bike strapped to my Element.
Similar Products Used: Jumped head first into 29ers ... this is my first, but its so good I parted ways with both my beloved Turners, an XC Flux and a Spot with a Fox 36, sold my Puglsey too - though I miss the fatbike so I may be getting another, also had a lot of other rides from Cannondale, K2, Ventana, Trek and so on. But for the last 7 years I've been pretty much all Turner, never thought I'd ride a bike that would make my Spot obsolete.
Bike Setup: 24.62 lbs - insane for a XL 29er. This is the lightest bike I've ever owned, amazing. Will drop below 24 with some ~1700g American Classics or Havens. My setup: 140mm Reba with Maxle, King/Stans wheels (2000g, soon to be replaced with something lighter), Haven Carbon bars, Crank Bro's carbon post, 2.1" tires tubeless, polished XTR 960 cranks running 22/32/bash, sram drivetrain with old 9-speed gripshift, eggbeaters, formula R1 brakes, lots of light parts with nothing exotic - no TI bolts or drilled chainrings
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Submitted by
santana reigel
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartford, ct
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2012
Strengths: I have been riding road for 50 years, Rocks for two years. I am built like a grass hopper. Inseam and sleeves are both 36 inches. I probably weigh in at 180 with backpack and a pound of sweat. The bike is light. With blackmamba adjustable seatpost , 20mm maxle, xtr pedals Maxxis Ardent tires 2.4 weighs 26lb on my bathroom scale. My titus racer x titanium weighted 32 lbs. Confidence inspiring, i have only started year 3 of riding newengland rocks and roots . I am able to maintain visual contact with the group that I have been trying to ride with. On my other bike they would just drop me instantly. Most of the the group have been riding the terrain for 16+ years and they read it much better than I do. The tallboy requires less energy to move . I find that I have some energy left to stand up and hammer some times.
Weaknesses: Number 1) The biggest disappointment was that there was no magic going up walls with obstacles. I am referring to cleaning rocks measured in feet. On very steep climbs two foot high and four foot high rocks are just hard to clean as they always were . To be perfectly clear on steep climbs with rocks and roots lower that one foot it climbs better, with less effort.
Number 2) perceived weakness is carbon because of the thousands of rocks per mile. The ones as big as softballs get picked up by the front tire and flung at the down tube ( skid plate there ).
Build weakness ) The SRAM PG 1050 cassette i replaced immediately because it has rivets that protrude enough to catch the chain and jam it into the spokes. It did this in the first two attempted rides. This happened while riding not shifting. Yes I checked the adjustment on my bike stand and in my driveway before riding. Ebay saved the day I now use a XTR cassette.
Bottom Line:
I can reconnect with the group before they start eating their power bars. Before they would be already finished. The tallboy has moved me up a notch instantly . More speed in descents and the flatter sections with less effort . This bike leaves me with more energy reserves so I can work on my technical skills this year. I was able to follow one of the faster descenders yesterday. I stayed close enough so that I could see his line and his moves. I couldn't do that before. The tallboy will put you at the top of your game.
Similar Products Used: Titus Racer x titanium, Progressive rear shock, RockShox RC2L Uturn 115mm, Kenda Nevegal stickE, to be fair this bike was a little to small for me.
Submitted by
tneely2327
a Cross Country Rider
from Goodyear, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2011
Strengths: Confidence inspiring handling, light and stiff, suspension and geometry, Feels like I am on my motocross bike!
Weaknesses: Expensive, long term durability in rocky Az
Bottom Line:
My first niner was Salsa's Big Mama which I absolutely loved, but It unfortunately broke on the drive side chain stay. Replaced that with a Spearfish which handled much better, but lacked the suspension and comfort that I was accustomed to having on the long rides that I use my big wheeler on. I have been on mountain bikes for decades, this is by far the best handling and one of the stiffest bikes I have ever owned. The combination of the components, suspension and geometry for me is like riding my enduro motorcycle on single track.....I look where I want to go, drop the seat post and hammer with confidence over and through things that I have named for the various injuries incurred on previous attempts. My only concern is the frame durability with the constant onslaught of central Arizona rocks being thrown at it....I would go with the aluminum frame if I could go back, but only because of the geology of my local trail.
Similar Products Used: Salsa Big Mama
Salsa SpearFish
Bike Setup: Fox 32 Talus 29 120 RLC Fit 15QR, Fox Rp23, Full XTR Trail Components, Stan's Arch rims w/Chris King hubs, Chris King headset/bottom bracket, RockShox Reverb Dropper Post, Fizik Gobi Saddle, Geax Saguaro TNT Tires
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Submitted by
helifitz
a Cross Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2011
Strengths: Handling: With 100mm Fork this thing can really rail turns
Suspension: Plush suspension yet pedals very efficiently
Rock solid and quiet bike!
This frame uses standard mainstream components and is an easy bike to build up. The cable routing is great. Thank you Santa Cruz for not using a "pressed in" bottom bracket!
Weaknesses: Grease fittings take a beating.
Bottom Line:
It's an endurance bike.
It's an XC race bike.
It's an all mountain trail bike.
Well Done Santa Cruz!
After about 1000 miles, I completed a few 100 milers and some XC races. This bike really does it all. The handling and suspension are amazing!
The down tube has taking many hard hits from flying rocks and has held up fine other the a few chips. With matte black the chips are hardly noticeable.
Similar Products Used: First 29er. Old Giant Warp, Crestone, Road Bikes
Bike Setup: X0 everything with 3x10. I struggled with 2x10 or 3x10, but I live in a very hilly area and love the 22/39 low range. Most of the time I just leave it in the middle front ring, but when I need a low gear the tripple it fantastic. I went with the Stans ZTR Crest, Thompson stem and seat post. Fox Float RP 23 and Fox talas 29. I love the 120 high setting for most rides, but when the trail is tight and swithbacks the lower setting is great.
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Submitted by
timcking
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2011
Strengths: It's one of, if not the best 29er cross-country bike on the market
Not much to add to other reviews. The TBoy is simply the best. Climbs like a hardtail. 2X10 big improvement over 3X9. XTR brakes are exceptional. Bike fits me (5'11", 32" inseam) 'like a glove'. Stable 'at speed', but exceptionally maneuverable at slow speed like switchbacks.
26" bikes seem like kids bikes in comparison.
Similar Products Used: 26" Cannondale Carbon Rush and several previous models
29er GT Peace
Bike Setup: XTR component group, 2X10, Fox FIT RLC 100, Easton EA90xc wheels, Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires, Stan's tubeless, 24 lbs total wt
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Submitted by
mikeaitkenhead
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2011
Strengths: - Frame: looks good, light, strong, with nice touches (built-in chainstay & chain-suck protectors, grease nipples)
- Geometry: XL size is a great fit for tall and lanky riders
- Handling: rolls fast, climbs well, very stable at speed and on descents
- Suspension: VPP is responsive, more efficient than plush
Weaknesses: - Not quite as nimble as 26er on tight switchbacks, requires more effort to manual/pop front wheel
- Agree with previous comments that black finish could be more durable
- Slower to accelerate than 26er...but probably due to relatively heavy OEM wheelset
- 100mm rear travel is OK...120mm would be perfect
- Gear cable guides not designed to run fully sealed outers
- VPP lower link has tendency to collect mud
Bottom Line:
Although I had some trepidation about buying a 29er, after 3 months riding I can honestly say it was an excellent (albeit somewhat expensive) decision. The Tallboy is an excellent trail bike and would be ideal for marathon races. Sounds obvious, but good advice on frame sizing is paramount - special thanks to Dano @ Santa Cruz (prompt answers to emailed questions) and Scott & the team @ Salvagetti (great advice, service & coffee!). The previous reviews pretty much say it all, so I'll just add a couple of additional comments:
1. Consider an XL frame (or XXL) if you're tall - I'm 6'1" with long arms, and the XL frame + 100mm stem is a perfect fit.
2. Light wheelsets are KEY for 29ers - the XC Two wheelset is solid but relatively heavy. My next upgrade will be either Stan's (ZTR Crest) or Easton (Haven composite) wheels - this should improve acceleration & handling.
3. I ride in the UK & exposed gear cables simply don't last - I've had good experience with Gore sealed cables on previous bikes & will be fitting them to the Tallboy.
Similar Products Used: Tallboy is first 29er I've owned, but I've previously ridden...
- GT Zaskar LE (1993)
- Santa Cruz Heckler (1998)
- Maverick ML8 (2007)
- Maverick Durance (2009)
Bike Setup: Weighs around 27lbs, essentially an SPX build kit...
- Frame: Extra-large black
- Fork: Fox Talas 29er FIT RLC
- Headset: Chris King
- Stem: Easton EA70 (100mm)
- Bar: Easton Haven Alu (711mm)
- Grips: Lizard Skins
- Drivetrain: XT shifters and derailleurs
- Brakes: Avid Elixir CR
- Seatpost: Thomson Elite
- Saddle: Selle Italia SLR
- Wheelset: Easton XC Two
- Tyres: Maxxis Ardent (front), Crossmark (rear)
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Submitted by
onlyontwo
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA - now Carmel, IN
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2011
Strengths: -Strong
-Fast
-Capable
-Light
Weaknesses: Developed a bit of a creak in the pivots, just needed to be serviced.
Bottom Line:
I was very skeptical of this bike at first. I had the chance to throw a leg over one at Ibike and wasn't blown away. I blame that on me being impatient and riding the wrong size and set-up.
Time came to part with my much loved short-shocked Heckler and I had the chance to try a properly sized and set-up TB. I wanted a bike that could still hold it's own when ridden aggressively, but do better at all-day epics and climb better....The Tallboy delivers in spades.
Considering this thing an XC bike is seriously cutting it short. The bike simply is a blast to ride. It is MUCH faster climbing than my Heckler and I found I was faster on the TB down as well. I rode it cautiously for maybe the first 20 minutes and by then it just felt natural.
Santa Cruz nailed it on this one. I don't care how much travel it has, or what is going on with the pivot placement, etc. All I know is every time I ride it I have a sh!t eating grin on my face and that is what matters to me.
Similar Products Used: Nothing really that is similar to be honest.
Ridden lots of different bikes, but the ones we've bought at our house are:
-Santa Cruz Heckler
-Yeti ASR5
-Intense Tracer
-Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: -Large black frame with RP23 boostvalve
-Fox Talas tapered kashima coat 15qr
-Cane Creek headset (Angleset on order as soon as they finish the tapered version)
-Thompson 70mm stem
-Easton Havoc 750mm carbon bar
-ESI grips
-X9 right trigger 10 speed
-X9 short cage rear der.
-XT 11-36 cassette
-Sram 1091 hollow pin chain
-XTR M970 cranks with 32 tooth ring
-MRP G2 SL guide
-Avid brakes
-Hope Pro II's on Flow rims
-Thompson Masterpiece post
-WTB Devo Ti saddle
-Nobby Nic 2.35 Snake Skin tires tubeless
-Salsa seatpost qr
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Submitted by
CrashT
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2011
Strengths: Frame stiffness for the weight. Great ride; efficient suspension. Attention to detail: grease nipples on lower pivots, cablestops, built-in chainstay protector, chainsuck protector, frame aesthetics.
Weaknesses: Well, it's carbon.
Bottom Line:
Did a fair amount of research, test rode a bunch of bikes, bought the frame and fork this spring and built it up as a 9-speed. Since local trails involve lots of climbing, I wanted a 22x36 low gear to be equivalent to a 22x34 on a 26er. So the only exotic part I used is a Lucky Nino's ti casette which weighs about half that of the Shimano HG-61 and has been doing fine so far.
This bike seems to defy all the 29er sterotypes: heavy, awkward in tight spots, can't be flicked or jumped well, etc. With reasonably light wheels, light tires and Stan's sealant, it accelerates well, jumps, and does most things as well or better than a 26er. I find it actually easier to manage around switchbacks and it is an amazing climber. It's easy for me to stay centered in the bike, carve curves, hop stuff and generally have a great time riding. Very highly recommended.
Similar Products Used: Titus Motolite, Rocky Mountain ETSX, Treck 6700, Kona Blast, Niner RIP-9 (demo).
Bike Setup: Fox TALAS 29, Mavic Crossmax 29, Schwalbe Rocket Rons, Race Face crank, mostly SRAM stuff, 25 lbs for size L.
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Submitted by
PointBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2011
Strengths: Light, stiff, fast, looks bad ass!
Weaknesses: Nothing at all
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike that I have ever owned or ridden without a doubt. 10 minutes into my first ride I was ripping up the trail faster than ever before. I don't really feel what the suspension is doing; it just works. Extremely stiff frame and crazy light. I went with a Large frame and I am just under 6 foot if anyone is having sizing questions. An added benefit is the bike just looks killer. If you are even thinking about getting one just do it you wont be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Titus Racer X, Specialized Epic 29, Pivot Mach 429
Bike Setup: Full XO, DT Swiss hubs w/ZTR arch rims.
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Submitted by
Edster7
a Weekend Warrior
from Foutain Hills
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2011
Strengths: When I am sitting in the cockpit I feel right at home. It truly rips
Weaknesses: The oil gun that comes with the frame is a joke. When tried to grease the the fittings the zerk popped straight out of the frame. I was really dissapointed. I must say tho, Santa Cruz was on top of their game when I told them about the problem. Great company!
Bottom Line:
I was very involved with the sport of Mt Biking about 8 years ago and decided to get back into the sport about a year ago. I did a little research and decided to pull the trigger on the TB. So glad I did.What a great frame!!!! If you want a little bit more of a slack setup go with the 120mm fork.
Submitted by
SLC_Specialized
a Weekend Warrior
from Park City
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2011
Strengths: Coming off a 2005 26" Epic S-Works, I was afraid was going to lose climbing ability... news flash.. this thing climbs like a scalded monkey, and blows the Epic on the downhill!
Weaknesses: Weak OEM rims (Mavic TN719's), put an Easton Haven wheelset with 2.4" in front.. took the bike one notch up!. Upgraded front rotor to 180mm... original cable and housing gave up the ghost pretty quick, went to fully sealed GORE.. night and day!
Black finish not super durable.. looks like it's been ridden!
Got some time to get used to dealing with tight switchbacks.
Have been having issues with the OEM Fox Fork, not a SC issue.
Bottom Line:
I am 6'2", the XL fits me like a glove, comfy and fast enough for 20-30 mile slogs with 3-4000 ft of climbing.
Serviced the bottom linkeage... a breeze!, very well thought out design.
Consistently keep in front of the pack climbing with the buddies.. absolutely leave them in the dust once the front wheel points down!
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Mavic Havens, Thomson X4 stem, OEM setup... love the R1 Brakes.
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Submitted by
ConejoRider
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2011
Strengths: The tallboy's geometry, stiffness, linkage and low weight are standout strengths for me. I know it's not, but I sometimes get the feeling this bike is stiffer than my previous hardtail. It's a blast to ride. Climbs and descends like a champ.
Weaknesses: Its paint could be a bit more durable. And I'd rather see a made in the USA sticker :)
Bottom Line:
After reading review after review and visiting quite a few bike shops, I chose the Tallboy to be my first 29er. I've been riding it for about a year and I haven't been disappointed one moment. It's a blast. This is also my first Santa Cruz. Anytime I've emailed Santa Cruz with a question they've responded right away.
Yep its that time of year again, a wintery cold dark time of year perfect for building the next seasons ride! I intend to do just that as Part 1 arrived today ;)
Let me also pre Read More »
Just got my tallboy up and running and took some pictures after its first ride and wash. I am surprised and how well it handles and climbs. Did a nice 5 mile ride and it felt lik Read More »
has anyone move from the blur xc carbon to the tallboy? do they handle similarly? i currently ride a blur and love it, but am intrigued by the tallboy. Read More »
First, I am new to the site (but not to riding) and have really enjoyed the info. I have searched extensively and recognize there are many "comparison" threads....I have three bike Read More »
