[Mdrnizd]

If you have ridden/own one of these, what is your opinion of the bike compared to other 29ers you have ridden. My main concern is this being a carbon fiber bike. I have never owned one and I am worried about the strength of the frame. I ride is some rocky areas at times. Thanks for the insight.

 

[enr1co]

Regarding the strength concern, Santa Cruz claims their carbon frames to be stronger, stiffer, lighter and able to withstand blows with equal if not greater resiliance than that of their AL frames.

These attributes would benefit the Tallboy with increased handling responsiveness and climbing efficiency, similar to the Blur carbon versions when compared to their aluminum counterparts.

If you perform a search within this forum on "Blur LT and/or XC carbon" there is available discussion, data and opinions on the strength of carbon.

Video review from Competitive cyclist:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/mountain-bikes/video-review-frame/Santa-Cruz-Tallboy.2472.html

 

[dpastore22]

I had similar concerns about carbon originally as well, I've been very fortunate enough to been able to demo both the Fisher SF and TB. All I can say is carbon is all that and more - strong and damn light.... I just ordered my TB and cant wait to rip it up.

 

[mtnbikej]

I have been riding mine for about 7 weeks now. Took about 5 minutes into the ride to forget that I was on a carbon frame. I have mine set up with a 120mm Reba. I ride it like I ride my Heckler. It is taking a pounding. Have not ridden the Heckler since.

 

[astrahsburg]

I am LOOOVING my Tallboy. It's only been on about 5 rides so far. love the carbon. I don't really think frame strength is an issue with this guy at all.

I've ridden the 08 Stumpy FSR, and the new Intense 29r. The TallBoy kills em. Long live VPP.

 

[Beezer]

Would like to see pictures of the builds

Thanks in advance

 

[mtnbikej]

Would like to see pictures of the builds

Thanks in advance

Here is the setup:

Tallboy size Large Matte Black
Rock Shock Monarch 3.3 Rear Shock
Rock Shock Reba Team 120mm w/Maxle
Sram X.O Gripshift
Sram X.O Rear Der.
Shimano XT Front Der.
Shimano XT Crankset
King BB
King HS
SRAM PC-991 Hollowpin Chain
SHimano XT 11-34 Cassette
Avid Juicy 5 160mm Rotors F&R
Thomson Masterpiece Post
Sunline XC Stem
Salsa Pro Moto Carbon Bar
WTB Shadow V saddle
DT 240s Hubs
Stan's Arch Rims
Lightwieght tubes
Panaracer Rampage 2.35 F
WTB NanoRaptor 2.1 R
Shimano 959 pedals

Weight is right at or just under 27 lbs. I mix and match tires alot so the weight fluctuates up and down.

 

[William42]

I am LOOOVING my Tallboy. It's only been on about 5 rides so far. love the carbon. I don't really think frame strength is an issue with this guy at all.

I've ridden the 08 Stumpy FSR, and the new Intense 29r. The TallBoy kills em. Long live VPP.

You're aware that the intense 29r is also VPP, yes?

 

[Mdrnizd]

Thanks for the help guys. I really want one, I just have people saying if you lay one down on a rock in may not have visual damage but break on you later on a rocky downhill or something.

 

[astrahsburg]

I suppose it's possible, but the thing is built really tough. This was one of my concerns too with going with a plastic bike. With the way this thing is built though, I don't think that a single hit with invisible damage is going to cause the frame to fail you later. At least with the matte black color, you can actually still see a small amount of the carbon fiber webbing, even though it seems to be painted a flat black somewhat. The thing is so strong, I just don't see the frame failing with invisible damage, I think it would be visible.

 

[Stumpy_Steve]

I was hoping to hear some more riding impressions of the tallboy. I saw one at Trailhead Cyclery in San Jose and was really digging it, and they'll be demoing them within a couple weeks. So I might try to hop on one soon, if my tax return allows me

 

[astrahsburg]

I didn't realize the Intense was VPP as well. It's definately not Santa Cruz's VPP.

Stumpy Steve.

I've posted quite a few ride impressions so far, but I've had mine for about 2 weeks now, and I love the thing to death. The only things I changed from the XT build is the grips to GC3, nice and big, but added a bit of weight. I also put on a Joplin, a different front tire, and a larger front rotor. My build is currently 28.5lbs.

I love the bike, and it has taken everything I've thrown at it so far with ease. The cockpit feels great, it climbs great, and descends great. The only thing that I'm thinking about changing, is taking of the large chain ring, swapping the middle for a slightly larger one, and putting a bash gaurd on.

 

[red5jedi]

assuming

So I've read that SC is only shipping large frames, so I'm assuming your on a large. How does it feel- like a 26er large with a 24" top tube? I've read that 29ers feel a little larger and some people get the next size down.

 

[mtnbikej]

I have been riding SC bikes since 2000. Besides the 3 Bullits that were all large.....I have been on a L Chameleon, (2) XL Chameleons, (2) L Hecklers, (1) XL Heckler, (1) L Tallboy.

SC bikes tend to run a little on the small side. For FR/DH the large frames felt great. However on more XC/AM type rides with a lot of pedalling I really like the feel of the XL frames.

I am used to riding 29er's that seem to have long top tubes, so the Large was the correct way for me to go. My previous 29er had a toptube of 24.3 and my XL Heckler has a 24.5" toptube. So the 24" on the large Tallboy was close enough. The 23" on the medium and 25" on the XL would have been way too big or small.

My large is set up with a 90mm stem and it fits perfectly for me at 6' w/ 32" inseam.

 

[red5jedi]

I have been riding SC bikes since 2000. Besides the 3 Bullits that were all large.....I have been on a L Chameleon, (2) XL Chameleons, (2) L Hecklers, (1) XL Heckler, (1) L Tallboy.

SC bikes tend to run a little on the small side. For FR/DH the large frames felt great. However on more XC/AM type rides with a lot of pedalling I really like the feel of the XL frames.

I am used to riding 29er's that seem to have long top tubes, so the Large was the correct way for me to go. My previous 29er had a toptube of 24.3 and my XL Heckler has a 24.5" toptube. So the 24" on the large Tallboy was close enough. The 23" on the medium and 25" on the XL would have been way too big or small.

My large is set up with a 90mm stem and it fits perfectly for me at 6' w/ 32" inseam.

Good info!!

I been riding large 26ers and sometimes feel a little cramped (6'1" w/34 inseam) so I'm in the L or XL size. But now the Tallboy large sound like it will be a better fit. Thanks.

 

[dpastore22]

I'm 6"2" with 34"inseam - I demoed the Large frame and it felt great. I'm going to run a set back seatpost to give a little more room with the stock stem. I've made the mistake in the past going with a larger frame and just ended up being way too much bike.

 

[jkilgore]

Thanks for posting this. I just ordered a large, and I am the same size you are. I was getting worried about making the wrong decision.