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May 2026 · Reynaldo Ilagan
Santa Cruz Tallboy 6 Review: Is the Four-Bar Rear Suspension Better Than VPP?
Sensitive and very balanced suspension with plenty of reserves
High-quality finish and well-thought-out details
Well-considered specs across the entire range
Increased noise levels on the trail
Tight tire clearance at the seatstay bridge
May 2026 · Dario DiGiulio
There are a lot of things I'm thinking about while riding a bike, like some cool moss I just saw or how nice that corner felt, but one area that rarely crosses my mind is what suspension platform changes have been made to this new generation of frame.
May 2026 · Travis Reill
The Gen 6 Santa Cruz Tallboy has arrived and it has 4-bar suspension, a bit more travel, and an updated geometry.
May 2026
Now in its sixth iteration, the ever-popular Tallboy arrives with a few tweaks and one big change. A handful of us headed to Bellingham for a preview.
Lighter frame (300 grams lighter than V5)
Increased dropper post insertion (fits up to 210mm)
Improved climbing (supportive suspension, uphill traction)
Versatile and fun on descents
Ample anti-squat
Predictable linear suspension feel
Comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride
Cable ports on CC Carbon models
Limited ride time for full verdict
Not as supple for smaller riders (previous VPP version)
Frame weight was too heavy for travel (previous version)
Seatpost insertion limited by shock tunnel (previous version)
May 2026 · Jeremy Benson
Santa Cruz Bicycles isn't even trying to hide what appears to be an unreleased next generation Tallboy short travel trail bike.
May 2026
Eager consumers of bike rumors won’t be surprised that Santa Cruz is transitioning from its recent Nomad launch to an all-new, Horst link Tallboy. There’s been plenty of forum speculation, along with "spy shots" of lanky men stuffed with ginger fried rice abandoning unreleased bikes in plain sight. So yeah, there’s a new Tallboy. And its linkage is downright brachyuran, as opposed to the lower link VPP design that most other Santa Cruz meat bikes employ. On paper that’s the big news, but after riding the new Tallboy, I’ve come away much less interested in the speculation and drama around this move, and more focused on how this bike rides, and how that, in turn, reflects the broader category of lightweight trail bikes. We’ll cover the suspension platform change, but the focus of this review will be on the new Tallboy’s performance, because that shines brighter than some pivot movement. Santa Cruz Tallboy Details, Travel: 130 mm (rear) 140 mm (front), Wheel Size: 29”, Size Tested: Large, Build Tested: XO AXS RSV, Head Tube Angle: 65.1-64.8°, Measured weight: 29.49 lbs, 13.38 kg, MSRP: $9,299
Attention to detail in frame design
Fully internal cable routing, clean chainslap protection, integrated chain guard with cable guides
Excellent Glovebox V2 in-frame storage with dialed bags
Lifetime warranty and lifetime bearing replacement
Pedaling efficiency with minimal bob, good climbing traction
Comfortable and efficient for big miles
Confident descending, punches above its travel weight
Balanced stiffness and comfort, no weird flex or harshness
Shock tune and kinematics work well
Limited adjustability (only 0.3° flip chip, no over-stroking or under-stroking recommended)
Brakes (SRAM Motive) are adequate but reviewer would swap to Mavens
Q: Which Santa Cruz bikes are most popular?
The most popular Santa Cruz model families are the Hightower, V10, and Tallboy.
Q: Does Santa Cruz make eBikes?
Yes, Santa Cruz manufactures both conventional bikes and e-bikes.