
Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices
Today’s DealsTallboy D PLUS
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
Compare the full range
Manufacturer Price
$2,699| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130mm front |
| Fork | RockShox Sektor |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Groupset | XT, NX |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Santa Cruz Tallboy is celebrated for its versatility and playful ride, excelling in both climbing and descending with its efficient pedaling and stable suspension. Its geometry and dual-wheel compatibility make it a standout in the trail category, though some note limitations in rough terrain due to its shorter travel.
Playfulness and versatility
Efficient pedaling and comfortable body position for climbing
Dual-wheel compatibility (29 or 27.5-inch-plus wheels)
Improved small bump performance and suspension sensitivity
Versatile geometry suitable for various riding styles
Limited by shorter travel in really rough terrain
Rear-derailleur housing can contact rider’s foot/leg
Some flex in wheels under hard climbing efforts
The Santa Cruz Tallboy blew holes in the standard criticisms of 29-inch wheels.
The Tallboy 3 rides like a shorter-travel bike when you’d like it to; and a longer-travel bike when you want it to.Bicycling
It’s the epitome of the trail category, no matter which configuration you run.
Feedback?
View all reviews

May 2018 · Tom Marvin
A real do-it-all trail bike that’s just let down by its price tag. Buy if you want a fun-loving bike on which to cover big miles in the hills
Fast, infectious ride quality that encourages you to push harder
Geometry and rear wheel travel limit performance on more gnarly trails
Jan 2018 · Barney Marsh
The Santa Cruz Tallboy uses Santa Cruz’s VPP v3 suspension system, providing 110mm of boing thanks to a Fox Float Performance DPS shock

Nov 2017
When the first Santa Cruz Tallboy came out, it blew the lid off 29er potential. Updates have kept it contemporary.


Sep 2016 · Emily Schaldach
Santa Cruz’s venerable Tallboy 29er blends the best of enduro and cross-country traits into a playful MTB ride.
Jul 2016 · Saris Mercanti
Santa Cruz recently launched alloy versions of their three most popular bikes. We stopped by their HQ in order to get some real world weights. - Mtbr.com

Apr 2016 · Matt Phillips
One of the first great 29ers gets the lower, longer, slacker treatment
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Sektor Silver RL 130 Travel: 130mm |
| Shock | Fox Float Performance |
| Bottom Bracket | Included w/ crankset |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 Series; integrated |
| Stem | Race Face Ride, 35mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Race Face Ride Lo-Rise; 760mm; 35mm clamp |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
| Seatpost | Race Face Ride 31.6x400mm Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Santa Cruz Palmdale Lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT M8020 Side Swing |
| Crank | Race Face Aeffect, 30 Tooth |
| Shifters | SRAM NX |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1130; 11-42t |
| Chain | SRAM PC1110 |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Type: SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Race Face AR 40 |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Champion |
| Front Hub | Novatec D711; Torque Cap; 15x110mm |
| Rear Hub | Novatec D712; 12x148mm |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Rekon EXO 3C, Tubeless Ready, 27.5x2.8, Rear: Maxxis Rekon Exo; 27.5x2.8 |
| Disc Rotors | Avid Centerline; 180mm |
First added March 15
Last updated March 15
Not listed for 3,362 days