The Downhiller's XC Bike

The Tallboy has earned a loyal following amongst those who seek a go-to bike that will hold up to the relentless hammering of "power hour" hot laps or long days in the saddle harvesting the best trails. The highly-refined VPP™ suspension on the Tallboy combines pedaling efficiency and all-out bump-chomping prowess. If ever there was a gravity riders’ XC bike, the Tallboy is it.

Fully dialled at every size: Proportional Geometry and frame stiffness tune

Chainstay length and seat angle are matched to the frame size (STA steepens and rear centre grows as frame size increases) so that every rider, no matter what height, gets the same balance of geometry and handling characteristics.

We tailor stiffness for every size to make sure everyone gets the same ride quality. Bigger riders means greater stresses on larger frames, but that's remedied with our size-specific frame stiffness tunes.

Frame Sizing

If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.

The Tallboy is available in sizes extra small - extra extra large (XS-XXL).

Personal Preference

A larger size frame will be more stable, and will give you more room to move without upsetting the weight-balance of the bike. The larger size will put the front wheel further in front of you, which gives the feeling of security and conversely, it will require more significant body movements when you WANT to shift the weight-bias of the bike. Think hard about your riding style and how active/intuitive you want it to be vs stable and speedy. You'll need to work a bit harder to muscle the larger bike around.

Body Dimension

Not all bodies at a given height are the same. If you have longer legs and a shorter torso than the average person your height, that may push you towards the smaller of the recommended sizes. If you're all torso and arms, most likely you'll want to size up.

Tallboy 5 Size Chart

13.62kg / 30.04lbs
Carbon C
FOX 34 Float Performance, 130mm, 29"
FOX Float Performance DPS
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB, 32t
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB
SRAM G2 R
Avid Centerline 180mm
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips
DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 28h
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 36t, 28h
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"
Maxxis Dissector 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR
Maxxis Rekon 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR
Reserve Tubeless Sealant
RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

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Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C S-Kit 29

The Downhiller's XC Bike

Fully dialled at every size: Proportional Geometry and frame stiffness tune

Frame Sizing

Personal Preference

Body Dimension