Photo: Santa Cruz Bicycles.

Santa Cruz Tallboy

The Santa Cruz Tallboy was first released in 2009 and is positioned as both a cross-country and short-travel trail bike, aka downcountry. The bike is available in a number of build configurations, in a carbon frame only.

Bike specs

  • Suspension travel: 130/120mm front/rear
  • Type: Short-travel trail, downcountry
  • Price: Builds from $4,799. Frame price: $3,799 (shop and compare prices)

News

Close-up view of a hand gripping a black bag attached to the frame of a blue mountain bike. The bike's suspension system and logo are partially visible. The background features a blurred forest environment, suggesting an outdoor setting.
Cross Country Bikes
5th Generation Santa Cruz Tallboy Keeps Similar Geo, Adds Frame Features
Sep 20, 2022
  1
Alt text: A close-up image of a red aluminum bike component, showcasing its sleek design and bearing edges, set against a blurred background of greenery.
Culture
New Santa Cruz Tallboy V4 Link From Cascade Components Bumps Progression to 32% and Travel to 128mm
Oct 29, 2020
Image of a yellow mountain bike with black and teal accents, featuring a lightweight frame, front suspension forks, and Maxxis tires. The bike is positioned on a clean, white background.
Cross Country Bikes
Santa Cruz Updates the Tallboy, Adds 27.5+ Compatibility
Apr 26, 2016
  4

Reviews

A white mountain bike with green accents, featuring thick, knobby tires, a dropper seat post, and a water bottle cage, parked on grassy terrain with a blurred background of trees and a fence.
Trail Bikes
Santa Cruz Tallboy: The perfect bike for my BC Bike Race
Jul 26, 2024
  6
A bright yellow mountain bike is positioned on a grassy area with lush green bushes in the background. The bike features wide tires, disc brakes, and a sleek frame design, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding.
Cross Country Bikes
First Ride Review: The 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy Rethinks Trail Bike Capability
Aug 20, 2019
  3
Cross Country Bikes
Updated Santa Cruz Tallboy 3 29/27.5+, Reviewed by First-Generation Tallboy Owner
Nov 2, 2016
  6

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Santa Cruz Tallboy Geometry (Gen 5)

XSSMLXLXXL
Reach | hi/lo405/403430/428455/453475/473495/493520/518
Stack | hi/lo601/603610/612619/621628/630646/648656/658
Head Tube Angle | hi/lo65.7/65.565.7/65.565.7/65.565.7/65.565.7/65.565.7/65.5
Seat Tube Length370/370380/380405/405430/430460/460500/500
Front Center | hi/lo708/708737/737766/766790/790818/818847/847
BB Height | hi/lo335/332335/332335/332335/332335/332335/332
BB Drop | hi/lo38/4138/4138/4138/4138/4138/41
Wheelbase | hi/lo1138/11381167/11671199/11991227/12271257/12581290/1291
Rear Center | hi/lo430/431430/431433/434437/438439/440443/444
Head Tube Length95/95105/105115/115125/125145/145155/155
Top Tube Length | hi/lo555/556579/580602/603622/623644/645671/671
Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo76/75.776.3/7676.7/76.476.8/76.677/76.877.1/76.8
Standover Height | hi/lo680/676693/691696/693698/695698/695701/698

Launch dates

It’s been two years since the last update to the Santa Cruz Tallboy. The next generation is expected to be announced in late 2025.

  • 2022: Gen 5 (Current generation)
  • 2019: Gen 4
  • 2016: Gen 3
  • 2013: Gen 2
  • 2009: First generation

Awards

Santa Cruz Tallboy photos

CERES – March 23 2016 – during the TB3 photoshoot with Greg Minnaar in Ceres, Koue Bokkeveld in South Africa.

Similar bikes

Mountain bikers considering the Santa Cruz Tallboy should also consider these similar trail bikes.

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Cross Country Bikes
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A mountain bike positioned on a moss-covered log in a lush forest, surrounded by green foliage and tall trees. The bike features a sleek black frame with gold accents and is equipped with wide tires designed for off-road terrain. The tranquil setting highlights the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Cross Country Bikes
The 2024 Rocky Mountain Element Blurs the Lines Between XC and Enduro [Review]
29er bikes
Evil Bikes' The Following Leads the Way Downcountry [Review]