We’re excited to announce that we have added the new fifth-generation Santa Cruz Tallboy to our test fleet. This bike will be an excellent platform for testing new high-end products and playing around with different setups.
But what sets this latest iteration of the Tallboy apart from its predecessors, and why is it so pricey? In our earlier introduction, we delved into the finer details of the frame, explored its unique features, and highlighted what’s new and why it’s so darned expensive. See that here: First Look | Santa Cruz Tallboy Frame
Before we begin experimenting with the bike’s setup, we’re sharing some juicy images of its initial build; this rig ain’t camera-shy! Stay tuned for more, where we’ll share our thoughts on how it performs on the trails.
Santa Cruz sure knows how to make a visually appealing bike; its lines are so satisfying.A 130mm travel RockShox Pike Ultimate leads the way; this is the fork we used for our RockShox review last year.A new SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission found its way onto the Tallboy. Seriously snazzy stuff indeed.Reserve 30 | SL wheels are a common sight on a Santa Cruz, though we’ve not spent much time on them yet. We’re curious!SRAM Level 4-Piston brakes. Not entirely convinced yet; we’ll replace the organic pads with metal pads and get back to you.With their new routing direction, the new SRAM Stealth brakes don’t favour the tube-in-tube routing on the Tallboy. We prefer the old system for bikes without headset routing.The Glovebox is a nifty addition. Now, what do we put in there?
Hot new fenders from Dirt Surfer.Wireless dropper and derailleur, plus Stealth brakes = a very minimal cockpit.Three shocks for testing: the original Fox Float DPS, a RockShox Deluxe and the recently released Fox Float.The Maxxis Rekon is a fast and predictable tyre, but we’re keen for something meatier to help through the turns.The matte taupe colour is a little dull, but it’s growing on us.
We’ll be putting a lot of time on this bike; we’re over the moon so far. Stay tuned.
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