Description

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy 29 R1x Complete Mountain Bike

 

The Santa Cruz Tallboy R complete mountain bike is built to take on big rides wherever you like. Poised, balanced, and more capable than its short travel nature might suggest, it’s an outstanding option for big trail rides, quick jaunts, and perhaps, even the occasional cross country race should the mood strike you.

Many of you will remember the commotion that the original Tallboy caused, what with its lively handling that immediately dispelled a mountain of preconceived notions about how 29-inch wheels were supposed to handle. The latest iteration of the Tallboy retains its praiseworthy handling with an added dash of versatility and a pinch of aggressive intent that takes the Tallboy into uncharted territory.

Part of the story of the Tallboy’s success is due to its ability to blur the lines between cross-country rocket and surefooted trail bike. To that end, the Tallboy was built to accommodate 27.5+ wheels as well as 29-inch wheels, as it’s presented here. This split personality is enabled by the reversible “flip chip” at the upper link. Setting the flip chip to the “low” mode relaxes the head angle by roughly half a degree and lowers the bottom bracket, which makes for an ideal setup when paired with the slightly larger diameter of 29-inch wheels. The slightly smaller 27.5+ wheels pair with the “high” setting, allowing for similar clearance between the bottom bracket and the ground. The upshot is headache-free swaps between wheel sizes, which gives you more options than ever when you hit the trail.

The Tallboy generates 110mm of travel through the latest version of Santa Cruz’s VPP technology. As with all VPP bikes, the Tallboy’s counter-rotating links are carefully arranged to resist activation by pedaling forces, all but eliminating unwanted bobbing under power. This being the latest iteration of VPP, it’s tuned to provide more midstroke support than previous generations of the VPP platform, giving the rider a better feel for the terrain, and a livelier ride feel.

While the excellent suspension plays a large role, a key part of the Tallboy’s secret sauce is its carefully tuned geometry. At 68 degrees, the head angle is sufficiently nimble for whipping through tight chicanes, while remaining relaxed enough to stay composed at high speed. The 17-inch chainstays enhance the ability to change directions quickly, while retaining enough length to provide ample traction when the trail points skyward. And the way the moderately roomy cockpit positions the rider between the wheels makes for reflexive handling with a minimum of effort.

This frame used in this particular build uses Santa Cruz’s aluminum construction, which has proven to be both lightweight and durable. While it’s not as svelte as its carbon fiber brethren, it is nevertheless lighter than many other options in its class.

This build of the Tallboy includes an assortment of carefully chosen components that enhance its trail friendly nature. It starts with a worthy suspension package from Fox: a 34 Rhythm fork paired with a FLOAT DPS Performance air shock. This setup offers a supple stroke, on-the-fly adjustments at the flip of a lever, and easy tuning. SRAM’s NX 11 speed groupset provides a wide gear range, while the Level T brakes keep speeds in check. The Race Face cockpit ensures control, no matter what the trail throws your way. And it rolls on a handbuilt wheelset comprised of Novatec hubs laced to WTB’s bulletproof i23 TCS rims.

A trail bike that pushes the boundaries of short travel 29ers

Responsive pedaling platform with 4.5in of VPP travel

Spacious geometry for a comfortable pedaling position

Flip chip is compatibile with 27.5+ and 29in wheels

Aluminum construction is durable and lightweight

SRAM NX 11 speed drivetrain for a wide gear range

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy 29 R1x Complete Mountain Bike

Frame Material:

Aluminum

Suspension:

VPP

Rear Shock:

FOX FLOAT DPS Performance

Rear Travel:

110mm

Fork:

FOX Rhythm 34

Front Travel:

120mm

Headset:

Cane Creek 10

Shifters:

SRAM NX

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM NX

Crankset:

Race Face Aeffect

Bottom Bracket:

Race Face

Cassette:

SRAM NX 10-42t

Chain:

SRAM NX

Brakeset:

SRAM Level T

Rotors:

SRAM Centerline

Handlebar:

Race Face Ride

Handlebar Rise:

0mm

Handlebar Width:

760mm

Grips:

Santa Cruz Palmdale

Stem:

Race Face Ride

Saddle:

WTB Volt

Seatpost:

Race Face Aeffect

Seat Collar:

Santa Cruz

Wheelset:

WTB i23 TCS

Hubs:

Novatec

Tires:

Maxxis Crossmark

Tire Size:

29 x 2.25

Recommended Use:

Trail

Manufacturer Warranty:

Lifetime (frame)

Actual Weight:

Grey/Rust, M: 14030g

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy 29 R1x Complete Mountain Bike

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