Santa Cruz Bicycles

Tallboy R XC Complete Bike - 2012

Go ahead and admit it: More of a good thing is always better. That's why someone invented taller cans to contain more of your favorite beverage. It's an analogy stuck in our brains as we contemplate the aptly-named Santa Cruz Tallboy R XC Complete Bike. It's made of the same delicious 100mm VPP rear suspension that you love, but it's packaged with taller 29" wheels. The result is a blend of fast rolling, predictable bump absorption and stable handling. This alloy version of the Tallboy is identical to the carbon model save for the material used to build the frame. The geometry, the sexy lines, and the incredible ride are all the same -- yet you'll save a bundle compared to the carbon version.

The Tallboy uses the new generation of VPP. The totally redesigned upper and lower links flatten out the shock rate and provide a more active feel to the early end of the axle path. It allows the rear wheel to move up and back as you ride over a bump. It balances the downward force of your pedaling with the pulling force of the chain through its link configuration and axle path. The resulting movement makes it even easier to roll over a bump, or through a dip.

The VPP design also prevents pedal-induced compression and lock-out, and the suspension doesn’t change whether or not you're in the saddle. Whether it is rolling through rock gardens, climbing water bars, descending stairs, or riding on lumpy fire roads, the suspension is active and responsive, even driving the rear wheel into the ground when pedaling furiously, enhancing the bike's traction and climbing characteristics. Pair that with the natural advantages of the bigger wheels on a 29er, and you've got a helluva ride.

Both the upper link and lower VPP links are made from forged aluminum for strength and to enhance lateral stiffness. The lower link has easily-serviceable grease ports to make maintenance simple and painless (grease gun and grease included). The pivots have beefy 15mm locking axles. They run on intricately-sealed bearings with one-way purging seals that should last the life of the frame, and don't creak or loosen. What does this all mean? You can ride the you-know-what out of it and rest easy. The Tallboy yields 100mm of plush VPP suspension thanks to a Fox Float RP23, a lightweight, reliable shock that is easy to adjust. The three position Propedal lever provides a platform option to maximize efficiency during extended out-of-the-saddle climbing. A RockShox Reba RL 29 100mm front fork handles the front suspension duties. It has a lockout lever atop the crown and an external rebound adjuster to allow you to fine tune it for any trail conditions.

The rest of the R XC build kit offers a lot of bang-for-your-buck. The Shimano XT front and rear derailleurs get directed by SLX Shifters for precise gear changes. It also has a Shimano M552 10-speed triple crankset paired with an 11-36t cassette out back so you'll have plenty of gear options. The fast rolling wheelset is made of Mavic rims and Shimano hubs wrapped in Maxxis Crossmark 2.1" tires, and Avid Elixir 5 brakes get you slowed down. The rider compartment is made of a Truvativ bar and stem, along with an Easton EA30 seatpost. Lizard Skin charger grips and a WTB Volt Race saddle provide the cushion.

The Santa Cruz Tallboy R XC Complete Bike is available in Black or Raw in Medium through XX-Large sizes. The right dropout has a replaceable derailleur hanger, and there are water bottle mounts on top and bottom of the down tube. The frame has a two year warranty against manufacturing defects, while the bearings are guaranteed for life.

US Santa Cruz dealers are prohibited from shipping Santa Cruz bicycles outside of the United States.