Tiptoeing the line between trail and XC, we characterize the Tallboy Carbon CC X01 Eagle AXS Reserve Mountain Bike as a zippy short-travel bike that’s suited equally well to trail bike or downcountry duties. With 120mm of lower-link VPP travel, the Tallboy takes influence from the longer-legged members of the Santa Cruz fleet with a slack 65.5-degree head tube angle (in the low setting) and a long reach for stability in corners and rocky chunder. The first thing we noticed when riding the Tallboy however is its inclination to carry momentum over techy climbs, zippy flat sections, and even encourage downhill sprints to help us link up natural doubles.

The Cabon CC X01 Eagle AXS Reserve build makes no compromises when it comes to weight and descending performance. The Carbon CC frame is the lightest construction available from Santa Cruz, which pairs well with their responsive Reserve 30 Carbon wheelset. The SRAM X01 Eagle groupset features more lightweight components, and the Eagle AXS shifter and derailleur provide instant shifting that’s perfect for navigating techy slickrock terrain. This Tallboy build is a favorite as an efficiency-focused trail bike among the gravity crowd, and as an overbuilt XC bike for cross-country riders looking to get into downcountry.

*Due to unprecedented demand in the global supply chain and the bike industry over the last 18 months, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be minor. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.