2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy 29 and 27.5 Plus

Words Cam McRae

Date Apr 26, 2016

The Tallboy was Santa Cruz’s biggest seller when it first arrived on the scene. Since that time other models have been modernized overshadowing the once-revered big wheeler. Boost came along just in time to rescue the Tallboy and other wagon-wheeled bikes, allowing for shorter chainstays and snappier handling. And the option to swap to 27.5 Plus wheels.

More lively and aggressive is the theme.

Santa Cruz won’t be selling the bikes in swappable kits; you’ll have to choose your wheel size when you buy. If you’d like to be able to ride the bike in different configurations you’ll need to buy an extra set of wheels and, if you want optimal geometry, a second fork. (or a second air spring for your fork. If you plan to swap Santa Cruz recommends buying the Plus version because an extra 10mm of travel never hurt a 29er much. A nice detail is that Tallboys will be spec’ed with size-specific dropper posts; s=125, M and L = 150 and XL = 170.

Two levels of trim for the 29er version.

Santa Cruz tells us the new Tallboy will have a flatter suspension curve and better small bump performance early in the stroke. At the same time the shock tune is said to be more progressive to allow for better bottom out resistance. Who says you can’t have it all?

One level of trim for 27.5 Plus

A slacker head angle, shorter rear stays by 11 mm, a slightly steeper seat tube and a roomier cockpit (longer front centre) are the geo change highlights.

The idea with the flip chip isn’t to have two settings for one configuration. Santa Cruz recommends riding the bike in the designated setting for each wheel size. You can bet we’ll try it in both settings for each wheel size when we get a tester – just to be contrary.

A close up of the flipchip

That shape looks pretty dialled to me.

The 29er version in gray. You can choose either colour for either wheel size and both 29er spec levels it appears.

Santa Cruz will have these bikes available at your local retailer immediately apparently – so you can lighten your wallet today! We don’t have any photos or info yet, but a Juliana version will be released

Who wants one?

Tags: 2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy, 2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5 Plus, 2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er
Posted in: News