Santa Cruz Tallboy

The sixth-generation Santa Cruz Tallboy 2027 receives its biggest update to date. Travel increases to 140mm at the front and 130mm at the rear, while a new four-bar suspension system replaces the previous VPP layout. The revised kinematics reduce anti-squat and anti-rise to improve traction, comfort and control without losing the responsive character expected from a short-travel trail bike.

Every 2027 Tallboy uses Santa Cruz's premium Carbon CC frame, 29-inch wheels and a lighter, size-tuned carbon lay-up. The frame also includes proportional geometry and stiffness, adjustable High and Low geometry settings, improved Glovebox V2 down-tube storage and mechanical drivetrain cable routing.

Compare selected Santa Cruz Tallboy 2027 models side by side.

Read our Santa Cruz Tallboy CC 2027 buyer's guide.

• 140mm front and 130mm rear travel: More suspension than the previous Tallboy gives the bike extra control on rougher trails while retaining efficient, lively handling.
• Four-bar rear suspension: The new layout separates suspension movement from pedalling forces to improve traction and comfort while preserving climbing efficiency.
• 29-inch wheels: Full-size wheels provide efficient rollover, momentum and stability on roots, rocks and faster trails.
• Carbon CC throughout: All complete bikes and the frameset use Santa Cruz's lightest premium carbon construction, with tuned stiffness across the size range.
• Proportional geometry: The geometry and frame stiffness are tuned by size to provide a consistent ride for riders from XS through to XXL.
• High and Low flip chip: The geometry can be adjusted to prioritise responsive pedalling or a lower, more descending-focused riding position.
• Glovebox V2: Revised down-tube storage has an improved latch and better sealing for tools and trail essentials.
• Lifetime support: The frame includes Santa Cruz's lifetime frame warranty and free replacement pivot bearings for the original owner, subject to the manufacturer's terms.

The confirmed UK Tallboy 2027 range uses the same Carbon CC frame, 140/130mm four-bar platform and 29-inch wheel format across every build.

• Tallboy 90: RockShox Pike Select fork, Deluxe Select+ shock, cable-operated SRAM 90 Eagle T-Type drivetrain and Reserve aluminium rims.
• Tallboy GX AXS: RockShox Pike Select+ fork, Deluxe Select+ shock, electronic SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type drivetrain and Reserve aluminium rims.
• Tallboy XT Di2: RockShox Pike Ultimate fork, Deluxe Ultimate shock, Shimano XT M8250 Di2 electronic drivetrain, SRAM Motive Silver brakes and Reserve aluminium rims.
• Tallboy X0 AXS RSV: RockShox Pike Ultimate fork, Deluxe Ultimate shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type drivetrain and Reserve 30|SL carbon wheels.
• Tallboy XX AXS FA RSV: A limited flagship build with RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS T-Type drivetrain, SRAM Maven brakes, Reserve 30|SL carbon wheels and special Chris King 50th Anniversary components.
• Tallboy Carbon CC Frame: The Carbon CC frame supplied with a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate shock for riders planning a custom build.

Specifications can change, so check the individual product page for the exact components supplied with each bike.

The Tallboy is the lighter, shorter-travel option, with 140mm front and 130mm rear travel. It feels quicker under power and more responsive on rolling singletrack, technical climbs and longer-distance rides. The Hightower uses 160mm front and 150mm rear travel, providing more support, stability and margin for error on steeper, faster and rougher terrain.

Choose the Tallboy if climbing efficiency and lively trail handling are priorities. Choose the Hightower if your regular riding includes larger impacts, more aggressive descending or terrain where additional suspension travel is more valuable than minimum weight.

Yes. The 2027 Tallboy is still classed as a short-travel trail bike, but its 140/130mm suspension, 29-inch wheels, modern geometry and four-bar design make it capable on roots, rocks, steep sections and demanding natural singletrack. The revised suspension is intended to provide more traction and control without making the bike feel slow or overbuilt on smoother trails.

It is not intended to replace a long-travel enduro bike for repeated bike-park laps or the largest impacts. Riders who regularly prioritise steep, high-speed descending may be better suited to a Hightower, Bronson or Nomad.

Choose the Tallboy 90 if you want the complete Carbon CC platform with straightforward cable-operated SRAM shifting. The GX AXS adds SRAM electronic shifting, while the XT Di2 combines Shimano electronic shifting with Ultimate-level RockShox suspension. The X0 AXS RSV adds a higher-level SRAM drivetrain and Reserve carbon wheels.

The limited XX AXS FA RSV is the flagship option, adding electronically controlled Flight Attendant suspension and special-edition components. Choose the Carbon CC Frame if you want to build the bike around your own preferred drivetrain, brakes, wheels and cockpit.

No. The sixth-generation Tallboy 2027 uses a four-bar rear suspension system, replacing the VPP arrangement used on the previous generation. Santa Cruz says the new design decouples rear suspension movement from pedalling forces, allowing it to maximise traction and comfort while retaining efficiency.

This is an important distinction when comparing the 2027 Tallboy with older Tallboy models or other bikes in the Santa Cruz range.

Selected Santa Cruz Tallboy models may be available to view or test at the MTB Monster showroom in Lancashire. Demo availability and sizes can change, so please call 01254 959345 or contact us before travelling. We can confirm which bikes are available and arrange the most suitable option for your visit.

View our demo bike information.

Eligible Santa Cruz Tallboy models can be purchased with 0% finance for up to 48 months, subject to status and terms. Finance options may vary on discounted bikes. We also accept a wide range of Cycle to Work schemes, although individual provider fees and scheme conditions may apply.

Visit our deals and offers page for current promotions on selected bikes. Terms and conditions apply.

For the latest prices, shop the Santa Cruz Tallboy range.

MTB Monster is a dedicated mountain bike and electric mountain bike specialist run by riders. When you buy a Santa Cruz Tallboy from us, you benefit from:

1. Delivery | We offer free delivery* on all orders over £65. Bike deliveries are carried out by a two-person courier service, helping your new bike reach you safely and securely. (*T&Cs apply.)

2. 0% Finance* & Cycle to Work* | Spread the cost for up to 48 months* with Klarna or V12. We also support a wide range of Cycle to Work providers, which could save you up to 43%. Finance options can vary when a bike is discounted, and individual Cycle to Work provider fees may apply. (*T&Cs apply.)

3. Expert Bike Setup & Inspection | Every bike we sell goes through a full 26-point PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection), completed by our Cytech-qualified mechanics. The gears, brakes, bearings and suspension are checked, and we can tune the suspension to your weight to help ensure the bike is correctly set up and ready to ride when it arrives.

4. Safe & Secure Bike Packaging | We take the same care packing your bike as we do preparing it. Each bike is securely wrapped using a mixture of protective and recycled materials, with the handlebars and front wheel removed for safe transit. Inside the box, you will find Allen keys, your PDI checklist and included accessories. Once unpacked, the bike can usually be assembled and ready to ride in around 5-10 minutes.

5. On-Site MTB Workshop | Our Cytech-qualified workshop team can support your Tallboy with servicing, suspension setup, component fitting, repairs and warranty assistance. We work directly with Santa Cruz and leading component manufacturers, giving us access to genuine parts and specialist technical support.

6. Frame Protection Options | As riders ourselves, we understand that your bike is more than a purchase; it is an investment. We supply and fit custom-cut, self-healing frame protection kits in our dedicated dust-free fitting studio. These kits help protect your mountain bike against scratches, scuffs and stone chips while preserving its paint finish.

7. Competitive Prices & Price Match* | We work hard to offer competitive prices across our bikes and accessories. If you find the same bike available from another eligible UK retailer at a lower price, let us know and we will do our best to match it. (*T&Cs apply.)

8. In-House Demo Availability | Our in-house demo fleet lets you test and compare selected mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes before buying. Selected bikes are available to ride on-site or on local trails, giving you a better understanding of sizing, suspension and handling before placing an order.

   View our demo bike information.

9. Showroom Stock & Brand Selection | Our dedicated Lancashire showroom displays around 100 bikes from leading mountain bike and electric mountain bike brands, including Santa Cruz, Orbea, Mondraker, CUBE, Amflow, Whyte, Transition, Marin and Velduro. We also stock a curated selection of riding kit, parts and accessories. You are welcome to visit for friendly advice or contact us to arrange an appointment. We are open Monday to Saturday, 08:30-17:00.

10. Expert Product Advice | We place a strong emphasis on professional development and technical expertise. The cycling industry moves quickly, so our team invests in ongoing training to remain up to date with new bikes, suspension, drivetrains and components. We also provide detailed online product guides, comparisons and bike size guides to help you make an informed decision.

    Our experienced team can give honest, informed advice to help you choose the correct bike, size or equipment for your needs. Call us on 01254 959345 if you would like to discuss the Santa Cruz Tallboy range.

11. Customer Reviews | As a small team of riders, we take pride in the service we provide both in-store and online. This is reflected in our many five-star customer reviews.

    “Cannot recommend MTB Monster enough! Ordered my bike on the Sunday and it was with me by Wednesday afternoon. Reliable two-person courier service used as well. Bike went through a full PDI as well as the team setting up the tubeless tyres, which saved me the hassle. Great service and will definitely use again in the future.”

12. Official Premier Santa Cruz Dealer | As an Official Premier Santa Cruz Dealer, MTB Monster can help you compare the latest Santa Cruz mountain bikes, choose the correct Tallboy model and size, and support your bike after purchase. For expert advice before you buy, call us on 01254 959345 or contact the MTB Monster team.