SANTA CRUZ BICYCLES TALLBOY D XC COMPLETE BIKE

As Santa Cruz's entry level 29er full suspension rig, the Tallboy D XC Complete Bike relies on proven VPP suspension, a hydroformed aluminum chassis and a smartly spec'd kit to keep the wallet flush and the ride smooth. A mix of Race Face, Rock Shox, and SRAM components ensure durability and performance for miles of off-road entertainment.

The Tallboy's frame is made of aluminum, with Santa Cruz's signature hydroformed top and down tubes. It's heavier than its carbon brother, but its price is much friendlier. It utilizes Santa Cruz's patented counter-rotating shock link, or Virtual Pivot Point suspension design. This allows for a changing feel throughout the suspension travel. When sag is set correctly, the Tallboy is extremely responsive to small- and medium-sized bumps. For larger hits that push it deeper into its travel, it becomes more stubborn, a necessity to avoid harsh bottom-out. It's also a crisp, efficient pedaler, even in the small chainring.

Another big plus of VPP suspension is its durability; Santa Cruz guarantees their pivot bearings for life. The suspension is sprung by a light and custom-tuned Fox Float CTD rear shock. Its three-position lever lets you select from distinct damping for the terrain you're riding -- Climb, Trail, Descend. Up front is a 15mm thru axle equipped, 100mm travel, Rock Shox Recon Silver TK with a lockout, rebound, and preload adjustments to fine tune for trail-leveling performance.

WTB i19 rims are hand laced and tensioned to Shimano M525 hubs with DT Swis 14 gauge spokes. This ensures reliability and field maintenance. The rims are tubeless compatible, and the R XC kit includes 2.1in wide Maxxis CrossMark Tubeless tires -- a nice, low rolling resistance tire to complement the Tallboy's XC nature.

For drivetrain duty, SRAM X5 and X7 are employed extensively. The shifters, front derailleur, and crankset are X5, while the rear derailleaur is an X7 unit. The 11-36 tooth cassette is a 10-speed SRAM PG1030 that meshes nicely with the KMC X10 chain for smooth and quick shifts.

Keeping speed in check is a set of Avid Elixir 1 brakes with 160mm rotors. The levers are perched on a Race Face Ride handlebar with Lizard Skins grips providing a seamless connection to the Tallboy. A Race Face Ride stem and seatpost with WTB Volt Sport saddle finish the Tallboy D XC Complete Bike package.

The Santa Cruz Tallboy D XC Complete Bike comes in Medium, Large, and X-Large sizes and two colors; Satin Clear or Satin Black.

Tallboy D XC Complete Bike Price: $2398.95