Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R Overview
The Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R is a versatile short-travel trail bike designed to blur the lines between cross-country efficiency and trail capability. With its innovative geometry and premium carbon frame, it offers a ride that’s as playful as it is efficient, making it a go-to choice for riders who want to tackle diverse terrain with confidence.
The Tallboy 5 C R is the fifth generation of Santa Cruz’s renowned short-travel trail bike. Featuring 120mm of rear travel paired with a 130mm fork, it delivers a perfect balance of responsiveness and control. The advanced VPP suspension system ensures a smooth ride, while the updated geometry adds stability and confidence on technical descents without compromising its nimble handling.
Key Features of Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R
Frame and Suspension
- Material: Carbon C frame for a lightweight yet robust build.
- Suspension System: Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) for efficient pedaling and smooth travel.
- Travel: 120mm rear and 130mm front for a versatile trail experience.
- Fork: RockShox Pike Base 130mm, offering precision and control.
- Shock: Fox Float Performance DPS for consistent damping and adjustability.
Drivetrain
- Groupset: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain for a wide gear range and reliable shifting.
- Chainring: 32T for a balanced combination of speed and climbing power.
- Cassette: 11-50T for tackling steep climbs and fast descents.
Brakes
- Type: SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brakes for strong and consistent stopping power.
- Rotors: 180mm front and rear for optimal braking performance.
Wheels and Tires
- Wheels: RaceFace AR Offset 30 rims with reliable DT Swiss 370 hubs, tubeless-ready.
- Tires: Maxxis Dissector 29×2.4 WT (front) and Maxxis Rekon 29×2.4 WT (rear), delivering excellent grip and durability.
Additional Features
- Dropper Post: SDG Tellis dropper post for seamless on-the-fly adjustments.
- Cockpit: Burgtec alloy handlebars and stem for precision handling.
Specifications by Size
| Size | Recommended Rider Height | Wheelbase (mm) | Reach (mm) | Stack (mm) | Seat Tube (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 155-165 cm | 1153 | 430 | 604 | 380 |
| Medium | 165-175 cm | 1180 | 455 | 613 | 405 |
| Large | 175-185 cm | 1207 | 480 | 622 | 430 |
| X-Large | 185-195 cm | 1235 | 505 | 631 | 460 |
Geometry
| Geometry Parameter | Small | Medium | Large | X-Large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Angle (degrees) | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.5 |
| Seat Angle (degrees) | 76.8 | 76.8 | 76.8 | 76.8 |
| Top Tube Length (mm) | 570 | 600 | 630 | 660 |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 |
| Bottom Bracket Drop (mm) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R Gallery
Conclusion
The Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R is an exceptional short-travel trail bike that strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and capability. Its carbon frame, advanced VPP suspension, and premium components make it a versatile choice for riders who enjoy everything from technical descents to long climbs. The updated geometry ensures confidence and stability without sacrificing the playful handling Tallboy fans have come to love.
If you’re looking for a bike that can handle diverse trail conditions with ease, the Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C R is a top-tier option worth considering.
