2024 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C S

The 2024 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 C S is built to handle all kinds of trails with ease.

The C-level carbon frame offers strength and lightness that you'll notice climbing hard or bombing down rocky descents. Santa Cruz was one of the first MTB companies to specialize in carbon frames and their frames are top notch. They were the first to come up with many improvements in carbon frame technology, like one-piece construction and net shape lay-up. Their C-level frames are marginally heavier than their ultimate-tier CC frames so you can save some cash, while remaining just as strong and stiff. The frame’s natural vibration damping smooths out rough sections, so your arms stay fresher for longer.

The bike is equipped with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. It covers steep climbs and fast flats with ease, snapping between gears crisply, even when you’re grinding uphill. You'll also find a set of SRAM G2 R hydraulic brakes. They give you precise control, which is key when things get technical or fast and you need confidence underfoot.

The suspension features Santa Cruz’s VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) system. Up front, a FOX 34 Float Performance fork with 130mm travel takes the edge off big hits while keeping your line true. The rear FOX Float Performance DPS shock with 120mm travel keeps the back wheel glued to the ground over roots and rocks without bogging you down on pedal-heavy sections.

Cables disappear inside the frame for a clean look and protect them from dirt and knocks. That means smoother shifting and braking over time and fewer surprises on trail days. The SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) makes swapping or adjusting the rear derailleur simple. This is handy for customization or repairs.

Need to drop your saddle fast on a steep drop? The SDG Tellis dropper post, with a 31.6mm diameter, lets you adjust seat height on the fly for maximum control and confidence.

Rolling on RaceFace AR Offset 30 rims laced to reliable DT Swiss 370 hubs, the wheelset offers a stiff and dependable platform, ready for whatever terrain you throw at it. The Maxxis tires are matched perfectly. Out front, a 29"x2.4" Dissector bites into loose dirt and tricky surfaces with aggressive tread. Out back, the 29"x2.4" Rekon keeps things fast and stable, carving through corners like a pro. Both use Maxxis’ 3C MaxxGrip and MaxxTerra compounds plus EXO casings, so durability and traction won’t quit before you do.

A Cane Creek 40 IS headset keeps steering smooth and precise, while the SRAM DUB bottom bracket with a 73mm English/BSA threaded shell delivers solid power transfer so none of your pedaling effort goes to waste.

Put it all together and the Tallboy 5 C S rides like a versatile, confident companion that’s ready to tackle climbs, sprint through flats, and descend rocky challenges with ease.