2025 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC X0 AXS

The 2025 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5 CC X0 AXS hits a sweet spot between cross-country speed and trail bike toughness. If you want a bike that’s quick and efficient uphill but ready to get rowdy when the terrain gets rough, this is the one to check out.

Suspension

Starting with the suspension, the FOX Float Factory shock, sized at 190x45mm, keeps your rear wheel hooked up no matter how chopped up the trail is. It provides enough travel to smooth out technical sections but is tight enough to keep you pedaling fast. Up front, the FOX 34 Float Factory fork with Grip X damper offers 130mm of travel. This is plenty of cushion on descents and is adjustable so you can dial in how it handles based on the trail or your riding style.

Drivetrain

On the drivetrain side, the wireless SRAM X0 Eagle AXS system changes gears with quick, crisp taps and without any cables to fuss with. The 12-speed range means you’ll find the right gear whether you’re grinding up a steep pitch or blasting down a rocky shoot. The AXS Pod Controller’s paddle shifters are easy to use and keep your hands where they need to be. The 10-52T cassette gives you a huge gear spread to play with, while the Flattop chain adds strength without extra weight.

Crankset and Bottom Bracket

You’ll power through every pedal stroke thanks to the SRAM X0 Eagle DUB crankset with a 32T chainring. Paired with the DUB 73mm wide bottom bracket, what's designed to stay stiff and efficient even when you’re putting out serious watts on challenging terrain.

Tires and Wheels

Rolling on Maxxis Forekaster 29x2.4” tires, this bike balances speed and grip well. The MaxxTerra rubber and EXO casing keep things durable without making the tires roll heavy. Spinning smoothly are DT Swiss 350 hubs, mated to either Reserve 30 SL AL 6069 or Raceface ARC 30 rims. Both options are lightweight but tough enough to handle whatever the trail throws at you.

Brakes

When you need to slow down, the SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes provide strong, controllable stopping power. They're low-profile and designed to inspire confidence whether you’re bombing a steep descent or nibbling your speed through tech sections.

Cockpit

The cockpit is focused on control and comfort. The Santa Cruz 20 Carbon handlebar is wide at 760mm, giving you plenty of leverage and vibration damping without feeling bulky. The Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem is short and solid, helping the bike respond sharply in tight spots.

Saddle and Dropper Post

Sitting on a WTB Silverado Medium Fusion saddle, you get a comfortable ride without extra weight. It's paired with a OneUp dropper post that offers smooth height adjustment when the trail demands quick changes between climbing and descending.

Geometry

Geometry-wise, the Tallboy favors agility and versatility with a slack head angle for stability downhill combined with a steep seat tube angle that keeps you efficient climbing. Reach and standover height are balanced so the bike feels lively but composed on different trail types.

Build Quality

This bike combines a premium carbon frame and high-end parts into a package that looks as good as it rides. The build quality reflects Santa Cruz’s usual attention to detail, making sure you have something that lasts season after season.