Santa Cruz just dropped its new Tallboy iteration – with a surprise move away from the brand’s signature VPP suspension.
This new version of the Tallboy marks one of the biggest changes in the bike’s history. Long known as a fast, efficient short-travel 29er that punches above its weight on technical trails, the new Tallboy takes that reputation even further while also moving away from Santa Cruz’s iconic VPP suspension platform.
So what’s changed, why does it matter and how does the new Tallboy compare to rivals like Trek’s Top Fuel and Orbea’s Occam SL? Let’s jump in…
The Tallboy has always occupied a sweet spot in the mountain bike world. It’s not an XC race bike but it’s also far more efficient and lightweight than most aggressive trail bikes, hence its classification as a downcountry model. The latest generation doubles down on that formula.
Santa Cruz describes the new Tallboy as “a short-travel bike with long legs,” and that feels about right. It’s designed for riders who want a bike that pedals exceptionally well over long distances but still has the confidence and composure to attack technical descents.
Here are the headlines:
Despite gaining travel, the new Tallboy is actually lighter than the previous version. Santa Cruz says the frame has shed around 300 grams, with complete builds comfortably coming in under 30lbs.
In our view that’s pretty impressive for a modern trail bike with this level of capability.
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC 90 in Gloss Midnight Violet
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC XT Di2 in Gloss Carbon
Santa Cruz is currently bringing just two Tallboy models to the UK. The CC 90 at £5,299 and the CC XT Di2 at £6,999.
Perhaps the biggest talking point is Santa Cruz abandoning its famous VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension design for a four-bar layout.
For years, VPP was central to the Santa Cruz identity. It delivered a supportive, efficient and lively ride feel that many riders loved. However, modern trail riding has evolved, and Santa Cruz wanted the new Tallboy to behave differently.
The move to a four-bar system allows the engineers to reduce anti-squat and anti-rise characteristics. In simple terms, this means:
The result should be a bike that feels calmer and more planted in rough terrain while still retaining an energetic and sporty character.
Santa Cruz Product Director Josh Kissner says they were aiming to create “a moderately progressive suspension that eats bumps while being spritely and sporty.”
In practice, the new Tallboy appears to move away from the firmer, more “poppy” feel traditionally associated with VPP, instead favouring a more controlled and forgiving ride quality without sacrificing efficiency.
The suspension isn’t the only major change. The Tallboy now uses a single premium CC carbon lay-up across the range, ensuring every rider gets the same frame quality and stiffness characteristics.
Santa Cruz has also improved frame practicality considerably.
Glovebox V2: The in-frame storage system has been updated with improved latch design, stronger engagement, better durability and reduced noise. The straighter downtube design also increases usable storage space.
Better dropper compatibility: The revised suspension layout increases seatpost insertion depth, allowing riders to run longer dropper posts more easily, which is obviously a big plus on aggressive trails.
Flip Chip geometry adjustment: Like previous Santa Cruz bikes, the Tallboy features a flip chip allowing riders to choose between a high mode for sharper pedalling and low mode for more aggressive descending performance
Is the new Tallboy for you? We think this is your ride if you want one bike for everything, with big mileage capability, fast climbing performance, confidence on the descents and lightweight trail performance.
It sits in an increasingly popular category of downcountry or lightweight aggressive trail bikes, machines that blur the line between XC efficiency and trail-bike capability.
That puts it directly against bikes like Trek Top Fuel and Orbea Occam SL. So, how do they compare?
The Trek Top Fuel has evolved dramatically over the years. Once a pure XC race bike, it’s now positioned as a lightweight, short-travel trail bike that balances efficiency with descending confidence.
Current Top Fuel models typically feature:
Range cost: £3,200 to £10,000.
Compared to the new Tallboy, the Top Fuel tends to lean slightly more toward the XC side of the spectrum. It’s fast, efficient and highly responsive, making it a brilliant choice for riders prioritising speed and long-distance riding.
However, the Tallboy’s increased travel and more aggressive geometry give it an advantage when trails become rougher or steeper.
The Orbea Occam SL is another bike targeting the lightweight trail category, but it arguably sits slightly closer to traditional trail bike territory than the Trek.
Typical specifications include:
Range cost: £2,299 to £5,499.
The Occam SL is designed to feel lively and efficient while still offering impressive descending capability. Compared to the Tallboy, it has a slightly more planted and trail-oriented character thanks to its additional rear travel.
The Tallboy may still feel a little quicker under acceleration and more responsive on smoother terrain, while the Occam SL arguably delivers more comfort and forgiveness over sustained rough ground.
The new Santa Cruz Tallboy is more than just an update. It represents a philosophical shift for one of mountain biking’s most recognisable bikes.
By moving away from VPP suspension and adopting a four-bar layout, Santa Cruz has created a bike that appears calmer, smoother and more composed without losing the lively personality that made the Tallboy so popular in the first place.
For riders wanting a lightweight trail bike capable of big days, technical climbs and genuinely aggressive descending, the Tallboy looks stronger than ever.
And while competitors like the Trek Top Fuel and Orbea Occam SL offer compelling alternatives, the Tallboy’s combination of low weight, refined suspension performance and premium construction ensures it remains one of the standout bikes in this increasingly competitive category.
Come and see the new Tallboy in store. We’re expecting stock in the next couple of weeks.
