Comments on: Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er Quick Review – Interbike 2009

By: Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er Review – RXC Build Kit - FeedTheHabit.com

Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er Review – RXC Build Kit - FeedTheHabit.com — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:24:54 +0000

[...] Santa Cruz Tallboy came into the stable. This bike was much-loved by me at last year’s Interbike Outdoor Demo and I was looking forward to putting it through its paces here on my home turf. Impressive? Yes, [...]

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:38:52 +0000

Loran

Great questions and commentary on the subtle differences between sizing. For the most part, I go by top tube measurements and have found that I’m most comfortable with something between 23-24 inches. This can vary though with stem length and other factors, but in general, that’s where I’m most comfortable.

I’m a similar height (5’11″ – 32″ inseam) and I always have that same problem–which size should I ride? I have felt very comfortable on a 24″ TT (Large Ibis Mojo) and have also felt super-comfortable on a 23.3″ TT (Medium Felt Compulsion 1).

If at all possible, I’d ride the M and L at your local dealer. If not possible, I think if you were comfortable on the M Blur (23″ TT) then I think you would be just fine on the M Tallboy. 29ers can be a little unwieldy, so having a little smaller frame might keep things in check.

Best of luck in your decision!

By: Loran

Loran — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:57:12 +0000

Hey Jason, I’m looking at the tallboy, but I’m 5’10″ and fall in the middle of the medium and the large. I had a medium blur xc, and loved how I could move the bike around. It felt quite nimble. The seat was quite high because I have long legs and a short torso. My next bike I figured I’d go with a large scott spark 20. I never felt good on the Scott. It just felt big. On corners I used to fly around I was now having to hit the brakes because I couldn’t make them at the same speed. Also with climbing, I couldn’t climb the bike as well. I felt like I really had to make an effort to keep it down. Any recommendations with a tallboy?

By: mr_wiggles

mr_wiggles — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:51:31 +0000

“We’re looking closely at the 29 thing, but since they are only sold in 1 of the 34 countries we sell to (the US), ”

Ha!

That man needs to get out more. My RIP niner was an oddity here in New Zealand 2 years ago but these days there are a fair few 29ers about. Australia is similar.

It does matter how big it is. Mine’s 29 inches.

By: jcs

jcs — Mon, 31 May 2010 04:04:28 +0000

Patrick

For LaRuta go with a hardtail 29er, this race is 80% fire roads and I think there was maybe 200 yards of singletrack. Most of the pros were on hardtails and running really narrow tires !! Good luck it is not as bad as people make it out to be

By: Fox Racing Introduces New 2011 Fork Lineup - FeedTheHabit.com

Fox Racing Introduces New 2011 Fork Lineup - FeedTheHabit.com — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:29:27 +0000

[...] I see this is a great option for some of the best 29er trailbikes on the market including the Santa Cruz Tallboy, Niner RIP9, Gary Fisher Rumblefish, [...]

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:38:44 +0000

29ers do require a little bit more effort to get up to rolling speed, but once there, maintaining your momentum is gloriously rewarding as you fly up and down obstacles. You could get a killer 29er hardtail for $2500, but when you get back to UT, you’ll appreciate the suspension of the Tallboy… trust me!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:31:53 +0000

No major concerns, but most of the Ruta riders are on hardtails, and at $3600 there isn’t much room for any upgrades. I planned on $2500 but if this Bike has it all then I don’t mind. I am not to worried about the downhills there, it is those killer uphills. Thanks for the quick reply!

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:53:42 +0000

Patrick

So, I can’t speak from experience since I’ve never ridden La Ruta. I have heard about the terrain and looked through last year’s photos and 29ers are pretty common. Looks like nearly half of the riders are on big hoops. For rolling dirt roads and loose terrain, there isn’t much better than a solid 29er. If you’ve got the means, there’s no question that the Tallboy would be a great bike for that race.

What are your major concerns with the Tallboy?

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:34:46 +0000

Hey Jason,
I am looking to ride La Ruta this fall and wanted to pick your brain on this bike. I have a 2003 trek and I can’t lock out my shocks so it is not a viable option for La Ruta, and upgrading them is the price of a new bike. Then I went into Guthrie’s and saw the 29er, and I unfortunately fell in love, but am a little worried if this is the bike I need for La Ruta? I know I can ride it for years here in Utah and wherever else I go, but is this the steed I want for 4 days of hell? I appreciate your feedback and your site is pretty cool!