The XC bike for downhill enthusiasts... The Tallboy makes big leaps for a short-travel bike. With a robust lower-link VPP rear suspension, athletic design, typical Santa Cruz build quality, and a more radical geometry, the Tallboy aims to redefine the limits of bike categories on any trail. Sure, 120mm of travel may not sound like absolute downhill performance, but thanks to our lower-link VPP suspension, this bike can deliver much more than mere numbers suggest. It's a bike that thrives on full throttle and is ready to sprint at any moment—whether climbing, descending, or on flat flow trails. The maximum efficiency of the VPP rear end results in a quick and agile riding experience. Technically, it shares the same platform as our long-travel bikes, making it comfortable not only on classic XC terrains but also on "real" trails. Paired with a 130mm fork, the new Tallboy becomes increasingly appealing for aggressive riders. The biggest change lies in the geometry... The outdated theory suggests that "small" short-travel bikes require steeper and more conservative geometries than their larger Enduro counterparts because they are ridden slower. But does that really make sense? Don't we all want to go full throttle on lightweight trail bikes and enjoy every descent and trail to the fullest? So, we sat down and translated our Enduro geometries to "Cross Country." We created a fast bike with minimal travel and a slack 65.5° head angle, generous reach, and a fork with low offset—an aggressive geometry rarely seen in this travel category. And this radical thinking doesn't stop there. The short 436mm chainstays ensure that the bike reacts quickly in any situation. Combined with the low bottom bracket, the Tallboy can be confidently leaned into corners and playfully maneuvered through challenging trails.