Santa Cruz Tallboy GX AXS RSV: Big Capability in a Short-Travel Package

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A Downcountry Machine With Trail Attitude

The Santa Cruz Tallboy GX AXS RSV isn’t your typical short-travel 29er. While it sits firmly in the downcountry category with its 120mm rear and 130mm front travel, Santa Cruz has designed it to punch well above its weight. This latest version refines an already beloved platform, blending XC efficiency with a trail bike’s confidence. But does it live up to the hype? As always, we recommend Gearing up for your ride with the proper Equipment before tackling those switchbacks. Let’s dive in.

Frame & Suspension: Lower-Link VPP Done Right

Santa Cruz’s signature lower-link VPP suspension is the foundation of the Tallboy’s capability. This system is more commonly found on their longer-travel models, but in the Tallboy, it delivers impressive traction, small-bump sensitivity, and a lively feel. The updated 65.5-degree head tube angle and 76.7-degree seat tube angle strike a balance between stability and efficient climbing.

The carbon frame is as sleek and solid as you’d expect from Santa Cruz, available in both C and CC carbon layups. The RSV build we’re reviewing comes with Santa Cruz’s premium Reserve 30 carbon wheels, adding stiffness and reducing weight without sacrificing durability.

Drivetrain & Components: Wireless & Crisp

This GX AXS RSV model comes with SRAM’s GX AXS wireless drivetrain, delivering crisp, precise shifting without cables cluttering the cockpit. It’s a practical choice—offering electronic shifting reliability at a more accessible price than the XX1 AXS models.

Paired with a 32T chainring and a 10-50T cassette, the gearing range is well-suited for both steep climbs and fast descents. The SRAM G2 RSC brakes offer plenty of stopping power, even for aggressive riders who push the Tallboy to its limits.

Climbing: Efficient & Planted

For a short-travel bike, the Tallboy climbs with impressive efficiency. Thanks to its supportive suspension kinematics and steep seat tube angle, it places the rider in an optimal pedaling position. The lightweight carbon frame and Reserve wheels further enhance its uphill prowess.

While it doesn’t have the razor-sharp responsiveness of a pure XC bike, the Tallboy makes up for it with better traction on technical climbs. The VPP system keeps the rear wheel glued to the ground, preventing unnecessary suspension bob while still smoothing out rough sections.

Descending: Punches Above Its Weight

Where the Tallboy truly shines is on descents. Despite being a 120mm bike, it rides with the confidence of something bigger. The slackened head angle, generous reach, and progressive suspension give it a stable and playful feel.

With a 130mm FOX 34 fork up front and a Float DPS rear shock, the Tallboy absorbs more than you’d expect for its travel class. It handles high-speed descents and chunky terrain with ease while remaining poppy and agile.

Who Is the Tallboy For?

The Tallboy is perfect for riders who want a bike that climbs like an XC rig but descends like a trail bike. It’s an ideal choice for aggressive downcountry riders, weekend warriors who want one bike to do it all, and anyone who prioritizes fun and efficiency in equal measure.

If you’re looking for a pure XC race machine, you might prefer the Santa Cruz Blur. If you want something even more capable on the descents, the Hightower or 5010 could be better options. But if you love a nimble yet confident short-travel ripper, the Tallboy is hard to beat.

Final Verdict

Santa Cruz has refined the Tallboy to be more capable than ever. The GX AXS RSV build strikes a balance between performance, durability, and price, making it a compelling option for riders who want cutting-edge tech without going all-in on the highest-end components.

With dialed geometry, wireless shifting, and premium carbon wheels, the Tallboy GX AXS RSV delivers a ride that’s as fun as it is efficient. Whether you’re tackling long climbs, techy descents, or flowy singletrack, this bike keeps things lively.

Pros:

✔️ Efficient climbing performance
✔️ Stable yet playful downhill handling
✔️ GX AXS wireless shifting is precise and clean
✔️ Premium Reserve carbon wheels enhance stiffness and durability

Cons:

❌ More expensive than some competitors in the same category
❌ Not as plush as a longer-travel trail bike

Final Score: 9/10

The Santa Cruz Tallboy GX AXS RSV is an exceptional downcountry machine that proves short-travel bikes can still deliver big-time fun. If you’re after a do-it-all 29er with premium touches and a lively ride feel, this one should be at the top of your list.