Santa Cruz Introduces the Gen 6 Tallboy, and Boy, are There Some Changes!

Santa Cruz has unveiled the sixth generation of its Tallboy mountain bike, marking a significant departure from previous models with a host of notable updates. Most prominently, the new Tallboy abandons the brand’s long-standing VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system in favour of a four-bar suspension design. This change reflects Santa Cruz’s belief that the VPP platform had reached its developmental limits for this particular bike and that the four-bar system better meets their goals for improved handling and suspension kinematics. The suspension redesign is accompanied by an increase in travel, with the Tallboy now offering 130mm of rear suspension paired with a 140mm fork, positioning it firmly as a trail-ready 29er. Despite this increase, the bike has shed around 300 grams, thanks largely to the simpler four-bar layout and the exclusive use of Santa Cruz’s premium CC carbon frame. Other refinements include a slacker head tube angle, a steeper seat tube angle, and an uninterrupted seat tube that accommodates longer dropper posts, enhancing both the bike’s geometry and rider ergonomics. Santa Cruz has also introduced a range of practical features, such as accessory mounts under the top tube, a geo-adjust flip chip for fine-tuning ride characteristics, and the updated V2 Glovebox for in-frame storage. The new Tallboy is available in six frame sizes, from XS to XXL, with proportional sizing and stiffness tailored to each size. The company continues to support cable-actuated rear derailleurs, a nod to rider preferences amid the growing prevalence of electronic shifting. The bike will be offered in six build options, all equipped with RockShox suspension components, ranging from entry-level Pike Base forks and Deluxe Select+ shocks to top-tier Pike Ultimate forks and Super Deluxe Ultimate shocks featuring Flight Attendant technology. Pricing starts at $5,899 for the base 90 build and rises to $9,299 for the XO AXS RSV edition, with some build prices yet to be confirmed. Santa Cruz has expressed interest in providing test rides to further evaluate the new Tallboy’s performance compared to its predecessor, signalling a keen focus on rider experience and feedback moving forward.