Does anyone sleep at Santa Cruz? They’ve just announce yet another ‘new’ bike, this time the venerable single pivot Heckler gets the medium wheel size treatment… oh, and we almost forgot the Tallboy 2 which was dropped during the week too.
HECKLER
In its seventh incarnation, the Heckler still allows you to order from the all-mountain menu like it’s Happy Hour.
Now with the same super awesome geometry* as the acclaimed Bronson, plus 150mm travel and 27.5” wheels to match, there’s been no half measures in the new Heckler’s development. Legions of Heckler owners testify to the durability of the design, marching on through season after season while other bikes at this price point simply rattle to pieces. The aluminum frame is now stiffer and lighter than its predecessor, with a single collet axle pivot, 142mm rear end and a direct mount rear derailleur hanger keeping things tight and tidy.
So as the Heckler prepares to celebrate its 18th birthday in Club Tropicana** colors, you can rest assured this single pivot party will keep going long after the others have gone home.
*Super awesome geometry is not a Santa Cruz trademark.
**Drinks probably not free, so black is also available.
DETAILS
• Total frame weight: 6.76 lb (3.07 kg) M size with Fox Float CTD evolution shock.
• 6” (150mm) travel.
• 27.5” wheels.
• New 142mm x 12mm rear axle spacing – easier wheel installation.
• Collet axle pivot – locks in place without pinch bolts.
• Angular contact bearings maximize stiffness.
• Standard or direct mount rear derailleur hanger.
• ISCG-05 chainguide compatibility.
• 73mm threaded BB for creak-free riding and easy installation.
• Two color options: • Gloss black w/orange decals • Gloss blue w/green decals
TALLBOY 2
100mm travel VPP™ suspension
29″ wheels
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL (carbon only)
Colors: Carbon: Matte Carbon/White or Gloss White/Black
Aluminum: Gloss Green/Black or Gloss Grey/Orange
12 ENVE decal choices
Shock options:
Standard: Custom tuned Fox Float CTD Evolution
Upgrade: Custom tuned Float CTD Adj. Boost Valve Kashima
Frame Weight: 2235g (4.9lbs) for size L, matte carbon –
142mm rear axle spacing
2 bottle cage mounts
Forged upper and lower links
Double sealed pivots with grease ports for low maintenance
Collet axle pivots and angular contact bearings maximize stiffness
Standard or Direct Mount rear derailleur option
Direct Mount front derailleur for precision placement
Stealth and external seatpost cable routing
73mm threaded BB: creak-free riding and easy installation
Molded rubber frame protection
When Tallboy first launched, it wiped the floor with everything in its category. Most 29ers of the time had the geometry and suspension performance of an economy airline seat, and the industry knew it. Tallboy was awarded “Bike of the Year” time after time, changing the perception of what a 29″ wheel mountain bike was capable of. What we initially thought would be a niche marathon bike turned out to be a killer all-around trail bike.
The balanced geometry and proprietary carbon lay-up created a solid package that didn’t need meddling with for over four years. And still doesn’t. Kind of. The geometry of Tallboy2 remains true to the original. However, we’ve fine-tuned the shock rate, improved pedaling efficiency, increased stiffness and reduced weight to make this Don of 29 the kind of sequel Francis Ford Coppola would approve of.
Santa Cruz Tallboy 2 from santa cruz bikes on Vimeo.
Tall boy bike of the years time after time. Year right . Tallboy is sloppier slower and heavier than the Niner jet9 . Go buy a niner .their marketing is not as cool, colours are dam ugly ,but the bikes are way better.