Building a 2019 Santa Cruz Tallboy in 2023 // Still Worth It?

Is a used, older model Santa Cruz Tallboy 3 the perfect canvas for a downcountry build? Can it rip the XC course and shred the gnar all at once? Today we start the process of finding out.
In this video, we cover the goals of this build, the frame I chose, and the geometry of it.
In part II, we will explore the build list and weights for each individual component, and, finally, in part III, we will build the bike and take it for a test ride.
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[@flexmtb]

Awesome video man. I am literally, currently, considering and comparing all of these options as well. Thanks for the great insight!

[@Johan-lj6xm]

Congrats! Bought a Tallboy 3 CC frame a couple a years ago. Greatest trailbike ever built imo. Stock front suspension is 120mm 44mm offset, have riding it both in 130 and 120. Right now Im rocking an 120 Fox factory with 44mm offset, its a big different, so if you have a chance to test with the right fork youre in for a suprise. The bike is so awosome Im lacking words. Its a supershredding xc all mountainbike.

[@UmunhumCycleworks]

I love this bike so much - wholeheartedly agree with you!
How does the 120 feel different compared to the 130?

[@Johan-lj6xm]

I think it feels more agile and not so plush and front heavy with 120mm. Offset is important to, pulling the fork closer to the frame. But still, this is minor tweaks for this great bike. If you get an opertunity to test a fox factory 34 go for it, can highly recomend it.

[@Johan-lj6xm]

Its also a trick to the 27,5 plus option. If you go with 170mm cranks in large, medium size u can keep 120 fork and leave the flipchip in low. Just swap wheelset and go. As I said greatest bike ever build.

[@MrDavecore777]

Is there any particular reason, save for price, that you did not opt for the lower link vpp tallboy 4 or 5? Seems like it fits your use case?