Tallboy FAQs
What size fork should I use on the Tallboy?
The Tallboy was designed around 100-120mm forks- and will handle best in one of these configurations. However, it is strong enough to handle 140mm forks, so if you really want, you can go there.
What is the largest tire that will fit?
We never like to make promises here, as tire dimensions vary so much, but pretty much any 2.35" tire will work. The WTB 2.55 Weirwolf LT fits with plenty of room. We designed the frame with significant tire and mud clearance- the front derailleur cage is actually the thing that keeps you from putting super mondo tires on there.
What size shock is on the Tallboy?
All frame sizes use a 6.5" x 1.5" (165x38mm)shock.
Mounting hardware on both ends is 22mm wide (21.84mm to be exact), with an 8mm through hole.
Is the new Sram XX group compatible with this frame?
Unfortunately, no. All of our current models (including the Tallboy) were designed to have the maximum tire/mud clearance- while still clearing all available cranksets on the market. Unfortunately the XX is significantly narrower in the chainring area than anything else on the marketplace, and just doesn't fit on our bikes. This is due to the larger size chainrings and decreased chainline of the system.
What kind of front derailleur do I need?
The Tallboy requires a bottom swing (high clamp), top pull, 34.9mm front derailleur. Both SRAM and Shimano make models that work.
I would like to use a different shock on the Tallboy, can I do that?
Yes, the shock is a very common size, and there are plenty of other models on the market that will fit.
Can I use a quick release seat collar?
Absolutely. The frame takes a standard 34.9mm seat collar, so there are plenty of quick releases that will fit.
Our favorite is ours, of course. You can purchase it on our online store for $24.
Are there water bottle mounts?
Yes. All frame sizes have two bottle mounting locations. One on top of the downtube, and another underneath for longer rides.
Custom aluminum mounting bolts are included with the frame.
What size seatpost does it use?
The Tallboy uses a 30.9mm post. Make sure it is always inserted a minimum of 100mm into the frame.
What is the largest rear brake rotor that I can use?
185mm
I'm addicted to using a Gravity Dropper/Joplin adjustable seatpost- can I use one on this bike?
We are all huge fans of adjustable seatposts, and included cable routing under the top tube for this purpose.
What kind of cranks can I use?
We use a standard 73mm bb shell, so pretty much any cranks you want will fit on there. Just make sure your crankset has a 50mm chainline, and you are good to go.
It looks like the lower link is off center in my frame- is everything ok?
Yes- this is correct. With our newer pivot system, the pivot axle draws the link over to one side in order to properly preload the bearings. This offset is accounted for in the frame design so everything ends up nice and straight in the end.
There was a packet of "friction paste" or "carbon assembly compound" included with my frame- what is this for?
Use this on your seatpost. Carbon frames have a pretty slippery inner surface that makes it difficult to get the seatpost held tight without massive tightening forces at the collar. Using the carbon assembly compound adds friction so you don't need to crank the heck out of the seat collar.
Definitely keep grease off your seatpost for the same reason.
What kind of headset will I need for my Tallboy?
This bike uses a tapered headset- which have many different configurations these days. Ours uses a standard (external) 1.5" lower cup, and a semi-integrated 1 1/8" upper. The semi-integrated upper headset is a pretty standard size these days- we use the 44mm ID standard.
As all of us frame manufacturers seem to be using slightly different configurations with tapered headtubes, these headsets are custom items. We will offer options from Chris King and Cane Creek in our kits, and also as an option with your frame purchase.
What are the rear shock options for this frame?
For 2010 we will be offering the Rockshox Monarch 3.3 and Fox RP23.