Glenn MacArthur's Fastest Known Time around The Stone King on a Tallboy | 14.05.24

Monviso marks an important point of the Southern Alps. The imposing 3,841-metre giant stands over 500m higher than any other peak surrounding it. It’s this prominence that gives it its name. Monviso translates to ‘the mountain clearly visible (from everywhere)’. It sits inside Italy but overlooks France, a meeting place not just for borders but also for people, communities and commerce. The trails that flank this mountain mark the passage of traders and even armies that stretch back thousands of years. Today the mountain’s routes are mainly trodden by hikers who take 3-4 days to circumnavigate the mighty Stone King. But 21-year old Glenn MacArther, who lives in the shadow of the mountain, wanted to establish a benchmark for traversing it on a mountain bike. He succeeded. 52.9km route length, 3,183m of ascending in 6 hours 49 minutes.

For this itinerary Glenn rode his Santa Cruz Tallboy, a 120-mm travel 29-inch wheeled mountain bike that has earned a loyal following amongst those who seek a go-to bike that will hold up to the relentless hammering of "power hour" hot laps or long days in the saddle harvesting the best trails. The highly-refined VPP™ suspension on the Tallboy combines pedaling efficiency and all-out bump-chomping prowess. Lightweight, efficient but no compromises for when the trail gets technical. If ever there was a gravity riders’ XC bike, the Tallboy is it. Right now save up to 40% on Tallboys, only at Stif!

The Tallboy

Interested in a Tallboy? Selected models currently have 40% off RRP! Unsure if a 5010 is the best bike option for you? Give us a shout on the phone, drop an email to sales@stifmtb.com or to head to either of our stores for a brew and a chat! We have a full showroom plus a range of demo bikes in all sizes for you to ride.