Easily my new favorite review channel. I appreciate how succinct the reviews are without the feeling of them being over produced or any vlogginess that so many other channels exhibit these days. They come across very honest, and that’s a great thing!
Great, concise review. The riding footage is sick and the fall scenery was gorgeous. The Tallboy seems like a perfect mountain bike for people who just like big days out in the mountains (like me)
What makes your reviews great is the subtle nuances that helps distinguish all these great bikes & who they are for. To me it's still the most capable short-travel trail bike out there & the climbing is very efficient even if it's not the fastest which means you are not any more tired than if you were climbing with the Ripley or Trail 429 or Yeti SB 120 that are just in another category of climbers. So it is pleasant & comfortable to climb all day and that's what most people like about it. But where it shines is downhill AND exploring trails you've never ridden where you'll have the confidence knowing it can handle most anything that can unexpectedly pop-up. The closest short travel trail bike that does that is my Pivot Trail 429. The 429 climbs better, is more maneuverable, but is not quite as plush & comfortable but a lot more plush & comfortable than let's say the Ripley or the Yeti SB 120 but still more capable than those bikes.
Hey thanks for the kind words. This bike suits me super well as more of a gravity rider. Sure it could climb better, but you’re unlikely to find a better descending 120mm bike
Been binging ur vids and just have to say thanks. Vids are detailed but succint and totally applicable. Nearly lost my mind searching for a bike but this vid and ur XC showdown vid helped a ton. TB v 5 Melon is on its way as we speak. Thanks!
I have tallboy v4. Great bike. Agree with your review... I normally ride yeti sb150, so this is my light bike, for more xc trails. But if I ride slower and more careful line choice, it also handles steeper tech etc, although you feel the repetitive hits etc with the shorter travel and thus the bike isn't as stable as a bigger bike. Two thumbs up.
Always love your reviews and this was another great one. I have the first 2020 TB4 released and love my bike. I'm confused as to where this bike sits though as in my opinion, I would have hoped they would have given this bike more anti-squat and made it more efficient pedaling wise, not less. It's very, very heavy for a 130/120 bike so if I had to get a new bike, I'd just jump to the Hightower with more travel for that weight and maybe get a used XC bike like an old Epic or other XC short travel rig. I will say this though, the customer service at Santa Cruz is second to none. Those guys are so responsive and always, always follow up to your emails/calls promptly. My visit to their factory in Santa Cruz 2 yrs ago did not disappoint!
Yeah this bike fills a unique niche. It’s not the climber’s 120mm bike. It’s the descender’s 120mm bike. While a Hightower is more capable it certainly won’t ride like a tallboy on the DH.
@@AOL0321 They're different. The HT is certainly more capable, but the TB is more fun, lively and nimble. It comes down to priorities and riding style.
what comes to mind for the following: Plush ride to not roast your joints, safe stable down hill, pedals fast when you want to fly on the flowy and flat, capable and confident on technical steep climbs
A lot of those characteristics are contradictory. They’re opposite ends of the same spectrum. The best you’ll be able to do is find something that offers the right balance of all those characteristics and aligns with your riding style.
@@davids6652 I've got a Tallboy V4. Previous bike was an even more XC oriented Norco, and I briefly owned a RM Instinct last year (bought it to replace the TB, and realized i was soooooo wrong). I've never had issues climbing with the TB. If anything, it climbs better than my Norco did because the rear end just seems to soak up imperfections while still offering great support and efficiency. I ride BC mountains, Alberta Rockies, and occasionally more tame valleys. In anything other than gnarly black diamonds it's fully capable. I'd put it this way, if you're the person that rides the kind of terrain the TB can't handle, you're probably not the kind of person that would even consider it.
My Tallboy is pretty great. Interesting that an XL fit me perfectly and I love the comfort of this bike. Never any aches or pains. I can ride all day. I do occasionally lose traction at the most inconvenient moments on technical climbs however. Could be my technique. BUT, I did a test ride on a Niner Jet RDO and that thing NEVER has any wheel slip. I also tested an XL and I was sore and in pain the next day. Maybe an L would have been a different story. I was very tempted to pay the restocking fee on the Tallboy as the Niners went on a crazy sale and I could have saved a bunch of money for better specs. But I couldn’t risk the loss of comfort. Niner is well worth checking out for those looking.
Thank you, great video. I think if I only had one bike in the quiver this would be on the "ride before buy" list. But, I am fortunate enough to have two bikes. A trail bike (Ibis Ripley) and a XC bike (Transition Spur). Between these two I can ride anything (that I am willing to ride safely). To use a lighter bike in tight, up and down single track the XC is just flat out fun. But, when the going is more rough the Ripley can really hammer some serious technical terrain with confidence.
It's not a huge departure from the 4, but some subtle tweaks make it a tiny bit better in my mind. If you upgraded, I wouldn't expect it to feel radically different for you, though.
Did you find yourself over the center of the bike more often? Or in places you’d remember being out of position? Curious bc I think the 4 only starts you over the bb and then encourages a riding style (140mm fork🤓) that puts one’s butt in the previous zip code.
@@willskissick4100 I ride very forward on bikes in general. So on the descents I felt this was a similar feel to the 4. On the climbs I noticed I was much further forward than on the 4.
Great insight.. Thank you for creating the vid. Like some of the others, it would be great to see a TB v 5010 (your review of the 5010 prompted me to buy one)
I bought and Orbea Occam in 2022 and bikes like the Tallboy and Ibis Ripley where other bikes I was looking at. I guess I reversed it and went with the140mm bike that kind of feels more like a 120mm bike than the 120mm bike that feels like a 140. :P
Sorry man I took your advice and already bought an SB 140 as well as almost immediately realizing you were correct and a higher rise bar was needed. Check and check maybe my next one will be the Tallboy I did on the previous version and it was pretty rad.
Great review, your content has become my “go to” for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is I’m about your size, so I like seeing XL bikes in action. Tallboy has been my trail bike for years, I currently ride the v5 with a slightly burlier build (140 pike and SD ultimate). It handles everything I’m willing to ride here in New England. I do wonder about the space between the Tallboy and Hightower though and wonder if the Hightower isn’t a better option for most riders. It been forever since I’ve been on a Hightower so not sure if it feels like a bigger bike like the Tallboy does.
For flow trails, sure. Personally I have no flow trails where I live so I'm glad I have more suspension(142/160mm). Nothing but super smooth flowy trails in this video which I'm sure would be no problem without any suspension as well. I'd rather like to see that thing thrown into some chunk so you could actually test its limits. I'm sure it's a very good bike, it just has to be for what it is intended for.
My mom bribed me with a Sega Genesys in third grade if I fixed my chicken scratch. Now I’m basically a human type writer. If I can get to a 5010/TB showdown this year I’ll make it happen.
Great review! And the autumn landscape is really beautiful in your area! How would you compare it to a Hightower or YT Jessfy? In my area there aren't any bike parks or mtb trails (we improvise), but I would like to have the option to go to a bike park, if I want, or to go bikepacking with the bike. The bike should therefore be able to cover a bright spectrum of riding. Which bike would you choose?
Pretty interesting. I've been trying to find the "perfect" bike to fall between a Blur TR and a Ibis HD6. Element had exploding bearings and a creaky linkage, Ranger was the creakiest bike I've ever ridden and geo was too XC, Spur is close but just a bit too similar. I just built up a 5010 since I fell in love with the mullet setup on the HD6. Hoping that's the one.
Currently thinking of going from the stock 20mm carbon rise bars that came stock on my 2022 Tallboy XO1 build to the SC Carbon 35mm rise bars…hmmmm. Any advantage with the switch. For $170 it’s hard to just try things out.
I a a 22 AL toy boy, puta Fox float 34 and fox float and it is the ONLY bike I need besides a DH or big enduro. It is the most fun I have ever had on a bike .
Very helpful review on the Tallboy. Are there any other bikes to compare it to I should check out? I ride mostly in western PA/WV what I would call XC single track with decent climbs and downhill but nothing too extreme. Currently riding a hard tail 29’er -thanks
NORCO OPTIC: In your video on the Optic you seemed to think it keeps up with the Tallboy up and down hill. Is this still the case with the updates to the Tallboy? Love the videos! Helpful and entertaining.
Hi- great review. I fit the description of what you described as my daily driver is a long travel enduro bike, but I’m overbiked on most of the trails I ride and I think have a shorter travel bike that I could still ride everything on would be fun. I recently demoed a ripley AF and the geo, travel, and intent of that bike seems pretty close to that of the tallboy -especially in the size medium. I’ve been interested in the tallboy for years. There are good deals to be had on both bikes. I kind of like the look of the tallboy but I like the price of the ripley af, how would you compare these two bikes? The ripley af was a blast and pedaled very well.
Thanks for a great review. Was in the Alps in September, and one of the guides and one of the fellow guests had one of these, and they were both quick (up and down)! Question please - which one do you prefer between this and a Smuggler, for same sort of trails you described in the video?
Hey thanks! Not sure on the bigger fork question. Haven’t tried it with 140 yet. Not sure I’d want to go any more linear on the shock though. I see a lot of folks trying to make little 120mm bikes big and burly. I think they’re missing the point. If you want big and burly just buy that in the first place rather than trying to turn a little bike into something it’s not. By the time you’ve put a super deluxe, lyrik and proper tires on it you may as well get a Hightower.
@@MrDavecore777 yeah I saw that too. In my mind it just doesn’t make much sense to do that. From a weight and climbing standpoint it’s basically the same as a Hightower without being as capable on the DH.
Currently ride a v2 Hightower and was going to replace with a new Hightower…until I saw the new specs…160/150, lower, longer, slacker, etc. Now considering a Tallboy. I primarily ride east coast chunk but the v4 HT seems overkill. Don’t want to be overbiked but also don’t want to be severely underbaked either. Thoughts on going from a v2 HT to a TB?
They will be completely different bikes. A TB will be great on slower speed chunk trails as well as stuff that isn’t steep. If the speeds are higher or the gradients are steeper and it’s still chunky, the HT is the better option.
Love your reviews..great job…I’m coming of a 2022 Blur TR here on the east coast(tight, technical, rocky, rooty with no big downhills just a crap load up punchy ups and down) looking for more capable bike with more comfort that is still fairly snappy…do you think this would fit the bill? Love Santa Cruz
Hey thanks for the kind words. I certainly think the TB will fit the bill. Won’t climb nearly as well as your Blur but it with be much better on the DH.
Good review, love Utah too, but this bike is Way too heavy for that capability, a 120 130 should be 24 to 25 pounds max and I think they can go slacker on mid travel in general, good middle ground in my mind is 140 frame - 160mm fork, 64 ha, 78 sa, and get it to weigh 26-28 pounds, but that's for my riding style and preference for steep, tech, and high speed. A 30ish pound bike should be squarely enduro. Seems like the geo and tech has reached its limit for the most part in the last few years and we don't actually need new frames, just larger brake pads, that's the tech I want the most lol.
I don’t know if those weight targets are realistic. Most enduro bikes are coming in around 35+ these days. A lot of XC race bikes are pushing 25. I think a trail bike around 28-30 is reasonable.
@@bikersedge I think it’s possible with good engineering, and companies should strive to keep pushing towards peak weight to strength ratio. I have a sentinel built up strong, cascade link, with a coil and 170 fork that’s just under 31 pounds, and on a lighter wheel build tire setup it’s close to 29. Just depends on suspension linkage complexity and carbon layup tech. Santa Cruz tends to go heavy on layers.
Hello Conor, great content, very professional and on point reviews! I have Megatower V1 bumped up to 180mm forkwise it is my do all bike (I climb it regularly 6K-8K v.ft.). Looking for something smaller and poppier as my lokal trail, after work game on bike. I am mostly overbiked so I am looking to the other site of the spectrum to be able to learn how to bike better and transfer my skills to Megatower - my alps slyer. I have Tallboy and 5010 in mind. How do they compare stiff- wise? Do you have any thoughts on the topic? Any recommendations for one over the other? As You can see above I treat myself as a climbing performance limiting factor...xD
Hi, great review: I am stuck between the tall boy and the new 5010 ? As an all around bike am leaning towards the tall boy but from what I have seen the 5010 nearly pedals as good as the tall boy, would appreciate any advice, thanks from Scotland 🏴
I think the TB pedals better than the 5010. If you’re more into longer rides, bigger climbs and covering ground I’d go TB. If you’re into goofing around and hitting jumps I’d go 5010
The reach seems a little short, how did it feel? I love the Spur for that 510mm reach! Speaking of how would you compare the two? I know you loved the Spur it was a big part of the reason I got one.
@@dachuckster2 maybe it’s buried a few replies deep. This is really close to a smuggler. Honestly pretty tough to tell them apart. They have a similar feel on the climbs and descents. The tallboy frame itself might feel a bit more robust while the smuggler feels a bit flexier.
I’ve watched this review a handful of times now. I’m a Utah rider and need some expert help. I’m debating between the Tallboy, SB120, and Trail 429. Build will be nicer with X0 trans, lighter carbon wheels/bar, etc. Most riding will be the Wasatch front, Park City, and a handful of St. George/Moab trips a year. The summer rides can include 20-30 miles with 3k-4k vertical. What bike do you pick and why? Thanks.
We don't carry Pivot so unfortunately I wont be much help there. I haven't spent enough time on a 120 yet to really say. I can vouch for the Tallboy - it's not the fastest climber in the category, but it makes up for it in comfort and confidence on the descents.
@@bikersedge after some more research of my own I have decided on the Tallboy. Part of my decision might have to do with me working part time at Bike Peddler in Lehi, so I get a good deal on Santa Cruz. I’m going to get the white X0 transmission build and throw on some carbon Roval Control wheels with some lighter Specialized tires. Hoping to get the bike at around 28.5 lbs in a size large.
Curious if you've ever ridden a YT Izzo? On paper it seems really similar to the Tallboy. Both have on my radar for a while and the YT is a much better deal.
What about against the smuggler? Spur for me seems too xc. TB with a stiffer fork at 140 maybe cascade link or Transition smuggler hmmm?. But is this too close to my 160/155 Rail?
So if it is a clear trail bike and it doesn’t have a speed or weight advantage over a 130 to 150 trail bike then why spend your money on this category when a bigger bike is just as fast? Seems like a Stumpy would be faster lighter and more travel in the trail bike category or a Spur in a light, fast and still capable XC / Marathon class bike. What am I missing
@@bikersedge I'm definitely not a Spec fanboy, but the Stumpy is lighter and Stumpy Evo is not heavier comparing same priced models. For a trail bike of same weight i would choose the more capable / travel bike, and if I want light and fast then look to a Spur or similar. JMO. That said, like everyone else here, love the channel
@tywitt3351 true. Weight is certainly a factor in how a bike climbs but it’s not the only factor. I’d put it about third on the list of things that affect how a bike climbs. The Tallboy will certainly have a climbing advantage over an evo
The tires were fine for a faster rolling setup. I’d be tempted to put burlier tires on there but I don’t think that’s the move. It’s going to kill the climbing performance and rolling speed a bit.
I honestly think it rides better with the new curves. Pedals a bit better. Sits higher in the travel until needed. Doesn’t sit down in the mid stroke and get stuck there.
I’m currently riding a Transition Sentinel, but almost certainly without the skills to justify riding a Sentinel. I’m curious if you’d consider this a good “all mountain” bike for those without the skills or desire to ride the gnarliest parts of the mountain. In other words, is an All Mountain bike overkill for the perpetually intermediate/dark blue rider?
I don’t think there’s a certain skill level required to ride big bikes. It’s more of a priority thing. If the sentinel is good enough for you on the climbs, then why not have the extra forgiveness it provides even if you’re not riding the gnarliest stuff? If the sentinel feels slower than you want on the climbs and mellow trails, then maybe something like the tallboy would be good for you. Just know it will be less forgiving. It would almost require more skills to ride DH than your Sentinel.
I have the Sentinel too, I think it's one of the best bikes, and that's coming from an xc background. Mine's 31pounds and the tallboy is like 29, barely a difference and a sentinel can weigh 29 built light since the frame is one of the lightest for that travel. I regularly do 50 mile all mountain rides with 7k of climbing on the sentinel, plus there's massive room for progressing safely, jumping etc. Used to always ride a tallboy 3 and now a 23pound scott spark and at the same effort the sentinel is only 2-3 minutes slower for every 1000ft climbed, but with a coil and cascade link at 165mm and over forked at 170mm it's so much more solid and easier on the hands.
@@NATURALBORNSHREDDERThanks for the perspective! My Sentinel has a coil shock on it and I love it. Buttery smooth, uphill and down. It sounds like I'm not missing much in terms of efficiency, and I do love the ability to plow into rock gardens and let the bike sort out the details.
For the most part everything should fit. You might need to buy a couple of odds and ends. You’ll want to make sure the forks steerer tube is long enough to fit the new frame. SC head tubes tend to be taller than other brands. Other things to check would be seat post diameters, brake line length, tire clearance, bottom bracket and headset.
@@bikersedge Thanks, sorry for my ocd but my Spur has been disappointing. I can only afford one bike at a time and can't figure out how not to make this bike not beat you up on chattery stuff even at low speeds. Can you help me figure out how to get this bike have a more damped feeling or do I need a little more suspension?
Great channel great reviews but I’m sorry, imo the TB is the worst bike I’ve ever demoed, 1 It’s heavy af 2 It’s awful at climbing ( The Nomad climbs just as good at 170mm” travel) it’s not great downhill… I just don’t get the Tallboy , it’s just not good at anything. I’d prefer to have the Nomad because it’s 100 times better on descents and it climbs almost as good as the TB ! That’s just my opinion. It’s a bit like the SC Bronson it’s not good at anything it’s just average and pointless 👎🏽
I just got a Nomad coming off the latest version Hightower and I agree. I think the Nomad climbs tech and steep better than the Hightower. If you get a SC, just get a big bike.
@@bikersedge haha! It was a poor attempt at humor, the Seattle area has a way with labels... Given that the Top fuel, Ripley, and Tallboy seem to been in the same class, would you say the tallboy is more in a class of it's own since it shines more than those on the descents? I feel like it peaks at at black flow, can it do black tech? Yes, but it's going to be a little dicier. I've never had 2 mountain bikes before, started on a 2020 remedy and upgraded the fork to a Zeb Ultimate 170 and rear super deluxe ultimate. The 27.5 long travel is where it's at for black tech/flow. The tallboy is best for everything underneath that and makes it so much damn fun!
Personally tallboy because of how it descends. It suits my style better. Lots of reasons someone might want a Ripley AF though - price being one of them.
![Tee Grizzley - Robbery 8 [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/34_vkNV6wrU/mqdefault.jpg)
Easily my new favorite review channel. I appreciate how succinct the reviews are without the feeling of them being over produced or any vlogginess that so many other channels exhibit these days. They come across very honest, and that’s a great thing!
Hey thanks!
hi, which is more universal - tallboy or hightower? thank you
Great, concise review. The riding footage is sick and the fall scenery was gorgeous. The Tallboy seems like a perfect mountain bike for people who just like big days out in the mountains (like me)
Hey thanks! Excellent option for folks like you.
I'm only 2 minutes into the video but I'm absolutely loving the arts and crafts presentation at the start lol
I took a drawing class last week so I could learn how to draw butts.
@@bikersedge And what a beautiful derriere it was.
Try and get your hands on a Forbidden Druid V2 and see how it stacks up to your recent trail category bikes. Awesome videos!
What makes your reviews great is the subtle nuances that helps distinguish all these great bikes & who they are for. To me it's still the most capable short-travel trail bike out there & the climbing is very efficient even if it's not the fastest which means you are not any more tired than if you were climbing with the Ripley or Trail 429 or Yeti SB 120 that are just in another category of climbers. So it is pleasant & comfortable to climb all day and that's what most people like about it. But where it shines is downhill AND exploring trails you've never ridden where you'll have the confidence knowing it can handle most anything that can unexpectedly pop-up. The closest short travel trail bike that does that is my Pivot Trail 429. The 429 climbs better, is more maneuverable, but is not quite as plush & comfortable but a lot more plush & comfortable than let's say the Ripley or the Yeti SB 120 but still more capable than those bikes.
Hey thanks for the kind words. This bike suits me super well as more of a gravity rider. Sure it could climb better, but you’re unlikely to find a better descending 120mm bike
Been binging ur vids and just have to say thanks. Vids are detailed but succint and totally applicable. Nearly lost my mind searching for a bike but this vid and ur XC showdown vid helped a ton. TB v 5 Melon is on its way as we speak. Thanks!
Love to hear they’ve been helpful. Enjoy the new bike!
I have tallboy v4. Great bike. Agree with your review... I normally ride yeti sb150, so this is my light bike, for more xc trails. But if I ride slower and more careful line choice, it also handles steeper tech etc, although you feel the repetitive hits etc with the shorter travel and thus the bike isn't as stable as a bigger bike. Two thumbs up.
Always love your reviews and this was another great one. I have the first 2020 TB4 released and love my bike. I'm confused as to where this bike sits though as in my opinion, I would have hoped they would have given this bike more anti-squat and made it more efficient pedaling wise, not less. It's very, very heavy for a 130/120 bike so if I had to get a new bike, I'd just jump to the Hightower with more travel for that weight and maybe get a used XC bike like an old Epic or other XC short travel rig. I will say this though, the customer service at Santa Cruz is second to none. Those guys are so responsive and always, always follow up to your emails/calls promptly. My visit to their factory in Santa Cruz 2 yrs ago did not disappoint!
Yeah this bike fills a unique niche. It’s not the climber’s 120mm bike. It’s the descender’s 120mm bike. While a Hightower is more capable it certainly won’t ride like a tallboy on the DH.
@@bikersedge So you like the Hightower better on the descents or the Tallboy?
@@AOL0321 They're different. The HT is certainly more capable, but the TB is more fun, lively and nimble. It comes down to priorities and riding style.
Just discovered your channel. Thank you for the great quality content!
Glad you’re enjoying it!
Love how the vids keep getting better!
Hey thanks!
Review and riding on point! ...That foliage tho! Sheesh! ❤
We had an amazing autumn this year.
what comes to mind for the following: Plush ride to not roast your joints, safe stable down hill, pedals fast when you want to fly on the flowy and flat, capable and confident on technical steep climbs
A lot of those characteristics are contradictory. They’re opposite ends of the same spectrum. The best you’ll be able to do is find something that offers the right balance of all those characteristics and aligns with your riding style.
Hightower maybe?
@@TomCollins-c4h Hightower would be a bit of a compromise on all fronts in order to be well balanced and good everywhere.
@@bikersedge ok how about SB140?
No no the new Ripley!
Excellent review
Hey thanks!
just picked up my v4 tallboy last month, love it so far, excellent review!
Enjoy the bike! It’s awesome.
I’m considering a Tallboy. What sort of terrain and riding do you feel it’s best used on?
Any complaints or issues climbing steeper grades?
-thanks
@@davids6652 I've got a Tallboy V4. Previous bike was an even more XC oriented Norco, and I briefly owned a RM Instinct last year (bought it to replace the TB, and realized i was soooooo wrong). I've never had issues climbing with the TB. If anything, it climbs better than my Norco did because the rear end just seems to soak up imperfections while still offering great support and efficiency.
I ride BC mountains, Alberta Rockies, and occasionally more tame valleys. In anything other than gnarly black diamonds it's fully capable. I'd put it this way, if you're the person that rides the kind of terrain the TB can't handle, you're probably not the kind of person that would even consider it.
My Tallboy is pretty great. Interesting that an XL fit me perfectly and I love the comfort of this bike. Never any aches or pains. I can ride all day. I do occasionally lose traction at the most inconvenient moments on technical climbs however. Could be my technique. BUT, I did a test ride on a Niner Jet RDO and that thing NEVER has any wheel slip. I also tested an XL and I was sore and in pain the next day. Maybe an L would have been a different story. I was very tempted to pay the restocking fee on the Tallboy as the Niners went on a crazy sale and I could have saved a bunch of money for better specs. But I couldn’t risk the loss of comfort. Niner is well worth checking out for those looking.
Thank you, great video. I think if I only had one bike in the quiver this would be on the "ride before buy" list. But, I am fortunate enough to have two bikes. A trail bike (Ibis Ripley) and a XC bike (Transition Spur). Between these two I can ride anything (that I am willing to ride safely). To use a lighter bike in tight, up and down single track the XC is just flat out fun. But, when the going is more rough the Ripley can really hammer some serious technical terrain with confidence.
Right on!
As a TB4 alloy owner, I’ve been wondering if I should upgrade. Excited to watch!!!!
It's not a huge departure from the 4, but some subtle tweaks make it a tiny bit better in my mind. If you upgraded, I wouldn't expect it to feel radically different for you, though.
Did you find yourself over the center of the bike more often? Or in places you’d remember being out of position?
Curious bc I think the 4 only starts you over the bb and then encourages a riding style (140mm fork🤓) that puts one’s butt in the previous zip code.
@@willskissick4100 I ride very forward on bikes in general. So on the descents I felt this was a similar feel to the 4. On the climbs I noticed I was much further forward than on the 4.
I think a Cascade link and new rear shock would make the TB4 more capable than simply switching to a TB5
this sounds like the perfect compliment to my Levo SL and Ecc6 🤔
Great insight.. Thank you for creating the vid. Like some of the others, it would be great to see a TB v 5010 (your review of the 5010 prompted me to buy one)
Hey thanks. Yeah I’ll see what I can do!
I bought and Orbea Occam in 2022 and bikes like the Tallboy and Ibis Ripley where other bikes I was looking at. I guess I reversed it and went with the140mm bike that kind of feels more like a 120mm bike than the 120mm bike that feels like a 140. :P
Sorry man I took your advice and already bought an SB 140 as well as almost immediately realizing you were correct and a higher rise bar was needed. Check and check maybe my next one will be the Tallboy I did on the previous version and it was pretty rad.
Sb140 is one of my favorite do it all bikes still. So well balanced. Luckily higher bars are an easy fix.
Great review, your content has become my “go to” for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is I’m about your size, so I like seeing XL bikes in action. Tallboy has been my trail bike for years, I currently ride the v5 with a slightly burlier build (140 pike and SD ultimate). It handles everything I’m willing to ride here in New England. I do wonder about the space between the Tallboy and Hightower though and wonder if the Hightower isn’t a better option for most riders. It been forever since I’ve been on a Hightower so not sure if it feels like a bigger bike like the Tallboy does.
Hey thanks for the kind words!
Sounds similar to a Revel Rascal.. great review!
Similar to a rascal but it climbs waaaaay better.
For flow trails, sure. Personally I have no flow trails where I live so I'm glad I have more suspension(142/160mm).
Nothing but super smooth flowy trails in this video which I'm sure would be no problem without any suspension as well. I'd rather like to see that thing thrown into some chunk so you could actually test its limits.
I'm sure it's a very good bike, it just has to be for what it is intended for.
Ha. GoPro effect. Some of those trails aren’t messing around.
How tall are you? I see you are running a huge stack like me! I love my Tallboy but at times I wish I'd sized up to XL. Great review by the way!
I’m 6’2” with really long legs. If I don’t run a tall front end the bars feel like they’re below my knees on the descents.
best reporter
Thanks!
I wish my handwriting was that good! Great review once again! Do I foresee your 5010 and tallboy compare coming soon?
My mom bribed me with a Sega Genesys in third grade if I fixed my chicken scratch. Now I’m basically a human type writer.
If I can get to a 5010/TB showdown this year I’ll make it happen.
Great review! And the autumn landscape is really beautiful in your area!
How would you compare it to a Hightower or YT Jessfy?
In my area there aren't any bike parks or mtb trails (we improvise), but I would like to have the option to go to a bike park, if I want, or to go bikepacking with the bike. The bike should therefore be able to cover a bright spectrum of riding. Which bike would you choose?
Not sure on the Jeffsy. This is obviously a lot more “trail” than a Hightower. It climbs better and is more agile on the DH. Obviously less capable.
Pretty interesting. I've been trying to find the "perfect" bike to fall between a Blur TR and a Ibis HD6. Element had exploding bearings and a creaky linkage, Ranger was the creakiest bike I've ever ridden and geo was too XC, Spur is close but just a bit too similar. I just built up a 5010 since I fell in love with the mullet setup on the HD6. Hoping that's the one.
It’s definitely NOT the Tallboy , go demo one, it’s heavy, sluggish and not good downhill either, choose another bike bro 👊🏽
What length stem are you using? Are those the 35mm rise bars? Looking to change up the stock cockpit a bit. Great reviews as always!
Cockpit setup will be very personal. I go through a few setups on each bike usually ended up at 35 rise and 35 stem on this.
Currently thinking of going from the stock 20mm carbon rise bars that came stock on my 2022 Tallboy XO1 build to the SC Carbon 35mm rise bars…hmmmm. Any advantage with the switch. For $170 it’s hard to just try things out.
I a a 22 AL toy boy, puta Fox float 34 and fox float and it is the ONLY bike I need besides a DH or big enduro. It is the most fun I have ever had on a bike .
So good.
Very helpful review on the Tallboy. Are there any other bikes to compare it to I should check out?
I ride mostly in western PA/WV what I would call XC single track with decent climbs and downhill but nothing too extreme. Currently riding a hard tail 29’er
-thanks
NORCO OPTIC: In your video on the Optic you seemed to think it keeps up with the Tallboy up and down hill. Is this still the case with the updates to the Tallboy? Love the videos! Helpful and entertaining.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve ridden the optic it’s tough to say. I think it was a more capable descender than the tallboy.
Thanks, if they climb similarly the optic seems like a good choice @@bikersedge
Love the review! What trail are you riding?? (not the bobsled loop)
A whole bunch of trails in PC and SLC
excellent way to present the dull stuff - and you present the numbers for the XL version, which is the only size I am interested in ;o)
Hey thanks!
Hi- great review. I fit the description of what you described as my daily driver is a long travel enduro bike, but I’m overbiked on most of the trails I ride and I think have a shorter travel bike that I could still ride everything on would be fun. I recently demoed a ripley AF and the geo, travel, and intent of that bike seems pretty close to that of the tallboy -especially in the size medium. I’ve been interested in the tallboy for years. There are good deals to be had on both bikes. I kind of like the look of the tallboy but I like the price of the ripley af, how would you compare these two bikes? The ripley af was a blast and pedaled very well.
We did a Ripley vs tallboy vs spur showdown a few years back. Most of that info is still relevant today. I’d go watch that one for your answer.
Thanks for a great review. Was in the Alps in September, and one of the guides and one of the fellow guests had one of these, and they were both quick (up and down)! Question please - which one do you prefer between this and a Smuggler, for same sort of trails you described in the video?
Actually pretty similar between those two. I’d need to ride a smuggler again but I feel like they’re pretty close.
Best review out there of the TB and some great footage! How would you say this would compare with a 140mm lyrik and SD to the 5010?
Hey thanks! Not sure on the bigger fork question. Haven’t tried it with 140 yet. Not sure I’d want to go any more linear on the shock though. I see a lot of folks trying to make little 120mm bikes big and burly. I think they’re missing the point. If you want big and burly just buy that in the first place rather than trying to turn a little bike into something it’s not. By the time you’ve put a super deluxe, lyrik and proper tires on it you may as well get a Hightower.
@@bikersedge that’s a fair point! I saw Mark Scott did quite a burly build on his, I guess there is some natural overlap with the HT
@@MrDavecore777 yeah I saw that too. In my mind it just doesn’t make much sense to do that. From a weight and climbing standpoint it’s basically the same as a Hightower without being as capable on the DH.
Great review as usual. How would it compare to the ripley?
We did that video a few years back. I’d say the info still applies today. Go check that one out.
Currently ride a v2 Hightower and was going to replace with a new Hightower…until I saw the new specs…160/150, lower, longer, slacker, etc. Now considering a Tallboy. I primarily ride east coast chunk but the v4 HT seems overkill. Don’t want to be overbiked but also don’t want to be severely underbaked either.
Thoughts on going from a v2 HT to a TB?
They will be completely different bikes. A TB will be great on slower speed chunk trails as well as stuff that isn’t steep. If the speeds are higher or the gradients are steeper and it’s still chunky, the HT is the better option.
Hi, thanks for the great video. Could you please make a comparison video between Santa Cruz Tallboy and Canyon Spectral 125?
I haven’t ridden the Spectral. As a local bike shop we don’t have access to Canyon bikes.
What are your GoPro lens settings? Are you running an 11 or 12?
(Great review, I enjoyed it and learned a lot!)
12 with max lens
Beautiful bike trail! Looks like you biked thru Windows XP Trail
It’s an Apple screensaver. Much nicer.
Love your reviews..great job…I’m coming of a 2022 Blur TR here on the east coast(tight, technical, rocky, rooty with no big downhills just a crap load up punchy ups and down) looking for more capable bike with more comfort that is still fairly snappy…do you think this would fit the bill? Love Santa Cruz
Hey thanks for the kind words. I certainly think the TB will fit the bill. Won’t climb nearly as well as your Blur but it with be much better on the DH.
Went with the tallboy!! Love it!! It rips everything
Another awesome review! You able to share your riding camera setup and settings? They look dialed
Hey thanks. I’m just using a Hero 12 with max lens.
@@bikersedge sweeeeet! Looks great. Do you have it mounted to a GoPro Chesty or you rocking something different?
@@offroadarcade yup. Just on a chest mount.
@@bikersedge really appreciate the replies! Have a great week 🤙
@offroadarcade9477 of course. You too!
Good review, love Utah too, but this bike is Way too heavy for that capability, a 120 130 should be 24 to 25 pounds max and I think they can go slacker on mid travel in general, good middle ground in my mind is 140 frame - 160mm fork, 64 ha, 78 sa, and get it to weigh 26-28 pounds, but that's for my riding style and preference for steep, tech, and high speed. A 30ish pound bike should be squarely enduro. Seems like the geo and tech has reached its limit for the most part in the last few years and we don't actually need new frames, just larger brake pads, that's the tech I want the most lol.
I don’t know if those weight targets are realistic. Most enduro bikes are coming in around 35+ these days. A lot of XC race bikes are pushing 25. I think a trail bike around 28-30 is reasonable.
@@bikersedge I think it’s possible with good engineering, and companies should strive to keep pushing towards peak weight to strength ratio. I have a sentinel built up strong, cascade link, with a coil and 170 fork that’s just under 31 pounds, and on a lighter wheel build tire setup it’s close to 29. Just depends on suspension linkage complexity and carbon layup tech. Santa Cruz tends to go heavy on layers.
Hello Conor, great content, very professional and on point reviews! I have Megatower V1 bumped up to 180mm forkwise it is my do all bike (I climb it regularly 6K-8K v.ft.). Looking for something smaller and poppier as my lokal trail, after work game on bike. I am mostly overbiked so I am looking to the other site of the spectrum to be able to learn how to bike better and transfer my skills to Megatower - my alps slyer. I have Tallboy and 5010 in mind. How do they compare stiff- wise? Do you have any thoughts on the topic? Any recommendations for one over the other? As You can see above I treat myself as a climbing performance limiting factor...xD
Hey thanks! I think the TB would be a great compliment to your mega.
Hi, great review: I am stuck between the tall boy and the new 5010 ? As an all around bike am leaning towards the tall boy but from what I have seen the 5010 nearly pedals as good as the tall boy, would appreciate any advice, thanks from Scotland 🏴
I think the TB pedals better than the 5010. If you’re more into longer rides, bigger climbs and covering ground I’d go TB. If you’re into goofing around and hitting jumps I’d go 5010
The reach seems a little short, how did it feel? I love the Spur for that 510mm reach! Speaking of how would you compare the two? I know you loved the Spur it was a big part of the reason I got one.
I’m a fan of bikes in the 500mm reach. Pretty standard for an XL.
Nice review. How does this compare to the Smuggler?
Just answered that one in the comments. Go find that one for the answer.
Sorry man, but I’ve searched through the comments looking for Smuggler and not found any mention of it, I found a couple of Spurs.
@@dachuckster2 maybe it’s buried a few replies deep.
This is really close to a smuggler. Honestly pretty tough to tell them apart. They have a similar feel on the climbs and descents. The tallboy frame itself might feel a bit more robust while the smuggler feels a bit flexier.
@@bikersedge that’s interesting thanks!
Hmm this is the second year of this bike model - so I wonder if they'll be dropping V6 shortly?
I doubt it’s 2024. More likely 2025/6
I’ve watched this review a handful of times now. I’m a Utah rider and need some expert help. I’m debating between the Tallboy, SB120, and Trail 429. Build will be nicer with X0 trans, lighter carbon wheels/bar, etc. Most riding will be the Wasatch front, Park City, and a handful of St. George/Moab trips a year. The summer rides can include 20-30 miles with 3k-4k vertical. What bike do you pick and why? Thanks.
We don't carry Pivot so unfortunately I wont be much help there. I haven't spent enough time on a 120 yet to really say. I can vouch for the Tallboy - it's not the fastest climber in the category, but it makes up for it in comfort and confidence on the descents.
@@bikersedge after some more research of my own I have decided on the Tallboy. Part of my decision might have to do with me working part time at Bike Peddler in Lehi, so I get a good deal on Santa Cruz. I’m going to get the white X0 transmission build and throw on some carbon Roval Control wheels with some lighter Specialized tires. Hoping to get the bike at around 28.5 lbs in a size large.
Nomad 6 review please
Still working on it.
Curious if you've ever ridden a YT Izzo? On paper it seems really similar to the Tallboy. Both have on my radar for a while and the YT is a much better deal.
Nope. Haven’t ridden the Izzo. We don’t have access to YT as a LBS.
Nice review! How does it compare to the Spur, which is around 4 lbs lighter?
I’d go watch our trail bike showdown that compares the TB4 to the spur. Then come back here to see how the TB5 and 4 compare.
@@bikersedge haha. I’ve already watched it (twice) and still don’t know what the answer is. 😂
What about against the smuggler? Spur for me seems too xc. TB with a stiffer fork at 140 maybe cascade link or Transition smuggler hmmm?. But is this too close to my 160/155 Rail?
I think the TB rides a lot more like. Smuggler than it does Spur.
So if it is a clear trail bike and it doesn’t have a speed or weight advantage over a 130 to 150 trail bike then why spend your money on this category when a bigger bike is just as fast? Seems like a Stumpy would be faster lighter and more travel in the trail bike category or a Spur in a light, fast and still capable XC / Marathon class bike. What am I missing
Oh it definitely has a speed and weight advantage over 130-150mm bikes. Just not over most other 120mm bikes.
@@bikersedge I'm definitely not a Spec fanboy, but the Stumpy is lighter and Stumpy Evo is not heavier comparing same priced models. For a trail bike of same weight i would choose the more capable / travel bike, and if I want light and fast then look to a Spur or similar. JMO. That said, like everyone else here, love the channel
@tywitt3351 true. Weight is certainly a factor in how a bike climbs but it’s not the only factor. I’d put it about third on the list of things that affect how a bike climbs. The Tallboy will certainly have a climbing advantage over an evo
The video. Your arms are like Dalsim. Great resolution though, but why so distorted?
I have Mrs Incredible stretch arms.
How did you like the dissector rekon combo? What tires would you pick to match this bike where you live?
The tires were fine for a faster rolling setup. I’d be tempted to put burlier tires on there but I don’t think that’s the move. It’s going to kill the climbing performance and rolling speed a bit.
How does it climb compared to the 5010? Is it a pretty noticeable difference?
Yes. The tallboy is better uphill.
Would have loved if it was progressive like the old one
I honestly think it rides better with the new curves. Pedals a bit better. Sits higher in the travel until needed. Doesn’t sit down in the mid stroke and get stuck there.
I’m currently riding a Transition Sentinel, but almost certainly without the skills to justify riding a Sentinel. I’m curious if you’d consider this a good “all mountain” bike for those without the skills or desire to ride the gnarliest parts of the mountain. In other words, is an All Mountain bike overkill for the perpetually intermediate/dark blue rider?
I don’t think there’s a certain skill level required to ride big bikes. It’s more of a priority thing. If the sentinel is good enough for you on the climbs, then why not have the extra forgiveness it provides even if you’re not riding the gnarliest stuff? If the sentinel feels slower than you want on the climbs and mellow trails, then maybe something like the tallboy would be good for you. Just know it will be less forgiving. It would almost require more skills to ride DH than your Sentinel.
@@bikersedge That makes me feel good about my choices, thanks!
I have the Sentinel too, I think it's one of the best bikes, and that's coming from an xc background. Mine's 31pounds and the tallboy is like 29, barely a difference and a sentinel can weigh 29 built light since the frame is one of the lightest for that travel. I regularly do 50 mile all mountain rides with 7k of climbing on the sentinel, plus there's massive room for progressing safely, jumping etc. Used to always ride a tallboy 3 and now a 23pound scott spark and at the same effort the sentinel is only 2-3 minutes slower for every 1000ft climbed, but with a coil and cascade link at 165mm and over forked at 170mm it's so much more solid and easier on the hands.
@@NATURALBORNSHREDDERThanks for the perspective! My Sentinel has a coil shock on it and I love it. Buttery smooth, uphill and down. It sounds like I'm not missing much in terms of efficiency, and I do love the ability to plow into rock gardens and let the bike sort out the details.
Question for anyone in the comments: can I switch over a stock ripley af components over to a Santa Cruz Tallboy frame ? thanks fellas.
For the most part everything should fit. You might need to buy a couple of odds and ends. You’ll want to make sure the forks steerer tube is long enough to fit the new frame. SC head tubes tend to be taller than other brands. Other things to check would be seat post diameters, brake line length, tire clearance, bottom bracket and headset.
If you picked one bike for southern utah, you picking Tallboy or Rascal?
Tallboy all day. But it wouldn’t be my first pick for southern Utah overall. Just my pick between those two
@@bikersedge curious what’s first?
@@DK-wd8ju well Grafton is my favorite trail in the state so I’d take a big bike.
How does it handle small potholes and such? My 120mm bike gets hung up on those and feels like rigid bike hitting those.
I’d consider that all small bump stuff. Check the suspension part of the video for the answer.
@@bikersedge Thanks, sorry for my ocd but my Spur has been disappointing. I can only afford one bike at a time and can't figure out how not to make this bike not beat you up on chattery stuff even at low speeds. Can you help me figure out how to get this bike have a more damped feeling or do I need a little more suspension?
@@TomCollins-c4h I’d argue that a 120mm bike is always going to beat you up a bit. Theres just not a ton of travel to work with.
You doing sb120 anytime soon?
Potentially. Trying our best. Riding opportunities are few and far between at the moment.
How would you compare this to the Hightower v3?
I’ve answered that one a few times in previous comments. Go dig those up for your answer.
So what size was it, and how tall are you? thx
XL I’m 6’2”
which one up bar is that
The carbon bar
bro what trail is this?!?!
A bunch of trails in northern Utah
27,000' of climbimng in unbelievable
What trail is at 6:46 in Utah? Is it new?
This was filmed mainly in Park City
@@bikersedge thanks! What’s the name of the trail in park city? I know this is a new trail built up this year but don’t know the name of it..
The V4 was hard to beat. The front wheel angle could bee a bit less open
Slacker? I personally think it’s in a great spot for a 120mm bike.
@bikersedge I'd like it a tad bit steeper not slacker
@@MrFrescocotone ah gotcha. Yeah. Up to 66 would even be ok for me.
Great channel great reviews but I’m sorry, imo the TB is the worst bike I’ve ever demoed, 1 It’s heavy af 2 It’s awful at climbing ( The Nomad climbs just as good at 170mm” travel) it’s not great downhill… I just don’t get the Tallboy , it’s just not good at anything. I’d prefer to have the Nomad because it’s 100 times better on descents and it climbs almost as good as the TB ! That’s just my opinion. It’s a bit like the SC Bronson it’s not good at anything it’s just average and pointless 👎🏽
I just got a Nomad coming off the latest version Hightower and I agree. I think the Nomad climbs tech and steep better than the Hightower. If you get a SC, just get a big bike.
Sounds like the perfect bike to take down to Moab, seems like it would just eat up all that pedally tech.
It would be great for the mellower stuff. I’d personally prefer a bit more bike for bombing down ahab and portal.
I do think it is a shred sled but I am an XC guy 😂
Just think what you could do with a Megatower?!?!
tallboy vs occam sl
Haven’t ridden the Occam SL yet. Can’t say.
9:10 sounds like something a downhiller would say
Don’t get me wrong, I love working with gravity rather than against it. Just not nearly aggressive and fast enough to call myself a downhiller.
Pacific is an ocean. Js
?
oh look more of the same as the previous 4 years.
Even with only minor revisions it still wipes the floor with most other trail bikes.
Reaching Peak Geo benefits everyone. And size-specific tweaks are huge for people who aren’t 5’11”.
Yep, all their bikes seem like the same model and mold just with different travel.
@@ramoer they certainly have a consistent look.
to expensive like most santa cruz bikes
How dare you assume the downstyle of my bike!!! 😤
Sorry. Won’t happen again. All bikes are now downcountry bikes.
@@bikersedge haha! It was a poor attempt at humor, the Seattle area has a way with labels... Given that the Top fuel, Ripley, and Tallboy seem to been in the same class, would you say the tallboy is more in a class of it's own since it shines more than those on the descents? I feel like it peaks at at black flow, can it do black tech? Yes, but it's going to be a little dicier. I've never had 2 mountain bikes before, started on a 2020 remedy and upgraded the fork to a Zeb Ultimate 170 and rear super deluxe ultimate. The 27.5 long travel is where it's at for black tech/flow. The tallboy is best for everything underneath that and makes it so much damn fun!
Your reviews are great but SC keeps making "new" bikes that all look the same. Tiny so called improvements, uninspiring.
They look the same sure. Luckily the way a bike looks doesn’t determine how it rides. They certainly ride different than their predecessors.
You don't like to play guess the Santa Cruz? A guy today asked me if it was a nomad. Then we all learn something.
@@mattvielbig haha. I love playing that game while driving. I get it wrong 11/10 times.
I have a v4 Tallboy and a guy once asked me if it was a Megatower lol.
@@norcalchrismeister I mean those even had the same paint job. Tough to tell them apart. Ha.
All these bikes are the same nothing special here
All of what bikes? There’s one in this video.
Ripley AF vs tallboy what do you choose? @bikersedge
Personally tallboy because of how it descends. It suits my style better. Lots of reasons someone might want a Ripley AF though - price being one of them.
Yeah, the price difference is definitely a factor @bikersedge