Great review! Currently riding a Trek Fuel Ex 8 Gen 6 XXL. I am riding with the NICA team and find myself doing more “fast” XC riding lately. I still like to hit the jumps and drops and take trips up north or Bentonville. I don’t think I would enjoy a full blown XC bike. Do you think I would notice much of a difference going from the Gen 6 Fuel Ex to a Tallboy?
I have the TB 4, CC. It’s def a trail bike. So far, it has never let me down on any type of terrain. I also, put Rekons on, put it in the high position and it just came alive.
I have a Tallboy V5 with the Cascade Link, Fox 36 140mm, and a Float X… Now a “HighBoy,” the thing rips and jumps like no other. I also have a Pivot Trail 429 and a Mach 6, but I ride my Tallboy the most. It rips
Also have a trail 429, how would you compare them? I'm not entirely happy with how hard it is to keep the front wheel down on steep long climbs. Front wheel is very wandery, and wants to lift up.
The 429 is a much better climber, and I've cleaned steep climbs that I can't on the Tallboy. The Tallboy is even worse when it comes to trying to keep the front wheel down, but definitely a better descender, especially with the Fox 36. But I actually love both bikes, hence why I keep them both.
@@ShadRocks808 thanks for the reply, not what I was expecting honestly. I thought the steeper seat tube and longer chain stay would help with the front end. I have the enduro build with the 140mm fox 36, and it does fairly well on the downs for me. I liked the idea of the 130/140 tall boy, but you have me thinking if it’s worth it. I do wish I could demo one, but can’t seem to find one in AZ.
You're welcome! It sort of sits in a category of it's own... it's similar to bikes like the Ripley and Trail 429 but doesn't climb as well and feels bigger when going at those higher speed or through chunk.
Can you please do a comparison between yeti sb120; Santacruz tallboy, pivot 429 and specialized epic Evo 8 please, great content keep up the good work 🎉
It comes down to speed I think. If your speeds are very high, you will enjoy the tb5 most. That said, most people I see out on the trails aren't ripping (even tho I think they perceive themselves as "ripping") and ever pushing their bikes to the bikes limits. I see a lot of people on the trail who are over-biked. So.... This is why the T429 is probably the bike I recommend more to people than any other bike. Climbs well, can handle high speeds and chunk well but is still a lot of fun on green/blue trails. If you're lighter weight or rarely hit super high speeds, the Ripley can't be beat. I'll say it again, For most riders under 190 lbs, the Ibis Ripley can not be beat. It's the very best the bike world has to offer in my experience. If you ride super hard, at higher speeds or in chunky terrain, the Trail 429 would be a better option. The Tallboy is a more easy going, soft and fun experience compared to the t429.... man..... maybe we need to do another live stream on this topic.... hope this helped!
@@mtbyumyum ok. And what if I say that CC has the SB120 T3 (Turq) with X01 AXS and full factory suspension for 5900 whereas the Tall Boy has is the same price for the measly S build ???
The element is just lighter weight and better climbing so it’s tough to say. It doesn’t have that really plush feeling that the tallboy has though. They’re actually pretty different. Sorry I can’t be more help.
I owned a 2021 tall boy and sold it for a Ripley. I am so much better of a rider now than I was when I owned those two bikes. I would like to give both of them another go. the issue is I have the trail version of the SB 140 that weighs 28.7 pounds. That’s only like a pound heavier than the most expensive tall boy.
This has always been my problem with the newer, lower shock mount, Tallboy.... it's a similar weight and climbing ability as the sb140, Stumpy evo, Ripmo, Switchblade, Hightower and other bikes in the category..... so it's hard not to just bump up to the longer travel category.... but it's slightly more fun on more moderate trails and speeds.
Great, timely review Yum Yum! From the number of comments received asking your opinions on so many similar ilk bikes, you can see the credibility you have with us -- extremely high! Kudos! Gotta say, as a 77-year old Colorado NICA coach who now rides only green/blue (maybe a black every blue moon!) trails at moderate speeds, my several years old Ibis Ripley (carbon) more than exceeds my talents and .... since Rule #1 is FUN .... can't be beat! Throw some Rekons on that beauty and SMILE .... uphill and down!
Thanks so much! I got my TB5 last year just before the release of the SRAM Transmission and I have been loving it and riding it hard! I got it set up with a XT drive train and it’s my everything bike. It climbs pretty well and it rips downhill through all of the trails here in Northern California. I’ve been looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the TB5 for a while now and I’m excited to hear how you compare it to so many others in the category. Thanks again.
The Pivot Trail 429 is a special bike. If I could only have one bike I could make a pretty compelling argument for the T429.... that said, the Tallboy has a more bottomless feeling. It's a softer ride and overall more easy going experience. Doesn't climb anywhere near as well as the T429. Neither bike is as zippy and lively as the Ibis Ripley but both the T429 and TB5 leave the Ripley behind on the highest speed or chunky bits of trail. The sb120 isn't even a consideration for me personally.... too heavy for what it does... I would take the TB5 over the sb120 and the T429 over just about all of them unless you're a lighter weight rider or rarely hitting the highest speeds and chunky terrain in which case I would have to go with the Ripley. Ugg.... so many good choices tho! Best case scenario, skip this entire category of bike and have two bikes..... Cannondale Scalpel and Yeti SB140 LR!!!
What do you think about Tallboy in comparing with Stumpjumper (non evo)? Stumpjumper is muuuuch lighter, so it looks like more XC-bike than Tallboy. However, some say that it is not "efficient climber" due to less sophisticated suspension design. But some say that it is very fun bike, just like some say about Tallboy =) I just want to replace my Commencal Tempo frame because I want lighter bike (Tempo frame is 3.5 kg without shock!) and want to have swat/glove box so both Tallboy and Stumjumper looks like great bikes.
Yeah, the Stumpjumper for sure feels more zippy and light weight. Doesn't have the traction and just overall bottomless feeling the Tallboy has. I think the Stumpjuper with a float shock instead of the dps shock would be interesting to try. That said, you might look at the Ibis Ripley frame.... it's light weight and that bike is an excellent do it all short travel bike.
I love this bike and almost bought one. I found a last-year’s-model Ibis Ripley (carbon) at a killer price, so I have that instead. The Ripley is great. The TB was more upright in stance and a little more confidence inspiring downhill. Both are very versatile - plenty good climbers and more nimble than more slack bikes (something that drives me nuts), but more comfortable and confident at descending than cross country bikes. These are perfect for the flowy trails and moderate downhills that are my preference.
Dang... it's hard for me to ever pass on the Ripley... it's just so good. Although I'd go with the carbon Ripley!! Plus they're on sale right now at Salt Cycles... 801-943-8502
@@mtbyumyum Haha. From watching your vids I thought you may go with the Ripley. I’ve owned the prev gen carbon TB and currently am on the Ripley AF. Very similar geo and trail feel. I think even the AF climbs a bit better. Both awesome trail bikes that punch above their weight! Thanks for the feedback l!
Your reviews are the best. Tonight I demoed in the parking lot both tall boy large and a Hightower XL. Rode the Hightower first loved it. The large tallboy felt amazing. I can’t help but to wonder how a Hightower large would feel with those cross country tires you put on would feel. I am thinking that might be the perfect one bike quiver for me.
Coming from a road bike that thing is a tank. True love when I rode it. About to purchase but getting analysis paralysis. Will it be enough travel (im a mtb newbie riding in MD with gently undulating terrain with alot of rocks and bumbs) I dont plan on going super hard. Im also 5’3” and about 110lbs.
I have a TB 4. Had TB 3 before that. Huge difference between them. Prefer the TB 4 even though its 5 lbs heavier. Only issue I have is the LLVPP requires a lot more wrenching on bike to keep it running good. Have to yank the pivot axel every few months, clean and re-grease it all. Not a deal breaker but might be more than some want to mess with.
@@afig5197 read your manual. Specifically the lower link maintenance schedule. If yours has over 100 hours on it without creaking yet you got lucky. Mine starts creaking right at 50 hours or appx 2 months of riding for me. Be careful removing the axels. They are made of very brittle aluminum and the flanged heads can crack easily. Santa Cruz will send new ones for free if you registered the bike but it will take a month to get to you. They also run out of them which had my bike sidelined for a few months. Torque wrench is absolutely critical for reinstalling these too.
have had the tallboy for the last year or so. Defiantly a good one bike to do it all, especially with a 140 fork. But, its not as good at going DH as a Hightower, or as efficient as a Ripley, Stumpjumper (or assuming Spur and Top Fuel). Selling mine though for something lighter and a better pedaling bike. Completely agree that their marketing is backwards, ive used the same explanation
Thanks for the review. SC bikes in general seem to corner well. Maybe has to do with what seems to be very stiff frame construction and slightly shorter effective to tubes. I’ve owned many SC bike through the years and all the carbon fiber ones cornered great but also felt very stiff and chattery on less than smooth trails. Always felt like I was riding with 5psi too high in my tires. All that said this does look like a great trail bike.
How do you think this bike would suite a 250 + lb rider? I previously owned a 120mm rear/130mm front bike and I definitely exhausted the travel despite dialing it in per mfg spec. I do hear the tallboy has better leverage. Thanks!
Your bike shop must love you, spending tons of money there haha. Putting new tire and parts on demo bikes? There bike lineup really blurs the lines between bikes, I’d say the Hightower or 5150 is a pure trail bike, this one is more down country
This video is very timely ! I’m trying to decide between the Tall Boy , SB120, SB140 and Hightower. Coming from a Megatower im looking forward to a more climbing friendly and efficient trail bike.
Well the SB140 would get you a much more efficient and quicker climbing experience and still give you almost all the travel you would ever need.... but the Tallboy just has a very fun and lively feeling for a bike that still has an almost bottomless feeling to it... very fun bike!
@@mtbyumyum so you think the SB140 climbs better than the Tall Boy ? Surprised to hear that. What about how the SB120 compares ? Competitive cyclist has a huge discount right now on the SB120 , SB140 and the Hightower also.
When are you going to do a review on the new Specialized Chisel? You've become my go to reviewer for an things short travel. Thanks for the great content.
I would take just about any bike in this category over the spur. The spur is the least fun of the Bikes in this category in my experience, although it does climb better than the tallboy.
@@mtbyumyum not an easy decision. Currently riding a Norco Optic C1 but it's just too heavy for my needs. Absolute baller bike when pointed downhill, but sluggish to pedal with notable bop and a hefty weight. I want something lighter, that easier to pedal and is more tailored towards my tours. I climb everything myself, do day- and multiday-tours in the alps with the goal to do an alpX next year. However I also got used to the downhill performance of the Optic, not gonna lie.
Very different from the Spur. More fun and more easy going… less serious if that makes sense… better in the corners than the spur too. Spur feels a little zippier on the climbs and more lightweight.
Yeah, I'd say better at higher speeds and chunk than a t429.... the t429 might be the more well rounded option though if you climb a lot... that's the difficulty with the tallboy isn't it.... it's a bike that shouldn't weigh as much as it does and should climb better..
@mtbyumyum thank you for the reply!! Love your reviews. I have a 2017 T429 and will upgrade this summer. I'm on the east coast. Trails are long singletracks. The up is as Important as the down in this region. Looking for a good pedler that is comfortable for 2-3 hours and is not scary when the down gets technical . Considering the new 429 or a Tallboy.
Easy, go with the T429... the climbing difference out weighs any marginal gain by the tb5 on the down hill... easy! T429!! Call the guys at Salt Cycles and get a deal on a custom build... you won't regret it! 801-943-8502
I kinda see this Tallboy as I saw the Following. Both known to handle chunk like no other 120mm bike, both heavy 6 to 7lbs frames. Why not just have the same weight penalty and get one level up 8n travel to 140mm? If that's the 8ntended terrain, why limit yourself to 120mm? If it was me I would opt for an extra 20mm travel for a bike doing burlier stuff if you are already paying a weight penalty. If you are choosing a Tallboy over a Hightower or Following over an Offering what advantages are there for 20mm less travel. More efficiency?
Browsing the santa cruz website, it appears that every single bike is a complete rip-off considering the components you get for the price. SRAM NX on a $5k bike is absolutely wild
Came really close to getting one but for $4900 and on sale regularly $5500 it only had Fox performance and GX drivetrain! ouch. Santa Cruz has the worst specced bikes and should be ashamed of themselves lol.
You’re so right, the CS is absolute rubbish , you want the ccx01 but it’s like £10’000 ! Tbh even Fox Kashima suspension is nothing special but you have to have it because the Fox performance is SO bad !
Yeah, I didn't speak to it in the review but the spec was meh for the money.... plus a 150mm dropper on a medium is a joke... I had like 4 inches of seat tube.....
@@Cartsp70what is so bad about Fox Performance? I don’t claim to know everything there is to know or read everything there is to read, but I can’t recall coming across any notable complaints on it, nor experienced any issues in my own riding.
Great review! I feel like you summed my life up. That’s the bike I own and as a NICA coach I was falling back (not due to age ;). I bought the Blur as a secondary bike. Similar travel numbers, but but completely different rides.
@@mtbyumyum I meant that for "big" guys if such bikes (Stumpy, Tallboy, Top fuel...) are used as non-trail bike, mainly for xc riding around... I borrowed Stumpjumper - the recent model and it definitely was very sluggish for my taste...
Man that would be great.... the Ripley just feels like a smaller more lively bike... much for agile and zippy feeling. The tb5 feels more plush and deeper feeling in the travel. Ripley climbs better, more efficient. They're really just different... the tallboy feels like a bigger more burly bike
Great review!
Currently riding a Trek Fuel Ex 8 Gen 6 XXL. I am riding with the NICA team and find myself doing more “fast” XC riding lately. I still like to hit the jumps and drops and take trips up north or Bentonville. I don’t think I would enjoy a full blown XC bike. Do you think I would notice much of a difference going from the Gen 6 Fuel Ex to a Tallboy?
I have the TB 4, CC. It’s def a trail bike. So far, it has never let me down on any type of terrain. I also, put Rekons on, put it in the high position and it just came alive.
Yep. This bike had Dissector tires.... I swapped them out for rekons and it was much better for this type of trail and bike.
Me too, I love my TB4 as well!
@@mtbyumyum Rekon front e rear ?
I have a Tallboy V5 with the Cascade Link, Fox 36 140mm, and a Float X… Now a “HighBoy,” the thing rips and jumps like no other. I also have a Pivot Trail 429 and a Mach 6, but I ride my Tallboy the most. It rips
Dang, the Highboi... I love it!
Also have a trail 429, how would you compare them? I'm not entirely happy with how hard it is to keep the front wheel down on steep long climbs. Front wheel is very wandery, and wants to lift up.
The 429 is a much better climber, and I've cleaned steep climbs that I can't on the Tallboy. The Tallboy is even worse when it comes to trying to keep the front wheel down, but definitely a better descender, especially with the Fox 36. But I actually love both bikes, hence why I keep them both.
@@ShadRocks808 thanks for the reply, not what I was expecting honestly. I thought the steeper seat tube and longer chain stay would help with the front end. I have the enduro build with the 140mm fox 36, and it does fairly well on the downs for me. I liked the idea of the 130/140 tall boy, but you have me thinking if it’s worth it. I do wish I could demo one, but can’t seem to find one in AZ.
Thanks for reviewing this bike. Your opinion is huge for those of us who can't demo bikes so easily.
You're welcome! It sort of sits in a category of it's own... it's similar to bikes like the Ripley and Trail 429 but doesn't climb as well and feels bigger when going at those higher speed or through chunk.
@@mtbyumyum Hey Jase , do you know if there is a new Ripley on the way from Ibis ? Great review btw appreciate you 👍🏾✔️
@@mtbyumyumhow would you compare this to the Revel Rascal? Similar fit as well?
Can you please do a comparison between yeti sb120; Santacruz tallboy, pivot 429 and specialized epic Evo 8 please, great content keep up the good work 🎉
Very curious about comparing the TB to these too. Specially the 429 and Ripley.
Same ! I’m trying to decide between these bikes right now !
It comes down to speed I think. If your speeds are very high, you will enjoy the tb5 most. That said, most people I see out on the trails aren't ripping (even tho I think they perceive themselves as "ripping") and ever pushing their bikes to the bikes limits. I see a lot of people on the trail who are over-biked. So.... This is why the T429 is probably the bike I recommend more to people than any other bike. Climbs well, can handle high speeds and chunk well but is still a lot of fun on green/blue trails. If you're lighter weight or rarely hit super high speeds, the Ripley can't be beat. I'll say it again, For most riders under 190 lbs, the Ibis Ripley can not be beat. It's the very best the bike world has to offer in my experience. If you ride super hard, at higher speeds or in chunky terrain, the Trail 429 would be a better option. The Tallboy is a more easy going, soft and fun experience compared to the t429.... man..... maybe we need to do another live stream on this topic.... hope this helped!
@@mtbyumyum ok. And what if I say that CC has the SB120 T3 (Turq) with X01 AXS and full factory suspension for 5900 whereas the Tall Boy has is the same price for the measly S build ???
@@mtbyumyum thanks for the input. hard decisions...
What's your opinion on the Ripley v5? Is it now in the same category as the Tallboy v5?
This vs RM element. Which one would you rather have for all around trail riding? I know you had an element for a while.
The element is just lighter weight and better climbing so it’s tough to say. It doesn’t have that really plush feeling that the tallboy has though. They’re actually pretty different. Sorry I can’t be more help.
I’d like to see what you think of the Bronson vs the SB140, Ripmo, and Switchblade
I would love to ride the new Bronson with mixed wheel sizes.... very curious!!!
I owned a 2021 tall boy and sold it for a Ripley. I am so much better of a rider now than I was when I owned those two bikes. I would like to give both of them another go. the issue is I have the trail version of the SB 140 that weighs 28.7 pounds. That’s only like a pound heavier than the most expensive tall boy.
This has always been my problem with the newer, lower shock mount, Tallboy.... it's a similar weight and climbing ability as the sb140, Stumpy evo, Ripmo, Switchblade, Hightower and other bikes in the category..... so it's hard not to just bump up to the longer travel category.... but it's slightly more fun on more moderate trails and speeds.
I had a Tallboy v4. One of my favorite bikes I’ve ever owned. I may just need one when I want to have fun. Favorite bike of all time.
I definitely regret getting rid of my V4! 😢
Hi. How does this compare to new Ripley V5?
just purchased the 2023 version (High Gloss Blue) and love it. Feels and looks the part as you'd expect the Santa Cruz bikes to offer
The TB is the OG short travel trail ripper that no one else has duplicated in the last 10 years.
Wait till you try the new Ripley. You might forget all about this Tallboy.
Great, timely review Yum Yum! From the number of comments received asking your opinions on so many similar ilk bikes, you can see the credibility you have with us -- extremely high! Kudos!
Gotta say, as a 77-year old Colorado NICA coach who now rides only green/blue (maybe a black every blue moon!) trails at moderate speeds, my several years old Ibis Ripley (carbon) more than exceeds my talents and .... since Rule #1 is FUN .... can't be beat! Throw some Rekons on that beauty and SMILE .... uphill and down!
100% Truth! Enjoy that Ripley my friend!! Also love Rekons
How does this compare to new Ripley?
Thanks so much!
I got my TB5 last year just before the release of the SRAM Transmission and I have been loving it and riding it hard! I got it set up with a XT drive train and it’s my everything bike. It climbs pretty well and it rips downhill through all of the trails here in Northern California. I’ve been looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the TB5 for a while now and I’m excited to hear how you compare it to so many others in the category. Thanks again.
Yeah, what a fun bike!! Glad you're enjoying it
I know it's been awhile, but how would you compare this to the Transition Spur? Appreciate the great content! 🤙🏽
After all this time, how do these newer 120mm's stack up against the 429?
The Pivot Trail 429 is a special bike. If I could only have one bike I could make a pretty compelling argument for the T429.... that said, the Tallboy has a more bottomless feeling. It's a softer ride and overall more easy going experience. Doesn't climb anywhere near as well as the T429. Neither bike is as zippy and lively as the Ibis Ripley but both the T429 and TB5 leave the Ripley behind on the highest speed or chunky bits of trail. The sb120 isn't even a consideration for me personally.... too heavy for what it does... I would take the TB5 over the sb120 and the T429 over just about all of them unless you're a lighter weight rider or rarely hitting the highest speeds and chunky terrain in which case I would have to go with the Ripley. Ugg.... so many good choices tho! Best case scenario, skip this entire category of bike and have two bikes..... Cannondale Scalpel and Yeti SB140 LR!!!
Hope you get a chance to get on some of them 2024 HP Norco Bikes, Optic/Sight 💪
I hope so too!
Fantastic! I just got off my 2020 TB and went with a new 5010cc. loving it!
Very nice!
Mullets are Magic
How does the Spur compare to this?
Do 130mm forks feel the same on all the different bikes or does the Tallboy feel smoother in the front too?
Your hub should sound more, think there is anything you can do to make it sound more?
I have a ‘22 CC and love it. I need to try a Rekon in front.
Great review!
The tallboy or the ripley v5???
What do you think about Tallboy in comparing with Stumpjumper (non evo)?
Stumpjumper is muuuuch lighter, so it looks like more XC-bike than Tallboy. However, some say that it is not "efficient climber" due to less sophisticated suspension design. But some say that it is very fun bike, just like some say about Tallboy =)
I just want to replace my Commencal Tempo frame because I want lighter bike (Tempo frame is 3.5 kg without shock!) and want to have swat/glove box so both Tallboy and Stumjumper looks like great bikes.
Yeah, the Stumpjumper for sure feels more zippy and light weight. Doesn't have the traction and just overall bottomless feeling the Tallboy has. I think the Stumpjuper with a float shock instead of the dps shock would be interesting to try. That said, you might look at the Ibis Ripley frame.... it's light weight and that bike is an excellent do it all short travel bike.
I love this bike and almost bought one. I found a last-year’s-model Ibis Ripley (carbon) at a killer price, so I have that instead. The Ripley is great. The TB was more upright in stance and a little more confidence inspiring downhill. Both are very versatile - plenty good climbers and more nimble than more slack bikes (something that drives me nuts), but more comfortable and confident at descending than cross country bikes. These are perfect for the flowy trails and moderate downhills that are my preference.
Glad you found a great deal on the Ripley.... love that bike!
Which cross country tires did you put on the TB? Great Review. Thank you!
Rekon/Rekon Race
Ripley AF or TB for your money? As an all-rounder?
Dang... it's hard for me to ever pass on the Ripley... it's just so good. Although I'd go with the carbon Ripley!! Plus they're on sale right now at Salt Cycles... 801-943-8502
@@mtbyumyum
Haha. From watching your vids I thought you may go with the Ripley. I’ve owned the prev gen carbon TB and currently am on the Ripley AF. Very similar geo and trail feel. I think even the AF climbs a bit better. Both awesome trail bikes that punch above their weight! Thanks for the feedback l!
Thank you for your sharing~😃
Great review. Waiting for my SC TB C carbon spec to arrive next week. So stoked to get it going.
Thanks!
Your reviews are the best. Tonight I demoed in the parking lot both tall boy large and a Hightower XL. Rode the Hightower first loved it. The large tallboy felt amazing. I can’t help but to wonder how a Hightower large would feel with those cross country tires you put on would feel. I am thinking that might be the perfect one bike quiver for me.
Coming from a road bike that thing is a tank. True love when I rode it. About to purchase but getting analysis paralysis. Will it be enough travel (im a mtb newbie riding in MD with gently undulating terrain with alot of rocks and bumbs) I dont plan on going super hard. Im also 5’3” and about 110lbs.
I have a TB 4. Had TB 3 before that. Huge difference between them. Prefer the TB 4 even though its 5 lbs heavier. Only issue I have is the LLVPP requires a lot more wrenching on bike to keep it running good. Have to yank the pivot axel every few months, clean and re-grease it all. Not a deal breaker but might be more than some want to mess with.
Can you elaborate more on this? I own the TB4 and have not maintenance the axel, etc.
@@afig5197 read your manual. Specifically the lower link maintenance schedule. If yours has over 100 hours on it without creaking yet you got lucky. Mine starts creaking right at 50 hours or appx 2 months of riding for me. Be careful removing the axels. They are made of very brittle aluminum and the flanged heads can crack easily. Santa Cruz will send new ones for free if you registered the bike but it will take a month to get to you. They also run out of them which had my bike sidelined for a few months. Torque wrench is absolutely critical for reinstalling these too.
Good video!
An interesting bike!
Could you test the new Trek Top Fuel 2024 and compare it with this Tallboy, please?
have had the tallboy for the last year or so. Defiantly a good one bike to do it all, especially with a 140 fork. But, its not as good at going DH as a Hightower, or as efficient as a Ripley, Stumpjumper (or assuming Spur and Top Fuel). Selling mine though for something lighter and a better pedaling bike. Completely agree that their marketing is backwards, ive used the same explanation
What do you think you will get? I would check out a Cannondale Scalpel too.
@@TomCollins-c4h probably a spur or wait and see what the new Top Fuel will look like. Wanted the spur before but wasn’t UDH when I got my Tallboy.
@@NCdragon21 I had a Spur for 10 months pretty good bike! I didnt know they are coming out with a new Top Fuel already I thought they just revised it?
Thanks for the review. SC bikes in general seem to corner well. Maybe has to do with what seems to be very stiff frame construction and slightly shorter effective to tubes. I’ve owned many SC bike through the years and all the carbon fiber ones cornered great but also felt very stiff and chattery on less than smooth trails. Always felt like I was riding with 5psi too high in my tires. All that said this does look like a great trail bike.
I’d still rather my Trail 429.
Yeah, me too
@@mtbyumyum 429 looks great... wish it came in a xxl
How do you think this bike would suite a 250 + lb rider? I previously owned a 120mm rear/130mm front bike and I definitely exhausted the travel despite dialing it in per mfg spec. I do hear the tallboy has better leverage. Thanks!
Your bike shop must love you, spending tons of money there haha. Putting new tire and parts on demo bikes? There bike lineup really blurs the lines between bikes, I’d say the Hightower or 5150 is a pure trail bike, this one is more down country
Looking at this vs the Specialized Epic Comp
How would you compare the V4 to the current tallboy?
Pretty dang similar other than I prefer the feel of the Float shock over the dps
This video is very timely ! I’m trying to decide between the Tall Boy , SB120, SB140 and Hightower. Coming from a Megatower im looking forward to a more climbing friendly and efficient trail bike.
Well the SB140 would get you a much more efficient and quicker climbing experience and still give you almost all the travel you would ever need.... but the Tallboy just has a very fun and lively feeling for a bike that still has an almost bottomless feeling to it... very fun bike!
@@mtbyumyum so you think the SB140 climbs better than the Tall Boy ? Surprised to hear that. What about how the SB120 compares ? Competitive cyclist has a huge discount right now on the SB120 , SB140 and the Hightower also.
@@duffyrides im in the same boat as you. considering same bikes. wish i could demo these bikes
Same boat too. I’m considering the tallboy VS SB120.
When are you going to do a review on the new Specialized Chisel? You've become my go to reviewer for an things short travel. Thanks for the great content.
I’ve been waiting for this review! I’d like to try one, but I’d have a hard time turning my back on a dw link pivot or ibis.
I love the Tallboy! Wish the reach on the large was just a tad longer for me.
You sold yours right?
@@mtbyumyum yeah I sold it for the 429 I believe.
How would you compare it to the Rocky Element?
How does it compare to Pivot T429 on climb and descent?
How would you compare this to the Revel Rascal?
bike looks hella nice!
I am trying to decide between this and a Transition Spur, talk about perfect timing.
I would take just about any bike in this category over the spur. The spur is the least fun of the Bikes in this category in my experience, although it does climb better than the tallboy.
@@mtbyumyuminteresting, what makes the spur the least fun?
Wasn't super willing to change directions, stands up in the corners, just meh for me....
@@mtbyumyum not an easy decision. Currently riding a Norco Optic C1 but it's just too heavy for my needs. Absolute baller bike when pointed downhill, but sluggish to pedal with notable bop and a hefty weight. I want something lighter, that easier to pedal and is more tailored towards my tours. I climb everything myself, do day- and multiday-tours in the alps with the goal to do an alpX next year. However I also got used to the downhill performance of the Optic, not gonna lie.
@@mtbyumyum I‘m now considering a RM Element as well after going through some reviews.
How does it compare to the Spur?
Very different from the Spur. More fun and more easy going… less serious if that makes sense… better in the corners than the spur too. Spur feels a little zippier on the climbs and more lightweight.
More capable than a 429? From a trail bike or xc bike perspective?
Yeah, I'd say better at higher speeds and chunk than a t429.... the t429 might be the more well rounded option though if you climb a lot... that's the difficulty with the tallboy isn't it.... it's a bike that shouldn't weigh as much as it does and should climb better..
@mtbyumyum thank you for the reply!! Love your reviews. I have a 2017 T429 and will upgrade this summer. I'm on the east coast. Trails are long singletracks. The up is as Important as the down in this region. Looking for a good pedler that is comfortable for 2-3 hours and is not scary when the down gets technical . Considering the new 429 or a Tallboy.
Easy, go with the T429... the climbing difference out weighs any marginal gain by the tb5 on the down hill... easy! T429!! Call the guys at Salt Cycles and get a deal on a custom build... you won't regret it! 801-943-8502
How does it compare to the Rocky Mountain element
I kinda see this Tallboy as I saw the Following. Both known to handle chunk like no other 120mm bike, both heavy 6 to 7lbs frames.
Why not just have the same weight penalty and get one level up 8n travel to 140mm?
If that's the 8ntended terrain, why limit yourself to 120mm?
If it was me I would opt for an extra 20mm travel for a bike doing burlier stuff if you are already paying a weight penalty.
If you are choosing a Tallboy over a Hightower or Following over an Offering what advantages are there for 20mm less travel. More efficiency?
This is basically the same logic I come to every time when looking at the Tallboy. Thanks
I recently saw a 5010 at my local bike park. It looks really fun.
would love to try the new mixed wheel SOLO
@@mtbyumyum You'd dig the Mullet!
Browsing the santa cruz website, it appears that every single bike is a complete rip-off considering the components you get for the price. SRAM NX on a $5k bike is absolutely wild
Yeah, a bit on the high side.... crazy how much money bikes are these days
Awesome review and bike, I´m wondering about your suggested tire choice for this particular bike, would you run more xc or trail setup? Thanks
I’ve been loving these 2.4 Rekons
Much popy than the evil following ?
Came really close to getting one but for $4900 and on sale regularly $5500 it only had Fox performance and GX drivetrain! ouch. Santa Cruz has the worst specced bikes and should be ashamed of themselves lol.
You’re so right, the CS is absolute rubbish , you want the ccx01 but it’s like £10’000 ! Tbh even Fox Kashima suspension is nothing special but you have to have it because the Fox performance is SO bad !
Yeah, I didn't speak to it in the review but the spec was meh for the money.... plus a 150mm dropper on a medium is a joke... I had like 4 inches of seat tube.....
I agree. Santa Cruz is one of the worst bang for your buck brands in my opinion.
@@Cartsp70what is so bad about Fox Performance? I don’t claim to know everything there is to know or read everything there is to read, but I can’t recall coming across any notable complaints on it, nor experienced any issues in my own riding.
@@clarks888 I like Fox performance a lot. It's the wheels and brakes that suck on the Carbon S spec'd Santa Cruzes.
Finally!
That’s a good looking bike!!
100%
Please review Cervelo ZFS-5.
Great review! I feel like you summed my life up. That’s the bike I own and as a NICA coach I was falling back (not due to age ;). I bought the Blur as a secondary bike. Similar travel numbers, but but completely different rides.
haha that's awesome! Glad you got on a faster bike! Makes a big difference and in my experience, still plenty of fun on the down hill.
First like let’s gooo
LET'S GO!!!!
Pivot trail 429 or this bike. Asking for a friend
t429
Is it remarkably "Xc-faster" than standard (non evo) Stumpjumper?
Not sure I understand your question but the stumpjumper feels faster (zippier) than the Tallboy
@@mtbyumyum I meant that for "big" guys if such bikes (Stumpy, Tallboy, Top fuel...) are used as non-trail bike, mainly for xc riding around... I borrowed Stumpjumper - the recent model and it definitely was very sluggish for my taste...
Looks like a great bike going downhill. But if you live in the midwest and you have to climb anything it’s going to suck.
Yeah, you're not wrong
I haven't tried a new xc bike (I have an old Blur LT) and I find my Tallboy climbs OK... I do flip the shocks to half travel though.
Would love to see a comparison video to the Rippley v4s
Man that would be great.... the Ripley just feels like a smaller more lively bike... much for agile and zippy feeling. The tb5 feels more plush and deeper feeling in the travel. Ripley climbs better, more efficient. They're really just different... the tallboy feels like a bigger more burly bike
I was between this and a Norco Fluid. The value for money was just so good on the Norco. You should demo one. Awesome bikes !!
I have plans to demo some Norco bikes soon
@@mtbyumyum can’t wait !!
What are your feelings on the Fox Factory Float shock? I'm still getting mine dialed in.
I’ve really liked it on every bike Ive ridden it on