Thanks! Connor is cool, and I used to work with that shop when I was at Ibis. He's got a VERY different perspective than I do, so it's great to have their content to compliment mine! Same for Yumyum.
@@nathanjennings9786 yeah, I was a little mad when the sale happened since I got mine couple of weeks before from my lbs, build s for 4600 out the door, the sale for my bike was I think 4300 out the door so after thinking about it I still got a pretty good deal
I bought a Hightower 3 a week ago with a nice 15% discount... At first I was a bit surprised to see that my bike was discontinued a week later. But this 4th generation seems to go too far on the enduro side. I think the 3rd generation was the right choice for me.
Same here. Just had my first ride on the V3. Seeing the V4. The distinction between the Hightower and the Bronson is pretty much gone. One has a smaller rear wheel. That's it. I moved away from a 150-160 mm altitude for this. So far so good. First thing I noticed was more effort needed for turn initiation. All the lengthening of the new one I feel would be too much for what I ride.
Thank you for referencing the previous model! The previous Hightower has some great deals right now, but your review makes me consider if I should buy the new one. But as I get older, I am sure the less burly, previous Hightower would be great. Decision made!! Thanks Jeff!
Great review as usual. You're not the only one dealing with pedal strikes. Biker's Edge did too. I got the Tallboy and have the same problem. SC should spec a 165mm or shorter crank.
Your style is mesmerizing! Scenery and editing are fantastic as well. I think I’m just going to extend my HT 3 fork to 160 and pretend it’s a Newtower.
i loved the "lived in, family man garage". Feels real. This man had kids and not the eons of spare time needed to create spotless workshop backdrops, which although are v nice to see, make me feel like i cant relate to those youtubers as much!
Great vid. This is an aggressive trail bike w almost enduro geo and length. I prefer a 150/140mm trail bike for my less vertical trails in the Ohio. This would be too much bike for most trail riders that don't hit black trails or bike parks imo.
If i were to have one bike and one bike only this would be it, that being said i have a freeride/enduro rig and also a HT3 and i agree, i think the 140/150 is the perfect all around bike. This does look nice though.
@@sgt.sender1 I have a 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30, and I'm quite content w my choice. Less than $3K delivers to my door from Jenson. Had to give them a plug. My 2013 Stumpjumper Elite 29 alloy was over $4K new. Lol.
@@thegibbonisreal Trail is now what enduro was 3 years ago. The Industry is slimming their line-ups bc sales are stagnant, 2023 inventories still high, and miscalculations in demand coming out of the pandemic. EBike are the cash cow now for mtbs.
Thanks Jason, I’m excited to hear your take on this one! But I feel like the NewTower got revised to better suit my tastes than yours… which is fine by me 😂 😜 I can only guess the Tallboy will get revised soon, but I have zero inside knowledge there.
Really enjoy your videos and appreciate your comments on various bikes. No sure if you have ridden it yet, but wondering how you would compare the Bronson V5 to the Hightower V4. Thanks
@ Jeff Kendall - Weed , another awsome video mate ! Love your no BS honest reviews 👍👍 Quick qusetion , I’m looking for some new more compliant bar than the Carbon Fibre One up ones that come Standard on my Pivot Firebird & i think you mentioned the Renthal high rise , fat bar where a favourite of yours ?? Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated mate ! Cheers 🍻
Thanks for the great review. Seems SC, like other bike makers, are leaving more of a hole between their “down country”, 120mm travel bikes and their next step up like this HT. If you got the trails to make a bike as big as a HT worth pedaling all day good for you. I think that’s why you’ll see the few bikes that hit the trail bike sweet spot at 130mm do well in sales. You did allude to the HT not being ideal for the epic, BC rides, but rather a better fit for more “bike specific trails”. Maybe riding the latter is just becoming more popular. I still prefer the epic, bc on-bike specific trail type rides but I’m likely in the minority of riders today.
Nice video and review. I have the Hightower V3 and I love it. I am not getting the new v4 as I want to keep my v3 for 5-7 years at least. I think I don’t need the extra rear/front travel.
Superb review and info, as always. Will you be doing a Bronson V5 one? Enjoyed your V4 one (and I have a 4.1) and would be really keen to hear your views on the new one.
Well, initially I was tempted on an upgrade from my V2, which is still treating me well. The V3 was too incremental for me too consider and new I guess I need to test the V4 too really know. Still the V2 is amazing, but the new one does look nice in that color
I’m currently riding the Hightower v2 (also owned the HT v1) and still love it, only drawback it is not UDH compatible. 🤷♂️ If I decide on a new frame I would choose the HT v3 over the “NewTower”. 150/140 (or even 140/130) is perfect for 90% of my riding and fine for the other 10%. No plans to update my frame even though it has over 16,000 miles (25000 km) on it, and if I do the HT v3, Stumpjumper 15 or Ibis Ripley v5 are more suited for me. I’m curious what the next Tallboy will become. 🤔 Great video 👍😎
Video idea!!!! : put a 27.5” fork and wheel on a 29er and rip it. It would be sketchy with making the slack near mute but I haven’t seen it done before.
another great review. question; do you always test/ride with DD casing on trail/all mountain bikes? would it feel more playful and less cumbersome pedalling if you put an enduro casing out back and trail casing up front?
Great review! In regard to the frame flex, could it be the difference between the C and CC level carbon? I think SC said that only the C has cable ports… I’m still loving my late model gen 2 HT, but this new one is definitely tempting.
Jeff! Your own money, you can only pick one to ride as your only bike... sizing issues aside, which is the better bike, which would be your pick; Ripmo V3 or HT V4??? Great reviews!
Have you ever reviewed the sentinel? Would love to see that review and comparison to newer bikes. Hasn’t seen an update in quite some time but the travel numbers and aggressive geo seem on par with a lot of the newer bikes. Was ahead of the pack when it came out in 2020.
Dang. I run a V1 Megatower as basically a beefy all mountain bike. It seems like they have come full circle. I wonder if the changes to the platform would be better for my riding. Also that new Bronson 😮
I like the V4 geo, same goes for the Bronson V5. Not sure, if I'm a fan of less anti squat, but my climbs are usually not very technical... More travel, less anti squat --> will they make the Tallboy more burly too?
The hightower with its many iterations has surely evolved a lot. Now that its becoming more travel, does that mean the long travel siblings gonna grow its travel too?
It has to. This is a Santa Cruz Stumpjumper Evo. Way too close to the Megatower now. I’ll be keeping my HT v3 as I already have a SJ Evo, but I’d get this is it came in a better colour and I was going to trim my quiver. It’s really an All-Mountain/Agressive trail bike IMO. I expect the Tallboy to move up in travel too now.
Jeff, Which handlebar do you like better for shock absorbency/compliance, the Renthal Fat Bar or the PNW Loam? I agree about the Santa Cruz bar-much too stiff and harsh on your wrists!
Ok. Ok. You’ve sold me on waiting for the new Megatower. Looking at the changes they made on the Bronson and Hightower, the Megatower is gonna be the deal. Unless it’s in bad (subjective) colours
@@SidiNic Yeah, totally understand. I’m looking at the V2 as well but having more shock options and lowering anti-squat while adding a touch more travel won’t hurt. 2025 model is 170/170 already. I’d like the new rear triangle as well, no cable option. That being said if my LBS gives me a deal too good to pass up on a V2 I may take it.
The only thing i do not like about Santa Cruz is the price...I mean 5k you have lots of better options in my opinion. For example IBIS or YETI or PROPAIN. Personally my budget is 3k. Currently riding a 2021 Giant Trance X 2 but im reaching its limits....i need a stronger enduro bike
I feel that this new Hightower is closer to the Megatower so now there seems to be a big gap in their 29er range between the Tallboy and the New Hightower. What do you think?
i find it interesting that most people say it doesn't feel composed on steep descents and isnt as nimble at slower speeds but you seem to think the opposite?
Complaining about insufficient stiffness is quite puzzling. 🤔 In other reviews, Santa Cruz bikes have always been rated as very stiff. It was even considered a slight drawback, being too stiff. It's interesting what has changed the assessment so drastically. Especially since all Santa Cruz bikes are very similar in design. Maybe a video with lab tests checking stiffness would clarify? ☺️
I’ve measured frames, and the differences with a 45lb weight flexing the front triangle from fork to BB differs from ~12-16 mm, so it doesn’t translate well to video. I found the HT3 to be more torsionally rigid than the HT4. I notice flex a lot more because I’ve got a very active, aggressive riding style- I stand and pump and jump a lot, more than the majority of other reviewers. While it’d be less confusing for the public if I didn’t share my flex opinions, it’s a very important characteristic for me. I’d rather not dumb down the vids that way.
FWIW it’s almost always the French people who like softer, flexy bikes. Check out Lew’s videos about the commencal- it was super flexy. And it’s a very popular bike in France!
I wonder if it's vpp suspension design that doesn't allow them to have deeper seat post insertion. I wish my HT seat height is slightly lower as well but when I push it in even 1mm deeper the dropper post starts acting up. I tried my friend's Transition Sentinel medium size which comes with 180mm dropper stock, it felt so much better on the down.
I think it's just the short 150mm drop post that was chosen, not an issue with insertion depth. Simply less SKUs to manage for Santa Cruz. I fit a 180 no problem on my Bronson.
@@JeffKendallWeed Interesting. I physically cannot insert even 150mm dropper all the way into the frame (HT V3). Cable gets kinked or something happens. Maybe a great excuse to upgrade to wireless dropper :)
@@YongPark-g3h Fox transfer. I never tried to slam it all the way in.. Just the way I need so I don't know how deep it can go in. I'm 188. Everything works fine.
Agreed, most riders that have 140 mm or travel or more really do not use it, let alone need it (unless you want to be less fatigued riding park all day). When I can get away with it, I will chose my Tallboy all day long to make things more interesting vs being over-biked or have less fun on the trails. I do whip out my enduro bike when things get rough though (steep double blacks).
I don't understand why manufacturers are falling in this game of "more is more". With a 160/150mm suspension platform this bike isn't a proper trail bike anymore. That kind of bike that is poppy, fun, capable descender and climbs very well technical stuff. Furthermore, sizing by most manufacturer seems very flawed. A size L with 480mm reach is too much, the bike will most certainly push the riders weight forward and will stretch his arms to the point where he will lose manoeuvrability. Nice video though!
Try a medium if a 480 reach large is too much. Or get a bike from some company that uses a trendy S1-S5 naming scheme if you’re hung up on the letters. There’s plenty of places that warrant 150mm as a do everything trail bike and others that would be more fun on 120mm…
@@gundamnit3594 Agreed. It’s played out like the Jheri curl. I don’t understand the combinations of like a more subtle color like the gray mega tower, but then the bright yellow. It’s like way too much. If they have one really bright option, they should have one more muted option as well in my opinion.
No internal cable routing = no buying. Forced to buy wireless controllers will create an external cable revival. We had external cables once upon a millennium ago.
I think you and bikers edge have the all time best unbiased bike reviews. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks! Connor is cool, and I used to work with that shop when I was at Ibis. He's got a VERY different perspective than I do, so it's great to have their content to compliment mine! Same for Yumyum.
Bikers Edge only review bikes they sell though...
Video quality is superb. You're definitely raising the bar.
Actually Jeff said he lowered the bar on this new HT 😁
You’re the only UA-camr I trust for reviews. Such a cool video.
Thansk Spicy!
Video makes me appreciate my HT 3 even more
Same here, I think it has the perfect travel for a trail bike
I agree. Glad I grabbed one with the sales they were doing! This is pushing it too far for what I was wanting.
@@nathanjennings9786 yeah, I was a little mad when the sale happened since I got mine couple of weeks before from my lbs, build s for 4600 out the door, the sale for my bike was I think 4300 out the door so after thinking about it I still got a pretty good deal
I bought a Hightower 3 a week ago with a nice 15% discount... At first I was a bit surprised to see that my bike was discontinued a week later. But this 4th generation seems to go too far on the enduro side. I think the 3rd generation was the right choice for me.
Same here. Just had my first ride on the V3. Seeing the V4. The distinction between the Hightower and the Bronson is pretty much gone. One has a smaller rear wheel. That's it. I moved away from a 150-160 mm altitude for this. So far so good. First thing I noticed was more effort needed for turn initiation. All the lengthening of the new one I feel would be too much for what I ride.
Awesome review, seriously the amount of polish and the all the great shots/broll and the depth of analysis are all really appreciated
Thank you! Hoping it's both helpful and fun to watch. Thanks for clicking!
Awesome video! I still hope to see you do a vid on the HT3 with a 160 fork and cascade link!
Thank you for referencing the previous model! The previous Hightower has some great deals right now, but your review makes me consider if I should buy the new one. But as I get older, I am sure the less burly, previous Hightower would be great. Decision made!! Thanks Jeff!
Great review as usual. You're not the only one dealing with pedal strikes. Biker's Edge did too. I got the Tallboy and have the same problem. SC should spec a 165mm or shorter crank.
I put a 165mm crank on my Megatower v2 and its so much better. Almost no pedal strikes compared to 170 cranks.
Your style is mesmerizing! Scenery and editing are fantastic as well. I think I’m just going to extend my HT 3 fork to 160 and pretend it’s a Newtower.
I put a 160 spring in the fork for my V3 and am very happy with it.
@@scott91273 cool, thanks for sharing!
What magnificent trail are you riding Jeff.
Fantastic review.
From Australia
Dude, you are killing it. I love your content!
i loved the "lived in, family man garage". Feels real. This man had kids and not the eons of spare time needed to create spotless workshop backdrops, which although are v nice to see, make me feel like i cant relate to those youtubers as much!
some of your best riding footage yet! nice video.
Great vid. This is an aggressive trail bike w almost enduro geo and length. I prefer a 150/140mm trail bike for my less vertical trails in the Ohio. This would be too much bike for most trail riders that don't hit black trails or bike parks imo.
If i were to have one bike and one bike only this would be it, that being said i have a freeride/enduro rig and also a HT3 and i agree, i think the 140/150 is the perfect all around bike.
This does look nice though.
@@sgt.sender1 I have a 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30, and I'm quite content w my choice. Less than $3K delivers to my door from Jenson. Had to give them a plug. My 2013 Stumpjumper Elite 29 alloy was over $4K new. Lol.
If I was going to buy a bike like this now......I'd just buy a Megatower instead and look for something less as a trail bike.
@@thegibbonisreal Trail is now what enduro was 3 years ago. The Industry is slimming their line-ups bc sales are stagnant, 2023 inventories still high, and miscalculations in demand coming out of the pandemic. EBike are the cash cow now for mtbs.
Thanks Jeff, the only MTB reviewer I trust 🤘
Really appreciate the insight, even if I'm not capable enough to appreciate a frame's specific flex!
As always, excellent video!
Thanks Jason, I’m excited to hear your take on this one! But I feel like the NewTower got revised to better suit my tastes than yours… which is fine by me 😂 😜 I can only guess the Tallboy will get revised soon, but I have zero inside knowledge there.
Solid review! Epic shredding!
Great insight.. Hopefully a Bronson V5 compare in the future
Giving a follow just off of how good the Manuals are in the video ! 🔥
Good to hear they raised that bottom bracket!
Higher on paper, rides like it's lower!
@@JeffKendallWeed We're all going to be rocking 100mm cranks at this point lol
Great honest review. I want to ride like Jeff when I grow up
You are my top reviewer… I’d love to hear your review on a Rocky Mountain Instinct!
Thanks! We hope to get an Instinct here soon!
Fantastic review, love your work!
I love your reviews and they're very intriguing to watchm.
Thanks Ninja jazz!
Really enjoy your videos and appreciate your comments on various bikes. No sure if you have ridden it yet, but wondering how you would compare the Bronson V5 to the Hightower V4. Thanks
I have the V2 and love it I think I will hold out until the V6
I love your channel and I love your bike reviews. I hate that I can't afford any of the new bikes though 😄
Hi there, great video as always!!!
It looked like you were using a max terra in the rear at 10:50😅😅
@ Jeff Kendall - Weed , another awsome video mate ! Love your no BS honest reviews 👍👍
Quick qusetion , I’m looking for some new more compliant bar than the Carbon Fibre One up ones that come Standard on my Pivot Firebird & i think you mentioned the Renthal high rise , fat bar where a favourite of yours ?? Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated mate ! Cheers 🍻
The Weed man is a monster ripper. 80 yrs. Jeff would still ride circles around me.
Such a good review with the comparison to prev gen model. Hope they also send you the new Bronson for review!
Roll that beautiful drone footage.
Thanks for the great review. Seems SC, like other bike makers, are leaving more of a hole between their “down country”, 120mm travel bikes and their next step up like this HT. If you got the trails to make a bike as big as a HT worth pedaling all day good for you. I think that’s why you’ll see the few bikes that hit the trail bike sweet spot at 130mm do well in sales. You did allude to the HT not being ideal for the epic, BC rides, but rather a better fit for more “bike specific trails”. Maybe riding the latter is just becoming more popular. I still prefer the epic, bc on-bike specific trail type rides but I’m likely in the minority of riders today.
They have 5010 which I think is one of the most popular SC bikes.
Nice video and review. I have the Hightower V3 and I love it. I am not getting the new v4 as I want to keep my v3 for 5-7 years at least. I think I don’t need the extra rear/front travel.
Awesome vid.
Jensen…send Jeff a tshirt in the next size up! 🙂
Superb review and info, as always. Will you be doing a Bronson V5 one? Enjoyed your V4 one (and I have a 4.1) and would be really keen to hear your views on the new one.
Well, initially I was tempted on an upgrade from my V2, which is still treating me well. The V3 was too incremental for me too consider and new I guess I need to test the V4 too really know. Still the V2 is amazing, but the new one does look nice in that color
I'm waiting on my 2025 Nomad, I'm really hoping I love it the same or more as my current bike a 2016 Nomad that I mulleted
I’m currently riding the Hightower v2 (also owned the HT v1) and still love it, only drawback it is not UDH compatible. 🤷♂️
If I decide on a new frame I would choose the HT v3 over the “NewTower”.
150/140 (or even 140/130) is perfect for 90% of my riding and fine for the other 10%.
No plans to update my frame even though it has over 16,000 miles (25000 km) on it, and if I do the HT v3, Stumpjumper 15 or Ibis Ripley v5 are more suited for me.
I’m curious what the next Tallboy will become. 🤔
Great video 👍😎
the transition spur is also perhaps the type of bike youd like. def . on my list as the tallboy isnt there just yet (perhaps upcoming next version)
Excellent review! I’m interested in seeing how this compares to the new Stumpy 15
Does the New Hightower feel a bit like the older Bronson you have tested?
Great review hell yeah!
The quality is great ... but looks unreal sometimes the camera can process ur speed.
Greetings bro!
Thanks! 4k60 fps!
Great video! You mentioned you like a light compression tune. Do you run a fast rebound? Your bikes always look so poppy!
Super fresh review
Video idea!!!! : put a 27.5” fork and wheel on a 29er and rip it. It would be sketchy with making the slack near mute but I haven’t seen it done before.
You're putting out quality reviews like Duncan Hines cupcakes, just missing some Dolly Parton cameos 😂
another great review. question; do you always test/ride with DD casing on trail/all mountain bikes? would it feel more playful and less cumbersome pedalling if you put an enduro casing out back and trail casing up front?
Wound love to see you review a SCOR 4060 LT.
Great review and compares! Too bad SC doesn’t have any Shimano groupo offerings. An XT build with Performance Elite level suspenders would be great!
Great review!
In regard to the frame flex, could it be the difference between the C and CC level carbon? I think SC said that only the C has cable ports…
I’m still loving my late model gen 2 HT, but this new one is definitely tempting.
Jeff! Your own money, you can only pick one to ride as your only bike... sizing issues aside, which is the better bike, which would be your pick;
Ripmo V3 or HT V4???
Great reviews!
I’m hoping to hear his thought on this too.
Will you still be making a video about a long travel v3 with the cascade components link?
Maybe- we'll judge how this is received.
Would be a good comparison to the H4 I think…
@@JeffKendallWeedreally looking forward to it!
Hoping for that too 😉
@@JeffKendallWeed please do it!
Have you ever reviewed the sentinel? Would love to see that review and comparison to newer bikes. Hasn’t seen an update in quite some time but the travel numbers and aggressive geo seem on par with a lot of the newer bikes. Was ahead of the pack when it came out in 2020.
We need a Stumpy 15 review 🤘
I think you should try riding revel bikes! The rail29 and rascals are amazing
Dang. I run a V1 Megatower as basically a beefy all mountain bike. It seems like they have come full circle. I wonder if the changes to the platform would be better for my riding. Also that new Bronson 😮
I like the V4 geo, same goes for the Bronson V5. Not sure, if I'm a fan of less anti squat, but my climbs are usually not very technical... More travel, less anti squat --> will they make the Tallboy more burly too?
Based on your review and others I think I’m going to get a V3 with a 160 fork.
The hightower with its many iterations has surely evolved a lot. Now that its becoming more travel, does that mean the long travel siblings gonna grow its travel too?
It has to. This is a Santa Cruz Stumpjumper Evo. Way too close to the Megatower now. I’ll be keeping my HT v3 as I already have a SJ Evo, but I’d get this is it came in a better colour and I was going to trim my quiver. It’s really an All-Mountain/Agressive trail bike IMO. I expect the Tallboy to move up in travel too now.
Awesome review! Any chance you’d do a review of the 5010 sometime?
“All while encouraging its rider to get those Lael Wilcox miles in😂”
Jeff,
Which handlebar do you like better for shock absorbency/compliance, the Renthal Fat Bar or the PNW Loam? I agree about the Santa Cruz bar-much too stiff and harsh on your wrists!
PNW was more compliant… Testing 7 carbon bars back-to-back!
ua-cam.com/video/EkIhsRvFVug/v-deo.html
@ Yes saw that test thx. I just noted that the Renthal offers you a higher rise though at 40mm. Thx for the reply!
Eh, 2mm more rise doesn’t matter.
great review, but I wonder if it is coil friendly or can't fit in a coil shock?
I just got my hightower3 cardinal red and I wish I waited!! still love my v3 tho
The way your jumping down the trail
7k for a GX build is kind of insane.
Santa Cruz bikes are always stupid expensive 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️
Seems about average these days.
is it ? am new here and was looking at the new gx for 2025v.. 10500 with tx up here
Ok. Ok. You’ve sold me on waiting for the new Megatower. Looking at the changes they made on the Bronson and Hightower, the Megatower is gonna be the deal. Unless it’s in bad (subjective) colours
Well my Megatower v2 is the best bike I have ever ridden. For me only making it a bit lighter would help
@@SidiNic Yeah, totally understand. I’m looking at the V2 as well but having more shock options and lowering anti-squat while adding a touch more travel won’t hurt. 2025 model is 170/170 already. I’d like the new rear triangle as well, no cable option.
That being said if my LBS gives me a deal too good to pass up on a V2 I may take it.
Hope to see you review the stumpy 15!
Thanks! I may try to fanangle one!
@@JeffKendallWeedget the new Alloy one too if you can !
Another great video! Would like to see you get ahold of a YT capra or jeffsy 🤔
Ah that Green is some House of the Dragon Hightower Green.
Really? I don't know the reference!
The only thing i do not like about Santa Cruz is the price...I mean 5k you have lots of better options in my opinion. For example IBIS or YETI or PROPAIN. Personally my budget is 3k. Currently riding a 2021 Giant Trance X 2 but im reaching its limits....i need a stronger enduro bike
I feel that this new Hightower is closer to the Megatower so now there seems to be a big gap in their 29er range between the Tallboy and the New Hightower. What do you think?
i find it interesting that most people say it doesn't feel composed on steep descents and isnt as nimble at slower speeds but you seem to think the opposite?
Ripmo gets my vote
Sounds like this iteration is different but not better, like a lot of bike brands are doing. Not sure Im down with that...
Hi Jeff, What is currently your favorite trail and enduro bike?
Rocky Altitude 2024 is amazing!
Tallboy update incoming to fill the gap in 3…2….I’d guess 130/140, with all the similar geo updates:)
Why does the frame look like an E bike. Especially on the down tube?
It's got a big ol downtube.
Do you think the new Hightower is less stiff than the outgoing model?
Nice bike, Good review, however, IMO is kinda lame they made impossible to run a non wireless drivetrain (aka, Shimano XT)
can you do a video hightower vs stumpy evo ? would be a great video in my opinion
Sounds like the v3 with a 160mm fork is the way to go for me.
That's a fine bike. I definitely prefer the new one though.
Complaining about insufficient stiffness is quite puzzling. 🤔 In other reviews, Santa Cruz bikes have always been rated as very stiff. It was even considered a slight drawback, being too stiff. It's interesting what has changed the assessment so drastically. Especially since all Santa Cruz bikes are very similar in design. Maybe a video with lab tests checking stiffness would clarify? ☺️
I’ve measured frames, and the differences with a 45lb weight flexing the front triangle from fork to BB differs from ~12-16 mm, so it doesn’t translate well to video. I found the HT3 to be more torsionally rigid than the HT4. I notice flex a lot more because I’ve got a very active, aggressive riding style- I stand and pump and jump a lot, more than the majority of other reviewers. While it’d be less confusing for the public if I didn’t share my flex opinions, it’s a very important characteristic for me. I’d rather not dumb down the vids that way.
FWIW it’s almost always the French people who like softer, flexy bikes. Check out Lew’s videos about the commencal- it was super flexy. And it’s a very popular bike in France!
How bout blur vs tallboy which one u prefer thanks from clermont orlando fl
What trail is that?
How do you compare it to the pivot firebird?
Is there any difference between the V4 versus the V2 mega tower?
Sorry Jerry, I've never ridden a Mega Tower.
How much worse does it climb compared to the v3?
best bike reviews on the internet rite here
I wonder if it's vpp suspension design that doesn't allow them to have deeper seat post insertion. I wish my HT seat height is slightly lower as well but when I push it in even 1mm deeper the dropper post starts acting up. I tried my friend's Transition Sentinel medium size which comes with 180mm dropper stock, it felt so much better on the down.
I think it's just the short 150mm drop post that was chosen, not an issue with insertion depth. Simply less SKUs to manage for Santa Cruz. I fit a 180 no problem on my Bronson.
@@JeffKendallWeed Interesting. I physically cannot insert even 150mm dropper all the way into the frame (HT V3). Cable gets kinked or something happens. Maybe a great excuse to upgrade to wireless dropper :)
@@YongPark-g3hI have no problems with 200mm dropper on HT3 XL
@@jaszczur66666 Can you slam it all the way in? and which dropper?
@@YongPark-g3h Fox transfer. I never tried to slam it all the way in.. Just the way I need so I don't know how deep it can go in. I'm 188. Everything works fine.
Longer travel, more aggro geo… where have all the fun bikes gone?
Agreed, most riders that have 140 mm or travel or more really do not use it, let alone need it (unless you want to be less fatigued riding park all day). When I can get away with it, I will chose my Tallboy all day long to make things more interesting vs being over-biked or have less fun on the trails. I do whip out my enduro bike when things get rough though (steep double blacks).
Pivot Trail 429 has entered the chat
First :)
Anyone find frames with drop in style heads more prone to creaking?
I don't understand why manufacturers are falling in this game of "more is more". With a 160/150mm suspension platform this bike isn't a proper trail bike anymore. That kind of bike that is poppy, fun, capable descender and climbs very well technical stuff. Furthermore, sizing by most manufacturer seems very flawed. A size L with 480mm reach is too much, the bike will most certainly push the riders weight forward and will stretch his arms to the point where he will lose manoeuvrability. Nice video though!
Man, around here, a 160mm trail bike is the perfect "one bike" to have... I feel like size L in 475-485 is spot on. Medium around 455-465.
Try a medium if a 480 reach large is too much. Or get a bike from some company that uses a trendy S1-S5 naming scheme if you’re hung up on the letters. There’s plenty of places that warrant 150mm as a do everything trail bike and others that would be more fun on 120mm…
@@brookscurran oh yes. I went for an M and it’s spot on. According to manufacturers at 1.80m I should be using an L.
That's just like, your opinion man
Is that British Racing Greeen?
Like the green, hate the yellow. Ugh.
@@justinfournier1285 SC uses that yellow way too much.
@@gundamnit3594 Agreed. It’s played out like the Jheri curl. I don’t understand the combinations of like a more subtle color like the gray mega tower, but then the bright yellow. It’s like way too much. If they have one really bright option, they should have one more muted option as well in my opinion.
No internal cable routing = no buying.
Forced to buy wireless controllers will create an external cable revival.
We had external cables once upon a millennium ago.
😮
Is the new tower heavier than the V3? That beefed up downtube and lower link area looks heavy. 😢
I didn't notice a weight difference. Weight wise, both bikes are totally acceptable for me.
rc quality now