I found the Optic way more capable but it rode a lot like an enduro bike. The tallboy is much more of a trail/xc bike which pedals much better and is a lot lighter. If you beef the tallboy up with bigger tyres, a 140mm fork, and piggback shock like many people do it would probably be a closer comparison
I find the TB to be very capable on steeps and drops but more rough and demanding on fast rocky chatter. You're spot on with tires (and wheel), it's nice to have 2 sets one for lighter trails and one for more rugged enduro, or just slap on the TB your big bike's wheels (and tires) for days like this. Very versatile bike. Great riding!
You make those trails look so much easier than they are. What tyre pressure were you running on this ride, do you recall? Also, the camera angle was a nice change. It's annoying, there is always a trade-off for every different camera angle.
Thks for the tow in and tour guiding. Feel embarrassed about the “not going down that we’re nearly 60” excuses….we were on full fat eMtbs with DD rubber and inserts but could barely see which way you went. Keep ripping big fella 👍
I don't share locations as I don't want to be responsible for anyone hurting themselves or causing any trouble for pirate trail networks, but they aren't hard to find in the Sutherland Shire area.
Mate I'd love to see you ride the same trails on both bikes with the same view either back to back or side by side! Be interesting to see just how rowdy they are when compared to the enduro plushness! Also, how well are the pike forks and dpx2 shock balanced? Do they ride well together?
It was quite a bit harder on this bike, really made me appreciate the big rig! It's a DPS shock and they compliment each other quite well. I think if I went up in fork I would want a piggy back shock, and if I went up in shock I would probably want a lyrik... so it's a slippery slope making this bike more beefy. For xc/trail riding the current setup is perfect.
@MTBMcPhee i can appreciate that, the fork and shock seem like they suit each other quite well when youre riding them! Damn makes me wanna take the partners spectral 125 out and throw it over some decent trails!
You're such a great rider.. proving all things being equal, it's 20% Bike, 80% Rider. You nailed it right there. Sick video!
Haha thanks but I definitely feel like my bikes are pulling more weight than that!
Your “taking it easy” pace is more than twice my speed...
Hah cheers, I've done an obscene amount of laps on these trails
Hey man would you say the tallboy is a quiet bike? No rattles/clunks descending etc?
@@didzy9349 the SC bikes are okay but they aren’t super quiet. It’s mostly chainslap from what I can tell
Nice video! Thanks for sharing. How does the Tallboy compare to the Optic you used to ride?
I found the Optic way more capable but it rode a lot like an enduro bike. The tallboy is much more of a trail/xc bike which pedals much better and is a lot lighter. If you beef the tallboy up with bigger tyres, a 140mm fork, and piggback shock like many people do it would probably be a closer comparison
Legit run a giant trance 29 (current model) 130mm front 120mm rear same tyre setup and it’s my go to bike over my new Merida 160
I find the TB to be very capable on steeps and drops but more rough and demanding on fast rocky chatter. You're spot on with tires (and wheel), it's nice to have 2 sets one for lighter trails and one for more rugged enduro, or just slap on the TB your big bike's wheels (and tires) for days like this. Very versatile bike. Great riding!
That bike goes very well by what I just saw. Great vid Craig 🤙🏼
You make those trails look so much easier than they are. What tyre pressure were you running on this ride, do you recall?
Also, the camera angle was a nice change. It's annoying, there is always a trade-off for every different camera angle.
30 front 32 rear. Normally I run high 20s with double down and inserts.
Me and my friends went to the third trail ages ago and it was too steep for us. The bottom section is mental. Your riding is crazy
Wow you're really giving that Tallboy the beans! I'd probably reach for a Hightower for trails like that.
HT would definitely be more suitable
Thks for the tow in and tour guiding. Feel embarrassed about the “not going down that we’re nearly 60” excuses….we were on full fat eMtbs with DD rubber and inserts but could barely see which way you went. Keep ripping big fella 👍
Any time. I’m all for excuses by the way, and I have many of my own!
Hey mate, with your tires, I’m guessing you run maxx grip on the mega? How big of a difference does that make to grip vs max Terra?
I run maxx grip on the front only during summer then both front and back in winter. The difference is quite noticeable when conditions aren’t perfect
now this my type of video. Under Biking is life
and i was worried that TB might not be enough for me. Youve laid that worry to rest.
😁 The Tallboy rips! You can always put bigger tyres on and up the fork to 140mm too
Crushing it as usual mate - gotta get back over there again soon and hit those trails again.
My door is always open :)
Where is this?
Thanks
Hey mate nice video and riding! Not sure if you can disclose but where are those trails? They look fun. I'm Sydney local.
I don't share locations as I don't want to be responsible for anyone hurting themselves or causing any trouble for pirate trail networks, but they aren't hard to find in the Sutherland Shire area.
@@MTBMcPhee No worries! Thanks for the general location.
Where is that?
Great video
This chesty footage looks good, is this with the max lens mod?
Yep that's the max lens mod. I probably needed to angle it up a bit more but it looks alright I agree
@@MTBMcPhee yeah I like it man, gangly arms just add to the perspective 🤙
Mate I'd love to see you ride the same trails on both bikes with the same view either back to back or side by side! Be interesting to see just how rowdy they are when compared to the enduro plushness!
Also, how well are the pike forks and dpx2 shock balanced? Do they ride well together?
It was quite a bit harder on this bike, really made me appreciate the big rig!
It's a DPS shock and they compliment each other quite well. I think if I went up in fork I would want a piggy back shock, and if I went up in shock I would probably want a lyrik... so it's a slippery slope making this bike more beefy. For xc/trail riding the current setup is perfect.
@MTBMcPhee i can appreciate that, the fork and shock seem like they suit each other quite well when youre riding them!
Damn makes me wanna take the partners spectral 125 out and throw it over some decent trails!
@@kizbish you should, it’s good fun!
@@MTBMcPhee ill see if she'll let me give it a whirl at cringila first before i send it down keira hey 😂
@@kizbish 😂
Hey mate, is this the tallboy 4 or 5?
V5, not that there is much difference
@MTBMcPhee yeah mostly just frame storage I think. How do you find it to pedal?
Mixed reviews online
@@MADED6 I think you either like VPP bikes or you don’t. For me it rides exactly how I expected it to
I love seeing the Tallboy put to the test! Please keep it up!
I also have a V5 Tallboy and I love to push the envelope!
Love the tallboy! I’ll have more coming soon 💪
What tires would you recommend to help out with grip. I have the same bike. Had same problem with pedal strikes so went to 165 cranks
Depends on the terrain. For steep stuff like this some DHR would be great, but they won’t roll well for trail riding