2020/2021 Santa Cruz Tallboy - Long Term Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ธ.ค. 2020
- Long Term Review of the 2020/2021 Santa Cruz Tallboy Carbon after a full year on it. Is this the best DownCountry bike available today? This bike rips!
www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US - กีฬา
Mitch, great review! Much better than reviewing while riding fast downhill and chatting away :) I have a X01 2022 build on order and I can't
imagine changing anything but the seat. Again, engaging review and I'll subscribe as well. Rubber down!
Thanks a lot Bob! Yeeee Haw!
This is amazing! Thanks for your thoughts going to pick one up today!
Congrats!
Great review. I ride the same bike in an XXL size and have upgraded the rear shock to a DPX2 and it fits without issue. Fox now make that size as an FYI if you’re looking for a more advanced shock. The bike so damn capable that I sold my Enduro bike and beefed up the fork to a 36 @140 travel. Still nimble and fast but will not flinch at the gnar! Love it.
That sounds like something dreams are made of. I will have to consider it!
I've had my Tallboy for a year now and love it. It's made me a better rider.
That’s wicked! I’m pumped you’re loving it!!
Great video and a nice bike! Perfect setup if you ask me!
Thank you! It means a lot. I definitely love this bike.
Always good to hear the *_after_* thoughts especially in this day and age where there's hardly anything but overhyped launch videos. That being said I'm glad I'm not alone wanting this kind of bike. Personally I want to take a step back and simply find my own limits and find my own true needs. Most people have too much travel for their everyday rides, in which that bike won't live up to its potential.
I want the 5010 though, which to my knowledge is pretty much the same bike only with smaller wheels. Love the mustard color for the 2022 version.
Awesome… and so true.
I love mine. Ride it long and high. Its a completely different feeling bike from previous Gen. You feel it most while climbing and descending but a more XC wheel/tire set up can make a huge difference in how the bike rides. The only negatives I have are cost and trying to access everything for cleaning or setting sag. I agree completely that a beefier rear shock would be nice because you can overwhelm it but the geometry is insanely good. I did end up keeping my Gen3 frame and do still ride it. Stupid high shipping cost almost dont justify selling it.
Absolutely. This is great feedback! I’m loving this bike!
Nice review. Glad I'm not the only one bugged by forward pointing rear axle levers.
Yes!!! Thank you! It’s an OCD thing I think.
Absolutely! It’s sad eh.
I have the first gen tallboy aluminum. Love it. I live in Phoenix, AZ and ride cross country - hardpack, dust, rocks, and gravel - but fast whoops. I recently upgraded to a 1x11 XT set and made it even better. Looking at getting tubeless rims next - but I'm hearing bike components like this are running short.
You’re right. Parts are delayed at the moment... hopefully the supply issue can resolve itself soon.
Is the
aluminium frame has a lifetime warranty?
4:25 hey, there is enough place for shocks with a reservoir!
You can easily fit a Fox DPX2 or a Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate in their!
Both Fox and Rock Shox sell a special version for the Tallboy with the back bearing mount and custom compression/rebound tune!
If you want to make the bike more capable, get one of these shocks, get the Cascade link for the Tallboy which adds roughly 10mm of Travel and more progression and change the Air shaft in the fork to a 140mm version!
I have the CC Carbon version with X01 and Reserve wheels and it’s a super light and extremely capable bike with these changes!
It’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden on my terrain!
With my extra long legs I need a high stack height to match bar height for my very high seat post, and this bike has one of the highest stack heights for this travel range so it's a top contender for me. Stumpjumper is another. What I want to thank you the most for is the advice on the rear QR lever. Of course it must be pointing rewards on an MTB.. but my roadie history blinded me to this and I had kept it in the forward position habitually. I paused the video and changed the position as soon as I heard you say it 🤓
That’s awesome! I’m glad I could help about the rear lever as well :)
3:34 "when the product manager specs..." wow that was MTB tech lingo over my head lol
hes just talking about different tire sizes and models
Nice vid dude! What is the biggest issue you have had with that seatpost?
Reliability.
Nice long term review man. Love the breakdown. I still have my 2008 Superlight which I upgraded the front fork to 120mm and rear 100 or 110 back in 2018. Replaced all components to Shimano XT M8000 Took it out riding again after sitting in my shed for 3 years because I was doing road biking. Finally took my superlight out for riding and everyone on the trail was looking at my 26 XC bike with the WTF look on their faces. LOL. Anyways, I still love my superlight and don't intend to get rid of it since it was my first full suspension bike. But I am in the market for a new 29ers and is torn between Ibis Ripley and Tallboy. Most of the trails by my area are mostly 80% XC and 20% chunky rock garden. Have you tested it out the Ripley before you purchased the Tallboy?
Thanks for the feedback. I never did get to ride the Ripley but would definitely be interested. They look really nice!
Good stuff! I'm looking at buying the Tallboy or the Hightower but I'm torn on which way to go. Any thoughts on Tallboy vs. Hightower?
It really depends on the terrain you have to ride and if it’s in rotation with other bikes. The quiver killer is the Hightower, but it does neither what the Tallboy or the Megatower does well. Personal preference really.
Pretty good review. Currently I have a 2015 Tallboy CC, XT built in great condition and used to ride a fair amount in Northern CA. Now I live in SoCal and the terrain is a lot more technical. I can’t figure out if I should get a new one or not and if it’s really going to make a difference for me and justify the purchase price. If you have any helpful input I would appreciate hearing it.
The Geometry is going to be a massive change between the two bikes. A lot has changed in 5 years... You will be pleasantly surprised. The problem is getting one nowadays though...
@@MitchOnTwoWheels From all the reviews and what I hear I guess there is a good amount of difference. Now I have to make up my mind and see if I should drop the $$$$. Thanks for your input
Mine is crazy good, I have the C, S build. All around great bike!
You can really build it to do anything from trail riding to shuttle laps. Really cool!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels So if the travel is the limiting factor of the TB, what would you want on the front of this bike if you were specing it to do anything? 140mm Pike?
Good question. I don’t know... 140mm would be fun to try though.
I thinking seriously about buying a Tallboy. I'm interested in your thoughts on sizing. I'm right at the upper limit for one size/ lower limit for the next size up. Which would you recommend? Great review, really enjoyed it.
I appreciate your feedback. Honestly it depends on your preference on sizing. My logic was that I can’t make a bike longer.... I too am right on the limit of XL and XXL being 6-3. I went for the bigger size and run a short stem... fits perfectly. Also a lot of frames are creeping up in sizing over time, especially reach.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels So from a handling perspective is it better to go with the larger size and put a shorter stem on it or the smaller size with a longer stem?
I always lean to the short stem side of things as I prefer decending. It’s all personal preference. I would try to demo both if you want. But I have a feeling you’ll go with the larger size.
@@glenk8285 did you end up getting the larger size ? I’m also between sizes , no chance to demo them both
Hi so the wheels have been pretty reliable and nice to ride on ? Great review
Absolutely no issues.
Hey Mitch, I’ve enjoyed watching what your tallboy is capable of. In fact, I just bought the carbon R version for myself. I find the rear suspension difficult to access for both setting and measuring sag, as well as cleaning and lubricating. Any advise for me based on your experience so far?
I don’t have anything special to say really. Just keep on top of things and they’ll stay quiet and smooth. I don’t think there’s a “hack” or “trick” to accessing anything... I guess this is just a downside to having the bikes weight so low... Take it a part a few times and you’ll get used to it.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels thanks for your reply, I love the bike anyways.
No worries. It’s something that you really won’t have to worry about very often. It’s well put together.
Are you happy with the R spec? It’s the only one I can find and was a little bummed at the low spec components relative to the price
I’m new to the game but I’m about to spend 5k I’m looking at tallboy or Hightower. One quiver thing. I don’t tide crazy downhill. But I would love to ride “east does it” trail in Whisper. I have a trek Roscoe 7 now.
Great review! I am coming from a 2014/15 XXL Tallboy C. The new frame measures bigger on paper but curious how it feels in person. Couple questions for you: How do you find the sizing of the new XXL? How tall are you? Thanks!
Thanks! I’m right around 6ft 3... the bike feels FANTASTIC.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels any reason you went with XXL? I'm 6'4" and thinking of going with XL but now you have me thinking
@@thehomez because it’s the first bike I’ve owned that actually fits! XL is too short for us lanky bastards.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels haha I feel that. Good to know! These days it's too hard to find a place to demo bc of the shortages. I'm going to have to wait it out to be able to try the XXL. Thanks and great review!
Awesome! If you’re local, let me know.
My ‘21 Tallboy came stock with a Recon fork and I’m kind of over it. Like you said, for those who don’t get free equipment through sponsorship or have $1000 laying around, you deal with it and ride on.
Exactly…
Nice bike and review ! I’m pretty sure a shock with a reservoir will fit though
Very few unfortunately. More options are popping up though.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Fox Factory DPX2 and Rock Shox Super Deluxe have 190 x 45 options according to my LBS. I haven't upgraded yet. Not sure if Fork or Shock is the better place to start.
Ordered an AL Hightower....waited....found a 2021 Tallboy C, grabbed it.
Very happy!!!
Lucky grab! They are going to be hard to get this year... congrats!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels No doubt!!! Glad I got lucky!!!
Absolutely! Enjoy it and let me know what you think!
You bet!!!
I know you answered you’re 6-3, I am too. Do you think xl will work? No xxl available. I am long torso, like michael phelps torso of 6’10” person-shorter legs I guess. I’m heavier build, pushing 230lbs in my 40s. Anyway, probably just buy xl since last remaining tallboy and has discounted price-rare to find these days. Coming off hardtail. This will be first mtn bike over a grand and I suspect it will blow me away. Love trail riding more than anything, could do it everyday-super excited!
The only way to know is to ride it and find out. You’ll love it either way! Enjoy!
Did you end up getting the xl? Happy with it?
@@oman636 Yes. Bike is perfect.
I just bought a large tallboy C. I ordered the XL but SC had to canceled it due to the components shortage. Anyhow at 6ft-1in I’m right at the L to XL line. Typically I would just get a longer stem but this is my first Mt bike with a head tube angle less than 71 degrees. Given how significantly different the TB’s geometry is, do I go about this any differently?
You sound like an XL size to me with a short stem, but that’s just my opinion.
This is my issue as well. I am 6'1", all torso length. I have a Large Tallboy now. Feels perfect on tight switchbacks and climbs, but I always feel like I run out of bike reach on long descents. I actually have a Santa Cruz Factory Demo next week on an XL to see how that feels.
I have a Tallboy AL D, you think I can fit some 2.6 in the front and 2.5 rear? The 2.4 i have rear fit good but thinking about going up but the spacing looks kinda tight tbh. I feel like front shouldn’t be a problem.
I’m not sure. I guess it depends on your rim width as well. It should work but may be tight.
According to SC, the Tallboy can take up to 2.6". My AL D came with 25MM inner width wheels and 2.3" tires. If yours is i25, you will likely need to upgrade your wheels as well.
*Great frame and lightweight. **Latest.Bike** components were well adjusted out of the box. Great entry level bike for light off road use.*
what bottle cage do you have for the tallboy? Any particular bottle cage you recommend for Santa Cruz bikes? Looking for one for my Tallboy. thx
I’m using something cheap... I’d suggest something side loading though as there’s not a ton of clearance.
Ive read that the v4 can handle shocks with piggy bags. What info is correct?
Not sure… anything is possible if there’s clearance I suppose.
How would you compare it to the Ibis Ripley in climbing and descending?
Hey Jim! I haven’t ridden it so it’s tough to say. I wish I could be more helpful. The DW link of the Ibis will be similar in that it won’t rely on shock technology to pedal well. I have friends on them who love them!
Ok, maybe you'll see this. Im looking at a lightly used Tallboy. I'm coming from an ancient Giant NRS. It still runs fine, but getting really hard to find parts. Anyway, looking for a newer bike and in like a trail bike that can take some jumps. Nothing nuts, just some modest gaps and drops. Stuff like that. There is lots of talk about this bring a "gravity rider's XC bike." I'll be honest I don't know what that really means. The high tower sounds like it can jump better due to more travel, but I'm not clear on the climbing. Would the tallboy be comparable to a giant trance? Thx.
The Tallboy and the Trance are very similar…. They can both take like jumps and some speed, but don’t have a huge amount of travel to take the edge off. The “gravity riders XC bike” is referring to the geometry in the frame. The angles are more relaxed so that is can decend a little bit better than say a bike with traditional geometry (think headtube angles here). The Tallboy, Hightower, and Megatower are all very similar bikes Geometry wise, with small changes between each, the main difference is the travel each has. I’ve beaten up my Tallboy really good and can tell you it’s more than capable of taking abuse, but can still climb really well, and play around with ease. It’s truly a fantastic bike, and ahead of the Trance by launching this style of Geo a few years ahead in this travel range.
Im going back and forth between this and the top fuel 9.8 xt
You’ve gotta ride both... but you know my opinion :)
I finished paying for the 2021 aluminum build, i am still waiting for santa cruz California to deliver to dallas texas. Whats your thoughts on the aluminum can it take a beating, i am coming from a marlin 6.
Absolutely. Built very tough.
Santa Cruz has a video where they show the various strength and tension stress levels that aluminum and carbon frames go through before they reach their breaking point. It's really interesting. I was on the fence between an aluminum and carbon frame. I was leaning towards the aluminum frame because it was about $800 less. After watching the video I decided to go with carbon. The carbon was able to withstand so much more stress... over double or more the amount of the aluminum. If you're an aggressive rider then I would suggest carbon. It is a couple pounds lighter too I believe. I'm so happy with my carbon!
Santa Cruz had a recall on aluminum frames they were soft and could bend easily. The got the heat treatment / ageing wrong and did not pick it up. Sound quality control procedures would have picked this up before the bikes got into the hands of users.
@@TheAllEngineering that explains a lot i just gave my money to specialized and got myself a 2019 alloy comp stumpy
Hi! Why you prefered the Faction hydra(27mm) vs Union Hydra(30mm)?
Tks
Because of the preferred tire profile and size. This bike begs for 2.35” tires, while the Unions want 2.5”. I have a set of unions as well.
How has the 120mm rear travel been for you? Does it seem like 120mm or does it feel like it has more? Great review! thx
It feels like a 120mm bike... Very efficient and stiff, but not too much for anything over the top.
Hello, how tall are you? I noticed you said its an xxl frame. I am looking at an xxl frame as the stack height is higher on this year model than any other mtb in the category. I am 6'8". Thanks
I’m 6-3. But I believe they suggest 6-4 and up.
Mine should be coming this weekend but I had a quick question. Would I be able to take off the front tire and put the bike on a rack ?
The wheel comes off easily, but the rack will depend on how it mounts to the fork. If it accepts boost thru axles, then no problem.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels yea it goes through the axle, it’s called a Yakima fork lift bike rack.
Hi Mitch just got my TB4 in aluminum. For the TB4 what can you suggest between Union and faction? In a long epic day ride do you find the Hydra to be annoying in its loud sounds? Initially thinking about the Onyx Vespers but considering the Hydra as well. Thanks Buddy.
Hey! Great choice on the bike! You’re going to love it. I would lean towards the Faction... They can handle a lot more abuse than people think. The Hydras become a great sound to your ears once you’re used to them... I love them personally. But if I were to do it again, I would go Chris King.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Yeah I'm honestly more into Faction because I do not plan to use any tires bigger than 2.5 even if I change a frame into the future. Whats up with ChrisKing hubs? Haven't read much about them. But, You should do have lots of experience about it. Thanks for your time.
CKs have better bearings, are more rebuildable and the design can handle massive amounts of torque compared to others.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Ill have a look into it. It's hard to decide which hub to go for just like the TB vs Hightower. But I think the TB will do me fine. Have a good day Buddy.
You as well! Feel free to message me anytime to discuss.
I’ve been looking at the same wheel set for my Giant Trance. How did they feel climbing? Mainly looking for better climbing but I have steep climbs on my trails and 50/50 smooth & rocky descents.
They are fantastic climbing wheels! Unbelievable balance between weight and strength!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels thanks for the info. I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on them and see how they feel on my Trance. Thanks 🙏🏽
You won’t regret it. I’ve beat mine up and they’re still going strong.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels what tires did you pair with them?
Maxxis Minion 2.35 front and rear.
You said that it’s a double XL. How tall are you? I just ordered one that is XL and I’m 6’3”. Did I get one to small?
I’m around 6-3, maybe slightly more. I think either will work... I just wanted the longer top tube so I could run a shorter stem, and my mega tower is XXL which fits me perfect.
Do you wish you had the Hightower?
Also pedal strikes ?
Pedal strikes aren't an issue, and I run the bike in the lower shock setting.... Sometimes I wish I had the Hightower, but your own trails will dictate the best choice for you.
Hi, I am on a 2017 TB 3 and absolutely love it. I am thinking of upgrading to a TB 4 but not certain if there is a big enough difference between the two bikes to warrant spending the money. Have you ridden a TB 3? Can you comment on the difference between the 2 to help me make my decision. I use a medium frame.
Lower link design with a much more modern, longer/lower/slacker design makes the bike a completely different ride :)
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Thanks for taking the time to reply. Obviously different in a positive way? Thanks. waiting for stock on the 2022 model to arrive.
Absolutely! The new geometry makes the bike more capable than ever before. You’ll love it!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Thanks, appreciated.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Hi, I would just like to know if the climbing efficiency has remained the same as the TB3. I know SC has transformed the TB4 to more of a trail bike, so that is my only concern now.
What do you think about the sizing? I’m 6’4” and not sure if I should get the xl or xxl. It puts me right between the sizes.
Go XXL without a doubt.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels I have the same problem. 195cm or 6'4" with short arms ang legs but long torso. Was considering XL over XXL for a more nimble ride. The problem I have nowhere to test the bike. Don't know what to do now:(
Go XXL without a doubt.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels the problem is that XXL only comes in carbon. Those of us that have an aluminum budget are stuck with XL. I'm 6'5" and curious if I'll be satisfied with it.
I’m sure you’ll dig it. Carbon seems to hold resale better too.
Is there enough difference between the Tallboy and the Megatower to justify having both?
Yes. Very different bikes. One is a down country killer with super efficient climbing, while the mega is a full blown enduro bike.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels perfect, thanks. I have a MT now as well as an older 5010 and am looking to move from the 5010 to a 29er for lighter trail work.
Wow, you’re all setup then. A TB complements the MT so well.
How tall are you and did you feel the xl is a good fit?
6-3, and the XL felt small, so went with the XXL.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels I am always surprised at people listing their height, but not their inseam, which plays a giant role in frame size preference.
Longer legs = extended seat post. That will move you further away from the bars, and also slacken seat tube angle.
Obviously reach will increase as well.
I am 6’1, but I am around 34” inseam. I can never get fully comfortable on XL. Yes, descending is better, but I find it much harder to handle in a twisty terrain. Much harder to climb through tech.
Bottom line… by the end of the ride, if I am on XL, I always feel more tired. Shoulder / neck pain, etc.
True!
@@highlander5304 I am 6'1" with a 31" Inseam... all torso length. I ride a Large Tallboy, and it feels perfect for technical climbs and tight switchbacks. However, when I drop the seat and descend, I feel like I am riding a BMX and want about 2" more reach; like my saddle can't get far back enough. However, when in attack position, it's all good.
Noice Cross Country bike.
V Nice :)
I have the 2021 C R .....It just floats downhill
Absolutely.
Wish my bearings lasted a full season! I'm lucky if I get 6 months from the Nomad.
Crazy! Wonder why the difference?
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Probably to do with 80%+ of my rides being in wet and mud and having to wash the bike all the time.
That’s insane!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels the joys of Scotland man. On the plus side, some of the best trails and scenery in the world. But aye, the weather's not the best! Don't know if you've ever watched McTrailrider's channel, but he does an amazing job of showing how awesome biking in Scotland is.
I will check it out! The UK seem to be turning out some of the best wet weather riders in the world at the moment. Coincidence?
I’ve had my Tallboy C R for about 2 months now. It came with cheap ass plastic pedals. Come stock on every bike? Thought the retailer might have ripped me off…. Everybody else’s come that way?
Mine didn’t even come with pedals haha.
Good review, now go wash the bike! Have some pride in your ride.
Too funny!
I think you need to step back and check your white privilege .
I don’t understand?
@@MitchOnTwoWheels It's a joke , dude .