You can size up on the tallboy because the stand over height and the seat post are low. I am 5‘10“ tall and demoed a tallboy in extra large and felt it was spot on. I also own a Bronson in extra large and I love it.
This is a good observation and I bet this would be a better fit. The only trade off is the XL is a little slacker. That suspension though on this 120mm lower link bike is outstanding. I really could not believe how plush it was and supportive in the midstroke. I bet the Bronson is a brawler one quiver bike for you.
Travel the Narrow Trail yup, love the Bronster. An awesome one bike do-it-all. One weekend I hit a bike park with gnar and jump trails on Sat and then did a paved trail ride with some road weenie friends on Sun and averaged 14 mph over a hilly ride keeping up with the skinny tire crew on 2.6s and with no lockout switch. I bought it for Appalachian mountains and bike parks but figured it could also handle my more mellow local trails in MD/DC/VA area. It does them fine and is quite fun on them, but the ups are more gear down and sit and spin, so after demoing that Tallboy and seeing what a rocket it is up and how capable it still is down, I am considering picking one up as my local trails bike. One of the things that always annoyed me about shorter travel bikes in the past is that they would couple short travel with steep geometry and short front centers. Just cause I don’t need a lot of travel cause I don’t have a lot of big gnar doesn’t mean I’m not going down steeps, chutes, doing drops etc. Those short travel bikes’ geometry always made that scary- even the last Tallboy. There was a limit where I just didn’t feel safe and felt way forward on the bike. With this new Tallboy’s slacked out geometry it shot up the climbs and pedaled so well but when I dropped the seat to get a little rowdy I felt very similar to my Bronson, just not a much squish and not quite as nimble. I feel the two would be great compliments to each other and would give the ability to always have the perfect bike for 98% of my riding- both can do all, each just focuses on a different area. If you get the Tallboy make sure to post lots of vids!!! Ride on!
@@dadventuretv2538 Yes the Pivot is very sweet. Still in process. I have a new video of the Ibis Ripmo coming next week. This bike, a year later, is so mind boggling fun. It has to be the fastest big bike I've ridden. Also will be posting my review of the Revel Rascal, that is another seriously good bike.
Bought me a 2020 TB a few weeks ago. Its an absolutely amazing trail bike. I am looking to upgrade the front fork, I do use up all of the 130mm, and could use some better low speed damping on my trails. Otherwise, the geometry of the TB is perfect. Its a much faster bike than my Enduro rig (Kona Process CRDL 650b), and honestly, feels more composed. That could be a majority from the wheel size, but this new TB has proven to me that this industry needs to remember that more suspension travel does not make you faster or ride better. And for what its worth, I think 130/120 should not be considered "short travel", its on the lower end of medium travel, but "short" should be reserved for pure XC (80-100mm). This bike is a bonafied mid-travel trail bike that can definitely punch above its weight and out corner heavier Enduro bikes on the descents. Yeah, I won't be doing 5' drops to flat, I dont do those anymore anyways (family man now), but every time I swing my legs over this bike it just reminds me of how FUN mountain biking is. The rear shock is a 190x45, Rock Shox's makes a Super Delux RCT in that size, and I do believe Fox makes a DPX2 that would fit. I've already upgrade the stock saddle to the new 2020 WTB Silverado, much better construction than the OE saddle. I've also put on an XX1 shifter, the NX and GX shifters are garbage compared to the XX1 shifter, its like going from a plastic water gun to a full on bolt-action rifle. I also upgraded to the OneUP carbon bar and Race Face Turbine stem. That bar on this bike is like milk and honey, pared up so well and definitely soaks up those low frequency vibrations very well. As well, carbon wheelset and wide trail tires on are on order. This chassis can handle up to 2.6" tires, so its 2.5/2.4 WT DHF/DHR MaxxGrip for me on 35mm rims. The stock 2.3 tires are great when pedaling upright, but leaning into turns the front end wants to wash out with such skinny tires. I may go up to a 2.5/2.5 later... Anywho, thats my personal experience with the bike so far. Awesome review man!
Yeah, the new Tallboy is really really good and that new lower link suspension is on another level for sure. Sound's like you have the ultimate trail rig! Thanks for watching.
Great review. Planned to spend a couple of weeks in Coloroda with my wife. Do you recommend this particular bike for the region (i dont do big drops, and not looking for super high speed).
Your describing your riding style and the Tallboy sounds like it would be perfect for you. You will not be disappointed on this bike. However, it depends on what you choose to ride here in Colorado. For the most part, the Tallboy will be a perfect choice for many Colorado rides but may not be suited for the upper alpine downhill stuff. Much of the CO singletrack will be a joy on the Tallboy. Ride on...
Thank you man! The location is Pine, Colorado. The trail is called Little Scraggy, I had a blast on it and it was a perfect place to get on this bike. Thank you for asking because I didn't realize I didn't even put a link in the description. It's there now though in case you're interested.
Have you tried Ibis Ripley v4 ? i looking to get Ibis Ripley or Yeti sb130 which one better for trail riding? I'm aggressive like go fast on flats decends etc. thanks and nice review of SC.
Yes, I have been on the new Ripley. I will be doing a video on that another time. I would say the Ripley climbs best between the Tallboy and SB130. The Tallboy has the nicest suspension for descents over rocky, rooty, and techy areas. The Tallboy and Ripley have shorter reach than the SB130 and you can feel it. So best geometry goes to the Yeti. The Sb130 and the Ripley both get bucked around in descents where as the Tallboy not so much. The Tallboy feels like 130mm of rear suspension. The Yeti and Ripley climb a little bit better than the Tallboy though. Ripley is the lightest of the bunch in terms of weight and it is a fast bike, it wants to fly and pop off stuff. The suspension on the Ripley is a bit firm and not real plush feeling. Thanks for watching...
You mention too less reach but that probably just means you need to size up. That is also why I am looking into an XXL with 515mm of reach. The Yeti I think is relatively big when comparing the same size name but only goes up to XL but it is a big XL with 505mm of reach. Enough for an XL but little less than the XXL Tallboy. Your point on the 140mm fork I don’t understand, it will of course not increase the head tube angle to 66.1 it will more likely bring it back from 65.5 to 65.0 in high setting or maybe 65.2 with a Fox (36 grip 2 even maybe) with slight less atc height compared to the Pike (unless you use the Rhythm version). Of course in low even .2 degree more slack. Still I also like the idea of the 140mm Fox fork having a bit more bb height and not too much more slackening the headtube angle. Looks like a nice bike and thanks for your nice review also on pedal bob and support of the suspension.
I'm 5'10 and was on a Large frame, per Santa Cruz they recommend the Large. The cockpit felt cramped though. Typical rule of thumb with 10mm of fork increase in travel is usually .4mm increase or decrease in the HTA. If you are at 65.5 in the low setting and 130mm fork, then you install a 140mm fork, you'll end up at 65.1 HTA and higher BB. Not sure why SC chose to go smaller reach on this bike? I wished they kept it similar in reach to the Megatower or Hightower reach. Thanks you for watching, ride on!
Travel the Narrow Trail Yes exactly. But your text states 66.1 which would mean an increase of .6 but like you say now it would take it down to 65.1 instead which is a decrease of .4 So 66.1 should be 65.1 ;-)
Pieter Dorrestein In his answer now yes but in the description below his video it says a change of the hta to 66.1 That should be 65.1 otherwise it is increase of .6 from 65.5. It indeed should be a decrease of .4
Ok, tough question. I'll say it this way. When climbing steep ascents, the Yeti has a much better feeling cockpit due to the geometry, reach and seat tube angle being much steeper than the Tallboy. But, the suspension on the Yeti seemed to bob a tad more than the Tallboy. The Tallboy suspension when riding on flat dirt roads or flat trail, its pedal bob is noticeable, but when on steep ascents of trail (when seated) its not noticeable. I also believe the Tallboy has the better suspension in descents (and stiffer frame), feels like a smooth cloud over janky trails, and well composed. The Yeti when descending has the better geometry, it feels perfect when descending, butttt... The rear suspension is not as plush as the Tallboy and it does get bounced around and will lose its composure in rear. Trade offs I know. Perfect bike between the two, Tallboy suspension, Yeti geometry. Hope I didn't muddy the waters on you. Demo them both and see if you feel the same way.
You can size up on the tallboy because the stand over height and the seat post are low. I am 5‘10“ tall and demoed a tallboy in extra large and felt it was spot on. I also own a Bronson in extra large and I love it.
This is a good observation and I bet this would be a better fit. The only trade off is the XL is a little slacker. That suspension though on this 120mm lower link bike is outstanding. I really could not believe how plush it was and supportive in the midstroke. I bet the Bronson is a brawler one quiver bike for you.
Travel the Narrow Trail yup, love the Bronster. An awesome one bike do-it-all. One weekend I hit a bike park with gnar and jump trails on Sat and then did a paved trail ride with some road weenie friends on Sun and averaged 14 mph over a hilly ride keeping up with the skinny tire crew on 2.6s and with no lockout switch. I bought it for Appalachian mountains and bike parks but figured it could also handle my more mellow local trails in MD/DC/VA area. It does them fine and is quite fun on them, but the ups are more gear down and sit and spin, so after demoing that Tallboy and seeing what a rocket it is up and how capable it still is down, I am considering picking one up as my local trails bike. One of the things that always annoyed me about shorter travel bikes in the past is that they would couple short travel with steep geometry and short front centers. Just cause I don’t need a lot of travel cause I don’t have a lot of big gnar doesn’t mean I’m not going down steeps, chutes, doing drops etc. Those short travel bikes’ geometry always made that scary- even the last Tallboy. There was a limit where I just didn’t feel safe and felt way forward on the bike. With this new Tallboy’s slacked out geometry it shot up the climbs and pedaled so well but when I dropped the seat to get a little rowdy I felt very similar to my Bronson, just not a much squish and not quite as nimble. I feel the two would be great compliments to each other and would give the ability to always have the perfect bike for 98% of my riding- both can do all, each just focuses on a different area. If you get the Tallboy make sure to post lots of vids!!! Ride on!
@@dadventuretv2538 I recently rode the Ripley and it also has a cramped cockpit, I got on the XL and it felt perfect.
Travel the Narrow Trail so what you gonna get? Probably worth trying the Pivot Trail 429 too. That’s a sweet bike.
@@dadventuretv2538 Yes the Pivot is very sweet. Still in process. I have a new video of the Ibis Ripmo coming next week. This bike, a year later, is so mind boggling fun. It has to be the fastest big bike I've ridden. Also will be posting my review of the Revel Rascal, that is another seriously good bike.
Bought me a 2020 TB a few weeks ago. Its an absolutely amazing trail bike. I am looking to upgrade the front fork, I do use up all of the 130mm, and could use some better low speed damping on my trails. Otherwise, the geometry of the TB is perfect. Its a much faster bike than my Enduro rig (Kona Process CRDL 650b), and honestly, feels more composed. That could be a majority from the wheel size, but this new TB has proven to me that this industry needs to remember that more suspension travel does not make you faster or ride better. And for what its worth, I think 130/120 should not be considered "short travel", its on the lower end of medium travel, but "short" should be reserved for pure XC (80-100mm).
This bike is a bonafied mid-travel trail bike that can definitely punch above its weight and out corner heavier Enduro bikes on the descents. Yeah, I won't be doing 5' drops to flat, I dont do those anymore anyways (family man now), but every time I swing my legs over this bike it just reminds me of how FUN mountain biking is.
The rear shock is a 190x45, Rock Shox's makes a Super Delux RCT in that size, and I do believe Fox makes a DPX2 that would fit.
I've already upgrade the stock saddle to the new 2020 WTB Silverado, much better construction than the OE saddle. I've also put on an XX1 shifter, the NX and GX shifters are garbage compared to the XX1 shifter, its like going from a plastic water gun to a full on bolt-action rifle. I also upgraded to the OneUP carbon bar and Race Face Turbine stem. That bar on this bike is like milk and honey, pared up so well and definitely soaks up those low frequency vibrations very well.
As well, carbon wheelset and wide trail tires on are on order. This chassis can handle up to 2.6" tires, so its 2.5/2.4 WT DHF/DHR MaxxGrip for me on 35mm rims. The stock 2.3 tires are great when pedaling upright, but leaning into turns the front end wants to wash out with such skinny tires. I may go up to a 2.5/2.5 later...
Anywho, thats my personal experience with the bike so far. Awesome review man!
Yeah, the new Tallboy is really really good and that new lower link suspension is on another level for sure. Sound's like you have the ultimate trail rig! Thanks for watching.
The new Tallboy seems to be legit, I'll have try this bike out. Not convinced it is as good as y'all are saying. Now to find a demo.
Great review. Planned to spend a couple of weeks in Coloroda with my wife. Do you recommend this particular bike for the region (i dont do big drops, and not looking for super high speed).
Your describing your riding style and the Tallboy sounds like it would be perfect for you. You will not be disappointed on this bike. However, it depends on what you choose to ride here in Colorado. For the most part, the Tallboy will be a perfect choice for many Colorado rides but may not be suited for the upper alpine downhill stuff. Much of the CO singletrack will be a joy on the Tallboy. Ride on...
Great review, location ? Looks like flagstaff but I don’t recognize the trail
Thank you man! The location is Pine, Colorado. The trail is called Little Scraggy, I had a blast on it and it was a perfect place to get on this bike. Thank you for asking because I didn't realize I didn't even put a link in the description. It's there now though in case you're interested.
Love Colorado, just rode telluride and Durango a few weeks back, thanks for replying 🤘🏽🤘🏽👌🏽👌🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Nice review man! The trails look sweet. Buff creek?
You know it...
Have you tried Ibis Ripley v4 ? i looking to get Ibis Ripley or Yeti sb130 which one better for trail riding? I'm aggressive like go fast on flats decends etc. thanks and nice review of SC.
Yes, I have been on the new Ripley. I will be doing a video on that another time. I would say the Ripley climbs best between the Tallboy and SB130.
The Tallboy has the nicest suspension for descents over rocky, rooty, and techy areas. The Tallboy and Ripley have shorter reach than the SB130 and you can feel it. So best geometry goes to the Yeti. The Sb130 and the Ripley both get bucked around in descents where as the Tallboy not so much.
The Tallboy feels like 130mm of rear suspension. The Yeti and Ripley climb a little bit better than the Tallboy though. Ripley is the lightest of the bunch in terms of weight and it is a fast bike, it wants to fly and pop off stuff. The suspension on the Ripley is a bit firm and not real plush feeling. Thanks for watching...
Great review! Really enjoyed it. Btw the DT 54POE upgrade isn't avail on the 370 hub.
Are you serious? That is drag for sure, I thought it was and DT should make it work for this hub. Thanks for watching Alex.
Yeah, unfortunately, the lower level Dt hubs use regular pawl style rather than ratchet engagement.
You mention too less reach but that probably just means you need to size up. That is also why I am looking into an XXL with 515mm of reach. The Yeti I think is relatively big when comparing the same size name but only goes up to XL but it is a big XL with 505mm of reach. Enough for an XL but little less than the XXL Tallboy.
Your point on the 140mm fork I don’t understand, it will of course not increase the head tube angle to 66.1 it will more likely bring it back from 65.5 to 65.0 in high setting or maybe 65.2 with a Fox (36 grip 2 even maybe) with slight less atc height compared to the Pike (unless you use the Rhythm version). Of course in low even .2 degree more slack.
Still I also like the idea of the 140mm Fox fork having a bit more bb height and not too much more slackening the headtube angle.
Looks like a nice bike and thanks for your nice review also on pedal bob and support of the suspension.
I'm 5'10 and was on a Large frame, per Santa Cruz they recommend the Large. The cockpit felt cramped though. Typical rule of thumb with 10mm of fork increase in travel is usually .4mm increase or decrease in the HTA. If you are at 65.5 in the low setting and 130mm fork, then you install a 140mm fork, you'll end up at 65.1 HTA and higher BB. Not sure why SC chose to go smaller reach on this bike? I wished they kept it similar in reach to the Megatower or Hightower reach. Thanks you for watching, ride on!
Travel the Narrow Trail Gerard is correct with the 140 fork and how it changes HTA.
Travel the Narrow Trail Yes exactly. But your text states 66.1 which would mean an increase of .6 but like you say now it would take it down to 65.1 instead which is a decrease of .4
So 66.1 should be 65.1 ;-)
Pieter Dorrestein In his answer now yes but in the description below his video it says a change of the hta to 66.1 That should be 65.1 otherwise it is increase of .6 from 65.5. It indeed should be a decrease of .4
@@akampgerard Ah, yes.
I’m looking at the new Tallboy and SB130. Which one climbed better?
Ok, tough question. I'll say it this way. When climbing steep ascents, the Yeti has a much better feeling cockpit due to the geometry, reach and seat tube angle being much steeper than the Tallboy.
But, the suspension on the Yeti seemed to bob a tad more than the Tallboy. The Tallboy suspension when riding on flat dirt roads or flat trail, its pedal bob is noticeable, but when on steep ascents of trail (when seated) its not noticeable.
I also believe the Tallboy has the better suspension in descents (and stiffer frame), feels like a smooth cloud over janky trails, and well composed. The Yeti when descending has the better geometry, it feels perfect when descending, butttt...
The rear suspension is not as plush as the Tallboy and it does get bounced around and will lose its composure in rear. Trade offs I know. Perfect bike between the two, Tallboy suspension, Yeti geometry. Hope I didn't muddy the waters on you. Demo them both and see if you feel the same way.