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Rode a Tallboy for the first time today.....WOW

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N

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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
I'm in the market for a FS 29er and I found a LBS who is a SC dealer. I'm 6'4" and they had an XXL with entry level group in stock. Now, I was in my dress slacks and just took it up a short steep hill and around the parking lot but I was amazed that the XXL frame seemed to be a perfect fit for me.

I didn't weigh it, but I couldn't believe how light it was. It was very easy to whip around.

I had a chance to take a Rumblefish for a couple 8 mile rides so this is the only similar bike that I have to compare it to. The XL RF (30 lbs) felt larger and not as nimble. The frame felt firm and responsive and even though the suspension setup was cursory for my parking lot ride, when I got out of the saddle to climb there was much less bob than with an appropriately adjusted Rumblefish rear shock.

Of course the XT equipped RF costs about the same as an entry level group Tallboy, but I can't see myself skimping on this purchase. I'm glad there is a dealer nearby and hopefully I can rent a demo to see how it handles on the trail.

The only other bikes I am considering now are the Pivot 429 and the Rip9. I should get a chance to demo the Rip9 next month, but it's going to take a very impressive ride to make we want my next bike to be anything other than a Tallboy.

I have to admit, at 6'4" and 250 lbs. I didn't even think about the Tallboy because of the CF frame, but someone suggested just to try it and I'm glad I did. It sounds like there are a lot of Clydes who like this bike and find that it holds up just fine!
 
D

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#2 ·
Well now that we have the "Just Try it " out of the way now comes the "Just Buy IT Already" statements. :) I'm jonesing to finish my build, but the plan needs some more $$$ to come fully together. :) should get some more parts this week I hope.
Shawn
 
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#3 ·
nevermiss said:
I'm in the market for a FS 29er and I found a LBS who is a SC dealer. I'm 6'4" and they had an XXL with entry level group in stock. Now, I was in my dress slacks and just took it up a short steep hill and around the parking lot but I was amazed that the XXL frame seemed to be a perfect fit for me.

I didn't weigh it, but I couldn't believe how light it was. It was very easy to whip around.

I had a chance to take a Rumblefish for a couple 8 mile rides so this is the only similar bike that I have to compare it to. The XL RF (30 lbs) felt larger and not as nimble. The frame felt firm and responsive and even though the suspension setup was cursory for my parking lot ride, when I got out of the saddle to climb there was much less bob than with an appropriately adjusted Rumblefish rear shock.

Of course the XT equipped RF costs about the same as an entry level group Tallboy, but I can't see myself skimping on this purchase. I'm glad there is a dealer nearby and hopefully I can rent a demo to see how it handles on the trail.

The only other bikes I am considering now are the Pivot 429 and the Rip9. I should get a chance to demo the Rip9 next month, but it's going to take a very impressive ride to make we want my next bike to be anything other than a Tallboy.

I have to admit, at 6'4" and 250 lbs. I didn't even think about the Tallboy because of the CF frame, but someone suggested just to try it and I'm glad I did. It sounds like there are a lot of Clydes who like this bike and find that it holds up just fine!
Click to expand...
Funny review & reply..... :)

Part for Part, the RIP will weigh 3 pounds more going in. The CVA on the Niner "feels" alot like the VPP of the Santa Cruz. I think you'll be impressed, I know I was.....

Now I own BOTH and NEITHER are going away. Each built for a purpose ya know. :thumbsup:
 
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LandSpeed

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#5 ·
Here's my XXL Tallboy in orange:


Here's some hard core bike porno of me licking the top tube:

Sensitive content, not recommended for those under 18
Show Content


Get the XXL and don't ever go back, bro.
 
N

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
personaX said:
How tall are you? I'm a bit short of 6'4" and was thinking to go XL..
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same thing and I'm 6'4", but the XXL seemed to be perfect, except it may have needed a slightly longer stem.

If I have a chance, I will try the XL as well before I make a purchase, just to have something to compare it to.
 
LandSpeed

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#8 ·
nevermiss said:
I was thinking the same thing and I'm 6'4", but the XXL seemed to be perfect, except it may have needed a slightly longer stem.

If I have a chance, I will try the XL as well before I make a purchase, just to have something to compare it to.
Click to expand...
Yeah, there are a lot of people in two different camps when it comes to tallboy sizing. The best thing to do is ride one for yourself, and see. I was lucky, since I live next to a huge Santa Cruz dealer, who had the XL and XXL in stock. If it helps, I'm 6'2'', 78" wingspan, 35" inseam. I'm running a 120 mm stem at 0 degrees with a normal seatpost. A lot of guys with shorter arms prefer the XL in the 6'2''+ height range. I started a thread on Tallboy sizing, too not long ago
https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=682859&highlight=tallboy+sizing

My impression of the sizing from another article:
"I had the chance to demo a couple of tallboys, and at 6′2″, 35″ inseam, 78″ wingspan, I've got to say that the xl felt too small. I tested out the xxl, and it felt perfect. My opinion is that the top tube on the xl was too short. I felt cramped riding it, and this was with a 100 mm stem and seat in normal position. For what it's worth, I like the xxl and will probably end up ordering one. Beware the short top tube. Standover was not an issue, neither was flickability. Ride big, don't ride small. I felt like I was humping a football on the xl."

Then I went for a repeat test ride to make sure.
"I went for a repeat test-ride today to make sure I'm getting the correct size… and yes, the XXL is for me. It had a 120mm stem on it, too. I'm Tim from above (response 40). Top tube too short on XL for my tastes. I flicked the XXL all over the place on the test ride, jumping and hopping whatever was around, did some hurried dismounting, and rode fast, too. These things would tell you if the bike size is correct. And, it is, for me. Like I said, I'm 6′2", 35″ inseam, 78″ wingspan. Hope this helps!"

These quotes are pulled from a write up on 29 inches about sizing for big guys. This article is misleading. The riders are riding with more seatpost than I've ever seen, and are way out of shape. They're also old. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I don't think you should be taking bike buying advice from them. At the end of it at quote 40, you'll see where I contributed.

At 6'4'', I'd be hard pressed to buy the XL. I'd be in XXL country. Some guys do, but they look stupid like this drag queen with 3 feet of post.
 
H

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#11 · (Edited)
Not to me. Contrary to what LandSpeed posted, I think Tallboys have top tubes that are too long. If you compare a Tallboy to a Blur LT, the Tallboy has a steeper seat tube angle and a longer top tube, which makes the top tube effectively even longer.

Of course, whether a certain size will work for you depends on your own flexibility and reach, and even your intended use. If you are flexible and want to use a Tallboy for XC riding or racing, then a long top tube and low handlebars will be right up your alley. However, it you want to use a Tallboy for AM riding or you aren't that flexible, then you might find the Tallboy to be too long. You might feel like you are going to pitch over the bars going downhill, and the long top tube could bend you in half, such that it causes lower back pain while climbing.

The only way to know if the size is right is to compare the geometry to bikes you feel comfortable riding, or take a Tallboy for a long test ride. If you can't do either, then go to your local LBS and have them make an educated guess for you. Or, you may be able to talk/pay an LBS into setting up their size cycle to the Tallboy geometry and letting you pedal for awhile.
 
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