[JeepRage]

I'm looking to potentially upgrade or replace my Santa Cruz Tallboy 3. It is the carbon C S build with GX 1x11. I've upgraded the dropper and brakes to Shimano, and running factory Fox suspension with 130mm front and 110 rear travel.

At this point I'm getting close to replacing the groupset and I'd like to run wider wheels than 25mm id, but still limited to 2.4" tires in back at most. With the market the way it is, debating selling and buying new.

My other bike is a fatbike, which I ride quite a bit and I love the traction. I figure I can use that for smoother trails, but in New England I have lots of rocks and roots, and lots of quick up and downs.

I think the wishlist for replacement is:
130/130
Carbon
30mm wheels and capacity to run 29*2.6
Bike that can climb well, I actually like climbing
Shimano brakes preferred but not a deal breaker
Up to 6k, hoping to sell current bike for 3k

I've liked this bike, but Tallboy 5 is probably a year out, and the 4 may be a little slack for my needs. Suggestions to look at?

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[SlipperyToad]

Here's my experience... I have a 2017 Devinci Django carbon that has very similar numbers to the V3 Tallboy. In fact, I was originally shopping for a Tallboy when I purchased the Django. We also have a Cotic FlareMax (wife's bike) that's about 2 degrees slacker in the head angle and steeper in the ST with longer chainstays with similar travel, and I've ridden plenty of my friends' bikes that all have newer (longer, lower, slacker) geometry in the Django with travel of 120-130mm. I'm in the midwest, so no extended downhills, just short punchy ups and downs.

First on 2.6... I can clear them in the rear of the Django, so I tried it. I didn't find having a 2.6 on the rear to provide any significant benefit over the 2.4. It pedals through sand a little better, and might be a bit better over rough rooty stuff, but I went back to a 2.4 after about six months. I just didn't see much benefit of the 2.6 for the riding I do on that bike (as opposed to on a hardtail, where I could tell a difference because I could air the 2.6 down just enough to take the edge off of some stuff). From my experience I'd suggest trying to ride a bike or two with a 2.6 out back before making that a must have.

So what about the newer geometry bikes? Well, it's a mixed bag there for me too. I've ridden them on steep stuff out west, and if that's what I rode, daily, I'd probably be in the market for an updated frame, but my experience on the trails I ride most isn't the same. It's not that they are bad here, but there's just not any real advantage to them. And it's tough for me to say that because I'd like nothing more than to have another new bike day around here, but my current bike is kind of a perfect match for our trails. The geo is up-to-date enough that there's never a nervous moment on short and fast downs, and it still climbs without a hint of wander from the front. The new geometry bikes all climb very well for how slack they are, but they do take more attention and body movement to keep them going in the right direction.

If you're itching for an upgrade, are you running carbon hoops on the TB3? That would be a big upgrade from the stock wheels if you're still running them.

If you're set on a new bike, the one that comes to mind is the V4 Ripley. It's not quite 130 in the rear, but I think it ticks the other boxes.

 

[JeepRage]

Here's my experience... I have a 2017 Devinci Django carbon that has very similar numbers to the V3 Tallboy. In fact, I was originally shopping for a Tallboy when I purchased the Django. We also have a Cotic FlareMax (wife's bike) that's about 2 degrees slacker in the head angle and steeper in the ST with longer chainstays with similar travel, and I've ridden plenty of my friends' bikes that all have newer (longer, lower, slacker) geometry in the Django with travel of 120-130mm. I'm in the midwest, so no extended downhills, just short punchy ups and downs.

First on 2.6... I can clear them in the rear of the Django, so I tried it. I didn't find having a 2.6 on the rear to provide any significant benefit over the 2.4. It pedals through sand a little better, and might be a bit better over rough rooty stuff, but I went back to a 2.4 after about six months. I just didn't see much benefit of the 2.6 for the riding I do on that bike (as opposed to on a hardtail, where I could tell a difference because I could air the 2.6 down just enough to take the edge off of some stuff). From my experience I'd suggest trying to ride a bike or two with a 2.6 out back before making that a must have.

So what about the newer geometry bikes? Well, it's a mixed bag there for me too. I've ridden them on steep stuff out west, and if that's what I rode, daily, I'd probably be in the market for an updated frame, but my experience on the trails I ride most isn't the same. It's not that they are bad here, but there's just not any real advantage to them. And it's tough for me to say that because I'd like nothing more than to have another new bike day around here, but my current bike is kind of a perfect match for our trails. The geo is up-to-date enough that there's never a nervous moment on short and fast downs, and it still climbs without a hint of wander from the front. The new geometry bikes all climb very well for how slack they are, but they do take more attention and body movement to keep them going in the right direction.

If you're itching for an upgrade, are you running carbon hoops on the TB3? That would be a big upgrade from the stock wheels if you're still running them.

If you're set on a new bike, the one that comes to mind is the V4 Ripley. It's not quite 130 in the rear, but I think it ticks the other boxes.

This is a great response, thanks. I actually am only running 2.35, as most Maxxis 2.4 are all WT tires and i25 is too thin. I'm on stock rims with dt350 hub after I blew the stock one. I should have gone carbon then, but needed something fast at the time.

If I do keep this bike, I would get reserve wheels and keep if I eventually replace the Tallboy.

I don't really care about 12 speed, I'm getting by on 11 fine.

Maybe my medium is feeling short compared to the fatbike. I feel I could go a little longer, but not sure slacker would help in my woods.

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[SlipperyToad]

FWIW, I went from the 24mm internal raceface wheels that came on the bike to 29mm internal carbon wheels and that made a world of difference. They are significantly lighter and provide better support for wider tires. I also run 11 speed... don't ever find myself in the 42 around here and rarely even out west. And since I'm never trying to add speed over 20mph, I'm fine with a 30 or 32 up front. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I lived where there were more extended ups and downs.

As for upgrading wheels - with some manufacturers moving to a 157mm rear end, you could find yourself in a position of needing to replace a rear hub for a future bike. I wouldn't let that stop me if you decide to keep the bike, but it's something to keep in the back of your mind.

 

[Ptor]

Spot Mayhem fits most of your wishlist (some 2.6 fit in the back). I don’t have one, but several in the area do and they seem to like them a lot. The STA is too steep for me, but for that I’d be all over one.

 

[LMN]

Those Tallboys were a good bike. One of the best ever made in my opinion.

I have an Orbea Occam right now, and I would say it is a similar but modern version of the Tallboy 3.

The new Rocky Mountain Element would also be a great option.

 

[JeepRage]

Those Tallboys were a good bike. One of the best ever made in my opinion.

I have an Orbea Occam right now, and I would say it is a similar but modern version of the Tallboy 3.

The new Rocky Mountain Element would also be a great option.

My first FS was an original Rocky Mountain pipeline. Great quality. Wouldn't be opposed to another if not too heavy.

Maybe I'll start with carbon wheels that I can carry over if I still get the itch, and up the front to a 2.5ish. For sure the Tallboy has more potential than I do, just wouldn't mind a little more traction and travel. It does feel short at times. 2.35 front is lacking and at riding pressures, folds over.

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[JeepRage]

Spot Mayhem fits most of your wishlist (some 2.6 fit in the back). I don’t have one, but several in the area do and they seem to like them a lot. The STA is too steep for me, but for that I’d be all over one.

They look good from pictures and specs, but no distribution (I'm in the North East) so likely that is out.

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[JeepRage]

So I ended up ordering a YT Izzo Core 4. Ridiculous specs, light weight, carbon wheels.

Only non ideal spec to me is press fit bottom bracket, but I've never had issues with one before. Hopefully ships in February. Thanks for the feedback.

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[SlipperyToad]

It's tough to beat YT at the pricepoint... great bang for your buck for sure. Congrats on the new bike!

 

[Stickey1048]

So I ended up ordering a YT Izzo Core 4. Ridiculous specs, light weight, carbon wheels.

Only non ideal spec to me is press fit bottom bracket, but I've never had issues with one before. Hopefully ships in February. Thanks for the feedback.

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How have you liked it? Have a 2019 TB3 with 27iw carbon wheel, GX setup and I'm getting the itch for a new ride. Blur TR looks great, albeit $$$.

 

[Cleared2land]

Blur TR looks great, albeit $$$.

Don't let money get in your way.

 

[JeepRage]

How have you liked it? Have a 2019 TB3 with 27iw carbon wheel, GX setup and I'm getting the itch for a new ride. Blur TR looks great, albeit $$$.

It has been great. Feels firmer, and rides higher in the travel. I sized up to a Large and it probably adds to the stable feeling. Still not loving the SRAM brakes, but my friends feels totally different and same bike. I've set a lot of PRs despite being out of shape.

I kept the Tallboy for my wife, and haven't ridden it even once. I'll try to a comparison eventually.

That all said, Santa Cruz feels premium, not that I have had any issues with the YT.

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[Stickey1048]

Don't let money get in your way.

It's less about the money, more about making sure I have enough to keep the household running!