[Rev Bubba]

Now we can comment on what is instead of what may be.

When the new Hightower came out, I was surprised that the aluminum frame was available from the start so that isn't a surprise with the Tallboy.

In fact, nothing is much of a surprise. It is pretty much what the Santa Cruz rep told me in July and I'm glad for that. I even like both color choices since I have never had either a yellow or purple bike.

I can't say I'll buy one until I ride one but on paper, this looks much more like the bike I should buy. Heck, I still have not been able to get my hands on a Hightower to demo on dirt.

 

[voghan]

This is the Tallboy we've been waiting for. An actual modern trail bike.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

[crj5]

I’m surprised to see no aluminum S build. Purple looks sweet.

 

[noahlearner]

Can I share links to content from a shop I work with here in this thread? It is a YouTube review of the bike as well as very detailed info about prices, specs, geometries and buildkits.

 

[tbmaddux]

Yeah Noah go for it.

 

[noahlearner]

Tallboy 4 Review

Thanks! I wanted to ask first.

is the video review and here's a link to the intro to the Tallboy 4 and Joplin 3

I haven't gotten to ride it yet, but I'm seeing a pretty snappy, light and capable ride. Friends have told me it feels way slacker and they loved the additional 10mm of travel.

Would love any DMs too if you have feedback re making the intro more helpful or useful too!

 

[eastman]

PB has a good review with comparison to the new Rip and Fuel EX

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz-tallboy-trail-bike-2020-review.html

Ever heard of Trek's Fuel EX? You know, the one that was released only a few days ago. The one that I've been riding back-to-back against the Tallboy for the last month or so. Yeah, that one. We've got a video comparison of the two bikes (don't call it a shootout) coming out soon in which Kazimer and I actually agree on most of the talking points, but the bottom line is that the Tallboy and Fuel EX couldn't be more different.

With both bike's suspension left open, the Tallboy feels more than just marginally more efficient. Firmed up, the Fuel EX has plenty of jump to it, but you'll need to use that lever. No opinion there, just fact. The Fuel is a bit quicker in the steering department, and that'd make it my choice if the ride were full of awkward, mid-speed stuff instead of fast, rough, or steep trails - those places are where the Tallboy is more at home. Yes, both bikes are capable and adaptable, but it's also pretty neat that two companies ended up with such different solutions to the same purpose.

Given it has the same intentions and rear-wheel travel, the other bike we have to talk about is the new Ripley. The Ibis is the bike I'd choose if my rides were long and my climbs were hard, but the Tallboy feels more capable in the rough and steep.

 

[noahlearner]

Don't you think the Fuel EX is way more entrenched in the Trail side of things than the Tallboy? Seems like travel and purpose are apples and oranges. Weight is really different too. My Fuel 2018 EX 8 Plus is a bit piggy (32lbs) and the Tallboy is so much lighter.