Bike Check Review - Custom Santa Cruz V4 Tallboy

[@owenkennedy7854]

Tallboy is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. Enjoy and congrats, the things a dream.

[@B1KER]

Thanks bud 👍

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Rob bought a 29er? It's a new day out there, I thought this would never happen. Congrats Rob, that paint job is outstanding!

[@B1KER]

LMAO, I know right. Now I can properly talk shit about how I don't like them. Hahhahahahaha

[@michaeldorsey218]

If you haven't tried already: When you have steep sections of climbing, especially switchbacks or tech, lower your dropper post around an inch to get your COG down. I'm 6'5 and struggled keeping weight on the front wheel until I was told to just lower the dropper a tiny bit. I was in the same boat always thinking I needed a longer stem. Sick bike

[@B1KER]

I hear ya there. My issue was the stem. I swapped it with a 50mm and it’s been great.

[@B1KER]

I definitely run into that issue because I prefer riding a large even though I should probably be on a XL. It is what it is. Struggles of being tall.

[@CobraKyle]

Congrats Robert! I'm all for shorter travel bikes!

[@B1KER]

Me too!

[@allydidier791]

Love the editing and music in the video!!

[@B1KER]

Glad you liked it!!

[@johnnnewmex]

Had the TB v4 and sold it to switch to a Nukeproof Reactor..just for the improved dh capabilities. The TB is a great bike!

[@B1KER]

Makes sense. This is more of my XC bike.

[@davez5070]

Congrats on the new bike... looks amazing! I've been going back and forth between the Tallboy and Hightower to replace my Chameleon C. Finally pulled the trigger on the Hightower and completed the build last week...Amazing bike! I also use the RevGrips on the soft setting. I occasionally test a different grip for a weekend but always go back to the RevGrips! Enjoy the new ride!

[@B1KER]

If I didn’t have the Bronson I would have bought the Hightower. I think that was a good choice.

[@davidcassellia7734]

Great Bike !! I to am a SantaCruz guy went from a old Heckler to a V3 Bronson CC and LOVE IT for a seat I've use a Selle SMP TRK Saddle did a ride in Maine few years ago and all there bikes had these so got one and have never looked back good luck and hey anymore weight loss vids coming

[@B1KER]

I have one in the hopper. Probably about two weeks out.

[@dylan-5287]

Damn the new tallboy looks insane with that paint job!!! And I was a huge fan of the Bronson gray color with purple accents, sick looking bike!

[@B1KER]

Thanks buddy

[@diegovillacrez8349]

Proud of you for going with a Large instead of an XL

[@B1KER]

L

[@lonewolf30531]

The short travel 29ers are awesome. I have a Salsa Spearfish Carbon short travel 29er and its the best. Enjoy your new bike.

[@B1KER]

Thanks buddy 🤘

[@flyingnorseman]

I have almost same build but running a 140MM Fox 34 upfront. Got my custom P321/Spank Oozy wheels built from Dave's Speed Dream. My only gripe is that it seems to take longer to dial in a Santa Cruz suspension but there is a pot of Gold waiting if you get there. Yours is badass looking.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man. I was wondering how the Fox fork would feel.

[@OG_SQUID_MTB]

Great Lookn TB. Pair the diamond with a topaz and a cascade link

[@B1KER]

A bunch of people are mentioning the cascade link.

[@jst_luz_it]

Congrats on the sweet looking Tallboy 4! Haven’t ridden a whole lot this year due work assignments! Hope to see ya on the local trails!

[@B1KER]

Get out there and I’m sure we’ll bump into each other.

[@andrey_M32]

Gotta grab that cascade components link now! Bring the rear end more progressive and more travel to match that fork!

[@B1KER]

Yeah, I was thinking about that for the Bronson....or maybe it's time to upgrade...LOL

[@andrey_M32]

@@B1KER do it for both! I'm running one on my Ripmo AF and man it's a very noticeable difference! Highly recommended for bigger riders. I was able to lower pressure about 15psi, much more supple now and bottom out resistance is very smooth and controlled.

[@B1KER]

@@andrey_M32 oh nice! How much are they?

[@andrey_M32]

@@B1KER around 300 a piece I believe. I weigh about 220lbs and it's been the best upgrade I have made.

[@totalglitch]

Thanks for the video. I'm looking at a tallboy as well. I have a 5010 and megatower now. But looking at getting a new tallboy and the new Bronson. I'd love a heckler but since I'm fat I feel I need to get my ass back in shape. Thanks again bro.

[@B1KER]

Nice bikes! I have the Tallboy and the Bronson, but I'm really considering getting the Nomad. It would be like the spread you have between the Mega and the 5010. Don't feel like the Heckler would keep you from being fit. If it gets you out riding, then go for it.

[@totalglitch]

@@B1KER bikes are just damn expensive. And at that price I'd buy an adventure bike. Arkansas has great trails but I feel maybe anything over 140 is over kill, and the new mega is longer and slacker and at what point does a bike just kill the fun. Thanks again.

[@BlackPenquinn]

Congrats!! I ride an Ibis Ripmo and just picked up their new short travel bike the Exie. First ride will be tomorrow

[@B1KER]

Just saw BKXC's video on that bike. Looks super rad!

[@mesha1752]

Sweet looking bike, congratulations Robert!!!

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@moonrabbitshuttles]

Wow! Such a rad bike Robert! Congratulations! 🍻

[@B1KER]

Thanks! 👍

[@crjmoto]

2nd time demo'ing a 29'er today (Ripmo) and it's a trip going up in wheel size. Not as nimble but so confidence inspiring in the tech and chunk. Want to ride a Santa Cruz or two next (inc. MX/ mullet!)

[@B1KER]

The Mullet may be the answer

[@brandongojenola7455]

Love your good vibes man. Congrats on the bike

[@B1KER]

Thanks 🤘

[@idhvew8]

What a badass looking bike! Congrats!

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@Wannaridebikes]

Badass rig. Nice parts added. I like odi grips to the ruffians they make. And tires I use maxis and Michelin. I still don't have a dropper post on any of my bikes. ...I was a guy who never rode with a high post I'm a guy who's mostly off the saddle in a trail. Meaning on certain trails. Riding local yes I could use a dropper. Maybe wife will surprise me.

[@B1KER]

I didn't get a dropper when they first came out. I always felt like I've been riding without one for like 20 years. I'm fine. Then I got one on a used bike I bought and I never rode mtb again without one.

[@havock1013]

Congrats homie! I love my short travel 29er!

[@B1KER]

It's been fun so far.

[@Carado5150]

You may like the ergon gd1 factory grips although they only come in 3 flavors, but one is green!

[@B1KER]

I have those Ergon fat grips on the Bronson. I really like them.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Congratulations, awesome bike and build!

[@B1KER]

Thanks buddy

[@Happy_Biker]

Great video, Robert! 🎉 Really great timing. Hey, try WTB saddles? My favs. Happy riding!

[@B1KER]

I'm always happy with my WTB saddles. I don't know why I don't just buy one of those.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Looks awesome! You can’t go wrong with SC Mtn bikes. I just laced up Stan’s Baron CB7 rims to my Hadley’s. I have the SS specific hubs for my SS bikes so that’s what’s laced to these hoops. I love the CushCore XC and they work great, I’ve used them for a while and wouldn’t go without them. I also use Rimpact inserts, usually in front. I little more spongy and add a lot of dampened effects to my rigid SS.

[@B1KER]

Right on man. I’ll have to look up those inserts.

[@jjshredsleds4847]

Love your videos man and appreciate you a lot! Hopefully my friend and I will see you out on the trail sometime soon! I just got a Hightower and my friend got a transition sentinel! Have fun and be safe out there brotha!

[@B1KER]

Right on. Definitely say what’s up!

[@jdazmtnbkr9571]

Beautiful looking bike!!

[@B1KER]

Couldn't agree more!

[@BengLang84]

Great bike Robert! But even more great because you are riding a DVO fork! 😀🙌💚

[@B1KER]

I love it!

[@BengLang84]

@@B1KER Nice! Now consider putting a dvo t3 topaz on that swig rig of yours and you will even love it more! 🙂

[@BrianVaughn]

Congrats on the new bike! I think this combination should last. Hard tails are for the young.

[@B1KER]

I think so too!

[@briangong007]

Congrats buddy. Looks 💯. We now matching Blanco bros

[@B1KER]

Nice 👍

[@pauldominick3945]

Nice! Really like the paint job you had done 👍

[@B1KER]

Thanks man, he killed it!

[@ChefIan73]

Sick bike! Definitely go for the full soft setting on the RevGrips. Those combined with the One Up bars are an amazing combo. I’ve been able to do nearly 9k of descending with zero arm pump. Also I’m the same with the pedals. Been using the Catalyst pedals for a few years now. Everyone still trips out on the size of them. But like you said, once they try them they’re sold.

[@B1KER]

I'm going to have to do that this weekend and see how it feels.

[@mattsquatch412]

When you upgraded the bar did you keep the same stem?

[@B1KER]

@@mattsquatch412 No because I was using a PNW before that wasn’t 35mm.

[@MTBFlowRider]

Looks sick! Digging the paint job too.

[@B1KER]

Thanks, he killed it!

[@downtoridemtb]

Nice bike! Some of that front end lightness could be from the 140mm fork. They’re 130mm stock - I only know because I have a 130mm Fox 34 from a Tallboy on my Marin Rift Zone. So where does the Chameleon fit in now?

[@B1KER]

I sold the Chameleon. If I would haven’t went to an XL frame I probably would have kept it.

[@ryansteiger6960]

Cool video and very nice build

[@B1KER]

Thanks man!

[@dunrob13]

I run a Kona hybrid, it has road tires on it and does good . It was a little over 400.00 not much compared to alot of others but it rides good

[@B1KER]

It only takes a bike to be a biker!

[@Jacob99174]

One of the best days!

[@B1KER]

Definitely

[@davidcarrasquillo467]

Congrats, the TallBoy looks amazing, I have it in the same yellow it grows on you LOL

[@B1KER]

I totally understand. But I’m stoked with my alternative. 🤘

[@FernFlowMtb]

Sick bike. I've been thinking about a short travel rig as well lately. Also, it's possible that putting your chainstay/axle flip chip in the long setting would have alleviated the front-end lift while climbing with an added bonus of more stability. Might be worth a try with the shorter stem if you happen to prefer the responsiveness of the shorter stem.

[@B1KER]

Stem length feels fine to me, however I’ve been thinking about flipping the chain stays to see what that does.

[@danmorgan1706]

Great vid Robert!! And congrats on the new bike. Paint job looks bitchin

[@B1KER]

Thanks dude 👍

[@MTBScotland]

much improved colour on the bike.

[@B1KER]

Definitely!!!

[@epayuyao5300]

I see oak park in that opening shot!

[@B1KER]

Yeah, good eye. I was riding around taking photos with the bike in Oak Park.

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

Congratulations!

[@B1KER]

Thanks

[@lukerutherford]

Nice! I have a V2 Bronson and love it, but curious to how it compares to other bikes on the climbs / more mellow rides. I need a separate bike for each occasion!

[@B1KER]

I can tell you the v3 Bronson was a hell of an upgrade on a bike that I already thought was perfect. As far as the Tallboy goes, it’s being killing it on the stuff I bought it to ride.

[@chrisjohnson4733]

Sick bike bro

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@russelrivera5044]

what’s your one-bike recommendation for big guys? I’m looking at the 2022 chameleon and the tall boy. Both for smooth Idaho single track blues and greens. Nothing chunky or overly aggressive. Thanks for the videos!

[@B1KER]

For me in order of importance is good brakes w/203 front and back, Cushcore, and carbon wheels.

[@cincicycles]

Great video. Curious what, if any, mods you did to the shock, and what pressure you run compared to your weight. I’m 270 and seriously considering the Tallboy or Hightower as my next bike. Thanks!

[@B1KER]

I didn’t do anything to the shock. I did end up getting a cascade link and I can’t speak highly enough about it

[@mtb7018]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Try WTB saddles, i love the volt 🤘🤘

[@B1KER]

I have one of those on my gravel bike. I'll be honest, I always seem to have the best luck with WTB saddles.

[@thetrailnomad]

@@B1KER try the Bikeyoke Sagma. It’s pretty good if not that good looking.

[@keirfarnum6811]

That’s essentially the same WTB saddle I still have from the 90s (with some shoe goo repairs 😁) and it’s the only saddle besides the Flight saddle that I could hop on and ride 100 miles without problems. Still like the Flight better; but WTB are great!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Congrats! How do you like your Saints? Specifically, is there any wondering bite point that has plagued the newer designs of the 2 and 4 piston XTR/XT/SLX/Deore brakes? Thanks!

[@B1KER]

Not that I notice, but don't quote me. I'm not always the best at catching stuff like that.

[@frankfattore989]

Welcome to the 29’er world. Next stop, Hightower?!

[@B1KER]

Honestly, I doubt it. Even after buying this, I feel like I’m still not a 29er fan.

[@LittleTicoy]

Were you at Rockville in Fairfield?

[@B1KER]

Yes I was.

[@jayTmix89]

Did I miss the frame size? I just got my 2021 in XL and its perfect for me at 6'3" with a 35mm stem but I just ordered some 40mm rise bars to take some strain off my wrists

[@B1KER]

I prefer a Large. Every time I ride an XL I hate it.

[@jayTmix89]

@@B1KER I almost bought a large straight away for the same reason! But I went in and test rode both of them and the XL just felt better on me. Everyone's different! Sweet looking ride tho man!

[@B1KER]

@@jayTmix89 when I got the Carbon Chameleon I sized up the XL because I was wondering if I’d like it more than the large AL one I had. Unfortunately, that ended up being one of the reasons I sold my Hardtail.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Looks muy suave. Sick whip

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@em1355]

Great video! Owner of a SC Tallboy and was wondering the cap/lever on your forks are green, did you get those painted? And if yes, where?

[@B1KER]

The colors on my fork are all stock from DVO.

[@em1355]

@@B1KER Thanks for the quick response! The paint job and color scheme are really good! I am trying to see if I can change the caps/levers on my Fox forks, because blue positively does not go with my color scheme. If one is going to pay XXXX amount on a bike, then in my viewpoint one wants their colors.

[@B1KER]

@@em1355 look up Tech Gnar on Instagram. He does a coating on parts that I’ve seen on a friends bike. It’s called Cerakote.

[@em1355]

@@B1KER Will do that, thanks for the tip!! I live in Germany, but I am searching even in the states as I have family there. Keep up the great work and thanks again!!

[@B1KER]

@@em1355 Then maybe look for a painter in Germany that does that. I’m sure there is someone.

[@robdr82]

Sick bike dude. So which one would you take to Rockville the tallboy or bronson?

[@B1KER]

I've been taking the Tallboy. It's been totally fine on everything I ride there. I used to ride my hardtail there a lot too!

[@AnthonyOrtega-ki4mx]

Thought it was the following when I saw that white frame

[@B1KER]

Pulled a fast one on ya. 😂

[@AnthonyOrtega-ki4mx]

@@B1KER yes you did 😂

[@petervo7863]

Happy NBD! Good choice with the TB. Been riding mine since March and it handles everything at Granite bay and Auburn. Hoping to take it to Northstar or Tahoe this year to test its limits. Any idea if the respray voids the warranty?

[@B1KER]

If the painter isn't certified it would. But it's pretty easy for them to get certified and my buddy is already doing stuff for Santa Cruz, so I'm good. :)

[@ztomek3154]

@@B1KER Who is your painter Robert? I have the same original yellow poop TB. I had no idea that you can repaint without voiding the warranty. Can you post his telephone number?

[@B1KER]

@@ztomek3154 his IG is in Show More.

[@jinavl]

Dope bike🤙🤙

[@B1KER]

Thanks

[@Myyst0211]

Two things holy shit that’s a bad ass bike and the other Comment as a question what Garmin mount are you using?

[@B1KER]

Thanks man! Also, took me forever to find that one because I like my bottle cap stem cap on the Bronson. This works by replacing one of the spacers on your steerer tube. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N1QVGNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@XCRiders]

😍 it’s a beauty

[@B1KER]

thanks man

[@adenjames736]

that is an absolutely beatuiful bike! are you sponsored by DVO or do you just like their suspension products? i would love to see a video about their prouducts.

[@B1KER]

I’m not sponsored. I bought that fork a few years ago for my Hardtail.

[@keirfarnum6811]

Dude! If you climb like you have bar ends, JUST PUT BAR ENDS ON! They work!

[@B1KER]

You wouldn’t believe how many people were bitching at me on here about having them on. I got tired of it and took them off.

[@donak2773]

this mans got bread to spend

[@B1KER]

Apparently not anymore. 😂😂😂

[@BudoDave76]

What made you go with the Tallboy over the Hightower?

[@B1KER]

I have a Bronson and honestly prefer 27.5 in technical riding where I would want more travel.

[@BudoDave76]

@@B1KER New Bronson Mullet! Best of both worlds!

[@B1KER]

@@BudoDave76 I’m really interested in trying that bike out.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Such a BEAUT!🔥 before dumping the rev grips, try the large size 🤷🏽I have the RG5 and the Large… even with my medium sized hands, I still prefer the large on the softest setting …. OR you can do whatever you want to without listening to keyboard warriors! 😂

[@B1KER]

I really want to like them. I'm going to go full squish first, but after that, I'm not sure I can drop that kind of money on another set of grips that I might not like. They were definitely pricey.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@B1KER the replacement sleeves are reasonable at around $20 I think… 🤷🏽 to try a completely different grip, that’s not bad

[@B1KER]

@@TheCrashingDad oh, I didn’t realize that. Great suggestion!!! 🤘

[@ChefIan73]

They give you thirty days to return them if you don’t like them. Most people don’t end up returning them though. Also you can always contact them about trying a different diameter grip sleeve.

[@luizeduardocunha2769]

What kind of shifter does it have

[@B1KER]

I have GX AXS

[@thetrailnomad]

Upping on the tires and still going for CC Pro? You really should loose that weight you set out to loose when starting this channel. I love the paint scheme of the tallboy. Makes it unique. I was going for one too but then compared stats with my Deviate Highlander and the latter is the one bike for everything and a Tallboy would set me back too much.

[@B1KER]

Still working on the weight.

[@thetrailnomad]

@@B1KER you may want to think about a Der Kaiser Apex in the front and a Der Kaiser Protection in the rear. It seems like you ride a lot of hardpack and these tires are the best for that. I don’t know why Continental tires are not ridden that much over there.

[@scoopitydoop]

I hope you’re making money ho’n for the man ( primus reference ) I loved your videos when it was just a guy recording and loving what he’s doing. It these days it just seems like your more of a salesman looking for money. Having said that, awesome bike man!

[@B1KER]

That’s a bummer you feel that way. I don’t have a sponsorship with Santa Cruz, I just like their bikes.

[@bretervin]

@@B1KER I feel like you are the same dude, just making better videos. Keep doing you man!!!

[@chewlk5200]

Hi Hi may i know your hight and the bike size you running？

[@B1KER]

I’m 6’2” and prefer the large.

[@chewlk5200]

@@B1KER Thanks for reply👍🏼

[@norcalchrismeister]

@@B1KER I'm also 6'2" and have an XL Tallboy. It's a fun bike (except on the climbs lol) but wondering if I should have got a large. I prefer riding my Epic Evo so I might end up selling the TB.

[@gottjrful]

How tall are you?

[@B1KER]

6’2”

[@SpencerBaum]

not even a mention of the transition spur? Jk, that tallboy looks amazing!

[@B1KER]

There was something MTB Savant’s review said that turned me off of that one. I can’t remember what though.

[@SpencerBaum]

@@B1KER well, let me know if you find it because I've only heard amazing things about the bike and I'm planning on getting one and I'd like to know if there's something about it that some riders don't like

[@tonybasoni8443]

@@SpencerBaum ,......I have one and it is fantastic. There is nothing wrong with it, I have no idea what he is referring to.

[@kaseykohler1490]

Are those aluminum spoke nipples?

[@B1KER]

I would assume so.

[@determinedskeptic]

Yes!!! Freakin’ porn!! Such an awesome looking bike 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@B1KER]

Thanks! It is sexy.

[@Allofthemonkeys]

I'd love to afford a full suspension bike, but most cost more than either of my cars

[@B1KER]

I hear ya, watch the used market. You can get some killer deals on bikes that are a few years old and still awesome bikes.

[@czechnolike]

Of course, Santa Cruz...

[@B1KER]

Right, like I could buy something else. LOL

[@MrBadgers]

Those ergon saddles are a pain. They are only rated to 220lb, even the super cushy models. They don't make anything for heavier riders that I know of. Let me know if you find something for someone 250+ that doesn't cost a kidney.

[@B1KER]

I just ignored the weight thing. I felt like it was just them covering their ass.