Santa Cruz Tallboy 4 full gas live ride review

[@flyingnorseman]

Probably the 8th or 9th of these on bike reviews Ive seen and by far the most excited Ive heard you. That says so much.

[@LRF49]

Based on all the reviews I've seen about the Tallboy. It is clear to me that this is the funnest bike and it has the Goldie Lock's thing going for it. Not too much travel. Not too little travel. It's just right. I'm buying one.

[@edwinpeace3205]

Did you buy one? Thoughts if you did?

[@fullyard-art]

@@edwinpeace3205 Hey there. I bought one as a replacement for a Canyon Spectral AL 7.0 2018 one after they stole it out of my basement compartment...I got the 2022 TB 4.0 AL R and replaced the Stem, Handlebar and added some nice Pedals. Removed the tube -> first bike tubless . I only got it out on the trail four times so far, after a break of nearly 1,5 years (just didnt felt like mtbing for some time). I have to thank the maker for those arses stealing my old one.... I had the fun of my life yesterday on a mediocre day , weather and condition-wise . I am just getting back into my mtb shape and daaaamn. This bike is INSANE. I had like Enduro/ Hard Trail bikes+ with 16 /15 and 15/14 suspension, but this TB here with 13/12 - i never felt so good with a feeble physical start into ANY of the seasons. It gives so much great feedback from below, the rear suspension literally SOAKS up the ground and feels like a big Enduro bike. The 130mm fox fork does the job pretty well and as said, just getting used to it, but i had insane cheerful moments which i already recall happily in my memory. It feels so secure and good-natured going low to medium speed (also very very good climbs on rocky, rooty steep sections) down the hill, but once you add some speed and the terrain starts getting rough and curvy and technical it wants you to put it into nasty lines pushing it hard making everything feel so INSANELY AWESOME. Cant wait to melt into this great bike. LOVE IT. Thats at least the feedback i can give you right now. Cheers, Steve

[@edwinpeace3205]

@@fullyard-art Hi there...thanks for the feedback on your experience. I went ahead last March on the Tallboy 4.0 C R...in a Large (I'm 182cm/ 85kg); its the stealth camo colour and looks fantastic, plus it had the tubeless tyres. I have pretty much stuck with the standard kit and figure out if I break something I can replace it. I did buy a Lezyne camo-colour bottle cage, plus I had the bike RideWrapped and had RaceFace Chester pedals and used it all last season on singletrack, downhill...uphill XC. Whatever I point it at it will go above and beyond. My riding has gone to a new level as a result. I was toying with the idea of the Trek Fuel, but the one in the shop had a few faults (loose hubs) which didn't bode well for their quality. I live in a bike/ski resort, so the TB got a lot of use several times a week last season. Its absolutely brilliant and I am super happy with the set up and just had it serviced ready for the season. Enjoy your 2023 season on the TB!

[@emmydianah3324]

*Great frame and lightweight. **Latest.Bike** components were well adjusted out of the box. Great entry level bike for light off road use.*

[@hardtaillife4071]

You sound like a weather man in a hurricane! Nice work, sir! (I just got a Tallboy…AF D-kit)

[@AOL0321]

Guy, Thanks to your review, I’m picking up my new Tallboy CC XO1 soon! I can’t wait! I subscribed to your Patreon channel too. Thx for the great reviews!

[@GuyKesTV]

Gregory Ceconi thanks for the pledge, sorry I haven’t messaged you back yet. I reckon you’ll love the Tallboy.

[@cjjtahoe]

Video summary: *maniacal laughter* 'You monster!' Way to go tallboy! You really wrung that bike out, great video Guy!

[@GuyKesTV]

TBF it wrung me out as well. you just can't stop pedalling and pumping the damn thing!

[@stevethesmazsmathers9112]

Damn, Santa Cruz is really hitting it out of the park with their latest bikes! I love my TB3 but the new Hightower and Tallboy really make me want a new bike. Thanks for the on bike review on release day.

[@TheAllEngineering]

For the price of these bikes you would expect them to be heads and shoulders above mainstream brands. Interesting that you rarely see the lower specified models reviewed. This is what a lot of people can afford, they would be better off spending similar money on another brand and get better componentry. There are many brands that are hitting it out of the park .

[@ASJK20]

Nice!! Santa Cruz bikes just went up on my radar

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

great vid, always loved santa cruz just wish i could bloody afford one

[@adventuresofchris6098]

The entry level Aluminum tallboy, Hightower, Bronson and nomad start around 2k$ which is actually pretty competitive with companies like Specialized and trek who are the overloards in the bike world. Pretty decent package, not great, but at a good cost

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

@@adventuresofchris6098 thanks for your reply i live in the uk so the price is considerably more for example the 5010 in alloy with a recon upfront starts at £2600 (3155 in US) but i can still dream :)

[@adventuresofchris6098]

Stuart Armstrong oh I get it. That’s tough I’m sorry

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

@@adventuresofchris6098 no worries i have a very nice hardtail it is the cotic soul which i built myself with a pike rct3 and full xt groupset so i cant complain too much

[@kunchofbunts3613]

Another quality review 👍🏻

[@TheBikeRoom]

Great ride review, doing the dishes just got a whole lot better

[@GuyKesTV]

Haha, I hope you didn't speed up too much and leave some bits 🤣

[@thomaswhudson]

Just picked up the 2020 Tallboy and its great.

[@GuyKesTV]

Nice! Enjoy the ride 👊🏻

[@yasmas70]

Guy thanks for the great video. Can you compare between the new tallboy and the Ripley v4? How they compare in climbing and going on moderate down trails. I'm coming from XC bike (Giant Anthem 29er) but looking for bit more descent capability.

[@rickmoz]

I have a v3 5010 which uses the older type of VVP..... I can see an early refresh of the 5010 next year

[@Handjob242]

Rich Morris Interesting. If I attain certain goals with my fitness this year, I’ve every intention of treating myself to a 5010 early to mid next year - but from what you say it might be worth holding off until this time 2020 for an updated suspension?

[@rickmoz]

Taffy Lewis I’m no insider it just an educated guess but if I was Santa Cruz I would want a unified look to the range..... but if you did get the current 5010 likes what Ive got you won’t be disappointed it incredible

[@speedster2]

@@Handjob242 Santa Cruz bikes have a pretty predictable 3 year life cycle. Since the current 5010 came out in July 2018, I wouldn't expect an update to the 5010 till mid-2021, but then again, never say never.

[@financialcyclist]

Hi Guy I'm in the midst of looking for a new 29er mid travel bike to replace my 2015 trance 27.5 which is decent climber for me. I'm 5"4 and weight around 190lbs and my riding style is more of a butt down climber. Az My area is more xc oriented trails with short climbs and short descent. Average Distance around 4.5miles. In term of price vs capability, which bike do you suggest if I can get all the following bikes in GX build. Giant trance advanced 29 Pivot trail 429 Santa Cruz high tower 2020 Ibis Ripley

[@davekelly8168]

Great review as ever, however.. I'm knackered after watching that...

[@GuyKesTV]

Yep, It bloody killed me. I normally only film on descents because otherwise I run out of breath, that thing just had me pedalling flat out through everything though 🥵

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Awesome video and bike !!

[@1ndomitus]

- and what if I don't want to have my Mountain bike ride over as quickly as possible? What if I enjoy *riding* instead of flying downhill? What do I buy anymore that feels like it turns at 5 kph instead of always needing to be going 50 kph? Why don't they just save time & tooling and make a single downhill bike with an adjustable rear suspension from 100mm to 200mm? Keeping my 2017 because it still steers like an XC/Trail bike.

[@JTMarlin8]

Santa Cruz and its fanbase learned a lot, starting from the new Nomad 2 years ago. Turns out "long and slack" makes steep technical climbing easier, even with tight switchbacks, because it takes a lot less effort to keep the front end down and you can shift your body around more freely. With the older geometry, you had to consciously weight the front wheel.

[@sw1neymtb89]

Hi Guy, do you think the difference between this XO, CC build and the XT, C build would be that noticeable? I've always been a Rockshox guy so have zero experience with the Fox Performance elite on the XT build and price wise that's about as far as I can stretch. Any input would be greatly appreciated 🙏

[@TheTeddycarter]

Another great vid Guy. Looks a great bike. Quick question. What glasses are you wearing! Need some bike specs without top frame ( I must have a funny shaped head!!) and amazingly hard to get something that works well! Yours look a great shape!

[@GuyKesTV]

They're Ryders Eyewear fella.

[@andrewgreenwood8727]

Guy, Do you reckon in your view that Santa Cruz will bring out in the future a Tallboy version Emtb 29 in say 130 f & rear ! That would be amazing in a slim line & say 60Nm tune on the Ep8 similar to the' Rise'. ?

[@lwolive]

Doesn't seem to offer much over my TB3 C+ so won't be upgrading, these test trails are pretty smooth (you'd arguably have more fun and carry less weight on a hardtail) and its only really when things get chunky that the TB3 gets out its depth, great cross country bike / light trail use though

[@GuyKesTV]

Don't worry I did throw it round some rockier trails at the weekend too. Judging by your tag and what you're saying if you do think of upgrading at any point you should have a look at the Blur TR as it's basically a hot rod TB3

[@lwolive]

I might wait for the TB5 which will be 15% more laterally stiff whilst remaining 8% more vertically compliant and have 10mm more rear travel ;)

[@GuyKesTV]

@@lwolive You don't have to wait that's the Hightower 1 🤣

[@philipjones2248]

Great review as always. I’m interested in the comparison you might draw between the Tallboy and the Hightower. So how would the Hightower perform at Daley, where you’ve reviewed the Tallboy? I know the area well, and intuitively it feels like it would be too much bike. But, more critically, for me, how would the Tallboy perform at Ilkley? I’m currently riding a Tallboy 3, and had been intending to replace it with the new model, but I’ve just been riding on basque trails with a group of lads riding 150mm plus bikes. Whilst I can ride the lines, I can’t ride at the speed the extra travel gives you. I’m wondering just how much difference the new TB is and how it would perform on the more chunkier terrain that you simply don’t get at Dalby.

[@climb3r18]

Nice review. What are your thoughts of the Tallboy vs the new 5010 and also vs the Transition Spur?

[@jackeluk]

Thanks for this. I've got an alloy 2021 and love it.how can you ride and review at the same time ? I'd have been into a tree within the 1st minute. Great review 👏👌

[@GuyKesTV]

Glad you're loving your bike. TBH I think it helps me overthink my riding. If I'm not talking about the bike I'm normally swearing at myself for making dumb mistakes 🤣

[@jackeluk]

@@GuyKesTV yep the dumb mistakes and swearing is me 👌 so really I can multitask 🤣 👌 keep up the great work Guy 👍

[@jackeluk]

I actually saw an ex demo xxl carbon 1 for sale at stif last year and decided as price was ace to bite the bullet. Loved my alloy 1 but the carbon is another level. 1st carbon bike I've owned in 15 years of riding ❤❤❤

[@donnpassMTB]

Tallboy of Ibis Ripley v4 with 140mm I believe Ibis is better bike do it all with 140mm up front WD link suspension.

[@kaneEvro]

Aaaand there it is, can always rely on old Guy to drop the video of the new bike. Pardon the old 😜😘

[@GuyKesTV]

haha, it's true mate. 48 last week but this bike made me feel like a kid again. Shoulders and neck were aching afterwards from all the cornering Gs though 👴🏻🤣

[@kaneEvro]

@@GuyKesTV In that case Happy Birthday my boy! Shredding as usual 🙌🙌

[@mtbeliever5833]

Just bought a 2019 Tallboy. Bike is super fast.

[@The_VBM]

How do you feel the bike on climbs ? Willing to buy a Santa, but still can’t decide between the tallboy or the blur tr...mainly the tracks here in SA are XC alike, but since Im not racing the clock or hunting kom’s...I was intended to get the Tallboy...How do tou think of it as a only Bike ? How do you feel it on climbs ? Thx m8

[@mtbeliever5833]

Vitor - Tallboy climbs like a E-Bike. Amazing. I bought Tallboy in January 2020. Brand new to MTB. I loved it but quickly learned I needed more travel for trails I was riding. Tallboy 2019 has 110 in rear and 120 in front. I sold Tallboy on Pinkbike and bought a Yeti SB130 Lunchride. 137/160 travel. This is perfect for my trails.( my trail up the street is called Troy Lee Skyline) I have examples of my local trails on my channel. That being said, if my trails were all super mellow and flowy, I would buy a Tallboy. No doubt. Bike is sick.

[@numaanmohamood5895]

I do a mix of cross country and trails in Cape Town, South Africa, generally 65 to 80km rides with 1200 to 1800m elevation and 50/50 mix of jeep and single track forest trails. I am trying to decide between the Top Fuel 9.8 dual suspension GX spec with Carbon Wheels and Tallboy CC GX with Race Face alluminium wheels. Any advice?

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Numaan, what bike do you ride ATMO?

[@Theunsvanwyk]

I’m also deciding between the Tallboy 4 and Trek Top Fuel 9.8. Also in South Africa! Similar distances too. Numaan - which one did you go with? Guy, which one would you recommend for me and Numaan?

[@IBRAKEFORBEDROCK]

Santa Cruz has great bikes with unmatched warranties , but the bike colors they choose can be really dull. Its a shame ...

[@Santacruz-jim]

Guy, that was an amazing review. Really liked how you showed loads of different levels of trail. I ordered one of these yesterday 🚴‍♂️👍

[@GuyKesTV]

Really glad it helped. You’re going to love the Tallboy I’m sure 👊🏻

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Thanks for the review. So now... the big question... new Ibis Ripley, or the new SC Tallboy?

[@Rleebeck051]

Mechannel Both great bikes and performance wise you cant go wrong with either. My personal opinion looks wise is the new SC bikes are the best looking you can get. Straight lines and clean, and beefy! I always thought bikes with curved frames looked a little feminine. Just one guys opinion though...

[@mrpui6200]

Thanks for the great vid and excellent review. Where did you film this?

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks chap, Dalby Forest

[@bitumen83]

@Guy Kesteven Hi there, great video as always. Is there any chance that you test new Marin Rift Zone 3 for 2020? It looks like awesome bike with decent price. Thanks in advance.

[@GuyKesTV]

I'm just testing the Alpine Trail and the Mount Vision but I'll try and get the RZ soon too.

[@nellyandbert]

Guy great vid as always. Interested in this, whyte equivalent, canyon lux or giant trance 29 carbon. What would get your vote for £4K budget?

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks, what do you ride at the moment, what do you like about it, what don't you like and where do you ride it?

[@nellyandbert]

Guy Kesteven whyte 905 (2017), wanted a good hardtail trail bike to get back into trail riding. Now want to move to the next level of bike as I have improved and want to attack harder and faster trails. Don’t need long travel as few areas near me that warrant a dh style monster.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@nellyandbert In that case I reckon you'll find the Lux and Giant a bit soft in suspension and frame but the Whyte S-120 should fit you like a glove. There's enough noticeably better detail across significant components (Guide RS V Guide T, Revoke dropper, GX cassette, fork and shock dampers etc. on the RS to make it worth the extra £400 over the R v 2 as well. Plus it'll presumably come from the same Whyte dealer and it's always nice to keep continuity with your local.

[@nellyandbert]

Guy Kesteven - thanks Guy, I appreciate the expert advice. Thanks so much. Keep up the good work.

[@darrenmorley7453]

Great stuff Guy. Love Dalby Red, and your knowledgable comments. Did you rock a pair of photochromic Oakleys in this vid. Are they any good? Cheers.

[@GuyKesTV]

I've tried the photo Oakley's and they're great. I'm wearing Ryders in this video though.

[@pubfixture]

If my lbs usually charges 100 buck for a demo, and they give me a freebee, does that mean I got "paid"? And I am, therefore, a professional mountain bike tester? If so, I am also a professional mountain bike tester for the last 20 odd years.

[@TheMBunk]

Trek top fuel 2020 or Santa Cruz tall boy v4, which do you prefer?

[@gervaismartial708]

adding to the question, which one(TF 2020 vs tallboy4) pedal the best( in open mode of course)? and is it a big difference?

[@COMOMTB]

Very different bikes. Huge weight difference and the new Top Fuel has a steeper head angle. Have ridden the TF 2020 for a couple days and it pedals better and more efficient than my current Tallboy 3. I did two timed runs on the same loop with the same effort and averaged almost 1mph faster on the TF. The new TB 4 is heavier and the pedal platform is a little more plush and less efficient. If you want better/faster pedaling and climbing then go TF. Want a more solid and planted feel going downhill then try the new Tallboy. IMO, the new Tallboy is too much in the middle. I would want something more XC for most trails and something longer travel for rowdy gnar trails and big jumps. (Which is why I have a Ripmo also). You may take a look at the new Ripley.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@COMOMTB Thanks fella, good that we basically agree. I've replied above but wasn't sure you'd get a notification 👍

[@chawkins45ify]

Seems really close to the whyte S-120, which bike did you prefer?

[@GuyKesTV]

They are very similar bikes until you get to the cash register. Suspension set up, seat angle and frame means the Santa Cruz feels sharper, Whyte is more forgiving but both are absolute pinners.

[@phoenixandbeau8401]

Hi Guy, what's your recommended tyre combination for for dry to intermediate conditions, please?

[@GuyKesTV]

For fast aggressive summer use the rear Schwalbe Rock Razor every time. Maybe Nobby Nick on the front. For more XC/less rock battering, Maxxis Forekaster/Ardent Race are a great combo too and also Continental Cross King both ends. Been impressed with the Wolfpack tyres if you want to try something different too.

[@richardsmith4625]

Great review as always Guy Looks like they have made a fantastic trail bike and answered any criticisms of the TB3 I had my TB3 at BCBR, and I was really hoping that the TB4 would be closer to a New Ripley competitor I.e. All the improvements , but closer to the Blur in weight Going back to BC , would you recommend TB4 or new Ripley ? In your view , Is it definitely worth upgrading from TB3 Thanks for your thoughts Rich

[@GuyKesTV]

Sorry for the delay Richard, didn't see this. If you're looking for something like a TB3 but lighter, Blur TR is perfect. TB4 is a much chunkier/longer/lower trail bike rather than a semi race bike. New Trek Top Fuel might be worth a look for a combination of decent big hit control and lockout etc for racing. There's a video of that on the channel from a couple of months ago.

[@jordanyard2696]

@@GuyKesTVYou were enthusiastic about the Top Fuel. It is a little bit lighter than the Tallboy 4. Could the TB4 be used for some racing, or is that reserved for the Blur and the Top Fuel? The Top Fuel seems like a similar bike to this Tallboy, but I don't know, I didn't ride it. I like the part about the TB4 being a fun bike. Are these bikes worth comparing, or are they different rides?

[@Cartsp70]

Guy would you take this to bike park Wales or would the new Hightower be better?

[@GuyKesTV]

Paul Cartwright definitely the Hightower. You’d have to be on your A game not to run out of travel pretty quick at BPW on a Tallboy.

[@Cartsp70]

But for everyday riding , Forest of Dean etc would you recommend the TB4 ?

[@GuyKesTV]

Yeah if you like getting your kicks mainly under your own power rather than gravity then it's a ripper. If you tend to cruise the climbs and flatter singletrack then rip the descents you'll be better off with a Hightower though and it's not much heavier either.

[@petergonzalez3209]

I have a T130 how does the Tallboy compare?

[@stuartmcmurray4458]

Guy, did you experiment with either of the flip chips? What were the results, benefits of each? Cheers pal

[@Cartsp70]

Stuart McMurray nothing 0.2mm

[@ashsmtbadventures2668]

yes looks sweet

[@ollydickinson2196]

On point!

[@MW-ud8zp]

Do you think it would be viable for an amateur XC racer?

[@GuyKesTV]

You could race it, but Blur TR is much lighter and still pretty damn handy on technical trails

[@briangostinger8644]

Well done.

[@ASJK20]

Any chance you’ll be testing the 2020 fuel ex?

[@GuyKesTV]

Already have! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpXSlISIrZhrlas

[@23vicjoe]

@@GuyKesTV that's the top fuel not fuel ex

[@GuyKesTV]

@@23vicjoe 🤦🏼‍♂️ Sorry misread the comment. But yes I'll hopefully be aboard a Fuel EX soon too.

[@lukesolomon3010]

If your on a XL does that mean the sizings are a bit on the small side

[@snowairland]

This new tallboy seems a bit more capable than the tallboy 3, but... my tallboy 3 rips with a 27.5 plus in the back and a 29 up front, with a 130 fox 34.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

I'm sure your bike is great too - this is just something new and different.

[@nellyandbert]

Epic video and epic bike. What’s your thoughts on this vs the sc120 by whyte? Cheers Guy! Keep up the epic riding and videos.

[@GuyKesTV]

Cheers. Not sure if you've watched it but the SC-120 video is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZqXe6B_i8uVmac Main differences are £3k in price for XTR models (haven't worked out the other specs) very similar weight and geom. TB just slightly steeper in seat angle. Ride feel, Tallboy is tighter both structurally and from a suspension POV. More accurate and with more kick through the pedals so feels really good if you're really pushing hard, particularly on smoother, groomed trails like Dalby where I filmed this. It does kick about more than the Whyte over chunkier stuff as a result though so the Whyte is an easier ride overall. As an example I was always get on the Whyte and wish it was a bit more solid under power when sprinting/climbing at first so I use the 'pedal' lever a lot, but after about an hour I'm not pushing as hard and having the extra smoothness and traction comes into it's own and it gets left in open for the rest of the ride. Tallboy is the other way around.

[@Farthendur]

Sooo is it fast? Is it fun?? Thats all that matter.

[@GuyKesTV]

What does it look like? 🤣

[@Farthendur]

Guy Kesteven looks like I will sell my car to but one... what build do you sugest?

[@niks2078]

So Hightower or Tallboy for White Peak/ Dark Peak riding?

[@GuyKesTV]

Do you want to go up Roman Road faster or down it faster/easier?

[@niks2078]

Thanks for the reply, Guy. Would like to clean the climbs more often and enjoy the descent but come out less battered than my current Tallboy v3! Love it but find on rougher ascents I come out battered. If the new one is smoother it’s tempting but your Hightower review was so positive.

[@rickcalhoun248]

Hightower vs tallboy.

[@GuyKesTV]

If you want to hit everything full gas and still crush technical climbs - Hightower. If you want some trail left to deal with yourself - Tallboy.

[@Cartsp70]

Guy Kesteven that’s also garbage the Hightower is shit at climbing and boring downhill

[@skinnbones11811]

Another great vid from the old dog 😃

[@GuyKesTV]

🐶

[@springbuiltitall]

Jesus. Had to turn it down at work. Sounded rude

[@blazerman61]

What an uncomfortable review to listen to..20 years of doing this I'm sure you could refine it a tad don't ya think,mate!??

[@GuyKesTV]

blazer55 sorry I hurt your ears. I’ve been writing reviews for over twenty years but filming is a pretty new thing for me. What bugged you, the way I talked/the fact it’s unscripted/the audio quality/all of that? I deliberately keep it raw rather than polished ‘sat on a sofa afterwards’ style as theres enough content like that out there already and I’ve not got fancy mics and cameras. I’m always keen to get feedback and improve where I can if you don’t mind telling me what you’d prefer though. Cheers Kes

[@blazerman61]

@@GuyKesTV ..listening to anyone who is breathless just gets uncomfortable after a while that's all..totally respect all you've done for the sport and industry without a doubt ..keep it up ,bro!

[@Cartsp70]

You say the same thing about every Santa Cruz bike you’re test , how is a 120mm travel bike weigh 30 lbs ? So same as my 180 mm Canyon with Fox factory kashima fork and dpx2 rear , your videos are useless

[@GuyKesTV]

Paul Cartwright I agree, it’s definitely heavy for a bike with this travel at this price but you’re getting a lifetime warranty and it’s fully shop supported. A lot stiffer than the Canyon Neuron which is the same category. Hopefully have a Torque in for test shortly and maybe we’ll agree more on that one. Thanks for watching anyway. GK

[@Cartsp70]

.

[@Cartsp70]

Guy Kesteven yes test the Torque cf 8 it would destroy the TB and it’s £4195 with Fox factory suspension at 180mm travel

[@GuyKesTV]

@@Cartsp70 I rode the Torque when it first came out and it's a proper beast. I'll get onto Jack at Canyon ASAP. Think I've got the Neuron SL lined up first though.