SANTA CRUZ TALLBOY V5 | Short on Travel, Not on Fun

The newest Santa Cruz Tallboy has BETTER PRICING and optional SRAM Transmission. I review here the XO Transmission build. The Tallboy is a downcountry ripper that can carry you into some rougher scenarios than I anticipated. It is fast, energetic, and a sub-30 pound bike that can still hammer.
Transition Smuggler Review: • Transition Smuggler Fi...
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[@Calisnr]

8 grand for a bike...insane

[@mattvielbig]

I just got one of these, one of the things that surprised me the most is how easy it is to stand up and pedal to gain more speed in dull sections. Where other big travel bikes make it hard to stand and pedal, this bike really shines!

[@BobbySchaffer]

bike or bahyk ? southern accent and mountain bike.

[@LCNismo]

I don’t know why so many people hate the reverb. I have 3 of them and never had any issues with any of them. My oldest one is from 2018 c rev. I do have the axs reverb though and I love it

[@duffyrides]

Great job with this video ! Always wanted this bike. Have had two megatowers which I also review on my channel. But next bike will likely be more in the Trail category as no Enduro racing in my short term plans at this point.

[@Chance.B]

Great review man. How does it compare to the Smuggler, especially climbing?

[@DrJMTB]

I would honestly say that as far as anti squat (at least perceived by me) seems just as good on the Smuggler, if not a smidge better. In other words, the Smuggler just has a snappiness that makes it feel fast and it really goes when you get on the cranks. I have my Smuggler built very light, so it puts it much more in the realm of the Tallboy. The stock builds of the Smuggler are going to be noticeably heavier than the Tallboy, and the difference would be greater. The headtube angle is slacker on the Smuggler, but not enough to make it more unwieldy on climbing. You definitely have to work harder to get the Smuggler as light, but I would definitely say the Smuggler is the more capable bike of the two and still seems to pedal as well, at least as I have mine set up.

[@kaneda4102]

Mine is a riot on local trails, almost like a BMX bike that climbs like a goat and goes over everything. Top video 👍🏻

[@MarcusOliver2006]

Proper smooth trails there guy. No UK mud or roots coming to get you. Tallboy does well on even sketchier trails

[@jamesdorsijiuhjuh6151]

Pisgah miles definitely hit different!!

[@mxbigd17]

What is the advantage of SC going with the 35mm rise bar over the previous gen 20mm rise bars?

[@RodrigoGarciactg]

How would this bike feel coming from a Trek Marlin 5 hardtail that has 100mm of fork travel? Am I going to notice all this "Sketchy" short travel stuff or is it going to feel good? I've done all my local trails on that $600 hardtail so I'm wondering if I will even notice any of those special "cons" haha

[@mattvielbig]

This bike would be a huge leap from your marlin. If you want to stay more blue flow trail oriented, this would be the bike to jump to. If you want to keep pushing yourself and build skills, go for the hightower.

[@RodrigoGarciactg]

How would this bike feel coming from a Trek Marlin 5 hardtail that has 100mm of fork travel? Am I going to notice all this "Sketchy" short travel stuff or is it going to feel good? I've done all my local trails on that $600 hardtail so I'm wondering if I will even notice any of those special "cons" haha

[@DrJMTB]

If you jump on a new Santa Cruz Tallboy after riding an entry-level hardtail, you’re going to feel like you are experiencing a new sport for the first time… in the best possible way. If you’ve been getting by on a hardtail, the Tallboy would likely be your ideal trail weapon. I have the one from this video up for sale if you could fit a medium 🤙🏼

[@AOL0321]

Nice review! I have a 2020 TB V4 and love it overall. The one thing I read about this new V5 is that they supposedly actually lessened the anti-squat on this version? Why would you do that on a short travel trail bike? I would think you would go in the opposite direction. If you want a plusher bike with greater small/mid bump sensitivity, then why not go with the Hightower? The owner of the bike shop I bought my TB4 from put it nicely when he said, the new TB4/5 just doesn't move when you want it to, as it has a slight hesitancy versus say a DW Link/Switch Infinity bike. I'm more of the school of thought that a short travel trail bike should be leaning more towards XC pedaling efficiency and less on plushness. For the latter, just go with a Hightower, especially if this TB 4/5 is coming in at 28lbs+? That's my only gripe with this bike, otherwise I think Santa Cruz's customer service is second to none and the burliness of this frame and bike overall just screams quality!

[@DrJMTB]

I’d actually agree on all points. I’d say that compared to others in this category, the V5 edges toward capability. And a capable, 28 lb bike is sort of a neat place to be for some, others may be looking for something snappier. And you’re very correct in that this one had that SC quality factor as well.

[@norcalchrismeister]

I have a TB4 and an Epic Evo and much prefer riding the Evo. The Evo is way faster uphill and just as good downhill as the TB. I'll prob sell the TB and get a Stumpy or Hightower for harder trails.

[@AOL0321]

@@norcalchrismeister I've had more Specialized mtn. bikes than any other brand and always loved them. The EVO is much lighter I know but I had a 2019 Stumpjumper Expert Carbon and it was a stiff bike but was like a sponge when you stood up and pedaled, probably due to the old rear pivot they had which they eliminated the following year in 2020. I sold that bike and got the Tallboy. It's the age old battle between pedaling efficiency and compliance. I love the Tallboy because for me, nothing matches it's small to mid bump sensitivity and technical climbing ability. It's not as efficient a pedaler as a DW Link or Switch Infinity, but not that far off in my opinion.

[@AOL0321]

@@norcalchrismeister Yeah you really cannot compare the Epic EVO to this bike though, as they are two totally different interpretations and on different sides of the trail/XC spectrum. Maybe an Epic EVO would compare better to a Blur TR.

[@luisquiroga8554]

Coming from dirt bikes it reminds me alot of a Beta Xtrainer. Blurring lines between categories making something unique

[@felixsu2636]

How tall are you to use this M size? Just want a gauge. Thanks .

[@nicholashines7686]

Man that thing is silent going down the trail.

[@tillsonburgindoormx]

That's Santacruz for ya

[@fischermtb]

Maybe I missed it, but how tall are you? You’re on a medium, right?

[@DrJMTB]

5’9”, just short of 5’10”. Medium in the video and it was quite enjoyable. BUT after more time, if I were going to order again, I would get a large.

[@fischermtb]

Thanks! I’m 5’10” but I like small bikes so it’s not easy to decide.

[@DrJMTB]

@@fischermtb Well, I’ve got a medium that I’ll make you a great deal on

[@fischermtb]

@@DrJMTB thanks, but I’m located in Sweden…

[@clarks888]

@@DrJMTBstill looking to part ways with it? Let me know.

[@tjabaley]

Great review. I’ve been on a 2012 tallboyLT and added a stumpy evo last year but don’t love it. Im thinking bout the new tallboy. Looks about right for trails like pisgah/DuPont.

[@tjabaley]

Ok. Just went back and watched your hightower vid. If you are 6-6” and weigh 300 #, are ypu getting a new tallboy or a hightower to hit trails like dupont.

[@marklouieadame]

Why they think 120mm on trail is underbike lol… this can actually take big drops jumps and climb so good lol…

[@DrJMTB]

But only if you’re riding it…

[@flexmtb]

Great video tbh. Solid review of the tallboy.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Thats odd it doesn't come with the Reserve wheelset? In your intro it has reserve wheelset....there aluminum wheelset doesn't cost to much so it doesn't make sense. Looks like a great option!

[@DrJMTB]

The XO AXS build on test here comes stock with Raceface ARC30 wheels with I9 hubs which are pretty solid spec aluminum wheels. Regarding the Reserves, those are my personal set that I move from test bike to test bike

[@pauls3616]

Nice. Thanks for the review.

[@mmedia5727]

What are the purpose of short travel MTBs? An advantage to long travels pedaling uphills?

[@DrJMTB]

Generally speaking, they are lighter and more efficient which typically means easier to pedal and arguably more entertaining in mellower trails

[@TheJoncic]

Yep a long travel bike on more mellow trails isn't fun and zaps energy. Shorter travel bikes are usually steeper and easier to flick around too.

[@DarekTube1]

Why 34...?

[@garyharmon5386]

Awesome review

[@hewitt3784]

Great review!