*My 65 yr old dad bought this and he assembled it by himself. He absolutely loves **Latest.Bike** . He did however order a bigger seat.*

Bought the previous model slightly used. Neve been happier in my life. :) Just so great bikes! Can’t wait to purchase the 2020 model.

YES THIS IS THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS 🤟🏾

Fantastic review! Thank you and cant wait to ride Vancouver island next summwr

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Thanks for reviewing this bike. Been in between getting this or the Hightower and for my local trails here in north Georgia, this bike fits the bill! Looking to purchase next spring. Great review.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@mattdonaldson4439

4 жыл бұрын

I'm in the same boat Cant figure out what size either. 6ft1.5. Kinda like the Tallboy. I'm not hitting big gaps. HT is probably overkill for me. Although I do like testing my limits.

Another nice review! SC is hitting it out of the park with their lineup.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

This bike really shines in the "descends", every time it gets compared to others it makes 'best in class' for decending.

I just upgraded to a Tallboy from my 2009 BLT (which I love). I have about 100kms on it and I'm still getting used to the 29" tires, geometry and the wide bars. It climbs much better than I anticipated... rolls really well... I'll enjoy it for years to come.

Very helpful thank you. Looking to fill a gap in my stable (down-country "do it all" bike); Tallboy fits the bill. Thorough and technically sound review - strong work!

Good review. I've had a couple SC bikes and the vpp is really great downhill. I'd also say that in technical climbing vpp tends to handle square edges really well.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and the comment!

I love the way the dog climbs like 100 times easier than a Santa Cruz, so cool 😎 great review dude

So detailed and awesome. Epic trail dog bonus!

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks buddy!

Very helpful video, especially since it boosts my confidence that I ordered the right bike for me yesterday, TB 2022 carbon S build, for riding on a variety of moderately rugged terrain, sometimes all day long in Wyoming, Colorado, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

@jben4807

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah! You ordered the right bike. I have this bike and it does everything well. It gets better and better as you ride it more. GREAT bike

@Dakota.Covers

3 жыл бұрын

@@jben4807 I appreciate your comment!

this is a serious contender for my next bike, which i hope to buy in the Spring. Being 6'2" , thanks for the precision regarding your feelings on a large at 6'1". I'll go for XL. Great review about the pros and cons.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and enjoy

@flyingnorseman

4 жыл бұрын

Im 6-4 and riding a XL. Its pretty tight fit. I definitely feel I should have gone with a XXL.

First off your reviews are stellar - secondly I bought this bike with this review as the deal sealer. I’ll tell you where this bike shines - xxl sizing - if you’re a big guy , This is your rig - the geo is amazing and reach and top tube are ace. The climbing is better than the pivot.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@eaxford

4 жыл бұрын

How tall are you? I am 6’3 with super long arms and 36 inch inseam. I rode a XL TB4 and seatpost was pretty much at max and wouldn’t hold height. Also felt like the reach was too short with my +6 ape factor arms. Was looking at the XXL but no one has one to check out.

Great review and your dog is a boss.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

I got 1 6 month ago and custom built it from the frame up. Running a 140mm fox 34 and Shimano XT drivechain/brakes with a 32 tooth Oval ring, The wheels are Race Face Next R carbon rims and I use different rubber for different conditions. I just removed my winter/mud tires for my summer lightweight and fast rollers. I currently have my adjustments at high and long. I very much love the bike but I still havent quite dialed it in for my best performane. I am going to change out a 50 stem for a 40 to see if that helps with hand pain. Irs insanely fun bike just taking me a while to get her perfect.

Nice review, I have one which is 2021 model, Carbon S-Build

At 9:50, I too wanted a little more reach on the Tallboy and felt it was just a little bit cramped. You might be used to your Yeti, which I think has a really good geometry in the reach dept.

Hey buddy, thanks to you and your channel I have bought a 2020 tall boy which I love. I am fortunate to live near the cotswolds in the uk. I was undecided which bike to go for Hightower or tallboy. I’ve had 2019 bronson but your reviews of all Santa Cruz bikes are spot on. Would love to come and ride and run with you and your gorgeous Labrador. God bless you and your family always. Love kg

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome and thanks for the feedback! Glad you are liking the new rig! If you are ever out this way let me know for sure.

@Sdm07120

2 жыл бұрын

I have a v3 Bronson and I’m looking to make the switch to either a HT2 or TB4. What are your thoughts on your new bike compared to the Bronson? I’m looking for a little better pedaling bike but still fun and capable going down.

@keithgriffith124

2 жыл бұрын

@@Sdm07120 hi buddy,in response to your enquiry the tallboy is an awesome pedalling machine,and is far more designed for long days in the saddle and going miles up and hills etc but still with the ability to take on must aspects of mountain biking. For my style of riding much better than the bronson. Let me you know you got this message but you can’t go wrong in getting a tallboy. Love kg

@Sdm07120

2 жыл бұрын

@@keithgriffith124 thanks for the reply. Ya I ride a lot of flowy trails and some technical descents but there’s a lot of pedaling required to get to where you wanna go and the Bronson zaps my energy. It’s great going down just want something more balanced. I like the idea of the HT cause it can handle anything but I’m worried it won’t solve my pedaling issue it’ll be a lot like the Bronson. I’m leaning towards the tallboy because I think it will solve that issue and be perfectly capable and fun on 95% of my rides. The other 5% I’ll just have to go a little slower and choose my lines a bit better.

@keithgriffith124

2 жыл бұрын

@@Sdm07120 sorry I don’t know your real name but however yeah I looked at the high tower but that is a sort of all round bike. The tall boy is slightly more trail oriented which took me that way. I can only say I’m a Santa Cruz freak and have several bikes. Got to say for flowy trails I’d challenge anyone to find a better bike. Keep me posted what you decide to do. Any other help give me a message. Nice to talk. Love kg

Well done review

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Great 👍 review ... great 👍 channel

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support!

I live in Ontario Canada, what do you think is best between the Tall Boy and Hightower? Great video review!

Hey man, I enjoyed the very informative and honest review. I’m debating between the 2020 Hightower and the Tallboy. I live near Nelson bc. I’ve just ridden on some green runs in Alberta and looking to move up. Which will be better for the terrain and ability level? I’m fairly new to mtn biking. Dunno if it’s worth to spend the 1000$ extra on the ht or if this will be more of the right bike for me

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

For around Nelson? HT hands down.

@myfukinarmhurts

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life how about ht vs Devinci troy?

Love your cool bike reviews. I currently have a TB3 for Xc and trail riding. Question: If I were to get a bigger more aggressive trail with occasional enduro all mountain riding Which bikes would you recommend? Sc tb4?, Sc HT, or yeti 130 or?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Either the new HT or the SB130 our of those choices for a more aggressive/light enduro bike.

Just brought the santa cruz based on your review. GREAT BIKE! I notice it rides better in trail mode both up and down. Question I have is: Have you ridden it in trail mode and if so what were your thoughts vs wide open?

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

The bike is really meant to ride wide open. Trail mode is meant to help with efficiency point to point. Perhaps try adjusting your suspension wide open to meet your needs, increase your pressure and adjust compression of possible. Glad you are enjoying the bike, I am thinking of picking one up myself if I can find one!

Awesome review! Where can I get that cool t-shirt though?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

That one is from Westcoast Tees. Hey are a local company from Duncan.

comparison in application vs the new hightower, i.e. who would be looking to ride which bike? your review of the hightower was pretty glowing... off topic, but how does the new hightower compare to your sb 150? great review...thanks.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

The HT is just more of everything. The TB climbs better is about as fun on the trail riding but doesn't descend as nice as the HT. It would be very trail dependant and what you want from it. The HT can hit a bit higher into some enduro type environments whereas the TB would be outgunned. The HT is close to my SB150 and right now if I was to sell that bike the HT would be the replacement bike. If I was to keep it, the TB would be a nice compliment for more lighter trail days where I am not looking to take on the rowdiest terrain.

@baksi07

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Very informative, Honest and straight to the point. Keep this channel going. All the best.

The newer geometry bikes allow for greater travel because the seat tube angles are getting steeper. I can't wait to try out the new Transition Sentinel. It looks like a great all rounder.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah the V2 Sentinel looks pretty great. I would love to check one out here soon.

@allenmartin6708

2 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife yes, pls try Sentinel. Super curious between how the two compare

Great video man. I am thinking of getting this as my third bike. I have a Kona Big honzo 7.5 and a Hightower LT. I share bikes with my kid and wife. This bike seems like a swiss army knife, do you think it would compliment what i already have?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah for sure. I think this is a great all around trail bike. I was really happy with it.

Excellent review! Thank you so much for these. I ride trails lake that 90% of the time. Which bike would you choose as your one bike: the new Tallboy or the new Hightower? Thanks!

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

If it was my only bike I would probably go HT. Opens a bit more on the descending side of things with a minimum loss on the climbing.

@retovogler103

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life Thank you! 👊🏻

@Cartsp70

4 жыл бұрын

Reto Vogler the new Hightower is sluggish just like the V3 Bronson

@retovogler103

4 жыл бұрын

Paul Cartwright Thanks! I rode a V3 Bronson on my trails, liked the 5010 way better. Prob. going for a Tallboy soon. 😊👊🏻

@Cartsp70

4 жыл бұрын

Reto Vogler yeah the 5010 is 10000000000000 times better than the HT or Bronson

Thanks for reviewing! How do you feel the TB4 tackled rocky rooty sections in comparison to the HT2?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

It did really well. The bike really uses the travel it does have to the max.

@leejohnh22

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Awesome to hear, thanks for the reply :)

If you were only considering the TB or the HT with the same C S build and for the trails you showed in this video, which would you choose and why? I am 6’3”, 225 so an XL is definitely the path for me but I can’t decide between the two bikes and at a $200 price difference, it would seem like a no-brainer to go with the HT. Thanks!

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Honestly I would probably go with the HT. It has nearly identical pedal performance with a better descending experience.

Great review, which is your pick between TB and SB 130?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Would depend on the goal. The SB130 can take on a bit more in terms of descending. If that was not a concern I might lean towards the TB.

@misteraxell

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life thank you

This or Following MB for a 200lbs rider? In the past I haven't liked the SC VPP, but everyone seems to love the new lower mounted design. I was a stout feeling bike that pops and can be thrown around on the downs

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I would likely go with the Tallboy. It will meet what you are looking for on the downs.

That looks like an amazing place to ride - what do you like best / Tallboy 2020 or Hightower 2020? Lastly is that a Grizzly Bear area ?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Probably the HT and no grizzly bears here on the Island. At least not that I have ever seen or heard of.

@wcasako

3 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife it does happen - more GB sightings each year. Not a huge number but they do make it to VI from the mainland. Nice bike and review too!

Have you ridden the SB100? If so, how would you compare the two? Even though they aren’t quite the same category. I’m looking to build a bike to compliment my SB150.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

The SB100 is a great little bike. I considered it for awhile but in the end I know that I wouldn't likely ever do an XC type race again and for general riding a compliment to my own SB150 something like this, or the Trail 429 for example, I felt was a better fit. Thanks for watching.

I’m torn between this and a regular travel stumpy with my lbs availability...Ride mostly east coast in Maryland. Just don’t want too much travel for no reason unless the stumpy can pedal as efficiently as the TB4. Thoughts?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Go TB4 for sure. That’s an easy one.

So I’ve watched the reviews of the Ibis Ripley, Tallboy and Evil t429 and you say you ride a yeti. Which would you take as your personal bike between the first three and a SB130?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Either the Tallboy for the SB130 out of that list.

@chromium86

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life ....Ta! Sort of where my head was as well but can’t decide if i need the extra travel in the SB130

Good job on the review. Did you find the Tallboy more capable or enjoyable than the Ripley, and which one would you pick for all around trail riding. Thanks.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I would pick the TB over the Ripley for sure. Both were great but I fit better on the TB and I enjoyed the pedal platform on the climbs and trail riding better. It also felt like it had more progression in the shock and so on areas where I clearly ate up my Ripley travel the TB had some to spare.

Is this significantly better climbing and flat trail riding than the hightower? If it's not I'm thinking the hightower might be a better all day bike on the front range in CO?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

It is it not so much better that it makes a massive difference. You trade off climbing for better descents so whatever is your more desired area. I would think the HT might better fit your CO riding better.

What do you think are the biggest differences with the Tallboy and the Ibis Ripley? I have the V4 Ripley and really love it

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Overall the pedal platform is better on the TB. I would say that the TB felt more stable on descents as well.

@cliffsangelsphotography

4 жыл бұрын

I like the Ripley better overall. It felt better on the climbs and more agile. Though the TB4 was more stable at high speed descents. Both are great

This might be a tough comparison, but how much better is the pedal platform on the TB than something slightly larger but a different company - like the Evil Offering which you reviewed positively for its DELTA system on the climbs?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I would rate the VPP on the Tallboy to be superior to the DELTA. The best Evil bike for pedalling in my experience has been the Offering, great and well balanced trail bike, much like the Tallboy.

@aaronrosenberg2037

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Thank you! Much appreciated.

@aaronrosenberg2037

4 жыл бұрын

I just watched another review that claimed the downhill capability of the Tallboy v4 is similar to the sb130... can that be true? Would you compare the two bikes in capability? Thanks again, trying to figure out a new bike stuck inside without being able to demo has been quite a challenge!

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Hmm that is a bit tricky. I would say overall they are actually very similar bikes. I presently ride an SB150, however, I consider the SB130 to be a better bike from Yeti for most of what I ride here. I would say that about the Tallboy as well. I think they would be very similar and equally capable in most situations. Yeti SI pedal platform crushes the VPP for climbing however.

So, wait, two weeks before this ride you tested a Pivot Trail 429 & an Ibis Ripley, - and you'd take this Tallboy *over those?!?* 14:57 Are you sure you weren't just having an extra good day on the Tallboy?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Yes I preferred the Tallboy over both the others.

I’m deciding between TB4 and SB130. My biggest concern is climbing and trail riding. Which is better?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Between those bikes I would go with the SB130.

can you show a video on how to install a dropper post on this 2020 tallboy with an aluminum frame? I'm running in to a problem with running the house through the down tube and out through the back. Seems to be something inside the down tube preventing me from bring it out the back.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Hmmm not sure. Perhaps contact your dealer or Santa Cruz?

@marse763

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife thanks for the reply. I was able to install the dropper with the old thread and vacuum technique.

The lower link shock actuation, in isolation, isn’t going to dictate the kinematics. I don’t know why you would have reservations about it. Anyway you missed the biggest issue of this bike. Weight. It’s more or less the same weight as the HT so what’s the point?

@TheAllEngineering

3 жыл бұрын

Its just marketing hype that the fanboys swallow line hook and sinker !!

Would you take this bike to Colorado or Moab. Is it rock capable? Not big drops but one foot rollers and small drops. Porcupine Rim for instance. Thanks.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I would for sure. It really takes on a lot.

For tight slow trails. Intermediate rider. All up and down What would you go with ripley trail 429. Tallboy. Thanks for the great videos

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I would go with the Tallboy for sure. All those are great bikes but I got slo best with the SC.

Dude did you find the Bronson and New Hightower sluggish ? I tried the Bronson on the same day it’s worse than the Hightower

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and the comments. I did find the Bronson to be a bit of a pig. For where I live the HT would be good but the Tallboy would be pretty much perfect. If I was buying a new bike this year it would be near, if not at the top of the list.

Habe you testet The new 5010 and can compare it to this bike?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

The most recent 5010 is the same model as the last couple years and it is a super fun and enjoyable bike. Different than the Tallboy in a lot of ways. I would guess that this will be the next bike to get a major revamp, likely deep into the Spring.

When it comes to climbing, which is better? Tallboy 3 or Tallboy 4?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Honestly, probably the Tallboy 3 - but overall - the Tallboy 4 is a better bike.

I have the current TB3 CC X0. I hate slacker head tube angle bikes and our trails are extremely technical & rocky! There’s absolutely nothing it won’t do so I don’t get the 65.5 degree head tube and the super steep seat tube. I’m afraid I’ll need another f-ing set back seatpoat and have to delete the dropper!

For the S build, don't you think is heavy for a down country bike?

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

It is heavier than some others for sure but I did not find it to be a detriment to the bike.

Have you been out on a Hightower? Which do you prefer? Tallboy or Hightower?

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

I loved the Hightower, there is a video on the channel, check it out. If I had only one that would be it.

How is the climbing compared to the new high tower

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

It is better overall but both are pretty great.

Can you list some of these trails you regularly test at? They look pretty cool for an option to the Benson trails I usually ride.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

In this video there are a few, the main ones are Monkey's in the Mist and Bent Nail. Thanks for watching.

Ripley vs the tall boy what are your thoughts

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

I prefer the Tallboy. Lots of people rave about the Ripley, and I liked it a lot, but fir me the Tallboy was a better bike in both climbing and descending.

Ripley and this bike seem very similar

I wish i had a bike like that😂😂

Better climber 429 or tallboy?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Pretty even but if I had to choose I would probably go with the Tallboy.

Is it safe holding a carbon bike by the frame? Thought that was a no no.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah it’s fine, and it is more balancing that being held there. It isn’t tightened down which you should not do (clamp it down). No different than being on a bike rack that holds it in the same way.

What is your favorite saddle?

@IslandBikeLife

3 жыл бұрын

I am really liking the Chromag Trailmaster right now. Very comfortable all day long.

@grantvanderhoek

3 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife awesome, thanks.

This or trail 429?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

This for sure.

@Vffr1

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Didn't see that coming. But glad you made a choice. Triple

How tall are you?

Ripley or tallbay?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Tallboy, all day.

@vincentday6640

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife last question, sb130 or tallboy?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

SB130

Weight is an issue ... just 600 grams below the HT, and a whoping 2.2 kg above the Blur. Considering the HT is using a 36 ... theoritically if you use a 34 on the HT, both bikes would weight approx. the same. 🙄

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

I always laugh at these weight comments. It isn’t an XC race bike like the Blur. It is an aggressive trail bike that isn’t meant to be feather light. It is a bigger bike than the last generation and meant to do more. If it pedaled and climbed horribly the weight might be noticed more, but it doesn’t, and you don’t notice the ‘weight’ as much Ci as you would think.

@Farthendur

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life maybe because they are small guys, Im 6’ and 170 pounds, so the bike is going to represent a low % of my body weight. So I really dont care about it being a little heavier than the previous model.

@williamkerr8836

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife So then why do they have a HT and a TB. They seem so close...

This or trek fuel?

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

This for sure!

@skibum1976

4 жыл бұрын

Island Bike Life care to elaborate on that? I have a 2019 Fuel ex 9.8 and enjoy the bike, but am looking for something that 1) climbs better 2) is more playful.

Slow and bald people will love the TB4! But the reality is there is no point to a heavy ass short travel bicycle.

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

That's true!

I'm so torn between this and the Hightower...

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah they are both great and very close in ability. Hard choice to make!

@williamkerr8836

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Any advice on how to approach the choice?

@KenricP

4 жыл бұрын

I’m in the same boat ! I want something that climbs better than my v2 Bronson,

I was weary about watching this after seeing the Hightower review where you said there was no reason to run it in anything other than low. Both the Hightower and megatower feel like completely different bikes when rode in the different switches. They feel more like sleds in low and trail bikes in high. Maybe it’s because I’m smaller and ride a medium so the changes seem more drastic. But that being said I do find you vids to usually have something I can take from them even if I feel tired from your monotone dialogue. No offense lol

@IslandBikeLife

4 жыл бұрын

Well thanks for watching I guess. Not a super flashy kind of guy but am not trying to be boring LOL

@1ndomitus

4 жыл бұрын

@@IslandBikeLife Try adding some cool upbeat music, just make sure it's *BACKGROUND* not foreground music! lol