Ride report
By popular demand..
Basically this is the best bike for me that I've ever ridden. I was wary of the 65mm stem and front end height of the 29er for climbing but I've had no issues and made my way up some pretty steep technical stuff, tight switchbacks are no drama. Sounds cliche but I actually have cleared sections of trail that I either haven't before or found harder with the 26" bikes I've had, a combination of the geometry of the Tallboy and the 29" wheels no doubt. The top tube fits me perfectly and I can ride for 4-5 hours no worries, did the 4 day cape to cape end of the year and was suprised how we'll it seemed to pedal next to "Xc" bikes. The weight is pretty impressive for its size in my opinion.
On the downhill sections its amazing, the front end feels really predictable and confidence inspiring. I've added a dropper post since the photos, 125mm reverb. I can't believe I didn't have this from the start seeing I had them on previous bikes. The bike jumps really easy and is good fun to throw around on technical trails, I'm yet to bottom it out and I'm not the lightest rider around. Much more playful than the 150/160 travel bikes in my opinion especially for the WA trails. Easy as to get the front wheel to loft for small manuals and log overs etc.
The raw matte finish looks awesome in the sun and isn't too bad to clean up, the usual santacruz quality with linkages etc easy to maintain and access. No mechanical complaints, I've clocked up quite a few Kms and no noises or creaks anywhere. SantaCruz aren't cheap but you get what you pay for..
I've added XX 2x10 cranks now for improved shifting over the 3x10 noir cranks i had previously with an MRP iscg mounted bash guard as a bit of insurance too.
At the end of the day I'm definitely smiling at the end of each ride, it's a fun bike and that's what it's about. I'll most probly never find its limits and I'm ok with that. CG is riding one of these as a megavalanche bike, that's a fair statement for its durability.
Things ill be changing on my setup -
Larger rotor probly a 185 on the rear to match the front, 160 is a bit under done for my size.
New wheels, the eastons are ok but I'm a mavic man deep down. Crossmax st's. I'd love the Enve's but can't justify the price.. One day.
Rider -
I'm 195cm and 95kg and ride flat pedals. Previous trail type bikes owned and ridden that I'm comparing to, intense 6.6, 09' specialized stump jumper, 09' sworks stump jumperHT, 11' trek remedy 9.9, nomad carbon.
Hope this helps any decisions that need to be made
you won't regret the Tallboy LTc. Enjoy