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Has anybody ridden both the Tallboy 3 and the new Tallboy 4 with the lower shock placement? Specifically I'm interested in the climbing ability of 4 vs 3 on really steep gradients. There are some seemingly significant geo changes (slacker front end etc) and without being able to try a 4 I don't know how they would affect going uphill. I can't abide wandering front wheels. This is important because I live in a really hilly area (in gradient if not duration - it's actually called Steep). And I quite enjoy conquering a climb. Any first-hand comparisons?
I've not ridden the tallboy 4, but have pedalled my buddies Nomad with the same lower shock placement, the bike just feels like it drives forward when pedalling, feels super efficient.
My girlfriend has a TB4. It's an outstanding bike, corners amazing and holds it's speed very well. She has no problem climbing steep stuff on it, although I would say it's happier on the descents. It's not overly slack or long, so front end shouldn't be too wandery. I have a Nomad 4 with the same lower VPP, as above, when seated pedalling it feels very efficient and seems to find lots of grip.
I've not ridden the v4 but have spent plenty of time on a v3 which has been slackened using an angleset and single offset bushing. The head angle is similar to the V4 now. I don't think the head angle affects the climbing significantly. I think the bar height, seat angle and chainstay length have more impact on this. I have another longer travel bike with a much steeper seat angle and much longer chain stays. It makes it much easier to weight the front wheel for climbing and descending. That said I can probably still clean more climbs on the V3 probably due to being shorter travel and lighter. I also live in a hilly area with some brutally steep climbs.
For me I wouldn't swap for a V4 as they put a stupidly long headtube on the XXL without making the chain stays much longer. The climbing would likely suffer as I doubt I'd be able to get the bars low enough for my tastes. However, I think the change is less extreme for the other sizes.
Thanks all. I can get up pretty much anything on my v3, in part because I can get my weight over the front wheel effectively. It's actually better climbing than a Highball I had. So, if it ain't broke etc. But there are a couple of features I like about the v4 so I'll check head tube heights! (I'd be an XL.)
Thanks all. I can get up pretty much anything on my v3, in part because I can get my weight over the front wheel effectively. It’s actually better climbing than a Highball I had. So, if it ain’t broke etc. But there are a couple of features I like about the v4 so I’ll check head tube heights! (I’d be an XL.)
What's actually wrong with the V3, and couldn't you fix these issues easier/cheaper than buying a new bike?
Or is it you just want a new bike?
Hi - i owned a TB3 and it was a goat at climbing. I had a 130mm fork on it and it coped with most things amazingly well. I then rode a TB4 in the states and was blown away, modernised geometry, lower link adds traction and it suddenly felt like more of a trail/enduro bike. By that I mean it was capable and more comfortable over chunky stuff but still climbed amazingly well.
If I didn’t want more bike park capability without losing too much Cotswold climbing efficiency I would have gone for the TB4 over my current hightower V2. (Still debating my decision!!)
The main thing I prefer about the v4 - and this will seem very minor! - is the shock placement frees up the front triangle for a frame bag. Currently I've used a saddlepack and a bar bag for overnighters but having additional weight lower and not moving about would be better. Plus I think the geometry revision and slight travel increase is a probable improvement. But really I'd just like a new bike. I have ridden my v3 on some chunky trails (like Toads in Tahoe, Downieville) and it's all the bike I need but the v4 tweaks would no doubt help.