Tempted by the Fruit of Another: Tallboy vs. Blur TR

Cyclotourist

Cyclotourist

iMTB Hooligan
So I have a 2019 Tallboy 3. Great bike, but a little clunky for the just sort of pedaling around on smooth trails I do. Sort of point it in a straight line and go. I end up locking out the shock on climbs as it really bounces too much (sag is 30%). I've been riding my kid's Highball and really enjoying it. It's significantly faster but a little skittish I suppose, and obviously less plush. Wondering if I bought a Blur 3 TR if that would kind of be the best of both worlds? Very similar bikes, both with VPP, Blur is about 3 lbs lighter, and has 120mm vs 130mm fork and angles are only .5^ steeper.
Or do I just put lighter tires on the TB, throw some money at it and get a different fancier fork to lighten it further, and pretty much have the same thing with a little extra capacity and a lot less expense? In order to get the TB a little livelier, I flipped the chip that flips from L to H, but then got sick so no miles on it to see what it actually feels like

TB3: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/product-support/tallboy-3

Blur3: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/product-support/blur-blur-v3

FWIW this is the bike I'm being tempted by, but I think seller is asking too much. Current gen year old Blurs are going for around $3k. $2,800 is too much to spend on something without knowing it'll really work as intended.

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Cyclotourist said:
So I have a 2019 Tallboy 3. Great bike, but a little clunky for the just sort of pedaling around on smooth trails I do. Sort of point it in a straight line and go. I end up locking out the shock on climbs as it really bounces too much (sag is 30%). I've been riding my kid's Highball and really enjoying it. It's significantly faster but a little skittish I suppose, and obviously less plush. Wondering if I bought a Blur 3 TR if that would kind of be the best of both worlds? Very similar bikes, both with VPP, Blur is about 3 lbs lighter, and has 120mm vs 130mm fork and angles are only .5^ steeper.
Or do I just put lighter tires on the TB, throw some money at it and get a different fancier fork to lighten it further, and pretty much have the same thing with a little extra capacity and a lot less expense? In order to get the TB a little livelier, I flipped the chip that flips from L to H, but then got sick so no miles on it to see what it actually feels like

TB3: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/product-support/tallboy-3

Blur3: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/product-support/blur-blur-v3

FWIW this is the bike I'm being tempted by, but I think seller is asking too much. Current gen year old Blurs are going for around $3k. $2,800 is too much to spend on something without knowing it'll really work as intended.

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Yeah, $2800 for a 2018 is a bit much. I'd go for a newer one since they can be had for nearly as cheap. Short travel bikes are the best for the riding you've described.
 
UPSed said:
Yeah, $2800 for a 2018 is a bit much. I'd go for a newer one since they can be had for nearly as cheap. Short travel bikes are the best for the riding you've described.
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Yeah, price is a touch high, although it's a nicely built up bike. But is it even going to be different than my TB3 which is basically a short travel trail bike compared to this down country type XC bike? I'm thinking just throw a 120mm fork on it and it'll be the same thing? And if it's only 120 vs 130... is that even worth it?
 
My .02, I'd rather have a bike that it is a little too capable than one that is at its limits. When you say your TB is too "bouncy" what exactly does that mean? It bobs when you climb? It pogos in bumps? VPP is a pretty stable climbing platform, so I would be surprised to hear that it's bobbing, unless you are standing and hitting your downstroke really hard. If it's bouncy on the downs, maybe you don't have enough rebound damping dialed in - or maybe too much. Too little R damping would feel "bouncy," too much would feel harsh. But you probably know that.

I would be suspicious of buying a new fork to lighten it up. Lighter forks are generally also more skittish (SID vs Pike). However, it sounds like you are anxious to buy something to make your TB feel different. There's no logic in the desire for a new bike - so if that's the itch, go ahead and scratch it.
 
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herzalot said:
My .02, I'd rather have a bike that it is a little too capable than one that is at its limits. When you say your TB is too "bouncy" what exactly does that mean? It bobs when you climb? It pogos in bumps? VPP is a pretty stable climbing platform, so I would be surprised to hear that it's bobbing, unless you are standing and hitting your downstroke really hard. If it's bouncy on the downs, maybe you don't ahve enough rebound damping dialed in - or maybe too much. Too little R damping would feel "bouncy," too much would feel harsh. But you probably know that.

I would be suspicious of buying a new fork to lighten it up. Lighter forks are generally also more skittish (SID vs Pike). However, it sounds like you are anxious to buy something to make your TB feel different. There's no logic in the desire for a new bike - so if that's the itch, go ahead and scratch it.
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Thanks for the input, appreciated. Yeah, it's fine on the downs, but doesn't pedal smoothly on the ups. Just sinks into the travel on every pedal stroke so I lock it out. But that gets annoying. Maybe I just don't have it set up well, but it's @ 180psi and ~30% sag.

And yeah, I have a bit of upgradeitis going on. The struggle is real!
 
UPSed said:
Yeah, $2800 for a 2018 is a bit much. I'd go for a newer one since they can be had for nearly as cheap. Short travel bikes are the best for the riding you've described.
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Agreed for sure... and that example is pretty nice, but just an idea. Here's a current model FS for a lot cheaper, but without all the fancy bits: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3877053/

Lots of options out there, but I'm still kicking around whether I need to do this at all. Is there enough difference that I'd really even notice? So far leaning toward throwing some $$$ at my TB3, but open to options!

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Cyclotourist said:
Agreed for sure... and that example is pretty nice, but just an idea. Here's a current model FS for a lot cheaper, but without all the fancy bits: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3877053/

Lots of options out there, but I'm still kicking around whether I need to do this at all. Is there enough difference that I'd really even notice? So far leaning toward throwing some $$$ at my TB3, but open to options!

p6pb26782723.jpg
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Just upgrade an already great bike. I don't feel that you'll see enough of an improvement, if any, if you go with something else like a Blur. The TB is nice because it's capable of an awful lot without being overwhelming.
 
SnakeCharmer said:
Just upgrade an already great bike. I don't feel that you'll see enough of an improvement, if any, if you go with something else like a Blur. The TB is nice because it's capable of an awful lot without being overwhelming.
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Thanks, that's sort of what I was thinking, but just wondering if there's potentially a noticeable difference. The TB is a great bike for sure! Just a touch heavy and a bit of pedal bob that makes it feel inefficient. But that's comparing it to that crazy Highball... that thing is just stupid-fast! So I was wondering if a XC bike would sort of combine both. I don't use the trail bike potential of the TB, so am basically dragging it around for nothing. But it's a good bike!!!
 
Cyclotourist said:
Agreed for sure... and that example is pretty nice, but just an idea. Here's a current model FS for a lot cheaper, but without all the fancy bits: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3877053/

Lots of options out there, but I'm still kicking around whether I need to do this at all. Is there enough difference that I'd really even notice? So far leaning toward throwing some $$$ at my TB3, but open to options!

p6pb26782723.jpg
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Still playing drums?
 
herzalot said:
Still playing drums?
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Neil Peart's ghost!

scan said:
Have you tried decreasing sag? That could help the bob.
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I haven't, as it seems really good when opened up and pointing downhill. Perfect really. It's just the uphill that seems to not be that great. Like I mentioned, I just lock it out, but I read about a lot of people leave it open and it's not a problem, so maybe it's just me?
 
Cyclotourist said:
Agreed for sure... and that example is pretty nice, but just an idea. Here's a current model FS for a lot cheaper, but without all the fancy bits: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3877053/

Lots of options out there, but I'm still kicking around whether I need to do this at all. Is there enough difference that I'd really even notice? So far leaning toward throwing some $$$ at my TB3, but open to options!

p6pb26782723.jpg
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If I were in the market today, I'd pick up another Ranger. This sale price makes me cry a little, but I believe the Ranger is worth every penny I paid.
1000006067.jpg

revelbikes.com

Ranger GX Eagle Kit - Revel Bikes

The Revel Ranger is a cross country style mountain bike designed to make the up and much fun as the down without compromise.
revelbikes.com revelbikes.com
 
Cyclotourist said:
Thanks, that's sort of what I was thinking, but just wondering if there's potentially a noticeable difference. The TB is a great bike for sure! Just a touch heavy and a bit of pedal bob that makes it feel inefficient. But that's comparing it to that crazy Highball... that thing is just stupid-fast! So I was wondering if a XC bike would sort of combine both. I don't use the trail bike potential of the TB, so am basically dragging it around for nothing. But it's a good bike!!!
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Does the shock not have a setting/switch to firm up suspension for climbing/pedaling? If not, I'd upgrade the shock. The rear shock on my Izzo has three settings and I commonly flip back and forth between FIRM and OPEN (I don't use LOCK, even on pavement because a little bit of bobbing is easier on my painful arthritic joints)). You can add a lever control kit to your handlebar if you don't wanna reach down to adjust on-the-fly. Don't forget that comparing a FS frame to a HT frame is like comparing apples to oranges. ALL FS frames bob a little bit. The rider adapts...

As far as weight, upgrade to lighter components. Most everything on a bike is available in a lighter weight.
 
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UPSed said:
If I were in the market today, I'd pick up another Ranger. This sale price makes me cry a little, but I believe the Ranger is worth every penny I paid.
View attachment 95465
revelbikes.com

Ranger GX Eagle Kit - Revel Bikes

The Revel Ranger is a cross country style mountain bike designed to make the up and much fun as the down without compromise.
revelbikes.com revelbikes.com
Click to expand...

Wow.
I knew the Ranger is a recommended DC bike right now, but did NOT know it was priced so aggressively!
Wow.

As for the shock, yeah, it has three settings. But it almost feels like only two: Middle seems like "full open" and the lock out seems like it's the firm/trail setting. I mean, it does lock out, but maybe only 85% or so.

I've changed oil on it, but that was my hacky garage style. Maybe take it to our local shock guy (Ridgeline Bikes FYI) and see if a proper service does anything.

I might try that, occasionally throw some lighter parts at it for fun, and see where that takes me. Maybe keep an eye out for a used Blur at a cheap price. That's why I was looking at those... I figure a five year old one might come up for cheap. Then just compare and contrast!
 
Cyclotourist said:
Maybe keep an eye out for a used Blur at a cheap price.
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If you haven't already I recently started looking on Facebook marketplace and there's some nice bikes for good prices on there. I sold my Scott spark on there and bought a nice Fox 34 SC fork. And a nice bonus it's all pretty local.
 
Cyclotourist said:
Wow.
I knew the Ranger is a recommended DC bike right now, but did NOT know it was priced so aggressively!
Wow.

As for the shock, yeah, it has three settings. But it almost feels like only two: Middle seems like "full open" and the lock out seems like it's the firm/trail setting. I mean, it does lock out, but maybe only 85% or so.

I've changed oil on it, but that was my hacky garage style. Maybe take it to our local shock guy (Ridgeline Bikes FYI) and see if a proper service does anything.

I might try that, occasionally throw some lighter parts at it for fun, and see where that takes me. Maybe keep an eye out for a used Blur at a cheap price. That's why I was looking at those... I figure a five year old one might come up for cheap. Then just compare and contrast!
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Yeah something isn't right with your shock. Take your bike to someone who knows suspension and have them roll around in the parking lot on it. They'll know right away what's up.
 
There are a Sh!t ton of great bikes for cheap these days .... at least those without a motor. Intense has been practically giving away their inventory. I guess that is one of the good things about the eBike revolution.
 
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