Santa Cruz Hightower
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm
Experience the versatility and all-around performance of the Santa Cruz Hightower, a bike designed to excel on both climbs and descents. Built to handle a wide range of trails and terrains, the Hightower's lower-link mounted shock and adjustable geometry provide a smooth, responsive ride that adapts to your riding style. The latest model features 150mm of rear travel and a beefed-up 160mm front suspension, giving you the extra capability to tackle even more aggressive terrain with ease. Whether you're carving up flowy singletrack or navigating technical descents, this mountain bike delivers precision and control. Available in a variety of build kits, including the dependable R-Kit and the premium XO AXS Reserve, the Hightower offers a setup for every type of rider. Its 29-inch wheels ensure excellent rollover ability, helping you maintain speed and smoothness over rough ground. Whether you're embarking on epic backcountry adventures or shredding your local trails, the Santa Cruz Hightower is ready to take on any challenge. With this bike, every ride becomes an unforgettable experience.
Highlights and information
Santa Cruz Hightower: Unmatched Versatility and Performance on Every Trail
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 160mm | Rear Travel: 150mm
The Santa Cruz Hightower is designed to conquer all types of terrain, merging climbing efficiency with the prowess to tackle aggressive descents. Boasting 150mm of rear VPP suspension and a 160mm front fork, this bike ensures a smooth, responsive ride that excels from technical rock gardens to flowing singletrack trails. With its modern geometry, adjustable Flip Chip, and large 29-inch wheels, it stands as a versatile and trustworthy companion on any trail. Features like the Glovebox storage system enhance functionality, while a variety of build kits, ranging from the robust R-Kit to the elite XX AXS Reserve, cater to diverse riding styles.
Why the Santa Cruz Hightower Stands Out
The Hightower shines as an all-around trail machine, thanks to its cutting-edge fourth-generation VPP suspension. Its design provides stability, traction, and a plush ride across a broad spectrum of terrains. The bike’s geometry achieves an exceptional balance between agility and control, making it a prime choice for both tough climbs and steep descents. Additionally, details like the integrated Glovebox add to its practicality for those longer adventures on the trail.
Who Should Ride the Hightower?
The Santa Cruz Hightower is the perfect match for riders seeking versatility, durability, and high-end performance. Whether your passion lies in technical backcountry trails or smoothly flowing local paths, the Hightower's balanced suspension and adjustable geometry deliver the precision and confidence you crave, no matter where you ride.
What Contender Bicycles Likes About the Hightower
- Anti-Squat: Anti-squat measures how pedaling influences suspension stiffness. Imagine your chain and pedals being pulled backward with each bump. Too little anti-squat causes the bike to bob under power, while too much makes it harsh and less capable of absorbing bumps while pedaling. We've refined our bikes to reduce anti-squat, delivering enhanced traction and a smoother ride.
- Flip Chip: Adjust the Flip Chip for performance that matches your terrain and riding style.
- Proportional Geometry: Proportional geometry ensures every rider, regardless of size, gets a bike optimized for their best ride. The design inspires confidence across all terrain while maintaining the light, fast, and agile feel of a trail bike.
- Convenient Storage: The Glovebox system integrates easy storage for tools and essentials right on the bike.
- Responsive Ride: With 29-inch wheels and VPP suspension, enjoy excellent traction and smooth handling.
Frame Material
The Hightower is available in two distinct options: Carbon C and Carbon CC. Both versions feature a lightweight yet incredibly strong frame that strikes an excellent balance between durability and agility. This makes the Hightower an ideal choice for cyclists who want to confidently navigate technical terrains. Whether you are climbing steep hills or descending rugged paths, this bike is designed to handle it all with ease.
Suspension System
Small adjustments to the VPP™ pivot points—just a few millimeters—can make a big difference in ride performance. This generation of VPP™ provides a plush, responsive feel with outstanding traction. Paired with 150mm of rear travel and 160mm up front, it creates an efficient pedaling platform for climbing and enough travel to confidently tackle any descent.
Geometry and Fit
The Santa Cruz Hightower offers a versatile, high-performance ride with a balanced geometry that excels in stability, climbing efficiency, and comfort. Its design is ideal for technical terrain and long rides, providing confident handling across all sizes.
- Climbing Efficiency & Comfort: The seat tube angle and reach/stack provide a comfortable, efficient position for both climbs and long rides.
- Stable Handling & Control: The head tube angle, along with a refined wheelbase, delivers stability at speed, while accommodating taller riders with ample room.
- Traction & Agility: The rear center and low bottom bracket enhance traction and cornering ability for confident handling on both climbs and descents.
Highlighted Models and Key Components
Santa Cruz Hightower 4 CC XX AXS Reserve
- Frame: Premium Carbon CC frame for exceptional lightweight performance.
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain for pinpoint shifting.
- Suspension: FOX 36 Float Factory fork (160mm) and FOX Float X Factory shock for unbeatable control.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|HD Carbon wheels for superior strength and endurance.
Santa Cruz Hightower X0 AXS RSV
- Frame: Lightweight Carbon CC frame.
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 AXS 12-speed drivetrain for smooth, dependable shifting.
- Suspension: FOX 36 Float Performance fork and FOX Float X Factory shock for balanced handling.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|HD Carbon wheels designed for durability and optimized performance.
Santa Cruz Hightower X0 AXS
- Frame: Durable Carbon CC frame ideal for aggressive trail riding.
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain ensures seamless gear changes.
- Suspension: FOX 36 Float Factory fork (160mm) and FOX Float X Factory shock for plush support.
- Wheels: Reserve 30|HD Carbon wheels for reliability on challenging terrain.
Additional Highlights
- Proven VPP Suspension: Delivers stability, traction, and a smooth ride across demanding trails.
- Responsive Ride Feel: The 29-inch wheels enhance rollover ability and precise handling.
Not Quite What You're Looking For?
- Santa Cruz Nomad: Designed for the toughest trails, the Nomad blends aggressive geometry with 170mm of VPP suspension and a mixed-wheel setup for unparalleled control and absorption of big hits.
- Santa Cruz Bronson: The Bronson boasts playful handling and versatility, featuring long-travel suspension and mixed wheels for those who relish backcountry rides and bike park escapades.
- Mondraker Raze: This bike prioritizes ultra-lightweight, trail-focused performance with advanced Zero Suspension and cutting-edge Forward Geometry, catering to riders seeking speed and efficiency.
The Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz Hightower is the ultimate all-in-one trail bike, striking an ideal balance between climbing efficiency, descending prowess, and comfort for all-day rides. With its top-notch VPP suspension, innovative geometry, and thoughtful design elements, the Hightower is geared up for any trail adventure that comes your way.
The Santa Cruz Nomad is crafted for riders who seek out the gnarliest trails and crave an all-mountain experience that can handle anything thrown its way. With a solid Carbon C or Carbon CC frame and 170mm of Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension both front and rear, the Nomad is designed to dominate demanding terrain, delivering the strength and responsiveness needed for big hits and steep descents. Its mixed-wheel configuration, featuring a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel, balances stability with nimble handling, making it an incredibly versatile choice. Engineered with Proportional Geometry, the Nomad ensures an optimal fit for riders of all sizes, giving each rider a tailored balance of control and comfort on technical trails. The progressive geometry enhances confidence, especially on steep descents and tight turns, while the durable frame construction is ready for hard-hitting action. Ideal for everything from gap jumps to technical climbs, the Nomad is built for those who push the limits of mountain biking. With added features like Glovebox storage for essentials, this bike is ready for any adventure, whether it's racing down challenging courses or exploring backcountry trails.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a versatile all-mountain bike built to handle any terrain, blending aggressive performance with efficient pedaling for a well-rounded trail experience. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Bronson is ready to take on everything from steep descents to technical climbs. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, this bike delivers a perfect mix of smooth handling, responsive traction, and control on challenging trails. Its mixed-wheel setup—29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel—optimizes both stability and agility, allowing riders to tackle switchbacks and rocky sections with confidence and ease. The Bronson's Proportional Geometry tailors each frame size for balanced handling, ensuring a comfortable fit and enhanced control for riders of all heights. Equipped with a Glovebox integrated storage compartment, the Bronson also offers convenient space for stashing tools and essentials on long rides. From park laps to backcountry adventures, the Bronson is designed to empower riders with the freedom to push their limits and explore all types of terrain. For those who crave an adrenaline-filled ride, the Bronson is ready to bring out the wild side of mountain biking on any trail.
The Santa Cruz Megatower is a race-ready enduro machine that strikes an ideal balance between aggressive downhill performance and efficient pedaling for tackling long, challenging climbs. Built with a robust Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, it’s engineered for strength and responsiveness across rugged trails and steep descents. Equipped with a burly 170mm of front travel and 165mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, the Megatower absorbs big hits and rough terrain with ease, giving riders control and confidence even on the most technical trails. Its 29-inch wheels provide stability, rolling efficiency, and speed, especially at high velocities, while the Proportional Geometry design ensures that every frame size—from small to XXL—is optimized for precise handling, comfort, and control. This tailored geometry allows riders of all heights to experience balanced performance, making it feel agile on descents and sure-footed on climbs. Additional features like the Glovebox integrated storage compartment offer convenient access to tools and essentials, so you’re always prepared on the trail. For riders who love to push the envelope, the Megatower is ready to support aggressive maneuvers, from big jumps to rocky descents. Whether you’re racing, riding park, or tackling backcountry trails, the Megatower is designed to elevate your enduro experience and inspire confidence at every turn.
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