Big on wheels, short on fuss, the Santa Cruz Hightower is the pinnacle of go-anywhere-anytime bikes.

A balance of travel, wheel size and attitude makes this a true MTB for modern mountain biking. Whether that includes the rarefied air of the alpine or just local trailheads, built and burly trails or sublime natural singletrack, the Hightower is an all-terrain thriller.

Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: 29″
Front travel: 150mm
Rear travel: 150mm

Hightower Highlights

– Lots of traction
– Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
– More sensitivity. Plush off the top, with fluttery small bump performance
– Leverage rate provides predictable, consistent, progressive support

VPP Suspension

The Hightower’s looks have changed radically. It wasnt to satisfy the ego of a designer or stand out, but rather moving the location of the lower link and the shock down low and forward was paramount in lowering the anti-squat for a wild bike like the Hightower.

Millimeters Matter

Moving any of the VPP pivots a couple millimeters in any direction makes wild adjustments to the ride quality. The lower VPP link is placed low and forward to optimize anti-squat. The result is a plush, open feel with a lot of traction.

What is Anti-Squat?

Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Think of it as yanking your chain, and therefore your pedals, backwards every time you hit a bump. Not enough anti-squat and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power. Weve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes and the result is more traction and more freedom.

Reliable Hardware with Bearings for Life

The pivots and links are great at maintaining a consistent ride for many years. Its all very tough, reliable and easy to work on. Plus, owners get a lifetime of replacement pivot bearings.

Technical Specifications

Frame Carbon C 29 150mm Travel VPP

Rear Shock FOX Float Rhythm, 210×55

Fork RockShox Lyrik Base, 150mm

Rear Derailleur SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifter SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Cassette SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Chain SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Chain Guide N/A

Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Headset FSA IS-2/47/42 ACB -or-

Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Rear Tire Maxxis Minion DHR II 29×2.4, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+

Front Tire Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Hub SRAM MTH 716, 15×110, Torque Cap,

6-Bolt 32h

Front Rim Reserve 30|TR AL -or- Raceface AR30

Rear Hub SRAM MTH 746, 12×148, HG, 6-Bolt, 32h

Rear Rim Reserve 30|TR AL -or- Raceface AR30

Front Rotor Avid Centerline, 200mm

Rear Rotor Avid Centerline, 200mm

Brakes SRAM G2 R

Crankset SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 32t

Handlebar RaceFace Aeffect R

Stem OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Saddle Fizik Monte -or-

SDG Bel-Air V3, Steel

Seatpost SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Grips/Bar Tape Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips