Product Description
Brand |
Santa Cruz Bicycles |
Category |
MOUNTAIN |
Seller |
Backcountry |
More nimble than the long-travel beast that is the Megatower, and more at home in steep, technical terrain than the shorter travel Tallboy, the Hightower Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame straddles that sweet spot between the enduro and trail segments, arguably making it the most versatile bike in Santa Cruz's lineup. It's been a favorite among riders since its inception, able to tackle sustained climbs with remarkable efficiency and then turn around and rip the descents like a bike with this much travel has no business doing. But after three years it was time for an update, and the new Hightower comes to us with deeper travel, refined geometry that pushes it to the forefront of modern trends, and a lower-link VPP suspension platform that improves suspension characteristics over the previous model. The result is a powerful trail bike that holds its own on rough and rowdy trails, but is more than happy to pedal all day on undulating backcountry terrain, or bust out some quick laps after work on smooth, fast singletrack. The new Hightower amps up travel just a bit with 140mm of VPP suspension in the rear, and 150mm up front. This is combined with a new suspension design that takes cues from the Megatower and Nomad. Instead of relying on the upper-link driven design, the new Hightower enjoys the increased bump compliance, and glued-to-the-trail traction you'll experience from a lower-link mounted shock. This lower-link VPP platform is something that's previously been reserved just for gravity-fueled sleds, but we saw it grace the Bronson last year, stretching it into the enduro category for a feel that can tackle gnarlier steeps, and turn around to soar back up climbs. This means the new Hightower is more downhill capable than before, but without sacrificing it all when you set your quads on fire to earn your descent. Throughout Santa Cruz's lineup, the Hightower has long been known as a do-it-all trail bike, capable of backcountry adventures in the mountains, a...
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