Big on wheels, short on fuss, this 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.
Wheel size: 29
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150
The Hightower’s looks have changed radically. It wasn’t 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 high performing bike like the Hightower.
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. We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes and the result is more traction and more freedom.
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.
150mm of rear 4th generation VPP™ travel and a 160mm fork give the Hightower the brawn to back up the brains of all the enginerds kinematics. This suspension travel sweetspot gives the Hightower a broader riding envelope, meaning you’ll be pushing yourself and not the bike.
The pivots and links are great at maintaining a consistent ride for many years. It’s all very tough, reliable and easy to work on. The lower link houses a geometry adjusting Flip Chip and beefy pivot axles that are durable and stay tight due to the conical washer locking system. Plus, owners get a lifetime of replacement pivot bearings.
Frame                                
Carbon C 29” 150mm Travel VPP™
Rear Shock                          
FOX Rhythm 230x57.5
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
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”x2.4”, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+
Front Tire                            
Maxxis Minion DHF 29”x2.5”WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO
Front Hub                            
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt 32h
Front Rim                            
Reserve 30|TR AL -or- Raceface AR30
Rear Hub                             
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 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 DB8 Stealth
Crankset                              
SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 32t
Handlebar                           
Burgtec Alloy Bar
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
* Specifications are subject to change without notice
Shipping rates are calculated at the cart page.
We are currently shipping via Canadapost, Canpar, Purolator, ICS Courier, Sendle, & Manitoulin for large freight.
Once your order is shipped you will receive a tracking number via email or text.
Please Note: Occasionally we need to choose an alternate shipping provider for your delivery. This could occur if an alternate provider can provide faster service or a lower rate for shipping your parcel.
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
