Description
The Hightower is a mid-travel quiver-killer of a trail bike that sports 29-inch wheels and a balanced platform for descending and climbing. With new improvements significantly improving the Hightower’s capability, we are confident this is one of our top bikes to choose from if we could only have one. Now featuring 150mm of VPP suspension and designed to be equipped with a 160mm fork, the Hightower sees a bump in travel and capability, now sitting alongside the Santa Cruz Bronson as the dedicated 29-inch wheel option in the aggressive trail/enduro category. For the fourth iteration of the Hightower, Santa Cruz pulled out all the stops, revamping its suspension system, modifying its geometry, and implementing new features to take our capability to new levels. The Hightower is now longer, and slacker, thanks to the new 64.2-degree headtube angle in the high setting, and the longer size-specific chainstays balance our weight better by moving the weight bias to the bike’s center for optimal stability. The relocated VPP pivots move the rear shock mount lower and more forward in the frame, reducing anti-squat characteristics for a plusher ride. The more active suspension throws down more traction, both climbing and descending, which leads to more efficiency all over the mountain. Carryover features on the Hightower 4 include a threaded bottom bracket, Glove box internal frame storage, chainstay and downtube protection, a geometry flip chip, and silent internal cable routing.
The X0 Transmission build of the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 is loaded with quality components that excel all over the mountain. It is evident Santa Cruz didn’t cut any corners equipping their builds, ensuring adequate tires with proper compounds and casings across all builds, and Fox’s new damper technology and SRAM’s new brakes on the middle to high-end builds for exceptional value. Santa Cruz’s premium Carbon CC frame is at the heart of the build, sporting premium material makeup and made lighter through the absence of drivetrain cable ports, making the CC frame only compatible with electronic drivetrains. SRAM’s X0 Transmission AXS drivetrain sports flawless shifting and electronic precision for peace of mind on the trails. Race Face ARC 30 aluminum rims are lightweight and are paired with I9 1/1 hubs for technical performance. Maxxis DHF and DHRII tires with proper compounds and casings offer reliable grip and durability all over the mountain. Fox Factory suspension takes this build up another notch, equipping us with the Float X rear shock to keep our rear end locked down to the dirt and the Factory 36, Grip X2, 160mm fork, complete with the latest damper tech, to shrug off bigger hits. SRAM Maven Silver Stealth brakes top off this build with some of the most powerful brakes on the market to complement Bronson’s updated capability.
*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.
Heads up – We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you’ll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.
Details
Trail/enduro 29’er with an improved fit, feel, and performance
Carbon CC frame is lightweight and has a great reputation for being durable
150mm of VPP suspension handles anything on the mountain, up or down
Revised VPP pivot placement improves suspension efficiency and reduces anti-squat
Dual 29-inch wheels optimize efficiency and rollover characteristics
Fox Factory Float X rear shock is lightweight but very capable and tunable
SRAM X0 Transmission AXS drivetrain has flawless shifting and surprising durability
Race Face aluminum rims are lightweight and are fitted with I9 1/1 hubs
Fox Factory 36, Grip X2 160mm fork has the latest damper tech for composed descents
SRAM Maven Silver Stealth brakes equip us with heavy-duty stopping power
Electronic-only drivetrain frame due to the absence of cable ports
