Hightower 3
- Overview
- Details
- Bike Builder
- Geometry and Sizing
- Product Support
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE, DISTILLED
The newest version of the Hightower remains our greatest hits of engineering - now further refined and bottled into our most all-terrain of bikes. Big on wheels, medium on travel, short on fuss, this is the do-it-all model that does it over and over again thanks to a versatile balance of geo, spec and durability. If you’re not looking for extremes, just something extremely good, the Hightower is your elevator.
- Need more travel in a big wheel package? Try the Megatower.
- Want to race XC whippets on the climbs but still charge the downs? Try the Tallboy.
- Proud owner of a Hightower? Register your bike now
Key Features:
| Available in: | Carbon CC |
| Wheel Size: | 29 |
| Front Travel: | 150mm |
| Rear Travel: | 145mm |
Engineering Details
Engineering Details
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OUR ENGINEERS’ GREATEST HITS
Not all frames are created equal. Hightower represents Santa Cruz’s greatest hits, showcasing our design, engineering, and performance prowess.
LOWER LINK ASSEMBLY
The highly-sculpted and optimized Lower Link (A) houses a geometry adjusting Flip Chip (B) and beefy Pivot Axles (C) to virtually eliminate lateral flex.
UPPER LINK ASSEMBLY
We only use the highest quality Enduro MAX or TPX sealed, radial bearings (A) and premium fasteners (B) for our linkage assemblies. They’re easy to properly torque and maintain, plus we offer free replacement bearings for life.
ONE-PIECE SWINGARM
VPP suspension utilizes a one-piece swingarm that eliminates the need for pivots on the stays, creating a stout, bulletproof rear end for accurate tracking and superior performance.
CC CARBON
Santa Cruz offers top-end CC Carbon, which is lighter and comes paired with more premium suspension.
CARBON MASTERY
The Sag Window (A), Glovebox (B) and internal cable tunnels (not shown) demonstrate Santa Cruz’s expertise at combining practical function with carbon design and manufacturing artistry.
THE SUM OF THE PARTS
In isolation, all these things are great—together with fanatical suspension tuning, a premium build spec, and a meticulous attention-to-detail, they’re transcendent.
X0 AXS
30.9 lbs / 14.02 kg | X0 AXS RSV
30.8 lbs / 13.97 kg | XX AXS RSV
30.4 lbs / 13.79 kg | Frame
6.36 lbs / 2.89 kg |
|---|
Material | Material | Material | Material | ||
Federweg | Federweg | Federweg | Federweg | ||
Laufrad Größe | Laufrad Größe | Laufrad Größe | Laufrad Größe | ||
Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | ||
Gabel | Gabel | Gabel | Gabel | ||
Schaltwerk | Schaltwerk | Schaltwerk | Schaltwerk | ||
Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | ||
Kassette | Kassette | Kassette | Kassette | ||
Kette | Kette | Kette | Kette | ||
Tretlager | Tretlager | Tretlager | Tretlager | ||
Steuersatzlager | Steuersatzlager | Steuersatzlager | Steuersatzlager | ||
Hinterreifen | Hinterreifen | Hinterreifen | Hinterreifen | ||
Vorderreifen | Vorderreifen | Vorderreifen | Vorderreifen | ||
Vorderradnabe | Vorderradnabe | Vorderradnabe | Vorderradnabe | ||
Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | ||
Hinterradnabe | Hinterradnabe | Hinterradnabe | Hinterradnabe | ||
Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | ||
Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | ||
Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | ||
Bremsen | Bremsen | Bremsen | Bremsen | ||
Kurbelgarnitur | Kurbelgarnitur | Kurbelgarnitur | Kurbelgarnitur | ||
Lenker | Lenker | Lenker | Lenker | ||
Vorbau | Vorbau | Vorbau | Vorbau | ||
Sattel | Sattel | Sattel | Sattel | ||
Sattelstütze | Sattelstütze | Sattelstütze | Sattelstütze | ||
Griffe | Griffe | Griffe | Griffe | ||
Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger |
SRAM Eagle Transmission - robuster, geschmeidiger, kabellos
Die nächste Generation des SRAM Eagle-Getriebes findest du an unseren neuen CC-Modellen. Sie ist eine radikal robuste, innovativ integrierte und vollständig eigenständige, kabellose Schaltung. Die Full-Mount Aufhängung sitzt direkt auf der Hinterrad-Achse und schafft eine wesentlich stärkere Verbindung mit dem Rahmen, während das besonders robuste Schaltwerk eine noch nie dagewesene Belastbarkeit bietet. Geschmeidige Schaltvorgänge sind durch die Kombination aus X-SYNC-Technologie und Kassetten-Mapping selbst unter Vollast möglich. Die neuen AXS Pods Schalthebel sind extrem ergonomisch und hochgradig anpassbar. So wird das Schalten leicht und intuitiv. Es ist einfach die fortschrittlichste Gangschaltung und fast so robust wie die Berge selbst.
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | hi/lo | 430/427 | 455/452 | 475/472 | 495/492 | 520/517 |
| Stack | hi/lo | 611/613 | 625/627 | 634/636 | 652/654 | 665/668 |
| Lenkwinkel | hi/lo | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° |
| Sitzrohrlänge | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 | 500 |
| Front Center | hi/lo | 752/752 | 783/783 | 807/807 | 836/836 | 867/867 |
| Tretlagerhöhe | hi/lo | 342/339 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 |
| Tretlager-Absenkung | hi/lo | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 |
| Radstand | hi/lo | 1183/1183 | 1217/1218 | 1244/1245 | 1276/1276 | 1310/1311 |
| Hinterbau-Länge | hi/lo | 431/432 | 434/435 | 437/438 | 440/441 | 443/444 |
| Steuerrohrlänge | 100 | 115 | 125 | 145 | 160 |
| Oberrohrlänge | hi/lo | 571/572 | 599/600 | 626/627 | 647/648 | 674/675 |
| Sitzwinkel | hi/lo | 77°/76.7° | 77°/76.7° | 76.7°/76.4° | 76.9°/76.6° | 76.9°/76.7° |
| Überstandshöhe | hi/lo | 706/701 | 708/703 | 711/706 | 714/709 | 719/714 |
Die richtige Rahmengröße
Wenn Du zwischen zwei Rahmengrößen liegst, empfehlen wir, dass Du beide Optionen testest. Als Anhaltspunkt kannst Du die Reach- und Stack-Werte mit Deinem aktuellen Bike oder anderen bekannten Bikes vergleichen, auf denen Du Dich wohl fühlst. Wenn keine Testfahrt möglich ist, kannst Du Dich auch an den folgenden Tipps orientieren:
Das Hightower ist erhältlich in den Größen S - XXL.
Persönliche Vorlieben
Mit einem größeren Rahmen hast Du mehr Stabilität und Souveränität. Außerdem erhältst du mehr Bewegungsfreiheit im Rad, bei weniger Einfluss auf die Balance. Beim größeren Rahmen hast Du einen etwas längeren Radstand, was zusätzlich Sicherheit und Stabilität bringt. Daher bedarf es mehr Körpereinsatz und eine etwas aktivere Fahrweise, um das Bike zu führen. Kleinere Bikes fahren sich agiler und reagieren schneller auf den Input des Fahrers. Überlege Dir, was besser zu Deinem Fahrstil passt. Soll das Bike agil und aktiv sein? Oder eher spurtreu und souverän. Willst Du mehr oder weniger Einsatz zeigen, um das Bike auf dem Trail zu bewegen?
Körperproportionen
Auch bei gleicher Körpergröße sieht jeder Mensch anders aus. Wenn Du einen verhältnismäßig kurzen Oberkörper und lange Beine hast, würden wir zur kleineren Rahmengröße raten. Bei langem Oberkörper und langen Armen, solltest Du eher zum größeren Rahmen greifen.
Hightower 3 Highlights
Hightower 3 Highlights
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VPP™
VPP™ suspension can be optimized to strike the right balance between pedaling efficiency and all-out bump chomping prowess. That means wherever you see "VPP" you know it's tuned to perform exactly how it should for the purpose it's designed for.
145mm VPP travel
Looking for something good at climbing, and downhill, and going round and round your local trails? Say hello to Hightower. 145mm in the rear paired with 150mm up front is your perfect combo.
Suspension sensitivity
Compared to the last Hightower, we reduced the anti-squat in the first 40% of travel. This noticeably improves suspension sensitivity in both climbing and descending scenarios due to reduced chain influence on the suspension.
Suspension consistency
Hightower's leverage curve is relatively straight, with added progression towards the end of the travel. This provides improved bottom-out resistance with more consistent damping and support.
Glovebox
Place your ride essentials securely beneath a new high-quality latch and panel in the Hightower's downtube. The Glovebox comes with a fitted Tool Wallet and Tube Purse, tailored for the frame to keep your tools close to hand.
Full carbon CC frame
Carbon CC frames use the very best materials and production processes available, are made in our own factory, and have a lifetime warranty.
Sag window
A window allows easier suspension sag and setup. The details are completed by a neat mud flap to protect the rear shock plus tidy cable routing within the frame and swingarm, and rubberized DT protectors to shrug off strikes.
Flip chip
In the Low position, the shock rate becomes more progressive, particularly at the end of the stroke, and there’s some bottom-out resistance to be gained. In the High setting, the bike rides a little higher in its travel and supplies the rider with more mid-stroke support. Tweakers and finicky shredders can adapt the suspension feel to their needs and desire.
Proportional geometry
Chainstay length and seat angle is matched to the frame size so every rider, no matter their height, gets the same balanced geometry. Across all sizes however, the headtube angle has been slackened to help stability at speed, lowered the bottom bracket to compliment the better supported suspension, and increased stack in favor of modern handlebar setups.
29-inch wheels
Hightower features fast-rolling, bump-easing 29-inch wheels front and rear. On high-end builds we spec Reserve 30|HD carbon rims laced to premium hubs, which are built and hand-tuned in our Santa Cruz, Calif. factory. See Reserve 30|HD wheels
Hightower Frame Specifications
| Suspension System | VPP |
| Front Derailleur | No compatibility |
| Headset/Headtube | Integrated (IS41/52) |
| Seat Post | 31.6mm |
| Seat Clamp | 36.4mm |
| Eye to Eye length | 210mm |
| Stroke | 55mm |
| Fork Compatibility | 150-160mm |
| Fork Offset | 44mm |
| Brake Mount | 180 PM |
| BB Shell | 73mm Threaded |
| Max Tire Size | 2.5" |
| Max Chainring Size | 34t |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 1 |
| Shock Mounting Bushing Front | 30x8 |
| Shock Mounting Bushing Rear | 30x8 (bearing compatible) |
Suspension Setup
Take a look at detailed sag, high/low rebound, and high/low compression recommendations for shocks and forks in each build.
X0 AXS
Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate 150
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC,HSC (from center) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 40 | 15 | -2,0 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 50 | 13 | -2,0 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 60 | 12 | -2,0 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 70 | 11 | -2,0 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 80 | 10 | -2,0 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 90 | 9 | -2,0 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 100 | 8 | -2,0 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 110 | 6 | -2,0 |
Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Sag (%, mm on shock) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC, HSC (from closed) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 95 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 120 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 140 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 165 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 185 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 210 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 230 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 255 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 260lbs (117.9kg) | 275 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 3 | -1/-1 |
X0 AXS RSV
Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate 150
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC,HSC (from center) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 40 | 15 | -2,0 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 50 | 13 | -2,0 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 60 | 12 | -2,0 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 70 | 11 | -2,0 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 80 | 10 | -2,0 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 90 | 9 | -2,0 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 100 | 8 | -2,0 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 110 | 6 | -2,0 |
Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Sag (%, mm on shock) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC, HSC (from closed) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 95 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 120 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 140 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 165 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 185 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 210 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 230 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 255 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 260lbs (117.9kg) | 275 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 3 | -1/-1 |
XX AXS RSV
Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate 150
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC,HSC (from center) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 40 | 15 | -2,0 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 50 | 13 | -2,0 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 60 | 12 | -2,0 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 70 | 11 | -2,0 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 80 | 10 | -2,0 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 90 | 9 | -2,0 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 100 | 8 | -2,0 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 110 | 6 | -2,0 |
Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate
| Rider Weight | Pressure (psi) | Sag (%, mm on shock) | Rebound (from closed) | Compression: LSC, HSC (from closed) |
| 100lbs (45.5kg) | 95 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 120lbs (54.4kg) | 120 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 7 | -1/-1 |
| 140lbs (63.5kg) | 140 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 160lbs (72.6kg) | 165 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 6 | -1/-1 |
| 180lbs (81.8kg) | 185 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 200lbs (90.7kg) | 210 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 5 | -1/-1 |
| 220lbs (99.8kg) | 230 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 240lbs (108.8kg) | 255 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 4 | -1/-1 |
| 260lbs (117.9kg) | 275 | 28-30%, 15-17mm | 3 | -1/-1 |
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | hi/lo | 430/427 | 455/452 | 475/472 | 495/492 | 520/517 |
| Stack | hi/lo | 611/613 | 625/627 | 634/636 | 652/654 | 665/668 |
| Lenkwinkel | hi/lo | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° |
| Sitzrohrlänge | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 | 500 |
| Front Center | hi/lo | 752/752 | 783/783 | 807/807 | 836/836 | 867/867 |
| Tretlagerhöhe | hi/lo | 342/339 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 |
| Tretlager-Absenkung | hi/lo | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 |
| Radstand | hi/lo | 1183/1183 | 1217/1218 | 1244/1245 | 1276/1276 | 1310/1311 |
| Hinterbau-Länge | hi/lo | 431/432 | 434/435 | 437/438 | 440/441 | 443/444 |
| Steuerrohrlänge | 100 | 115 | 125 | 145 | 160 |
| Oberrohrlänge | hi/lo | 571/572 | 599/600 | 626/627 | 647/648 | 674/675 |
| Sitzwinkel | hi/lo | 77°/76.7° | 77°/76.7° | 76.7°/76.4° | 76.9°/76.6° | 76.9°/76.7° |
| Überstandshöhe | hi/lo | 706/701 | 708/703 | 711/706 | 714/709 | 719/714 |
Die richtige Rahmengröße
Wenn Du zwischen zwei Rahmengrößen liegst, empfehlen wir, dass Du beide Optionen testest. Als Anhaltspunkt kannst Du die Reach- und Stack-Werte mit Deinem aktuellen Bike oder anderen bekannten Bikes vergleichen, auf denen Du Dich wohl fühlst. Wenn keine Testfahrt möglich ist, kannst Du Dich auch an den folgenden Tipps orientieren:
Das Hightower ist erhältlich in den Größen S - XXL.
Persönliche Vorlieben
Mit einem größeren Rahmen hast Du mehr Stabilität und Souveränität. Außerdem erhältst du mehr Bewegungsfreiheit im Rad, bei weniger Einfluss auf die Balance. Beim größeren Rahmen hast Du einen etwas längeren Radstand, was zusätzlich Sicherheit und Stabilität bringt. Daher bedarf es mehr Körpereinsatz und eine etwas aktivere Fahrweise, um das Bike zu führen. Kleinere Bikes fahren sich agiler und reagieren schneller auf den Input des Fahrers. Überlege Dir, was besser zu Deinem Fahrstil passt. Soll das Bike agil und aktiv sein? Oder eher spurtreu und souverän. Willst Du mehr oder weniger Einsatz zeigen, um das Bike auf dem Trail zu bewegen?
Körperproportionen
Auch bei gleicher Körpergröße sieht jeder Mensch anders aus. Wenn Du einen verhältnismäßig kurzen Oberkörper und lange Beine hast, würden wir zur kleineren Rahmengröße raten. Bei langem Oberkörper und langen Armen, solltest Du eher zum größeren Rahmen greifen.
FAQ's
What is the recommended fork?
The Hightower geometry is based off of a 150mm fork with a 42 or 44mm offset. We wouldn't recommend less travel than that, as the BB will get a bit low. Up to 160mm is fine if that's your preference.
Is there chainguide compatibility?
Yes, this bike is equipped with ISCG-05 tabs for easy chainguide mounting. Most guides that follow the ISCG-05 standard should fit.
Can I convert the Hightower to 27.5" or MX wheels?
No, the Hightower is built exclusively for 29" wheels and tires front and rear. The geometry is not setup for any 27.5" front or rear conversions.
What kind of headset does this bike use?
This bike uses integrated headset cups. The upper up is 41mm and the lower cup is 52mm. The SHIS name is IS 41/28.6 IS 52/40.For Chris King this is a DropSet.3
I want to change my rear shock. Any limitations?
The Hightower fits most shocks on the market, with some exceptions. Fox Float X2, Cane Creek DB Air, and all coil shocks are not compatible. We recommend the Rockshox Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Fox Float X, Fox Float DPS.
What size tire will fit?
the Hightower is designed for 29" x 2.5" max
Should I ride in the High or Low shock flip-chip setting?
You should definitely try both, but we typically recommend starting in High. In the High setting, the bike rides a little higher in its travel and supplies the rider with more mid-stroke support. In the Low position, the shock rate becomes more progressive, particularly at the end of the stroke, and there’s some bottom-out resistance to be gained.
Does the Hightower use the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)?
The frame is UDH-compatible, but comes with our own machined aluminum hanger. You can replace it with another Santa Cruz hanger or a SRAM UDH.
What can I store in the glovebox?
The Hightower comes with two bags - a tube purse and a tool wallet. You should be able to fit a superlight tube, a small pump, tire lever, and misc odds and ends in these two bags.
Exploded Diagrams
Lower Link Hardware and Lower Shock Bolt
Seat Collar, Upper Shock Bolt, and Upper Link Hardware
Globebox Door, Bezel, and Hardware
Downtube Protector and Shuttle Guard
Rear Fender
Rear Axle, Deraillaur Hanger, and Chainstay Protector
Upper Link
Lower Link
