Wide open, dawn to dusk.
The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility.
More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter.
Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the “hard” out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it’s prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it’s the kind of bike that’ll go far.
- Want a ride fast, ride far 100mm Superlight™ race bike? Check out Blur.
- Itching for something gravel-ready with 700c wheels? Take a peek at Stigmata.
- Proud owner of a new Highball? Take a minute to register your bike
Key Features:
| Available in: | Carbon C and Carbon CC |
| Wheel Size: | 29er |
| Front Travel: | 100mm |
Highball Frame Specifications
| Front Derailleur | No compatibility |
| Headset/Headtube | Integrated (IS41/52) |
| Seat Post | 27.2mm |
| Seat Clamp | 31.8mm |
| Fork Compatibility | 100-120mm |
| BB Shell | 73mm Threaded |
| Max Tire Size | 2.4" |
| Max Chainring Size | 38t |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 3 |
| Brake Mount | 160 PM |
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415 | 440 | 460 | 490 |
| Stack | 596 | 605 | 614 | 633 |
| Head Tube Angle | 67° | 67° | 67° | 67° |
| Seat Tube Length | 405 | 430 | 470 | 530 |
| Front Center | 693 | 719 | 743 | 781 |
| BB Height | 313 | 313 | 313 | 313 |
| BB Drop | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Wheelbase | 1119 | 1145 | 1169 | 1207 |
| Rear Center | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 105 | 115 | 135 |
| Top Tube Length | 595 | 619 | 642 | 677 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Standover Height | 707 | 704 | 739 | 755 |
Units
cm
Frame Sizing
If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.
Personal Preference
A larger size frame will be more stable, and will give you more room to move without upsetting the weight-balance of the bike. The larger size will put the front wheel further in front of you, which gives the feeling of security and conversely, it will require more significant body movements when you WANT to shift the weight-bias of the bike. Think hard about your riding style and how active/intuitive you want it to be vs stable and speedy. You'll need to work a bit harder to muscle the larger bike around.
Body Dimension
Not all bodies at a given height are the same. If you have longer legs and a shorter torso than the average person your height, that may push you towards the smaller of the recommended sizes. If you're all torso and arms, most likely you'll want to size up.
Units
cm
S
M
L
XL
FAQ's
What are the options for seat posts, bottles, and chain guides?
The Highball was designed to allow for setups that accommodate long rides or trail riding.
You can carry three water bottles. One on the seat tube for easy access , one on the downtubeand one on the bottom of the downtube as a spare.
It's dropper post compatible and the options are plentiful. Just make sure you get a 27.2 diameter post.
Running a chain guide is an option. We recommend an excellent one from OneUp.
What kind of riding can I do with the Highball?
The Highball is designed for XC racing; anything from eliminators to sprints to 24-hour sufferfests.
Exploded Diagrams
Rear Axle, Deraillaur Hanger, and Chainstay Protector
Bottle Cage Bolts, and Downtube Protector
Seat Collar and Cable Housing Grommets
