Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower
MY24_HT_Blue_V1
MY24_HT_Blue_V1
MY24_HT_Blue_V2
MY24_HT_Blue_V2
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower
MY24_HT_Red_V3
MY24_HT_Red_V3
MY24_HT_Red_V4
MY24_HT_Red_V4
MY23 Hightower
MY23 Hightower
MY23 Hightower
MY23 Hightower

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.

Key Features:

Available in: Carbon C and Carbon CC
Wheel Size: 29
Front Travel: 150mm
Rear Travel: 145mm

Engineering Details

Hightower 3 Matte Evergreen frame exploded view with links and hardware

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.

C AND CC CARBON

Santa Cruz offers two grades of carbon—top-end CC Carbon and value-minded C Carbon. Though they have the same stiffness and performance, CC 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.

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MY 23 HIGHTOWER C R MATTE EVERGREEN
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MY 23 HIGHTOWER C R MATTE EVERGREEN

Contact your local dealer for pricing

| Weight: 32.02 lbs / 14.52 kg
  

Please note: Price, Weight, and Parts Spec information is subject to change.

R

   

32.02 lbs / 14.52 kg

S

   

31.98 lbs / 14.51 kg

GX AXS

   

31.72 lbs / 14.39 kg

GX AXS RSV

   

31.62 lbs / 14.34 kg

X01

   

31.09 lbs / 14.1 kg

X01 AXS RSV

   

30.88 lbs / 14.01 kg

Material
Carbon C

Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain.

Learn More

Material
Carbon C

Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain.

Learn More

Material
Carbon C

Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain.

Learn More

Material
Carbon C

Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain.

Learn More

Material
Carbon CC

CC denotes our highest grade carbon fiber frames. Use of the very best materials in the composite results in the lightest, best handling bikes. CC level bikes are also specced with the best wheels, drivetrains and suspension on these models.

Learn More

Material
Carbon CC

CC denotes our highest grade carbon fiber frames. Use of the very best materials in the composite results in the lightest, best handling bikes. CC level bikes are also specced with the best wheels, drivetrains and suspension on these models.

Learn More

Rear Shock
FOX Float Performance DPS 210x55

Rear Shock
Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+ 210x55

Rear Shock
Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+ 210x55

Rear Shock
Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+ 210x55

Rear Shock
Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate 210x55

Rear Shock
Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate 210x55

Fork
RockShox Lyrik Base, 150mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Performance, 150mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 150mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 150mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Factory, 150mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Factory, 150mm

Rear Derailleur
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX AXS Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX AXS Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X01 Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
GX AXS Controller w/ Rocker Paddle

Shifters
GX AXS Controller w/ Rocker Paddle

Shifters
SRAM X01 Eagle, 12spd

Shifters
GX AXS Controller w/ Rocker Paddle

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Cassette
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t

Chain
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Headset
Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Headset
Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Sealant
Reserve Tubeless Sealant

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 32h

Front Hub
DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
i9 1/1, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
i9 1/1, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
i9 1/1, 15x110, 28h

Front Hub
i9 1/1, 15x110, 28h

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
Reserve 30|HD 29", 28h

Front Rim
RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29"

Front Rim
Reserve 30|HD 29", 28h

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h

Rear Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 36t, 28h

Rear Hub
i9 1/1, 12x148, XD, 28h

Rear Hub
i9 1/1, 12x148, XD, 28h

Rear Hub
i9 1/1, 12x148, XD, 28h

Rear Hub
i9 1/1, 12x148, XD, 28h

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
Reserve 30|HD 29", 28h

Rear Rim
RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29"

Rear Rim
Reserve 30|HD 29", 28h

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Front Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Rear Rotor
Avid Centerline 180mm

Brakes
SRAM G2 R

Brakes
SRAM Code R

Brakes
SRAM Code RS

Brakes
SRAM Code RS

Brakes
SRAM Code RSC

Brakes
SRAM Code RSC

Crankset
SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 30t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 30t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 32t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 32t

Crankset
SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon 148 DUB 32t

Crankset
SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon 148 DUB 32t

Handlebars
RaceFace Aeffect R, 780mm

Handlebars
Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm

Handlebars
Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium CroMo

Saddle
WTB Silverad Medium Ti

Saddle
WTB Silverad Medium Ti

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6

Seatpost
RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6

Seatpost
RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6

Seatpost
RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More

Grips
Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good.

Learn More


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Travel
150/145mm

Travel
150/145mm

Travel
150/145mm

Travel
150/145mm

Travel
150/145mm

Travel
150/145mm

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
29"

Wheel Size
29"

Geometry

All units are in millimeters or degrees.

SMLXLXXL
Reach | hi/lo430/427455/452475/472495/492520/517
Stack | hi/lo611/613625/627634/636652/654665/668
Head Tube Angle | hi/lo64.8°/64.5°64.8°/64.5°64.8°/64.5°64.8°/64.5°64.8°/64.5°
Seat Tube Length 380405430460500
Front Center | hi/lo752/752783/783807/807836/836867/867
BB Height | hi/lo342/339342/338342/338342/338342/338
BB Drop | hi/lo31/3431/3431/3431/3431/34
Wheelbase | hi/lo1183/11831217/12181244/12451276/12761310/1311
Rear Center | hi/lo431/432434/435437/438440/441443/444
Head Tube Length 100115125145160
Top Tube Length | hi/lo571/572599/600626/627647/648674/675
Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo77°/76.7°77°/76.7°76.7°/76.4°76.9°/76.6°76.9°/76.7°
Standover Height | hi/lo706/701708/703711/706714/709719/714

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.

The Hightower is available in sizes small - extra extra large (S-XXL).

Hightower 3 head tube and front triangle
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 3 CC rear triangle, axle, and brake
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 3 CC top tube, stem, and handlebars
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 3 CC drivetrain, front and rear triangle
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 3 CC lower link and tire
Hightower 3 head tube and front triangle
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Hightower 3 Highlights

2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 VPP Decal

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 C and CC frame

CC frames use the very best materials and production processes available. Our size-specific frame stiffness standards help tie together our ride quality goals by achieving a tailored front triangle flex characteristic for every size.

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

Matte Evergreen Hightower 3 Carbon CC X01 AXS RSV

Maintenance Information

Learn how to service your upper and lower suspension links

Fill out our form for a fresh set of bearings

Take a look at additional tech info and exploded diagrams for the Hightower

How to find your serial number

Something not right? Use our warranty claim form to file a claim. We'll do everything we can to get you back to riding as fast as possible.

File a claim for a Santa Cruz product

If you have any other questions or would like to follow up on a warranty claim, contact our Warranty Department.

Hightower Tech Support

Suspension SystemVPP
Front DerailleurNo compatibility
Headset/HeadtubeIntegrated (IS41/52)
Seat Post31.6mm
Seat Clamp36.4mm
Eye to Eye length210mm
Stroke55mm
Fork Compatibility150-160mm
Fork Offset44mm
Brake Mount180 PM
BB Shell73mm Threaded
Max Tire Size2.5"
Max Chainring Size34t
Water Bottle Mounts1
Shock Mounting Bushing Front30x8
Shock Mounting Bushing Rear30x8 (bearing compatible)

Download the Hightower suspension setup guide to get even more detailed sag, high/low rebound, and high/low compression recommendations for shocks below and get recommendations for the fork in each build.

Tobin O. getting ready for a ride, putting on his shoes while his mechanic check over his 2022 Blur
Tobin O. getting ready for a ride, putting on his shoes while his mechanic check over his 2022 Blur

Lifetime Warranty and Support

Missing a ride sucks. That's why we build the very best bikes and offer legendary rider support for life so that you don't.

We design our bikes to last, to be easy to work on and we make sure to provide the parts and information so you can make your bike last for many lifetimes.

We take No Missed Rides seriously, so we keep stock of every small part and spare to keep you rolling. Head over to the shop to find what you need.