Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29" Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Hightower

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The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Peak to valley and
back again.

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.

Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: 29
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150

The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Peak to valley and
back again.

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.

Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: 29
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150

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Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower R
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Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower R
 

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

R

   

34.44 lbs / 15.62 kg

S

   

33.55 lbs / 15.21 kg

GX AXS

   

32.48 lbs / 14.73 kg

X0 AXS

   

32.31 lbs / 14.65 kg

X0 AXS RSV

   

32.17 lbs / 14.59 kg

XX AXS RSV

   

31.7 lbs / 14.38 kg

Frame

   

6.84 lbs / 3.1 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.

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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

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

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Travel
150mm

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Wheel Size
29

Rear Shock
FOX Float Rhythm, 210x55

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Performance, 230x57.5

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Performance Elite, 230x57.5

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5

Rear Shock
FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5

Fork
RockShox Lyrik Base, 160mm

Fork
FOX 36 Float Performance, Grip, 160mm

Fork
Fox 36 Float Performance Elite, Grip X2, 160mm

Fork
Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm

Fork
Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm

Fork
Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm

Fork
-

Rear Derailleur
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd

Rear Derailleur
-

Right Shifter
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Right Shifter
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Right Shifter
SRAM AXS Pod Bridge

Right Shifter
SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle

Right Shifter
SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle

Right Shifter
SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle

Right Shifter
-

Cassette
SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t

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

Cassette
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t

Cassette
SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t

Cassette
SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t

Cassette
SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t

Cassette
-

Chain
SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd

Chain
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd

Chain
SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd

Chain
SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd

Chain
SRAM XX SL Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd

Chain
-

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB

Bottom Bracket
-

Headset
FSA IS-2/47/42 ACB -or- 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
Chris King DropSet 3 Integrated Headset

Headset
-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Tire
-

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO

Front Tire
-

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
Reserve Fillmore Valves

Valves
-

Front Hub
SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 32h

Front Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x110, 6-Bolt, 28h

Front Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x110, 6-Bolt, 28h

Front Hub
Industry Nine 1/1, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 28h

Front Hub
Industry Nine 1/1, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 28h

Front Hub
Industry Nine Hydra, 15x110, 6-Bolt 28h

Front Hub
-

Front Rim
Raceface AR30

Front Rim
Raceface AR30

Front Rim
Raceface ARC 30

Front Rim
Raceface ARC 30

Front Rim
Reserve 30|HD Carbon

Front Rim
Reserve 30|HD Carbon

Front Rim
-

Rear Hub
SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, HG, 6-Bolt, 32h

Rear Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h

Rear Hub
DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h

Rear Hub
Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h

Rear Hub
Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h

Rear Hub
Industry Nine Hydra, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h

Rear Hub
-

Rear Rim
Raceface AR30

Rear Rim
Raceface AR30

Rear Rim
Raceface ARC 30

Rear Rim
Raceface ARC 30

Rear Rim
Reserve 30|HD Carbon

Rear Rim
Reserve 30|HD Carbon

Rear Rim
-

Front Rotor
SRAM Centerline, 200mm

Front Rotor
SRAM HS2 200mm

Front Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Front Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Front Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Front Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Front Rotor
-

Rear Rotor
SRAM Centerline, 200mm

Rear Rotor
SRAM HS2 200mm

Rear Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Rear Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Rear Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Rear Rotor
SRAM HS2 180mm

Rear Rotor
-

Brakes
SRAM DB8 Stealth

Brakes
SRAM DB8 Stealth

Brakes
SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth

Brakes
SRAM Maven Silver Stealth

Brakes
SRAM Maven Silver Stealth

Brakes
SRAM Maven Ultimate Stealth

Brakes
-

Crankset
SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 32t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 32t

Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t

Crankset
SRAM X0 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t

Crankset
SRAM X0 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t

Crankset
SRAM XX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t

Crankset
-

Handlebars
Burgtec Alloy Bar

Handlebars
OneUp Aluminum Bar, 35mm Rise, 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

Handlebars
-

Stem
OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Stem
OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Stem
OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Stem
OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Stem
OneUp Stem, 42mm -or- Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm

Stem
Industry Nine A35, 40mm

Stem
-

Saddle
Fizik Monte -or- SDG Bel-Air V3, Steel

Saddle
SDG Bel-Air V3, Lux-Alloy

Saddle
SDG Bel-Air V3, Lux-Alloy Atmos

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, CroMo SL

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, CroMo SL

Saddle
WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, Stainless

Saddle
-

Seatpost
SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6

Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6

Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6

Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6

Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6

Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6

Seatpost
-

Dropper Length
S - 125mm, M - 150mm, L - 170mm, XL - 200mm, XXL - 200mm

Dropper Length
S - 120mm, M - 150mm, L - 180mm, XL - 210mm, XXL - 210mm

Dropper Length
S - 120mm, M - 150mm, L - 180mm, XL - 210mm, XXL - 210mm

Dropper Length
S - 120mm, M - 150mm, L - 180mm, XL - 210mm, XXL - 210mm

Dropper Length
S - 120mm, M - 150mm, L - 180mm, XL - 210mm, XXL - 210mm

Dropper Length
S - 120mm, M - 150mm, L - 180mm, XL - 210mm, XXL - 210mm

Dropper Length
-

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

Grips
-

Battery Charger
-

Battery Charger
-

Battery Charger
SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery & Charger

Battery Charger
SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery & Charger

Battery Charger
SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery & Charger

Battery Charger
SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery & Charger

Battery Charger
-

The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

ARE WE THERE YET?

Watch Nina Hoffmann and Steve Peat go from peak to valley and back again

The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

1 / 8

TRAITS OF THIS HIGHTOWER

- Lots of traction
- Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
- More sensitivity. Plush off the top, with fluttery small bump performance
- Leverage rate provides predictable, consistent, progressive support

SUSPENSION

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.

WHAT IS ANTI-SQUAT?

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.

MILLIMETERS MATTER

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.

MORE TRAVEL THAN THE NBA

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.

HARD-WEARING HARDWARE

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.

MADE TO LAST MANY LIFETIMES

We use only the highest quality Enduro MAX sealed angular contact bearings and premium fasteners for our linkage assemblies. They’re easy to properly torque and maintain, plus we offer free replacement bearings for life.

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.

The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
The Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 4 - Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Close X

Hightower Frame Specifications

Suspension SystemVPP
Front DerailleurNo compatibility
Headset/HeadtubeIntegrated (IS41/52)
Seat Post31.6mm
Seat Clamp36.4mm
Eye to Eye length230mm
Stroke57.5mm
Recommended Sag30% (17.25mm)
BB Shell73mm Threaded
Max Tire Size2.5"
Max Chainring Size36t
Water Bottle Mounts1
Shock Mounting Bushing Front40x10 (standard bushing)
Shock Mounting Bushing Rear30x8 (roller bearing)
Max Brake Rotor223mm
Brake Mount180 PM
Fork Offset44mm

Suspension Setup

Take a look at detailed sag, high/low rebound, and high/low compression recommendations for shocks and forks in each build.

Geometry

All units are in millimeters or degrees.

SMLXLXXL
Reach | hi/lo435/432460/457480/477500/497525/522
Stack | hi/lo623/625632/634641/643659/661668/670
Head Tube Angle | hi/lo64.2°/63.9°64.2°/63.9°64.2°/63.9°64.2°/63.9°64.2°/63.9°
Seat Tube Length | hi/lo380405430460500
Front Center | hi/lo771800825853883
BB Height | hi/lo344/341344/341344/341344/341344/341
BB Drop (front) | hi/lo29/3229/3229/3229/3229/32
BB Drop (rear) | hi/lo29/3229/3229/3229/3229/32
Wheelbase | hi/lo11761237126412961328
Rear Center | hi/lo434436439442445
Head Tube Length | hi/lo110120130150160
Top Tube Length | hi/lo572595614636662
Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo77.6°/77.3°77.9°/77.6°78.2°/77.9°78.3°/78°78.4/°78.1°
Standover Height | hi/lo721723725727731
Hightower 4 Geometry and Sizing

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.

Hightower 4 Geometry and Sizing
Hightower 4 Geometry and Sizing

FAQ's

Exploded Diagrams

SRAM Transmission Setup

Frame SizeFlip ChipSetup KeySetup Cog30T32T34T36T
SHighB7116116118118
MHighB7116116118118
LHighB7116116118118
XLHighB7116118118120
XXLHighB7116118118120
SLowB7116116118118
MLowB7116116118118
LLowB7116118118120
XLLowB7116118118120
XXLLowB7118118120120

If you're looking for more information about your bike check our the Santa Cruz Bicycles Owner's Manual.

Click Here to Download

Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29

QUALITY BICYCLES SINCE 1994

Quality means built right, easy to work on, lifetime warranty, free pivot bearings for life and Rider Support for life.

Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower 29

QUALITY BICYCLES SINCE 1994

Quality means built right, easy to work on, lifetime warranty, free pivot bearings for life and Rider Support for life.

QUALITY BICYCLES SINCE 1994

Quality means built right, easy to work on, lifetime warranty, free pivot bearings for life and Rider Support for life.

Santa Cruz Bicycles Vala

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