MY24 Highball
MY24 Highball
MY23 Highball
MY23 Highball

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.

Key Features:

Available in: Carbon C and Carbon CC
Wheel Size: 29er
Front Travel: 100mm

Highball Frame Specifications

Front DerailleurNo compatibility
Headset/HeadtubeIntegrated (IS41/52)
Seat Post27.2mm
Seat Clamp31.8mm
Fork Compatibility100-120mm
BB Shell73mm Threaded
Max Tire Size2.4"
Max Chainring Size38t
Water Bottle Mounts3
Brake Mount160 PM

Geometry

All units are in millimeters or degrees.

SMLXL
Reach 415440460490
Stack 596605614633
Head Tube Angle 67°67°67°67°
Seat Tube Length 405430470530
Front Center 693719743781
BB Height 313313313313
BB Drop 60606060
Wheelbase 1119114511691207
Rear Center 426426426426
Head Tube Length 95105115135
Top Tube Length 595619642677
Seat Tube Angle 73.5°73.5°73.5°73.5°
Standover Height 707704739755
Highball 3 Render

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

152 - 165cm
152 - 165cm

S

165 - 178cm
165 - 178cm

M

178 - 185cm
178 - 185cm

L

185 - 198cm
185 - 198cm

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

Highball 3.1 Exploded view - rear triangle
Highball 3.1 Exploded view - rear triangle

Bottle Cage Bolts, and Downtube Protector

Highball 3 Exploded View 2
Highball 3 Exploded View 2

Seat Collar and Cable Housing Grommets

Highball 3 Exploded View 3
Highball 3 Exploded View 3