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 |
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 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 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 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 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 | Travel | Travel | Travel | ||
Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | ||
Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | ||
Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | ||
Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | ||
Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | ||
Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | ||
Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | ||
Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | ||
Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | ||
Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | ||
Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | ||
Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | ||
Front Rim | Front Rim The Reserve 30|HD is specially designed for aggressive trail riding. They feature a 30mm width for use with 2.5 tires and a redesigned inner rim bed that takes the hassle out of seating new tires. The Reserve 30|HD is the ultimate mountain bike rim. Learn More | Front Rim The Reserve 30|HD is specially designed for aggressive trail riding. They feature a 30mm width for use with 2.5 tires and a redesigned inner rim bed that takes the hassle out of seating new tires. The Reserve 30|HD is the ultimate mountain bike rim. Learn More | Front Rim | ||
Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | ||
Rear Rim | Rear Rim The Reserve 30|HD is specially designed for aggressive trail riding. They feature a 30mm width for use with 2.5 tires and a redesigned inner rim bed that takes the hassle out of seating new tires. The Reserve 30|HD is the ultimate mountain bike rim. Learn More | Rear Rim The Reserve 30|HD is specially designed for aggressive trail riding. They feature a 30mm width for use with 2.5 tires and a redesigned inner rim bed that takes the hassle out of seating new tires. The Reserve 30|HD is the ultimate mountain bike rim. Learn More | Rear Rim | ||
Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | ||
Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | ||
Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | ||
Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | ||
Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | ||
Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | ||
Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | ||
Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | ||
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 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 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 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 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 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 | Battery Charger |
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 |
| Head Tube Angle | hi/lo | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° | 64.8°/64.5° |
| Seat Tube Length | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 | 500 |
| Front Center | hi/lo | 752/752 | 783/783 | 807/807 | 836/836 | 867/867 |
| BB Height | hi/lo | 342/339 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 | 342/338 |
| BB Drop | hi/lo | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 | 31/34 |
| Wheelbase | hi/lo | 1183/1183 | 1217/1218 | 1244/1245 | 1276/1276 | 1310/1311 |
| Rear Center | hi/lo | 431/432 | 434/435 | 437/438 | 440/441 | 443/444 |
| Head Tube Length | 100 | 115 | 125 | 145 | 160 |
| Top Tube Length | hi/lo | 571/572 | 599/600 | 626/627 | 647/648 | 674/675 |
| Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo | 77°/76.7° | 77°/76.7° | 76.7°/76.4° | 76.9°/76.6° | 76.9°/76.7° |
| Standover Height | hi/lo | 706/701 | 708/703 | 711/706 | 714/709 | 719/714 |
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).
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.
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
