Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower CC XX AXS Transmission Carbon Wheel Mountain Bike

Why We Like The Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX AXS Transmission Carbon Wheel Mountain Bike

One of the most versatile trail bikes around just got a facelift, and we are stoked to share the details. The Santa Cruz Hightower has been updated with improvements to ramp up its capability and composure all around the mountain. A slacker 64.2-degree headtube angle in the high setting equips us with a more stable front end, while longer, size-specific chainstays lengthen out the wheelbase, both aiding in more stability on steep terrain. Combining the slacker front end and the longer rear end shifts the weight bias towards the bike´s center, providing a more balanced and stable feel. The Hightower has a new VPP suspension pivot layout that gives us a more progressive leverage rate for a smoother, plusher ride with more traction. With the travel numbers and geometry update, the Hightower now sits alongside the Bronson as the dedicated 29-inch option in Santa Cruz´s aggressive trail/enduro offering. A new larger Sag Widow transforms the look of the bottom bracket area and makes finding our rear shock´s sag way easier than before. Carryover features on the Hightower include the Glovebox internal frame storage, chainstay and downtube protection, a geometry flip chip, a threaded bottom bracket, and SRAM´s UDH.

The XX Transmission Carbon Wheel build of the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 holds nothing back, outfitting this ride with the best components on the market. This build starts with Santa Cruz´s premium Carbon CC frame, sporting premium material makeup and made lighter through the absence of drivetrain cable ports, making the CC frame only compatible with electronic drivetrains. An elite-level build would be incomplete without SRAM´s ultra-premium XX transmission drivetrain, which provides exceptional weight savings,smooth shifting performance, and surprising durability. Reserve 30HD carbon fiber rims paired with I9 Hydra hubs throw down exceptional performance, high engagement, and stiff handling all over the mountain. Fox Factory suspension takes this build up another notch, equipping us with the Float X rear shock and the Factory 36, Grip X2, 160mm fork, capable of handling EWS-worthy descents and maintaining the efficiency to climb back up to the top for another go. Premium Maxxis DHF and DHRII tires with proper compounds and casings offer reliable grip for aggressive riding, while the SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes equip us with some of the best brakes on the market for aggressive riding.

*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.

Heads up - We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you´ll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.

Details

• Mid-travel 29´er with updated travel, suspension kinematics, and geometry
• Carbon CC frame is lightweight and has a great reputation for being durable
• Rear travel is bumped up to 150mm of VPP suspension for more capability
• Revised VPP pivot placement improves traction and reduces anti-squat
• Fox Factory Float X rear shock is lightweight and highly tunable
• SRAM XX Transmission AXS drivetrain is ultralightweight and has precise shifting
• Reserve 30HD carbon fiber rims fitted with I9 Hydra hubs for top-tier performance
• Fox Factory 36, Grip X2 160mm soaks up big hits and is very tunable
• Dual 29-inch wheels optimize efficiency and speed
• SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes are top-tier and have tons of stopping power
• Electronic-only drivetrain frame due to the absence of cable ports
• Item #SNZK1OL

Tech Specs

Frame Material

Carbon CC

Suspension

VPP

Rear Shock

Fox Float X Factory

Rear Travel

150mm

Fork

Fox 36 Factory, Grip X2

Front Travel

160mm

Headset

Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated

Shifters

SRAM AXS Pod Controller, 12-speed

Rear Derailleur

SRAM XX Eagle AXS, T-Type, 12-speed

ISCG Tabs

ISCG-05

Crankset

SRAM XX Eagle, DUB, T-Type, carbon fiber, 12-speed

Chainring Sizes

32t

Crank Arm Length

[small] 165mm, [medium, large, extra large, xx-large] 170mm

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB 73mm English threaded

Cassette

SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, XS-1297, 12-speed

Cassette Range

10-52t

Chain

SRAM XX Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed

Brakeset

SRAM Maven Ultimate

Brake Type

4-piston, hydraulic disc

Rotors

SRAM HS2, 6-bolt, [front] 200mm, [rear] 180mm

Handlebar

Santa Cruz 35 Carbon

Handlebar Rise

35mm

Grips

Santa Cruz House

Stem

Burgtec Enduro MK3

Stem Length

42mm

Saddle

WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, CroMo S

Seatpost

OneUp V3, 31.6mm

Seatpost Travel

[small] 125mm, [medium] 150mm, [large] 175mm, [x-large, xx-large] 200mm

Wheelset

[front, rear] Reserve 30 HD, carbon fiber, 29in

Hubs

[front, rear] Industry Nine Hydra

Front Axle

15 x 110mm Boost

Rear Axle

12 x 148mm Boost

Tire Clearance

[rear] 2.5in

Tires

[front] Maxxis Minion DHF WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, [rear] Maxxis Minion DHR II, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+

Tire Size

[front] 29 x 2.5in, [rear] 29 x 2.4in

Pedals

not included

Extras

SRAM etap AXS battery and charger, Glovebox integrated frame storage, tool wallet, tube purse, downtube protector, chainstay protector, shock fender, shuttle guard, Flip chip, SRAM UDH, electronic drivetrain-only frame

Activity

trail, enduro

Manufacturer Warranty

[frame, handlebar, bottle cage] limited lifetime, [paint, finishes, decals] limited 3 year, [Reserve Carbon Wheel] limited lifetime