Santa Cruz

Hightower

5300–12000 EUR

Origin

The Hightower launched in 2016 as Santa Cruz's first long-travel 29er, replacing the Tallboy LT at a time when many brands still doubted big wheels could descend hard. It quickly became the brand's do-it-all trail bike and its best-seller. Across four generations it has crept slacker and longer-travel — the current Gen 4 (2025/MY26) runs 150 mm rear / 160 mm front on dedicated 29" wheels, positioning it as the big-wheeled sibling to the mixed-wheel Bronson.

Specifications

Frame: Carbon, two layups: Carbon CC (premium) and Carbon C (value). Lower-link VPP dual-link suspension. Glovebox in-frame downtube storage with Tool Wallet + Tube Purse. Lifetime frame warranty. Note: Gen 4 CC frame is designed for wireless (AXS) drivetrains only.
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 1×12, 10-52t. Builds from GX Eagle (cable) up to GX/X0/XX AXS T-Type wireless; Shimano XT/XTR also offered. CC frame = wireless only.
Brakes: Hydraulic disc. Gen 4 GX AXS build: SRAM Maven Bronze 4-piston, SRAM HS2 180 mm rotors. Lower builds use SRAM DB8 / Code or Shimano.
Wheels: 29" front and rear. Reserve 30 carbon (RSV builds) or Race Face ARC 30 alloy rims, DT Swiss 370 hubs, Boost spacing.

The verdict

+Strengths

Exceptional descending capability — one of the most stable and confidence-inspiring bikes in the trail category on rough, technical terrain.
Superb suspension balance: plush off the top yet supportive deeper in the travel, with excellent traction.
Genuine do-it-all versatility — happy on long backcountry days and varied conditions.
Build quality, in-frame Glovebox storage and lifetime frame warranty add long-term value.
Dedicated 29" wheels give it big-wheel rollover and stability at speed.

−Weaknesses

Climbing efficiency lags snappier rivals like the Transition Sentinel or Ibis Ripmo — Gen 4 traded some pedal efficiency for off-the-top sensitivity.
Carbon CC frame is incompatible with cable/mechanical drivetrains (wireless AXS only), limiting build flexibility.
In-frame storage compartment can let small items get trapped/rattle.
Premium pricing — top builds run well over €10k; carbon-only frame (no alloy option in Gen 4).
Descent-biased character means it can feel like more bike than needed for mellow, flowy trails.

Who it’s for

The 'definitive' do-it-all 29er — long days on rugged trail, varied conditions; Latvian forest singletrack, Estonian bog-edge trails, alpine touring

Want one?

Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.

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