Hightower C GX AXS Transmission Mountain Bike
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Hightower C GX AXS Transmission brings VPP precision and long-travel stability
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"This is one of the most capable mid-travel bikes on the market. The new VPP layout tracks incredibly well in rough terrain, and the Transmission drivetrain is practically bombproof. With the Fox Performance Elite suspension and proper Maxxis tires, it’s dialed straight out of the box."
The Hightower C GX AXS Transmission Mountain Bike represents Santa Cruz’s refined take on the modern 29-inch all-mountain platform. Its Carbon C frame delivers excellent stiffness and strength at a competitive weight, while the revised VPP layout—featuring repositioned lower links—creates a more progressive leverage curve that improves small-bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support, and bottom-out control. The updated geometry pushes the bike further into aggressive-trail territory with a longer reach, slacker head tube, steep seat angle, and size-specific tuning to ensure riders of every height experience consistent handling and balance.
On this GX Transmission build, SRAM’s hangerless T-Type drivetrain integrates seamlessly into the UDH-equipped frame. The result is unparalleled shifting precision under load, improved durability, and clean wireless simplicity. A 32t crankset paired with a 10–52t cassette provides range for both high-speed pedaling and steep technical climbs. Braking duties are handled by SRAM Maven Bronze four-piston calipers paired with HS2 rotors for consistent heat dissipation and powerful modulation on sustained descents.
Suspension performance is a standout feature of this build. Fox’s Performance Elite 36 with the Grip X2 damper offers near-factory-level sensitivity and control, while the Float X Performance Elite shock provides a supportive, tunable rear end that pairs cleanly with the VPP kinematics. The Race Face ARC 30 aluminum wheelset, laced to DT Swiss 370 hubs, delivers a responsive platform with enough compliance for long rough rides. Maxxis DHF/DHRII tires in EXO+ and 3C compounds ensure predictable traction and cornering confidence across varied surfaces.
With internal Glovebox storage, silent routing, frame protection, a flip chip for geometry tuning, and generous tire clearance, this Hightower build is fully equipped for the demands of enduro-lite riders, aggressive trail enthusiasts, and big-mountain explorers who want a single, do-everything machine.
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
- 29er trail bike built for aggressive, all-mountain riding
- 150mm VPP rear suspension with revised kinematics for traction and support
- Fox 36 Performance Elite 160mm fork with Grip X2 damper for control
- GX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain delivers precise cable-free shifting
- Race Face ARC 30 wheels with DT 370 hubs provide durable performance
- Maxxis DHF/DHRII tires with proper rubber and casings for serious grip
- Glovebox frame storage keeps tools and essentials organized
- UDH compatibility and threaded BB for long-term serviceability
- Item #SNZK1OF
- Frame Material
- Carbon C
- Suspension
- VPP
- Rear Shock
- Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Rear Travel
- 150mm
- Fork
- Fox 36 Float Performance Elite, Grip X2,
- Front Travel
- 160mm
- Headset
- Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated
- Shifters
- SRAM AXS Pod Controller, 12-speed
- Rear Derailleur
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS T-Type, 12-speed
- ISCG Tabs
- ISCG-05
- Crankset
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission DUB T-Type Crankset, alloy
- Chainring Sizes
- 32t
- Crank Arm Length
- [small] 165mm, [medium, large, extra large, xx-large] 170mm
- Bottom Bracket
- SRAM DUB 73mm
- Cassette
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission T-Type, XS-1275, 12-speed
- Cassette Range
- 10-52t
- Chain
- SRAM GX Eagle Transmission T-Type, Flattop, 12-speed
- Brakeset
- SRAM Maven Bronze
- Brake Type
- 4-piston
- Rotors
- [front] SRAM HS2, 200mm, [rear] SRAM HS2, 180mm
- Handlebar
- Santa Cruz Carbon
- Handlebar Rise
- [small] 20mm, [medium, large, x-large, xx-large] 35mm
- Handlebar Width
- [small] 760mm, [medium, large, x-large, xx-large] 800mm
- Grips
- Santa Cruz House
- Stem
- Burgtec Enduro MK3
- Stem Length
- 42mm
- Saddle
- SDG Bel-Air V3, Lux-Alloy Atmos
- Seatpost
- OneUp V3, 31.6mm
- Seatpost Travel
- [small] 125mm, [medium] 150mm, [large] 175mm, [x-large, xx-large] 200mm
- Wheelset
- [front, rear] Race Face ARC 30, aluminum, 29in
- Hubs
- [front] DT Swiss 370, 6-Bolt, [rear] DT Swiss 370, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t
- 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
- Glovebox integrated frame storage, tool wallet, tube purse, downtube protector, chainstay protector, shock fender, shuttle guard, Flip chip, SRAM UDH compatible
- Activity
- enduro
- Manufacturer Warranty
- [frame, handlebar, bottle cage] limited lifetime, [paint, finishes, decals] limited 3 year, [Reserve Carbon Wheel] limited lifetime
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Carbon Frame
For our "C Carbon" frames we use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec frames in order to retain the same legendary strength and stiffness our CC frames are known for but there is a slight weight penalty. We achieved this by using a different grade of carbon material that results in a minimal weight gain.
VPP™ Suspension
Virtual Pivot Point, or VPP™, suspension is designed to bring you the best balance of pedaling efficiency and all-out bump-chomping prowess available, all while being extremely tough and reliable.
Flip Chip
The flip chip allows you to fine-tune your geometry and suspension feel to suit your terrain and riding style. In the Low position, the bottom bracket drops slightly and the suspension becomes more progressive, delivering extra traction and plushness on rough descents. In the High position, the bottom bracket rises for improved pedal clearance and a firmer, more supportive ride on technical climbs.
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Glovebox
The Glovebox offers a sleek, built-in storage solution inside the frame, keeping your tools and spares out of sight and secure. Each bike includes a Tool Wallet and Tube Purse for organized essentials, while the hatch’s refined design closes with a smooth, satisfying snap for a premium fit and finish.
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READY FOR ANYTHING
AN ALL-TERRAIN THRILLER
For local laps or international riding vacations, Hightower goes. The combination of travel, poised geometry, 29-inch wheels, and a can-do attitude make Hightower an easy choice when you're not sure exactly what's down the trail. Light enough to pedal, and long-legged enough to send, you'll come home with plenty of stories no matter how far you went.
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MILLIMETERS MATTER
FOR MODERN MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Hightower has the brawn to back up the brains. 150mm-travel VPP™ provides a plush, open feel with a lot of traction. This suspension travel sweetspot provides a broad riding envelope, meaning you'll be pushing yourself and not the bike.
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Simply Advanced Since 1994 Santa Cruz Bicycles was founded on a simple truth: the bikes riders wanted didn’t exist. So they built them. From the first dual-suspension Tazmon to today’s category-defining mountain and electric bikes, Santa Cruz has spent three decades merging innovation with craftsmanship to create bikes that climb efficiently, descend fearlessly, and last a lifetime. Designed, engineered, and assembled by hand in California, every detail reflects their commitment to quality, performance, and rider support—with lifetime warranties and trail access initiatives like PayDirt that keep the stoke alive for generations of riders.
Cancer - P65Warnings.ca.gov