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Santa Cruz Bicycles
Hightower Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - 2017

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We often describe geometry and suspension designs as "evolving," as though there's a biological aspect of their development not influenced by human engineering and that the frames themselves are somehow able to change even between product cycles. In terms of that standard industry narrative, Santa Cruz's latest model, the Hightower Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame, definitely exhibits elements of the latest "evolution" trends, including Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, clearance for plus-size tires, short chainstays, a long reach, and a decidedly slack head tube. But. The Hightower deviates from the usual mode of static evolution in that its linkage can be altered in order to maintain its long, low, enduro geometry while mutating from a 29er to a 27.5+ rig. The Hightower is capable of evolving in real time so it's not limited to any single discipline or terrain profile.


Of all the elements of Santa Cruz genius that underwrite the Hightower's versatility, the most notable inclusion is the little flip chip niblet that sits in the upper link and rotates to allow the shock mount to migrate. Being able to reposition the shock attachment point effectively accounts for the 9mm difference in radii between 27.5+ and 29in tires, keeping the geometry as static as possible across wheel sizes.


Like with the ability to swap wheel sizes, the Hightower's mid-range, 5.3in travel belies its true nature. Though its travel and wheel clearance may inspire initial comparisons with Mr. Moderate (the 5010) or SC's equivalent of a center in basketball (the Tallboy LT), Santa Cruz instead encourages us to "think of it as the Bronson's taller brother." Yep, that Bronson. Given the implied big-hit aggression of this comparison, we're compelled to dip into the lore of North American ball sports again for another analogy: the Hightower isn't a gangly hoopster so much as a two-wheeled version of a predatory linebacker.


The Hightower's 29er mode and a pair of chainstays that are 15mm stubbier than the Tallboy LT mean it's a helluva lot faster over light terrain and rocky climbs than bikes like the Bronson; however, its 67-degree head tube angle, generous tire clearance, and reworked Virtual Pivot Point suspension all mean that it's just as capable of engaging that speed on enduro descents that would make the steep-angled Tallboy befoul its long-legged pants. Whether you're into taking the direct route over the crux or the big line when dropping in, the Hightower can handle it.


SC is so intent on proving the Hightower's outsized merit over rock gardens that it actually bypassed the Bronson and went straight to the 6.5in Nomad for suspension inspiration. The result is that the link stays out of the way, which may be why the Hightower can accommodate a piggyback shock and a bottle cage — yet one more indication that the Hightower isn't just for XC hardpack or enduro shuttle loops. Instead, it's designed to be the engine on the way up and the sled on the way down.


In the end, the Hightower is still a Santa Cruz, so it features the same Carbon CC frame construction that's ruined our tastes by giving us unrealistic expectations for how carbon should feel. For the top-tier CC frame, the engineers use a higher modulus carbon than the Carbon C model, so less material is required to hit the same strength and stiffness numbers. Less material equates to less weight, and, well, you can see where we're going with this. Climbing and pure speed both benefit when there's less mass for your engine to propel, a stiffer chassis tracks truer across the kind of terrain the Hightower will tempt you into.


The frame's two carbon triangles are built as whole pieces rather than glued together from disparate bits, a method that saves weight and increases structural integrity by allowing Santa Cruz to wrap carbon continuously through and around key junctures. This process reinforces the frame with less material while eliminating the artificial stress points that result from bonded construction methods. Finally, the carbon is also compacted from the inside and the outside for a more even finish that avoids any structural defects, excess material build-up, and resin pooling for — you guessed it — even more weight savings.


The Hightower's two triangles are joined by the latest generation of VPP suspension. SC refers to it in-house as VPP3, but it's essentially the same VPP we know and love with the Nomad-inspired updates mentioned above. A repositioned lower link now shelters above the bottom bracket, increasing ground clearance to decrease the chance of rock strikes while indulging the Hightower's desire to masticate scree fields and dice through the rooty, rocky, techy stuff. The upper link has also wandered up and forward, which makes for a more accommodating standover height for smaller riders wanting a huge ride, and it also stiffens the back end.


The latest VPP's changes aren't limited to wandering links, though; the system's tuning has also been tweaked. Where the old suspension curve described a deep "U," the new VPP's curve resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the arc. The results are that, during the initial and mid stroke, it boasts increased bump compliance to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction across lumpy trails and root latticed climbs. It also maintains its predecessor's firm feel during accelerations while jockeying for position in a mass start or a finishing sprint. The RockShox Monarch's ramp-up arc doesn't dramatically alter as the shock compresses, so the pedaling platform stays consistent across travel, with less wallowing, bob, and bottom-outs — even while the Boost axle's path turns rearward to absorb big hits deep in its travel.


The Hightower's updated linkage means it's one-by only, which cleans up the look and really shows off that slick matte finish. It's got the usual ISCG 05 tabs and the few remaining cables all route internally, which is one particular innovation that Santa Cruz was surprisingly slow to adopt. The Hightower maintains the brand's insistence on the good ol' fashioned reliability of a threaded bottom bracket, though. More precise installation, less creaking, and increased longevity aren't the only reasons why we're glad Santa Cruz has refused to adopt the PressFit standard, but they're definitely near the top of the list.


While building the frame up, keep in mind that Santa Cruz suggests a 140mm fork for 29ers and a 150mm fork for the 27.5+ variation to ensure that changing wheel sizes produces a negligible effect on the Hightower's geometry, keeping the head tube at 67 and 66.8 degrees, respectively. In 27.5+ mode, the frame clears 2.8in tires, but three inches is pushing it. With variations between manufacturers meaning that some three inchers may not fit, we recommend staying below that threshold. While equipped with 29in wheels, clearance understandably drops, but the frame still easily clears 2.4 or 2.5in tires. Finally, remember that the Hightower rolls with the added stiffness of Boost rear hub spacing, so anything other than 148mm thru-axles are a no-go.


Details

  • Conquer any trail in this innovative new rig
  • Top-end carbon CC construction is devoid of excess material
  • Flip chip allows for 27.5+ and 29er builds with one frame
  • VPP suspension adapts seamlessly to changing terrain
  • Lower standover height accommodates shorter riders well
  • Boost axle spacing encourages stiff, responsive cornering
  • Santa Cruz proves it’s deserving of its industry-leading reputation
  • Item #SNZ008R
Frame Material
Carbon CC
Suspension
VPP
Wheel Size
27.5+ in, 29 in
Rear Shock
RockShox Monarch RT
Rear Travel
135 mm
Fork Travel
[recommended 29er] 140 mm, [recommended 27.5+] 150 mm
Head Tube Diameter
1-1/8 - 1-1/2in integrated
Headset Included
no
Bottom Bracket Type
73 mm BSA threaded
ISCG Tabs
yes, ISCG 05
Cable Routing
internal
Front Derailleur Mount
none
Brake Type
disc
Seatpost Diameter
31.6 mm
Rear Axle
12 x 148mm Boost thru-axle
Claimed Weight
[w/ shock] 2,670 g
Recommended Use
all-mountain, enduro, trail
Manufacturer Warranty
lifetime on frame

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