Santa Cruz Bicycles

Hightower Carbon CC X01 Eagle Mountain Bike

We choose the Santa Cruz Hightower Carbon CC X01 Eagle Mountain Bike because it lets us keep up with our buddies with long-travel enduro bikes on the descents and spin with the XC crowd on the climbs. The updated leverage curve on the VPP rear linkage makes the 145mm of travel somehow feel bottomless for plowing down demanding descents, yet still feels insanely supported when we’re grinding away on alpine fire roads. This third-generation Hightower gets the longer, slacker, better treatment with a 64.5-degree head tube angle (low position, 150mm fork) that helps us navigate steep skid trails and high-speed jumplines with tons of stability. For getting back up to the top, the 76.4-degree seat tube angle puts us in the perfect position to spin our hearts away over singletrack miles. The star of the show with the Hightower V3 is the new Glovebox integrated frame storage which lets us stow away the included Tool Wallet and Tube Purse right in the downtube along with a spare pair of gloves and even a snack.

This particular Hightower offers a strong set of components without going completely over the top, starting with the Carbon CC frame construction that’s impressively light, strong, and responsive. The X01 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain sets the performance standard across the industry for a reason, with reliable shifting and minimal maintenance. We love seeing top-tier suspension products like the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and Fox 36 Float Factory fork which boasts 150mm of confidence-inspiring travel. Rock-solid aluminum ARC 30 Offset wheels from Race Face instill confidence on rough and rowdy trails, while Code RSC brakes provide enduro-level stopping power for increased descending confidence. The Hightower features 29in wheels which help us carry momentum over tricky trail features like tall roots, jagged rocks, and square edges making it perfect for rugged backcountry trails.

*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.