Santa Cruz Bicycles

Hightower Carbon CC X01 Eagle AXS Reserve Mountain Bike

Bikes like this Hightower Carbon CC X01 Eagle AXS Reserve Mountain Bike hold a special place in our hearts because they allow us to experience mountain biking in an entirely pure way. 145mm of VPP rear suspension travel delivers a feel that’s aggressive for descending, with a ready-for-whatever poise on the uphills that encourages us to make the loop a little longer. The slack 64.5-degree headtube angle (low position, 150mm fork) lets this bike push the envelope of what a mid-travel bike can do, with stability at speed that inspires us to take on gnarly lines previously reserved for enduro bikes. That being said the Hightower is still an exceptional climber, with a supportive suspension feel and steep seat tube angle at 76.4-degrees (low position, size large) that keeps us happily spinning all day with an ideal climbing position. The game-changing feature of the third-generation Hightower is definitely the Glovebox integrated frame storage, which lets us stash the included Tool Wallet, and Tube Purse along with a spare layer or extra snack.

Santa Cruz held nothing back with this impressive build, starting off with its top-tier Carbon CC frame layup that not only saves weight but still provides excellent durability and stiffness. The X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain provides SRAM’s latest electronic shifting technology, delivering instant shifting that really comes in handy for touch-and-go maneuvers on technical trails. Fox Factory suspension components provide a wide range of adjustments to let us fine-tune our feel, and the 150mm travel Factory 36 fork inspires confidence for descending without compromising the bike’s climbing ability. Reserve 30 HD wheels round out this choice build, providing a stiff, reactive ride feel that’s ideal for riding at a high level, plus they provide bomber durability as a bonus.

*Due to unprecedented demand in the global supply chain and the bike industry over the last 18 months, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be minor. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.