Can't find your way around the Santa Cruz MTB model range? We feel the same way. Friends of the cultivated downhill sport will find five mountain bike fullys from 130 to 170 millimetres of suspension travel to choose from. While the Santa Cruz 5010 The Nomad, Bronson, Megatower and Hightower models make it more difficult to define the difference in the range of use. It seems as if Santa Cruz doesn't want to patronise its customers and simply wants to offer maximum choice. Like the Bronson (150 mm travel) and the Nomad (170 mm travel), the 5010 (130 mm travel) rolls on smaller 27.5-inch wheels. The new Hightower follows in the footsteps of the 29er with large wheels. recently introduced Megatower (160 mm travel). The main difference between the Hightower and the Megatower is two centimetres less travel at the rear and a 0.5 degree steeper steering angle.
Facts about the new Santa Cruz Hightower:
The new Santa Cruz Hightower has 140 millimetres of travel at the rear and is supplied as a complete bike with a 150 mm fork. Complete bikes come ex works exclusively with 29er wheels. Individual frames can also be fitted with 27.5 inch plus tyres. In addition to an aluminium frame for €1999, there is also a carbon chassis for €3299. For women, the Juliana Maverick is the same frame as for men, also for 3299 euros. All frame prices include the shock. The tried-and-tested flip chip for adjusting the geometry (as on all Santa Cruz bikes) remains unchanged. In contrast to the Megatower, however, the chainstays can no longer be adjusted in length. We were unable to find out the frame weight at the presentation. Most likely, the frame weight of the CC carbon version will be around 2600 grams without shock, just like the Megatower. The € 8599 complete bike with reverse carbon rims weighs 13.6 kilos (in size L and without pedals). The downhill-heavy equipment with Sram Code brakes, Rockshox Lyrik fork and wide 30 mm rims prevent a lower weight. Like all bikes that Santa Cruz has recently presented, the new Hightower also has a Lowerlink VPP rear triangle. In addition to a low centre of gravity, this rear triangle shone in other bikes due to its low drivetrain influence.
++ A large selection of Hightower models (model year 2018-2020) is available here in the Liquid Life online shop* ++
The geometry of the new Hightower 2:
The geometry differs only slightly from the Santa Cruz Megatower. The steering angle is half a degree steeper, the reach three millimetres longer, the wheelbase remains the same. The flip chip makes the steering angle 0.3 degrees steeper compared to the table.
How the new Hightower performs on the trail:
We have already been able to do a lap on the new Hightower. The Hightower climbs well. However, we've had cheaper all-mountain bikes that were lighter. The rear triangle doesn't need a platform. It is quiet even when open. Going downhill, the rear suspension is a little firmer than on the Megatower. As playful as its predecessor but the new Santa Cruz Hightower is not. With a slack head angle and long wheelbase, it leans towards speed off-road. You can find a detailed test in BIKE 11/19 - on sale since 1 October.
The new Santa Cruz Hightower is now available. There are ten different complete bikes with equipment variants ranging from 3399 to 10899 euros. There are also four Juliana Maverick complete bikes ranging from 4699 to 8599 euros.
