Three thousand euros. You won't get one of our two test bikes for that. No, three thousand euros separate the brand new Jeffsy from the Forchheim-based mail order company YT Industries from the Hightower CC from the Californian luxury manufacturer Santa Cruz. Only very few riders will be willing or able to spend 4500 euros - that's the price of the Jeffsy - on an all-mountain bike, but in view of the equipment, the price of the YT almost seems like a gift. The carbon DT Swiss wheels alone cost almost € 2000. Sensitive Fox Factory suspension, the super-light Race Face Next SL cranks and Guide Ultimate brakes almost intuitively trigger the grab reflex. Especially as the stylish carbon fibre frame is neatly finished and, at 2862 grams including shock, is not too heavy.
In contrast, the Hightower CC seems almost a little stingy. If you step on the much heavier Race Face Turbine cranks, you'll only be spinning aluminium wheels in the dropouts for 7500 euros. When it comes to the suspension, Santa Cruz also reaches for the top of the Rock Shox range: the Pike RCT3 at the front is supported by a Monarch shock with a Debon Air air chamber. At 2783 grams, the high-quality frame weighs a little less on paper, but the Jeffsy frame is fitted with numerous useful protectors. The YT rolls onto the trail armoured like a presidential limousine. Santa Cruz, on the other hand, almost completely dispenses with frame protection - which unfortunately quickly comes at the expense of the paintwork.
If you study the technical data of the rivals, you could easily mistake them for twins. Visually similar frame shape, 140 millimetres of travel at the front and rear, a slack 67-degree steering angle and 29-inch wheels - you have to look a little closer to spot the differences. But as soon as you sit on the bike for the first time, it becomes clear that they must be fraternal twins. While the Jeffsy places the rider in an upright and comfortable position thanks to the unusually high riser bar, the riding position on the Hightower is much sportier thanks to the longer reach and lower front end. The Hightower climbs with absolutely neutral propulsion and - surprise surprise - even the plain aluminium wheels accelerate a notch faster than the carbon roundels. On the Jeffsy, on the other hand, you can feel a slight bobbing uphill - only the platform lever helps here, and in steep sections the bike wants to rebel a little earlier due to the higher front end.
When you hit the trail, the picture is different. Despite the longer chainstays, the Jeffsy is more manoeuvrable and playful than the Hightower and feels like it has more travel. The high front end conveys a lot of confidence, especially on steep sections, but generally requires more pressure on the front wheel. The Santa Cruz has a firmer set-up and offers its travel less willingly - you have to ride the Hightower more actively and energetically than the Jeffsy. At high speeds, the Santa Cruz trumps with its stoic composure, in fast corners it offers full control. Both the Onza tyres on the YT and the Maxxis combination on the Santa Cruz offer a high level of traction - as long as the ground is dry. The Onza Ibex reaches its limits more quickly on wet roots or rocks.
Speaking of tyres: Thanks to the wide rear triangle, geometry adjustment and Boost standard, the Santa Cruz can be converted to Plus tyres. This significantly changes the character of the firm racer: it now goes downhill with maximum traction and noticeably more comfort. On the climbs, however, the Hightower lacks liveliness. Changing to plus tyres is a nice option for touring riders, but in our opinion it is actually the worse choice.
Conclusion Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
"Jeffsy and Hightower - twins only at first glance. On the trail, the two all-mountain bikes turn out to be two dissimilar brothers. The Jeffsy as a comfortable and playful touring bike with high-end equipment. The Hightower is a sporty, firm all-mountain that would also cut a fine figure in enduro races. Price, equipment and weight - everything speaks in favour of the extremely inexpensive mail-order bike. However, the Californians from Santa Cruz put the better bike on the wheels in terms of points - even if the frame set alone costs a whopping 3499 euros. But you can still dream. "
Santa Cruz Hightower CC
With the Hightower, the Californians have put a sporty, firm all-mountain bike on the wheels, which climbs with neutral drive and rushes smoothly downhill. The suspension always offers reserves, even in rough terrain, and flirts with the odd enduro mission. The option to switch to plus-size tyres is particularly useful for less technically experienced riders. For 7499 euros, you don't exactly get a miracle in terms of equipment, but you do get a cult bike with character.
YT Industries Jeffsy CF Pro
If you add up the costs for the flawless equipment of the Jeffsys, you get the neatly finished and well thought-out carbon frame practically for free. The range is simply "good as hell" and so is the handling. It playfully circles over the trails and offers a lot of safety and reserves, especially on steep terrain. The rider is positioned in the centre of the frame, although the high front end can be slightly annoying on very steep climbs and when riding slowly.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
