Santa Cruz Releases the Hightower V4

Those in search of the mythical do-it-all trail bike have finally found it. Hot on the heels of a freshly revised Bronson comes its slightly more responsible older sibling, the Hightower. While the Bronson favors the steep, the Hightower savors all flavors. Two big wheels, more suspension travel, and the subtle, sophisticated niceties that define the Santa Cruz namesake in an incredibly versatile, high performance 29er: behold the new Hightower.

Highlights

150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork
29-inch wheels only (all sizes)
CC & C carbon frames
Longer size-specific rear center
Sizes: S-XXL
64 degree head tube angle
Re-configured VPP layout
Lower anti-squat for more efficiency
Glovebox down tube storage
No cable drivetrain routing on CC carbon frames
Boost 148mm spacing
Threaded bottom bracket
Lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty
6 build kits - from $4,799 to $10,899

WHAT’S NEW?

The Hightower trail bike was always a distillation of the best of the genre. But now it has a little more brawn and attitude to take on even higher, badder mountains. In search of the mythical do-it-all bike. Probably going to race the annual local enduro, road trip, maybe hit the bike park, or just outride their mates at the weekend.

Central to the Hightower's improvements are the 5th generation VPP™ suspension. By lowering the lower link, rear shock, and the surrounding architecture, we've lowered anti-squat, which greatly improves performance by decoupling the chain's influence on the suspension, enabling it to move more freely through its travel. This makes for more traction, which means you can ride faster, thinking less about what the bike's up to and more about how much fun you're having.

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Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Too little and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power. We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes.

Traits of Hightower:

Reduced pedal kickback on square-edge hits
Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain

The Ideal Hightower Rider Looks Like...

"One Bike' believers looking for "The One" - In search of the mythical do-it-all bike. Probably going to race the annual local enduro, road trip, maybe hit the bike park, or just outride their mates at the weekend.

Looking for versatility:

Performance brakes, tires, wheels, drivetrain
Great suspension
Great reviews
Brand recognition

The Realist - They like the idea of owning a Megatower but realize it’s overkill because they’re not trying to kill themselves on the trails. They’re just trying to have a good time.

Looking for:

Good climbing manners
Poise on the downhills
Reliability and reputability
Great geo that provides confidence

The Every Man (and woman) - Not into reading every website and following every account. It’s just one of the many recreational hobbies they partake in. Want great, simple, access to the best of biking.

Looking for an enabler: