2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 C S-Kit

THE MOUNTAIN BIKE, DISTILLED

The newest version of the Hightower remains our greatest hits of engineering - now further refined and bottled into our most all-terrain of bikes. Big on wheels, medium on travel, short on fuss, this is the do-it-all model that does it over and over again thanks to a versatile balance of geo, spec and durability. If you’re not looking for extremes, just something extremely good, the Hightower is your elevator.

SPECS

• Frame - Carbon C 29" 145mm Travel VPPTM
• Rear Shock - Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+ 210x55
• Fork - FOX 36 Float Performance, 150mm
• Rear Derailleur - SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
• Shifter - SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
• Cassette - SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t
• Chain - SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
• Bottom Bracket - SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB
• Headset - Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset
• Rear Tire - Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C Maxx-Terra, EXO, TR
• Front Tire - Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR
• Sealant - Reserve Tubeless Sealant
• Front Hub - DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 28h
• Rear Hub - DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 36t, 28h
• Rims - RaceFace AR Offset 30 29"
• Front - Rotor Avid Centerline 180mm
• Rear Rotor - Avid Centerline 180mm
• Brakes - SRAM Code R
• Crankset - SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 30t
• Handlebar - Burgtec RideWide Alloy Bar, 800mm
• Stem - Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm
• Saddle - WTB Silverado Medium CroMo
• Seatpost - RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6
• Grips/Bar Tape - Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Frame Sizing

If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.

The Hightower is available in sizes small - extra extra large (S-XXL).

Personal Preference

A larger size frame will be more stable, and will give you more room to move without upsetting the weight-balance of the bike. The larger size will put the front wheel further in front of you, which gives the feeling of security and conversely, it will require more significant body movements when you WANT to shift the weight-bias of the bike. Think hard about your riding style and how active/intuitive you want it to be vs stable and speedy. You'll need to work a bit harder to muscle the larger bike around.

Body Dimension

Not all bodies at a given height are the same. If you have longer legs and a shorter torso than the average person your height, that may push you towards the smaller of the recommended sizes. If you're all torso and arms, most likely you'll want to size up.