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2018 Santa Cruz

Hightower CC X01

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$6,799
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 140mm front
ForkFox Performance Elite Float 36
ShockFox Float DPS Performance Elite
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX01 Eagle
BrakesAvid Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Hightower CC X01
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Hightower CC X01

26 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Santa Cruz Hightower is a versatile enduro bike praised for its efficient climbing, confident descending, and balanced handling. Its VPP suspension system is responsive, though some reviews note occasional hang-ups on climbs and a lack of sensitivity at the start of the stroke. The bike's ability to adapt to various riding styles and terrains makes it a standout, though some riders may find the seat angle less than ideal for steep climbs.

Pros
  • Efficient climber

  • Confident descender

  • Versatile for various riding styles

  • Responsive VPP suspension

  • Balanced handling

Cons
  • Occasional hang-ups on climbs

  • Lack of sensitivity at the start of the suspension stroke

  • Seat angle could be steeper for climbing

Key Quotes
The ultimate quiver killer? It is a common claim, but the Hightower LT is a serious contender.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Hightower blows out of the water the notion that plus bikes are lazy, boring or vague.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Santa Cruz Hightower LT is ready to take on big descents — and long climbs.
MTBR logoMTBR

Feedback?

View all reviews

Loam Wolf
Review: Santa Cruz Hightower CC V2

Dec 2019 · Drew Rohde

With a bit more travel, a slighly more aggressive stance and suspension tune, the V2 Hightower has been redirected to be a slightly more downhill biased do-it-all bike. Read the review to see where it excels and what we liked about it most.

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
MBA Bike Test: Santa Cruz Hightower CC

Oct 2019 · McCoy

A trail bike with downhill roots

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Santa Cruz Hightower CC XO1

Sep 2019 · Jeremy Benson

For 2020, Santa Cruz redesigned their popular 29-inch wheeled trail bike, the Hightower. The new version replaces both the previous Hightower and Hightower...

Highs
  • Very stable at speed

  • Hard charging

  • Amazing build

  • Supportive pedal platform

  • Great deep stroke support

Lows
  • Build tested is expensive

  • Somewhat less maneuverable than previous version

  • Can feel sluggish at lower speeds

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: The 2020 Santa Cruz Hightower Gets a New Look & More Travel

Jul 2019 · Mike Kazimer

The name is the same, but the new Hightower is an entirely different beast than the original.

Highs
  • A true all-rounder - very wide range of capabilities

  • Comfortable + supportive suspension

Lows
  • Slightly limited shock options

  • A little heavier than the previous model

Read Review

MBR
Santa Cruz Hightower LT X01 CC Reserve review - MBR

Sep 2018 · Mick Kirkman

The Santa Cruz Hightower LT uses their older style VPP configuration, with the shock tucked under the top tube and driven by the upper rocker link.

Highs
  • The Hightower LT handles it all.

Lows
  • Seat angle could be steeper.

Read Review

NSMB
2018 Santa Cruz Hightower LT

Jan 2018

Some bike reviews go smoothly and everything works just fine - other times things go a little sideways...

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Bible Review: Santa Cruz Hightower LT X01-Build with Reserve Carbon Wheel Upgrade

Dec 2017

The Hightower LT won't put you in a box. Instead it will go wherever you want to take it. And it will go happily.

Read Review

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Santa Cruz Hightower long-term review

Nov 2017 · Christoph Bayer

ENDURO chief-editor Christoph spent a whole year punishing his custom Hightower on a variety of trails. Could the performance of the Hightower impress him?

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon Fiber

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

FOX 36 Performance Elite

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX Float Performance Elite DPS

Bottom Bracket

SRAM GXP Team, threaded

Headset

Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated

Stem

Easton Haven, 55mm

Handlebar

Santa Cruz AM Carbon, 31.8mm diameter, 780mm wide, flat

Saddle

WTB Silverado Pro

Seatpost

RockShox Reverb Stealth

TypeDropper

Pedals

none

Grips

Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

SRAM X01 Eagle Carbon

Shifters

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM XG1295 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50 tooth

Chain

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Chain Guide

none

Brakes

SRAM Guide RSC with Avid Centerline 180mm rotors front and rear

TypeAvid Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Guide RSC

Wheels
Rims

Race Face ARC 27

Spokes

DT Competition with Sapim Secure Lock 14mm brass nipples

Front Hub

Front: DT Swiss 350, 15mm x 110mm, 32 hole, Rear: DT Swiss 350, 12mm x 148mm, 32 hole

Rear Hub

Front: DT Swiss 350, 15mm x 110mm, 32 hole, Rear: DT Swiss 350, 12mm x 148mm, 32 hole

Tires

Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 2.3", 3c, EXO, TR, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR2, 2.3", EXO, TR

Rider Notes
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First added April 14

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 2,975 days