Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2018 Santa Cruz

Hightower LT C R

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with upper mid-range components.
Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

$3,949
Weight32.2 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 150 / 150mm
ForkRockShox
ShockFox Float DPS Performance
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetNX
BrakesAvid Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Hightower LT C R
Other Enduro 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 LT C R

26 mph

Similar Bikes

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

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

Mountain Bike Action
Review - Santa Cruz Hightower LT

Jun 2018 · McCoy

Long-travel 29ers have been making a major comeback in the last year, with modern advancements in geometry and suspension making these machines better

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 LT Review

Nov 2017 · Christoph Bayer

Santa Cruz did not reinvent the wheel with the Santa Cruz Hightower LT – instead they optimized the existing model for even better downhill performance.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon Fiber

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

RockShox Revalation RC

Travel150mm

Shock

FOX Float Performance DPS

Travel150mm

Bottom Bracket

Standard Threaded

Headset

Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated

Stem

Race Face Ride, 50mm

Handlebar

Race Face Aeffect R, 35x780mm, 20mm Rise

Saddle

WTB Volt Race

Seatpost

Race Face Aeffect

TypeDropper

Pedals

N/A

Grips

Santa Cruz Palmdale

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX Long Cage

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

Race Face Aeffect (170mm XS-S, 175mm M-XXL)

Shifters

SRAM NX

Cassette

SRAM XG1150 CS, 10-42 Tooth

Chain

SRAM PC1110

Chain Guide

N/A

Brakes

SRAM Level T with Avid Centerline 180mm Rotors

TypeAvid Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Level T

Wheels
Rims

WTB STP i29 TCS 29

Spokes

DT Competition (28) with Sapim Secure Lock 14mm Brass Nipples

Front Hub

Front: Novatec D711, 15x110mm, Rear: Novatec D462 Disc, 12x148mm (XD)

Rear Hub

Front: Novatec D711, 15x110mm, Rear: Novatec D462 Disc, 12x148mm (XD)

Tires

Maxxis Minion DHR 29"x2.4" 3C EXO TR Front and Rear

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added April 14

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 2,967 days