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Today’s Deals2018 Santa Cruz
Hightower LT C XE
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$5,699| Weight | 31.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 150 / 150mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Elite Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
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.
Efficient climber
Confident descender
Versatile for various riding styles
Responsive VPP suspension
Balanced handling
Occasional hang-ups on climbs
Lack of sensitivity at the start of the suspension stroke
Seat angle could be steeper for climbing
The ultimate quiver killer? It is a common claim, but the Hightower LT is a serious contender.
BIKE MagazineThe Hightower blows out of the water the notion that plus bikes are lazy, boring or vague.
BikeRadarSanta Cruz Hightower LT is ready to take on big descents — and long climbs.
MTBRFeedback?
View all reviews
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.
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...
Very stable at speed
Hard charging
Amazing build
Supportive pedal platform
Great deep stroke support
Build tested is expensive
Somewhat less maneuverable than previous version
Can feel sluggish at lower speeds
Jul 2019 · Mike Kazimer
The name is the same, but the new Hightower is an entirely different beast than the original.
A true all-rounder - very wide range of capabilities
Comfortable + supportive suspension
Slightly limited shock options
A little heavier than the previous model
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.
The Hightower LT handles it all.
Seat angle could be steeper.
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
Jan 2018
Some bike reviews go smoothly and everything works just fine - other times things go a little sideways...
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.
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.
| Frame | Carbon Fiber BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | FOX 36 Float Performance Elite Travel: 150mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX Float Performance Elite DPX Travel: 150mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Standard Threaded |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated |
| Stem | Race Face Aeffect R, 50mm |
| Handlebar | Santa Cruz Bicycles AM Carbon, 35x800mm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Pro |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | N/A |
| Grips | Santa Cruz Palmdale |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8000 |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Race Face Turbine (170mm XS-S, 175mm M-XXL) |
| Shifters | Shimano XT M8000 |
| Cassette | e*thirteen TRS Race 11-Speed, 9-46 Tooth |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7000 |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8000 with Shimano RT86 Ice Tech 180mm Rotors Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano XT M8000 |
| Rims | e*thirteen TRS, 32 Hole, 30mm |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Competition (32) with Sapim Secure Lock AL Silver Nipples |
| Front Hub | Front: Novatec D641 Disc, 15x110mm, Rear: Novatec D642, 12x148mm (XD) |
| Rear Hub | Front: Novatec D641 Disc, 15x110mm, Rear: Novatec D642, 12x148mm (XD) |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHR 29"x2.4" 3C EXO TR Front and Rear |
First added April 14
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 2,975 days