2025 The All-Terrain Beast [Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 Review]

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Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 Review

• Price:  $4,149
• Material：Carbon CC
• Rear Travel: 145mm

What we like about it:  High-Performance Suspension、Stable Geometry、Powerful Brakes、Efficient Climbing、Versatility

What we didn’t like about it: Aggressive Geometry for Casual Riders

Rating: (4.9/5)

Built to handle anything the path presents, the Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 is Perfect for riders who wish to conquer both tricky climbs and violent descends, the Hightower 3 MY24 is a flexible bike with a streamlined design, improved suspension, and great handling. Whether you’re riding on difficult mountain tracks or on tight courses, this bike guarantees to provide an exciting experience. This article will go over the elements that make the Hightower 3 MY24 a unique choice for both enthusiasts and serious mountain bikers.

Riding adventures

Park City, Utah’s cool morning finds the sun just beginning to slink over the mountain tops, creating lengthy shadows over the path. Perched at the base of the Mid Mountain Trail, a well-known path across alpine forests and provides a demanding mix of steep climbs and exhilarating descends. Knowing this bike is engineered to handle whatever the trail throws at me, I have my Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 ready for action.

Climbing

The ride opens with a consistent rise. The path is broad, lined in loose soil and boulders, with sporadic protruding roots from the ground. I feel the Hightower’s suspension immediately absorbing the little shocks when I move into the lowest gear, therefore enabling effective climbing. The VPP suspension system (with 150mm of rear travel) keeps the rear end steady; the 160mm front fork manages the sporadic rock drop without missing a pulse. The bike feels solid and balanced; the low bottom bracket helps me to remain steady as I negotiate the more challenging parts of the climb.

I stop at the summit of the hill to savor the amazing perspective of the nearby mountains. Though the air is thin, the ride is merely getting warmed. The fall is almost here, and I want to see how the bike performs downhill. The extended reach and slack head angle of the Hightower 3 MY24 provide me the confidence I need on the steep, rough downslope. The track veers fast, the path narrows and twists as I get to a sequence of tight switchbacks. The bike reacts right away and precisely shapes into every bend. Sharp and smooth SRAM Code RSC brakes enable me precisely control my pace as I negotiate the twists.

Falling

Large pebbles poke out of the loose and uneven dirt path here. Still, the Hightower 3 MY24 consumes the ground. I lean into a tight right turn, and the 29-inch wheels grab the ground to help me drive through without thinking twice. When I find a drop-off, the suspension gracefully absorbs the force. The rear shock strikes the right balance of cushion to keep me under control without feeling either too soft or too hard. As I charge down the trail, the RockShox Zeb fork in the front soaks up everything and maintains front end stability.

The trail gets ever more technical as the descent goes on. Everywhere are rocks, hence it is difficult to locate a smooth line. Still, the Hightower’s shape and suspension setup help one to keep under control. I feel confident and nimble, power through challenging parts. The bike’s handling is perfect, which lets me respond fast to the shifting circumstances. The suspension keeps everything seamless when I land softly from a little jump, ready for the next segment.

I’m ear to ear smiling by the time I get to the mountain’s foot. The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 carried out just as expected. It simplified the climbs and made the descends more thrilling. Riding the bike is fun since its adaptability and performance on both sides of the trail. The Hightower 3 MY24 handled both challenging climbs and flying down technical descents, so preparing me for more.

Specialized

Comprising 150mm of rear travel and 160mm of front travel, the Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 has a VPP suspension system. Over uneven ground, this suspension system guarantees a smooth ride. The suspension keeps the bike steady whether you’re descending quickly or ascending tough portions. While the FOX Float X Performance rear shock absorbs minor impacts, giving you a soft but under control sensation throughout the ride, the RockShox Zeb fork manages large front hits. Comfort from the bike comes without sacrificing performance.

The extended reach and loose head angle of the Hightower 3 MY24 give great stability during high-speed descends. Particularly on steep or technical terrain, this geometry gives riders a planted feel. On tight turns and difficult courses, the low bottom bracket improves control and helps to keep the bike steady. The Hightower is ideal for aggressive riding since it feels steady, responsive, and under control whether you’re negotiating tricky portions or slicing down quick descents.

Equipped with SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, the Hightower 3 MY24 exhibits remarkable stopping capability. Smooth modulation made possible by these brakes is particularly crucial on steep descends when exact control is required. Under all circumstances the braking system offers a robust, reliable performance. Whether you’re riding quickly downhill or negotiating tight, rocky areas, the bike’s braking system guarantees complete control when you most needs, therefore enabling confident and safe riding.

The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 climbs effectively as well as is excellent on descents. By lowering pedal bob, the VPP suspension guarantees that more of your energy goes into forward motion than into absorption by the suspension. This makes hilltop portions more doable—even on steep climbs. Easy roll over of impediments made possible by the 29-inch wheels facilitates momentum maintenance. The bike’s lightweight carbon frame and efficient gear make riding fun, delivering a perfect mix between performance on both climbs and descents.

Film

Several Forms

Manufacturer of upscale mountain bikes Santa Cruz has a special knowledge in full-suspension bikes. Among the best is also Santa Cruz HIGHTower R / Carbon C / 29.

The legendary Santa Cruz carbon frame with a 150mm RockShox 35 Gold RL shock fork lets you experience perfect down and up stability. Besides, the SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes guarantee your riding safety. Simultaneously, the 1x 12 speed drivetrain lets you negotiate some challenging terrain as though you were riding on level ground.

Advantages

• On tough terrain, the VPP suspension system featuring 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel offers seamless handling and shock absorption.
• Particularly on steep descents, the slack head angle and lengthy reach provide great stability; the low bottom bracket helps control.
• Strong and dependable stopping force from the SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes provides consistent performance under all conditions.
• The VPP suspension of the bike reduces pedal bob, thereby optimizing climbing efficiency; the 29-inch wheels enable easy roll over of obstacles.
• The Hightower 3 MY24 offers a balanced and pleasant ride on a range of courses by performing well on both climbs and descents.

Negative aspects

• Although an all-mountain bike is really light, its total weight could not be as effective for riders seeking ultra-light climbing capability.
• The 150mm rear travel might not be sufficient for riders looking for an even more aggressive downhill-oriented bike with greater travel for severe conditions.
• For aggressive riding, the slack head angle and long reach are great; nevertheless, for casual or inexperienced riders seeking a more laid-back shape, these may feel overly aggressive.

FAQ

From what is the suggested fork?

The Hightower geometry derives from a 150mm fork with a 42 or 44mm offset. Less travel than that is not advised since the BB will go really low. If you would want something between 160mm, that is great.

Does chainguide compatibility exist?

Indeed, this bike features quick chainguide attachment ISCG-05 tabs. Most manuals adhering to the ISCG-05 criteria should fit.

Could I switch the Hightower to MX wheels or 27.5″?

No, the Hightower is designed just for 29″ wheels and tires front and rear. < There is not geometry defined for any 27.5″ front or rear upgrades.

Spec

Component	Details
Material	Carbon C
Travel	145mm
Wheel Size	29
Rear Shock	RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 210×55
Fork	FOX 36 Float Performance, 150mm
Rear Derailleur	SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
Right 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 MaxTerra, EXO
Front Tire	Maxxis Minion DHR II 29”x2.4″, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO
Front Hub	DT Swiss 370, 15×110, 6-Bolt, 28h
Front Rim	RaceFace AR Offset 30, 29”
Rear Hub	DT Swiss 370, 12×148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36h, 28h
Rear Rim	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 32
Handlebars	Burgtec RideWide Alloy
Stem	Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm
Saddle	WTB Silverado, CroMo
Seatpost	OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 or RockShox Reverb, 31.6
Grips	Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips

Comparative Table of Notes

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Brakes	Tires
Trek Slash 9.8	$6049	1×12	SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc	29×2.40”
Ibis Ripley V4	$5899	1×12	Shimano SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc	29×2.4”
Specialized Stumpjumper Expert	$6199	1×12	SRAM G2 R Hydraulic Disc	27.5×2.4”

Santa Cruz Hightower 3 VS Trek Slash 9.8

Designed for aggressive riders that give downhill performance top importance, the Trek Slash 9.8 Having 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel, it easily negotiates difficult terrain. Whereas the RockShox Lyrik fork and Fox Performance rear shock deliver a plush and smooth ride, the RE:aktiv suspension system offers outstanding shock absorption. Particularly on steep descents, its low bottom bracket and loose head angle provide stability and make it ideal for riders seeking confidence in tricky portions and high-speed descents. On long climbs, the Slash 9.8 is less effective since it is more oriented on descending and may not appeal to riders who give climbing performance first priority.

Learn More: Is Trek Slash 9.8 GX Worth Buying? [Trek Slash 9.8 GX review]

Santa Cruz Hightower 3 VS Ibis Ripley V4

Designed for fast, tricky riding, the Ibis Ripley V4 presents 130mm rear travel and 140mm front travel, therefore offering flexibility. The DW-Link suspension technology keeps superb control on descents and reduces pedal bob, so offering a quick climbing experience. The Fox 34 Performance Elite fork and Fox Float DPS rear shock let the bike ride over hills and challenges smoothly. For riders who appreciate tight, difficult portions and rapid handling, the Ripley V4 feels nimble and agile with a somewhat steeper geometry than the Trek Slash. For those who wish a quick, responsive ride on all kinds of terrain, the bike shines at both climbs and descents.

Santa Cruz Hightower 3 VS Specialized Stumpjumper Expert

Designed to manage tough trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert boasts 150mm rear travel and 160mm front travel. Excellent suspension performance from the Fox Float X2 shock and RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork absorbs large knocks and keeps stability and control on downhill rides. The changeable geometry lets users customize the bike’s handling depending on their tastes, therefore enabling it to be suitable for both demanding climbs and steep descents. Although the Stumpjumper Expert is mostly meant for downhill performance, it has really good climbing efficiency. Riders who want a flexible, aggressive bike able of managing a range of terrain conditions will find the bike ideal.

In summary

All things considered, the Santa Cruz Hightower 3 MY24 is a premium all-mountain bike that performs on every front. Any terrain would be ideal for it given its strong suspension, effective climbing ability, and smooth handling. This bike has the performance and dependability you need to improve your ride whether you’re negotiating technical difficulties or down steep descents. The Hightower 3 MY24 is a machine that won’t let you down for anyone wishing to level their mountain riding.