Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 Review
- Price: $5499
- Stroke: 150mm front, 145mm rear
- Tires: 29″
- Drivetrain: 1×12
What we like about it: The lightweight and sturdy carbon frame give you a great experience on climbs and descents. Excellent geometry design gives you more comfort on the ride.
What we don’t like about it: The high price is too high for some people to afford.
Rating (4.8/5)
Introduction
Santa Cruz, a high-end mountain bike brand manufacturer, has a unique understanding of full-suspension bikes. And this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 is one of the best.
The iconic Santa Cruz carbon frame with a 150mm RockShox 35 Gold RL shock fork allows you to feel the ultimate stability on the way up and down. Not only that, but the SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes ensure your safety while riding. At the same time, the 1×12 speed drivetrain allows you to face some complex terrain as if you were riding on flat ground.
We have been testing this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 for a month. To give you a better idea of the bike, we’ll be looking at its climbs, descents, key features, main components, and other versions of the series. If you want to know more about it, welcome to follow us.
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 Climbing Review
In this climbing test, the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R gave me an excellent experience.
The first praiseworthy thing is its advanced carbon frame design. The iconic carbon not only balances the stiffness of the body but also reduces the weight of the body which allows me to save more energy when riding and can face the climbing road more easily.
The road we chose this time was a 5km gravel forest road with countless trees standing by the side of the road. This kind of riding environment not only tested the rider’s skills but also demanded a higher performance of the bike.
However, the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R is equipped with Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C Maxx-Terra tires, which have an excellent grip to keep me moving steadily. And the three compound configurations of the tires gave them better tread wear and less rolling resistance. It gave me great climbing confidence by allowing me to face the intertwined roads without flat tires.
At the same time, its 1×12 speed drivetrain provided a strong boost in this climb. The fast and smooth response speed enables me to adjust quickly when facing different slopes, giving me an excellent riding experience.
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 Descending Review
As a high-end full-suspension Lindau bike, we were looking forward to its performance in terms of descending, and of course, it didn’t disappoint us in this test.
We returned the same way we climbed before, and the steep road sent me hurtling down from the top of the mountain. What impressed me during this process was its shock absorption. Because of the unique VPP suspension design, it strikes the right balance between pedaling efficiency and anti-bumping ability. Also, the 150mm front fork with a 145mm rear fork allowed me to keep the body sufficiently stable during the descent. And the use of an SDG Tellis dropper is good protection for my hips on bumpy sections, allowing me to ride more comfortably.
Also, its SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes gave me great safety during the process. I learned later in a conversation with a friend who was with me that there were several sharp corners where he thought I was about to fall over but miraculously held on. I proudly replied to him, “That’s because the bike is equipped with the excellent SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes!”
It’s worth mentioning that on that ride, I was the first one to reach the finish line.
Main Features
Frame Group
For me, what attracted me to the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R was not only its excellent performance but also its very cool appearance.
The Matte Melon is my favorite of the four colors available in this version, because of the internal cable routing design, which gives it a clean look and protects the cables effectively. It also comes with Santa Cruz’s signature carbon C-fiber frame, which gives it the strength to face tougher terrain. And the design of the downtube protector provides better protection.
In addition, to make riding more convenient, the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R has a glove box on the downtube where you can put some essentials. There is also a water bottle mounting hole, which is a great convenience for your outdoor riding.
Notably, it has noise-canceling chainstay protection that keeps you quiet while riding.
Geometry
I have to say that this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R geometry fits my aesthetics perfectly. Its scientific geometry design can make your ride easier.
First of all, the 625mm Stack enables you to maintain a comfortable position while riding and easily stay upright even in a stopped position.
The 64.8° head tube angle allows for more responsive steering when riding in the woods. And the 76.7° seat tube angle allows you to maintain good pedaling efficiency and keep the center of gravity in a proper position.
Components and Specifications
RockShox Lyrik Base Fork
The RockShox Lyrik Base has been designed with weight as a priority. This is mainly reflected in the 35mm chassis, which allows it to have a satisfactory stiffness while keeping weight as low as possible. And the use of MAXIMA PLUSH dynamic suspension lubricant minimizes friction throughout the system, making for a more comfortable ride.
Also, the DebonAir+ air spring setup increases the amount of air to improve support throughout the stroke, making for a more comfortable experience and giving you more confidence when facing bumps.
Maxxis Minion DHR II Tire
In terms of tire choice, it has a Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxGrip front tire and a Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C Maxx-Terra rear tire. the different models of front and rear tires allow it to face more different terrains when riding.
And the tires use 3C triple compound and EXO technology. The densely woven fabric is lightweight and highly flexible, ensuring that the tire’s performance is not compromised. This allows it to maximize traction and stability.
What’s more, the Maxxis Minion DHR II has excellent performance on steep surfaces, making it the best choice for many enduros, and off-road bikes.
SRAM G2 R Brakes
Compared to mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic discs have a more responsive and faster braking ability, and these SRAM G2 R brakes are the best of the best. With its four-piston design, it maintains excellent braking ability even when you are in very steep terrain.
And the scientific design of the shape and contour of the carbon brake lever allows your fingers to fit perfectly, while also reducing its weight.
Other versions of Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER
In this review, we also tested other versions of the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER series to give you more options.
As a full-suspension bike in the same series, this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER S / Carbon C / 29 uses the same geometry design.
The difference is that the fork chosen for the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER S is the Fox Performance Float 36, while the rear shock is the RockShox Super Deluxe.
Although the choice of shock absorbers is different between the two, their performance is equally excellent, and they both have excellent damping effects when riding, so the riding experience is excellent. However, in terms of price, Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER S is more than a thousand dollars more expensive, as how to choose, or depends on how much your budget.
If you want to know more about this series, welcome to follow us.
What we like about it
- Powerful shock absorption system brings a comfortable riding experience.
- Excellent geometric design makes for a more comfortable ride.
- SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes keep you safe on the bike.
- Iconic carbon-made frame.
- Precisely adjustable dropper that always follows you.
- High-quality tires accompany you to challenge more routes.
What we don’t like about it
- Not everyone can afford it in terms of price.
FAQs
- What are the tires on the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29?
The tires on the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 are Maxxis Minion DHR II tires.
- What are the brakes on the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29?
The Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 has SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes.
- What is the fork of the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29?
The Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 has a RockShox Lyrik Base fork.
- Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 size chart
| Size | Rider height |
| S | 155 CM – 165 CM |
| M | 165 CM – 175 CM |
| L | 175 CM – 185 CM |
| XL | 185 CM -193 CM |
| XXL | 193 CM – 201 CM |
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 Specs
Build
| Frame | HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Gloss Translucent Purple | V3; Matte Evergreen | V3 |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Base, 150mm |
| Rear Shock | FOX Float Performance DPS 210×55 |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm |
| Handlebar | RaceFace Aeffect R, 780mm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo |
| Seatpost | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 |
| Grips | Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
| Crank | SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 30t |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 R |
Wheels
| Rims | RaceFace AR Offset 30 29″ |
| Front Hub | SRAM MTH 716, 15×110, Torque Cap, 32h |
| Rear Hub | SRAM MTH 746, 12×148, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C Maxx-Terra, EXO, TR |
| Disk Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm/180mm |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Ibis Ripley GX | $5899 | 1×12 | Shimano SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc | 29x 2.4″ | Click View |
| Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Gen 5 | $6049 | 1×12 | SRAM G2 RSC Hydraulic Disc | 29×2.40” | Click View |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 | $5500 | 1×12 | SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc | Front 29 x 2.5″, rear 29 x 2.4″ | Click View |
| Santa Cruz 5010 S / Carbon C / 27.5 | $6199 | 1×12 | SRAM G2 R Hydraulic Disc | 27.5×2.4” | Click View |
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 VS Ibis Ripley GX
In this test, the Ibis Ripley GX came in first place with a driving speed of 44km/h. It also has a 1×12 drivetrain, which makes it a great speed experience in both ascent and descent.
However, unlike the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 it only has 130mm and 120mm of front and rear travel. Although both have good results in terms of shock absorption, if you are an avid trail rider, the difference will be felt. Undoubtedly, the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R is more powerful in terms of damping performance.
If you have high requirements for damping performance, then this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 is highly recommended.
Learn More: Ibis Ripley GX Review – Want To Take A Trail Ride?
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 VS Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Gen 5
This Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Gen 5 has an extra 27.5″ size in the tire selection, which is good news for some riders who prefer a smaller size. What has to be said at this point is its tires, which use carbon in the choice of material. This is a bit lighter in weight than the aluminum tires of the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R.
Of course, the two gave me similar feelings when we rode. However, the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R has a better damping effect when facing some steep surfaces when descending.
If you do not have any special requirements for tires, then Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R may be the right choice for you.
Learn More: Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX Review-How did The Trek Fuel 9.8 GX Become The Perfect Full-Suspension Trail Bike?
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 VS Cannondale Habit Carbon 1
I have to say that this bike gave me a ride like no other, the Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 has the lowest Trail of the bunch. yes, the 112mm Trail offers faster, more agile steering and an improved ability to stay straight through tight corners. This is perfect for riding in some fast cornering terrain.
The Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R’s 126mm Trail, on the other hand, has greater stability, which brings a better riding experience in rough terrain.
If you are keen on descending on rough roads, then this Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R will be a better choice.
learn more：Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review -Get On It And Ride Down The Hill
Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 VS Santa Cruz 5010 S / Carbon C / 27.5
To be honest, although they are both full-suspension bikes from Santa Cruz, I prefer the experience of the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R when I’m riding it. This brings me to the RockShox Lyrik Base fork. The high-end fork configuration combined with the 150mm of travel gives you an unparalleled experience in terms of damping.
This Santa Cruz 5010 S / Carbon C / 27.5, on the other hand, is a little bit more expensive in terms of price. I would prefer the Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER R / Carbon C / 29 for both the superb price/performance ratio and the great riding experience it provides while riding.
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