For 2023, Santa Cruz is updating their venerable do-it-all Hightower trail bike. Without pigeon-holing it into a specific category, Santa Cruz likes to just call the Hightower a bike for everything. We’re talking uphill, downhill, lift-served and all-day adventures alike. While it’s not light or fast enough to keep up with your XC buddies, the all-new Hightower 3 aims to keep a wide, toothy grin on your face.
To do that, the new Hightower has a bevy of features to take you up and downhill with a smile on your face:
- 145mm rear and 150mm front travel via latest VPP design
- Modern stack and reach measurements
- Features size-specific chainstays
- Slacker head tube and lower bottom bracket
- Size-specific flex/stiffness across C and CC models
- S-XXL frame size options
- More linear leverage curve with improved bottom-out resistance
- Glovebox storage with Tool Wallet and Tube Purse bags
- Shock sag window allows easy setup
- 29×2.5″ max tire clearance
- Lifetime frame warranty and bearing replacement
- Weight: 31-32 lbs complete
- MSRP: $5,499 – $10,699
What we love about the new Santa Cruz Hightower 3
Bikes have become more and more specialized and, in turn, confusing to consumers. While I know the difference between XC, marathon, trail, all-mountain, enduro and downhill (I think), most consumers are just scratching their heads. Santa Cruz sums it up like this:
“The mid-length travel and confidence-inspiring geometry means anywhere tires will roll, then so will this bike. No fussing, no nonsense, no silly category names.”
Our take is that the Hightower 3 will be an awesome, do-it-all bike that’s just made for fun. It’s no lightweight KOM crusher, but it should be able to tackle any climb and smash any descent you can find. Availability will be limited, but look for these to roll into your local dealer starting today with a fresh supply hitting stores in the coming weeks.
More Info: Visit SantaCruzBicycles.com
