Santa Cruz Bicycles

Hightower Carbon C GX Eagle AXS Mountain Bike

Built to tame unwelcoming descents yet hang with the XC crowd on the climbs, the Hightower Carbon C GX Eagle AXS Mountain Bike is nothing short of a staple in our collective quiver of bikes. 145mm of VPP-powered rear suspension produces an aggressive all-mountain feel on the descents and even flirts with enduro capabilities, yet thanks to the ever-supportive nature of VPP it still feels incredible on the climbs. This third-generation Hightower sees an impressively slack 64.5-degree headtube angle (low position, 150mm fork) for uncompromising stability at speed alongside a steep 76.4-degree seat tube angle (low position, size large) for optimal climbing. The real star of the show for the V3 Hightower to us is the new Glovebox integrated frame storage, where you can stash the included Tool Wallet, and Tube Purse, along with other accessories of your choice.

Santa Cruz put together a noteworthy build with this particular Hightower, utilizing the Carbon C frame layup which is slightly heavier than its CC counterpart, but still offers excellent stiffness. Instead of springing for the CC carbon, it features electronic shifting from SRAM’s GX Eagle AXS shifter and derailleur, providing instantaneous shifting that comes in handy in technical terrain when reactivity is key. Other standout bits include an ever-reliable set of ARC 30 Offset hoops from Race Face that stand up to use and abuse from occasional bike park days, and Code RS SRAM brakes offer enduro-ready stopping power. With the rollover capabilities provided by the 29in wheels, we wouldn’t hesitate to use this Hightower for taming technical backcountry terrain, rallying shuttle days, or spinning fitness laps after work.

*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.