Have you spotted Team Santa Cruz x SRAM riders on new bikes lately? If so, you’ve likely caught an early glimpse into the newest bike from Santa Cruz. Not exactly a big secret, the new Hightower LT is sort of the Hightower’s big brother – just with a bit more travel. To get there though, the frame had to ditch the dual wheel capabilities meaning it’s 29″ all the time. While you may have to give up on the bigger tires, you won’t have to give up on big wheels or bigger travel in a package meant to get you to the top and to the bottom of the mountain first…
Not too long ago, it seemed like we were witnessing the takeover from 29″ wheels as 27.5″ wheels continued to grow in popularity. However, thanks to improved geometry, stronger wheel builds, and better tires, 29″ wheels seem to be making a comeback for aggressive riding from XC to DH. That means we’re seeing more and more teams like Santa Cruz x SRAM making the move to long travel 29ers for EWS races. Citing the team’s desire for “more travel and a burlier build,” Santa Cruz developed the Hightower LT which is essentially the same frame but with a few key differences.
The biggest change is the move to 150mm of VPP travel that eliminates the adjustable geometry. Without that adjustable geometry (and likely the clearance at full compression), the frame is limited to 29″ wheels – no 27.5+ allowed. Complete bikes will ship with 29 x 2.4″ rubber, and Santa Cruz says the maximum tire clearance may allow for up to 2.5″ tires depending on the rim and tire combination.
Available in the usual CC and C carbon frames, the 150mm travel frames are matched with 150mm travel forks. Frame specifics include Boost spacing front and rear, post mount disc brakes, threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs, and internal cable routing with Stealth dropper compatibility. Claimed weights come in at 5.9lbs (2.678kg) for the frame and shock only, while complete builds range from 28.25-29.3 lbs (12.81-13.29 kg).
Compared to the current Hightower, the LT gets just over a half degree slacker at 66.4°/73.7°, and actually drops a bit in reach per size. Five sizes will be available up to the XXL.
Coated in a dark gloss slate and grey, or the much more vibrant Wicklow Green, Santa Cruz says the green was inspired by the vibrant green foliage of Wicklow Ireland, home to an EWS race.
Pricing for completes starts with the Hightower LT C at $3,949 all the way up to the Hightower LT CC XX1 29 Reserve which includes the Santa Cruz Reserve Carbon 30 wheels at $9,299. The Reserve wheels are also an option on any CC build, and each frame includes the typical lifetime warranty on the frame and the bearings.
