Description

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Carbon 27.5+ R Complete Mountain Bike

 

Rolling on the voluminous support of 27.5+ wheels, the Santa Cruz Hightower Carbon 27.5+ R Complete Mountain Bike steamrolls every line in sight and grabs tenaciously around loose corners where you’d previously wash out. Designed for everything from rowdy alpine descents to undulating forest trails, the Hightower 27.5+ gives you the ability to cruise over the rockiest terrain and loosest soil with its massive tires grabbing to anything lying in its path. Paired with 135 millimeters of responsive VPP suspension, you’ll find the Hightower 27.5+ blurs the line between dedicated trail bike and aggressive all-mountain rig.

One of the more unique features with the Hightower is its flip-chip, which allows you to swap between 27.5+ and 29-inch wheels with minimal impact on its slack, confidence-inspiring geometry. In 27.5+ form, the Hightower accommodates 2.8-inch tires for unrelenting traction and control where you’d previously be on the precipice of washing out or skidding off the trail. We recommend sticking with this plus-size tire recommendation of 2.8 inches, as larger 3-inch rubber may present clearance issues with certain tire manufacturers.

If the Hightower’s ability to swap tire sizes gives you a taste of its versatility, then its aggressively long and slack geometry provides a glimpse into its penchant for fast and rowdy descents. The 66.8-degree head tube angle strikes a nice balance between descending composure without being overly slack for spirited climbs back to the top of the mountain. To ensure it’s ready for long climbs, the engineers at Santa Cruz gave it a 74.3-degree seat tube angle, which places you in an optimal position for laying power to the pedals. Furthermore, the 17.1-inch chainstays are short enough for quick maneuvers around tight corners and uphill switchbacks.

The Hightower uses the third generation of Santa Cruz’s VPP suspension, often referred to as VPP3, for increased mid-stroke support and greater traction over small bumps and terrain inconsistencies. It features a re-positioned lower link that’s neatly tucked above the bottom bracket, reducing damage from the punishing debris you’ll be cruising over with the Hightower’s monster truck tires. The upper link is now attached to the top tube, allowing for increased stand-over height and greater rear end stiffness. Interestingly enough, the 135 millimeters of travel out back is paired with a bit longer 150-millimeter fork. This slight difference between front and rear travel gives you a bit more pedaling efficiency in the rear, with extra compliance and margin for error up front when you’re smashing over rock gardens and sending side-hits littered along the trail.

For this particular 27.5+ R build, you’ll reap the benefits of a Rock Shox Revelation RC fork with 150 millimeters of plush travel and a stiff 35-millimeter chassis for precise tracking over the rough stuff. It’s hooked up with the simplicity of a SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain, which ditches the front derailleur for the wide range of an 11 to 42-tooth cassette. Additionally, you’ll find a Race Face Aeffect dropper post for changing your saddle position on-the-fly during rides with constant elevation changes.

Santa Cruz’s premiere 27.5+ trail bike

27.5+ wheels offer massive traction and plow-ability

Responsive VPP suspension with 135mm of plush travel

Carbon C frame provides superior strength and stiffness

Long, slack geometry inspires confidence at high speeds

Flip chip accommodates both 27.5+ and 29-inch wheels

Rock Shox Revelation RC fork with 150mm of travel

SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain with wide range of gears

 

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Carbon 27.5+ R Complete Mountain Bike

Frame Material:

Carbon C

Suspension:

VPP

Rear Shock:

Fox Float Performance DPS

Rear Travel:

135mm

Fork:

RockShox Revelation RC

Front Travel:

150mm

Headset:

Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated

Shifters:

SRAM NX

Front Derailleur:

n/a

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM NX Long Cage

ISCG Tabs:

yes

Crankset:

Race Face Aeffect (30t)

Bottom Bracket:

BSA threaded

Cassette:

SRAM XG1150 CS (10-42t)

Chain:

SRAM PC1110

Brakeset:

SRAM Level T

Brake Type:

hydraulic disc

Rotors:

Avid Centerline, 180mm

Handlebar:

Race Face Aeffect R, 35mm

Handlebar Rise:

20mm

Handlebar Width:

780mm

Grips:

Santa Cruz Palmdale lock-on

Stem:

Race Face Ride

Stem Length:

50mm

Saddle:

WTB Volt Race

Seatpost:

Race Face Aeffect dropper post

Seatpost Diameter:

31.6mm

Wheelset:

Race Face AR 40 (32h)

Hubs:

[front] Novatec D711, [rear] Novatec D462

Front Axle:

15 x 110mm Boost

Rear Axle:

12 x 148mm Boost

Tires:

Maxxis Rekon EXO TR

Tire Size:

27.5 x 2.8in

Recommended Use:

trail

Manufacturer Warranty:

lifetime on frame

 

2018 Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Carbon 27.5+ R Complete Mountain Bike

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