Wide open, dawn to dusk.
The Highball is our race-bred XC hardtail.
When the trail (or the competition) calls for the direct drive efficiency that only a hardtail can offer, the Highball is the choice. It looks straightforward but that belies the high-tech features and design hidden within. This is a modern take on the simple machine that many still choose to put battery acid in their thighs and fire in their lungs in order to conquer something. Whether you’re chasing medals, personal demons, or just some riding buddies, this is a hardtail you’ll be happy to log long hours upon.
- Looking for just a bit more cushion? Check out the Blur or Blur TR.
- Is it gravel you're looking for? Check the Stigmata
Key Features:
| Available in: | Carbon C and Carbon CC |
| Wheel Size: | 29er |
| Front Travel: | 100mm |
Hard on the throttle, soft on the body
Hardtails are about as subtle as bikes come, and in the case of the Highball, simplistic refinement belies engineering effort. We’ve learned from our road biking pals that a great deal of a hardtail’s compliance comes from the seatpost: the smaller the diameter, the softer the feel, and with more seat post exposed to daylight, more compliance is had— which is the reason the Highball features low slung top tube and the smaller, 27.2mm diameter post. But you need not be sitting to recognize the ‘soft’ feel of the Highball— the dropped seat stays are made of custom laminate, finely tuned here in Santa Cruz for vertical compliance— and they’re oriented to isolate the top tube from high speed trail chatter, reducing feedback to the, uh, engine.
R $3,299 USD 24.82 lbs / 11.26 kg | S $3,999 USD 23.48 lbs / 10.65 kg | GX AXS $4,899 USD 23.19 lbs / 10.52 kg | X0 AXS RSV $7,599 USD 22.37 lbs / 10.15 kg | Frame $2,149 USD 2.57 lbs / 1.17 kg |
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Material Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain. Learn More | Material Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain. Learn More | Material Our C Carbon frames use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec CC Carbon frames to match the same legendary strength and stiffness standards. But the use of a different grade of carbon material results in a minimal weight gain. Learn More | Material CC denotes our highest grade carbon fiber frames. Use of the very best materials in the composite results in the lightest, best handling bikes. CC level bikes are also specced with the best wheels, drivetrains and suspension on these models. Learn More | Material CC denotes our highest grade carbon fiber frames. Use of the very best materials in the composite results in the lightest, best handling bikes. CC level bikes are also specced with the best wheels, drivetrains and suspension on these models. Learn More | ||
Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | ||
Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | ||
Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | ||
Remote | Remote | Remote | Remote | Remote | ||
Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | ||
Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | ||
Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | ||
Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | ||
Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | ||
Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | ||
Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | ||
Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | ||
Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | ||
Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | ||
Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | ||
Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | ||
Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | ||
Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | ||
Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | ||
Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | ||
Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | ||
Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | ||
Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | ||
Grips | Grips | Grips | Grips | Grips | ||
Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger |
SRAM Eagle Transmission - stronger, better shifting, wirelessly
The next generation SRAM Eagle Transmission specced on our CC-carbon models is a radically robust, fully integrated and interdependent wireless transmission. Built around the universal constant of the wheel axle itself, the Full Mount hangerless attachment creates a far stronger connection to the frame and the super strong derailleur provides unprecedented strength. Shifting under load is made possible due to a combination of X-SYNC technology and cassette mapping, creating seamless shifts even during your hardest power output. The new AXS Pods are extremely ergonomic and highly customizable, so shifting gears is light and intuitive. It's simply the most advanced transmission and nearly as tough as the mountain itself.
Highball Frame Specifications
| Front Derailleur | No compatibility |
| Headset/Headtube | Integrated (IS41/52) |
| Seat Post | 27.2mm |
| Seat Clamp | 31.8mm |
| Fork Compatibility | 100-120mm |
| BB Shell | 73mm Threaded |
| Max Tire Size | 2.4" |
| Max Chainring Size | 38t |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 3 |
| Brake Mount | 160 PM |
Suspension Setup
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415 | 440 | 460 | 490 |
| Stack | 596 | 605 | 614 | 633 |
| Head Tube Angle | 67° | 67° | 67° | 67° |
| Seat Tube Length | 405 | 430 | 470 | 530 |
| Front Center | 693 | 719 | 743 | 781 |
| BB Height | 313 | 313 | 313 | 313 |
| BB Drop | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Wheelbase | 1119 | 1145 | 1169 | 1207 |
| Rear Center | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 105 | 115 | 135 |
| Top Tube Length | 595 | 619 | 642 | 677 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Standover Height | 707 | 704 | 739 | 755 |
Frame Sizing
If you're on the cusp between the recommended height range of two sizes, the absolute best thing is to try to ride them both. At a minimum, check the stack/reach measurements on your current bike and compare it to the new model you are looking at to get an idea of a fit you are already comfortable with. If riding the bike is not an option, consider the following.
FAQ's
Exploded Diagrams
SRAM Transmission Setup
| Frame Size | Setup Key | Setup Cog | 30T | 32T | 34T | 36T |
| Small | A | 7 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 118 |
| Medium | A | 7 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 118 |
| Large | A | 7 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 118 |
| XLarge | A | 7 | 114 | 116 | 116 | 118 |