Peak to valley and
back again.
Big on wheels, short on fuss, this is the pinnacle of go-anywhere-anytime bikes. A balance of travel, wheel size and attitude makes this a true MTB for modern mountain biking. Whether that includes the rarefied air of the alpine or just local trailheads, built and burly trails or sublime natural singletrack, the Hightower is an all-terrain thriller.
Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: 29
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150
Peak to valley and
back again.
Big on wheels, short on fuss, this is the pinnacle of go-anywhere-anytime bikes. A balance of travel, wheel size and attitude makes this a true MTB for modern mountain biking. Whether that includes the rarefied air of the alpine or just local trailheads, built and burly trails or sublime natural singletrack, the Hightower is an all-terrain thriller.
Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: 29
Front travel: 160
Rear travel: 150
R $4,999 USD 34.44 lbs / 15.62 kg | S $5,899 USD 33.55 lbs / 15.21 kg | GX AXS $6,999 USD 32.48 lbs / 14.73 kg | X0 AXS $7,999 USD 32.31 lbs / 14.65 kg | X0 AXS RSV $8,999 USD 32.17 lbs / 14.59 kg | XX AXS RSV $10,999 USD 31.7 lbs / 14.38 kg | Frame - Carbon CC $3,899 USD 6.84 lbs / 3.1 kg | Frame - Carbon C $3,499 USD
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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 | 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 | 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 | ||
Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel | ||
Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | Wheel Size | ||
Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | Rear Shock | ||
Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | Fork | ||
Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | Rear Derailleur | ||
Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | Right Shifter | ||
Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | Cassette | ||
Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | ||
Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | Bottom Bracket | ||
Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | Headset | ||
Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | Rear Tire | ||
Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | Front Tire | ||
Valves | Valves | Valves | Valves | Valves | Valves | Valves | Valves | ||
Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | Front Hub | ||
Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | Front Rim | ||
Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | Rear Hub | ||
Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | Rear Rim | ||
Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | Front Rotor | ||
Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | Rear Rotor | ||
Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | Brakes | ||
Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | Crankset | ||
Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | Handlebars | ||
Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | Stem | ||
Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | Saddle | ||
Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | Seatpost | ||
Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | Dropper Length | ||
Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips Our House Grips have an aggressive knurl pattern for all-weather grip, finger ridges for added control and soft, yet durable rubber compound. They come in either 30 or 32mm width and have an inboard snap-on lock ring to keep them tight but no ring on the outboard side so they’re super comfortable. And they’ll do your taxes* *not true. But they are really good. Learn More | Grips | Grips | ||
Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger | Battery Charger |
ARE WE THERE YET?
Watch Nina Hoffmann and Steve Peat go from peak to valley and back again
1 / 8
TRAITS OF THIS HIGHTOWER
- Lots of traction
- Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain
- More sensitivity. Plush off the top, with fluttery small bump performance
- Leverage rate provides predictable, consistent, progressive support
SUSPENSION
The Hightower’s looks have changed radically. It wasn’t to satisfy the ego of a designer or stand out, but rather moving the location of the lower link and the shock down low and forward was paramount in lowering the anti-squat for a high performing bike like the Hightower.
WHAT IS ANTI-SQUAT?
Anti-squat refers to how much your pedaling inputs stiffen the suspension. Think of it as yanking your chain, and therefore your pedals, backwards every time you hit a bump. Not enough anti-squat and you have a bike that bobs under power. Too much and the bike will be harsh and not as able to absorb bumps while under power. We’ve worked hard to improve (reduce) anti-squat on our bikes and the result is more traction and more freedom.
MILLIMETERS MATTER
Moving any of the VPP™ pivots a couple millimeters in any direction makes wild adjustments to the ride quality. The lower VPP™ link is placed low and forward to optimize anti-squat. The result is a plush, open feel with a lot of traction.
MORE TRAVEL THAN THE NBA
150mm of rear 4th generation VPP™ travel and a 160mm fork give the Hightower the brawn to back up the brains of all the enginerds kinematics. This suspension travel sweetspot gives the Hightower a broader riding envelope, meaning you’ll be pushing yourself and not the bike.
HARD-WEARING HARDWARE
The pivots and links are great at maintaining a consistent ride for many years. It’s all very tough, reliable and easy to work on. The lower link houses a geometry adjusting Flip Chip and beefy pivot axles that are durable and stay tight due to the conical washer locking system. Plus, owners get a lifetime of replacement pivot bearings.
MADE TO LAST MANY LIFETIMES
We use only the highest quality Enduro MAX sealed angular contact bearings and premium fasteners for our linkage assemblies. They’re easy to properly torque and maintain, plus we offer free replacement bearings for life.
GLOVEBOX
Place your ride essentials securely beneath a new high-quality latch and panel in the Hightower's downtube. The Glovebox comes with a fitted Tool Wallet and Tube Purse, tailored for the frame to keep your tools close to hand.
Hightower Frame Specifications
| Suspension System | VPP |
| Front Derailleur | No compatibility |
| Headset/Headtube | Integrated (IS41/52) |
| Seat Post | 31.6mm |
| Seat Clamp | 36.4mm |
| Eye to Eye length | 230mm |
| Stroke | 57.5mm |
| Recommended Sag | 30% (17.25mm) |
| BB Shell | 73mm Threaded |
| Max Tire Size | 2.5" |
| Max Chainring Size | 36t |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 1 |
| Shock Mounting Bushing Front | 40x10 (standard bushing) |
| Shock Mounting Bushing Rear | 30x8 (roller bearing) |
| Max Brake Rotor | 223mm |
| Brake Mount | 180 PM |
| Fork Offset | 44mm |
Suspension Setup
Take a look at detailed sag, high/low rebound, and high/low compression recommendations for shocks and forks in each build.
Geometry
All units are in millimeters or degrees.
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | hi/lo | 435/432 | 460/457 | 480/477 | 500/497 | 525/522 |
| Stack | hi/lo | 623/625 | 632/634 | 641/643 | 659/661 | 668/670 |
| Head Tube Angle | hi/lo | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° |
| Seat Tube Length | hi/lo | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 | 500 |
| Front Center | hi/lo | 771 | 800 | 825 | 853 | 883 |
| BB Height | hi/lo | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 |
| BB Drop (front) | hi/lo | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 |
| BB Drop (rear) | hi/lo | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 |
| Wheelbase | hi/lo | 1176 | 1237 | 1264 | 1296 | 1328 |
| Rear Center | hi/lo | 434 | 436 | 439 | 442 | 445 |
| Head Tube Length | hi/lo | 110 | 120 | 130 | 150 | 160 |
| Top Tube Length | hi/lo | 572 | 595 | 614 | 636 | 662 |
| Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo | 77.6°/77.3° | 77.9°/77.6° | 78.2°/77.9° | 78.3°/78° | 78.4/°78.1° |
| Standover Height | hi/lo | 721 | 723 | 725 | 727 | 731 |
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 | Flip Chip | Setup Key | Setup Cog | 30T | 32T | 34T | 36T |
| S | High | B | 7 | 116 | 116 | 118 | 118 |
| M | High | B | 7 | 116 | 116 | 118 | 118 |
| L | High | B | 7 | 116 | 116 | 118 | 118 |
| XL | High | B | 7 | 116 | 118 | 118 | 120 |
| XXL | High | B | 7 | 116 | 118 | 118 | 120 |
| S | Low | B | 7 | 116 | 116 | 118 | 118 |
| M | Low | B | 7 | 116 | 116 | 118 | 118 |
| L | Low | B | 7 | 116 | 118 | 118 | 120 |
| XL | Low | B | 7 | 116 | 118 | 118 | 120 |
| XXL | Low | B | 7 | 118 | 118 | 120 | 120 |
