This suspension on the climbs is my favorite. It solves what I struggle with the most: techy steeps. The rear wheel doesn’t spin nearly as much as other bikes, it just squishes in and holds on. Plush and awesome
I have a 2019 Hightower with reserve 27 carbon wheels. I am 6'4" 205 and started Enduro racing after 8 years of XC. My sponsor shop and coach recommended the HT C and stated "this is all the bike you will need". Well, after moving to Tahoe last year and riding Northstar bike bike last weekend, this bike handled everything so nice. Like he stated, its the jack of all trades. I am thinking of getting a Megatower ONLY because I am starting to "hit" some bigger stuff, but its more of a want than a need.
I'm on my second hightower and I've loved every minute of both of them! My 21 feels much more plush than my 16 but they both crush the trails! And my 16 is still crushing the trails all these years later. :)
I have a Hightower and it consistently crushes all the black diamond trails on the North Shore, Squamish and Whistler. Absolute beast for a 5,000ft climb and can smash the descents. Super high quality bike, have been riding it for a year and no complaints!
I finally found a new Hightower CC. I’m so excited to ride it when the snow thaws! I’m a trail rider with a 5010 V3 (upper link)-love it! It’s perfect for 70% of my day-to-day rides. I wanted something for bigger, rougher, & more vertical days that didn’t completely loose a trail bike feel…and with the roll-over of a 29’er for pilgrimages to Moab & S Utah. I have a lot of time on a Lower-link Bronson and love the rear end feel. If the Hightower has the same suspension feel as the Bronson with the roll-over I’m expecting from a 29’er, I’m going to be a very happy man!
Love mine, but for the terrain im riding in Sweden (Pine woods and rock slabs(?) and not very big elevation changes) it felt kinda weird in the beginning. Suspension really needed to be set up, lighter tires and so on. Had a bit of adapting to the "new geo" which was a lot different from my 5 year old bike. Much slacker, longer, lower and so on. But now, really awesome bike that floats so smooth in the terrain, such a joy to ride.
I was trying to decide between a Santa Cruz hightower and a transition sentinel last year. So happy with my hightower, super confidence inspiring and such a smooth and great climber and descender
@@alexanderhill9347 , I feel you, but price doesn’t matter. I meant the technology changes so frequently. Craigslist is full of $8k Nomads and Bronsons that are only a couple years old, now that the new ones are out. Luckily those dudes are selling SCs to get SCs, so they won’t COMPLETELY lose their asses! Lol 🤞
I love my Tallboy! That VPP is awesome. So good on technical climbs and super responsive to small/medium sized bumps. I’m glad I got mine last year before this pandemic delay really hit!
My OH Hightower was stolen recently, and I considered getting Ibis or Pivot, but at the end got 2021 Tallboy, and man…. It rocks! I may be imagining this, but it feels almost better going down than my 2017 Hightower with Float X2 Amazing bike.
Conner, love the videos and I've also enjoyed watching you improve with these reviews the last few years. You're killing it! Major kudos and respect. Thank you!!
I ride the Hightower and it's my favorite bike I've ever owned. I agree with you completely on what type of rider this bike would be a good fit for. You pretty much described me to a T. Nice video.
Bird is the word! I've ridden all these bikes at one time or another. Excited to hear your analysis on them to see if they align. So far, off to a good start! Great job.
👏🏿👏🏽👏🏻Excellent review👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿 I have an HT R build on order from my local bike shop. This video has me so pumped. Can hardly wait for my bike to get here. I feel validated in my choice. Your summary of the Hightower was the exact reason I chose this bike. Looking forward to seeing the other bikes in the test.
Great review! Love your videos as they are comprehensive and You and I are about the same size(I'm a lanky 6'1"). Looking forward to the rest of the reviews in the showdown. Wish the Rocky Mountain Instinct was in there but I'll take what I can get ;)
@@highlander5304 I'm actually debating that very subject right now. I'm in the process of probably buying an Ibis Ripmo V2. Have a friend that owns a bike shop. They don't have the carbon bikes but have demos of a L and an XL that I rode yesterday. I'm leaning towards the L but I'm not sure. Had to have the seat all the way up on the L. The L has a lower stack height and the bars felt really low with my long arms and high seat height so I'm going to go back and bolt on a set of riser bars and try it again. The L definitely felt more nimble and maneuverable. The XL just felt big. The shop says I should be on a XL after seeing me on the bike but I'm leaning towards the L. Apologies for the long-winded reply ;)
@@Dworld2x0 Hi man, i'm having the exact same problem as you. Too low handle bars (stock santa cruz riser 20mm carbon bars). Im 6.09' running a L hightower. I Just ordered a Burgtec 30mm Rise, that way planning to move a spacer up (more room and reach) and put the riser bar to compensate. Im specting more roomie riser front end. Let me know when you change your bars.
nice , I just picked up a 2020 hightower ,looking forward to see how it feels after a couple years on a Rocky Altitude . I had several Santa Cruz bikes back in the 90"s so happy to be back
Always rate your reviews, content, explanation, video quality, etc. Was interested to hear your comments of the HT’s rear suspension. So many reviews out there are saying the HT blows through its travel too easy, and that a Cascade Components linkage is required, which is said to make all the difference. Did you not find the same? I ask because this is one of the main reasons that would put me off the Hightower.
I don’t think it blows through it too easily. It does tend to hang out in the mid-stroke a bit more which is why I think it feels so plush. I don’t notice that it bottoms out easily/when it shouldn’t.
Compared to the Orbea Occam, climb and descent comparison? I have an Occam M30 with 150mm travel. Been riding a bit more technical and my but and legs are liking the idea of more plush in the cobbles. Don’t want to give up climb capability though. Thoughts?
There's a portion of Big Mountain here. The trail goes way higher than where I started filming, though. It's a pretty fun trail, but it's tough to get to the top without the tram.
Question : I had a genius 900 tuned 2018 and was very happy with the bike. I want to buy a new bike, and Santa Cruz was always a dream… can you compare this bike with a Genius? Better? Different?
Did you ever figure out how to get rid of that ‘tink, tink’ sound in compression coming from the back? Please let me know as I can’t seem to identify it and it’s driving me CRAZY Yes: chainstay is fully taped up with padding
@@bikersedge Same Problem here. I checked the hanger, axle and pivot bolt (incl. the inner axle). I was thinking it might me my DT Swiss 350 Hub. But still no luck. Anything at your end?
Hi doubt between sb130LR, ripmo v2 or HT. Looking one quiver, probably any good. Disnt like more than 30 librs, not sure what will be the heaviest . Will like to improve my confiance in all kind of jumps and in the air avoid loose some control. So any of this bikes its better on this? I ride with many megatowers guys and also many 120 friends every week, so need a bike fits for great pedal and climb efficience (i have two wheel set Xc and Enduro) but can work on chunky staf and some bikepark laps here and there. Like playfull and fun bike but ride generally fast as i can. Thanks for the help, best YT reviews
XL and XXL need a 240mm dropper if it was out.... I have the 1up 210mm in mine, and I can slam it, but then I can't pedal up. Theres room in the frame for it too!
Had one on order before pandemic , wouldn’t be in for months already sold my Kona process couldn’t wait ended up getting Intense Primer 29 really happy with it but still want the SC!
Overall I really love my Hightower (had it for a year and a half) but one thing I’ve struggled with is getting the suspension to feel plush and still have any amount of bottom out resistance. One word I’ve never thought to describe the Hightower is plush so I find it interesting that it is the one word you do use! Very interesting!
Interesting. The new lower link VPP feels incredibly plush on almost every platform. The bikes seem to sit in the middle a bit more and don’t feel quite as lively as past iterations. Have you experimented with volume spacers?
@@bikersedge Not sure if reply was "tongue and cheek", but I vehemently disagree if it wasn't. IMO it would compare favorably, but subjectively it certainly is one of the elite bikes in the all mountain category along with the Hightower and Ripmo.
I'm just giving you a hard time. Unfortunately, we can't include all the bikes and some people will have their favorite bike left out. They're all pretty amazing these days. Tough to buy a bad one - we're just here to help people not buy the wrong one.
@@bikersedge I thought you may have been yanking my chain a little. I'm exactly the rider you described at the end of the video, shorter travel 29er can handle all my rides but my longer travel SB makes my downhills out here in CO so much more enjoyable, and quite honestly doesn't give up much on climbs. Came off a Ripley which climbed like a cheetah but would sometimes get caught up on chunk on technical climb sections, whereas the SB (as do the HT and Ripmo) roll right over. Most importantly to me, the SB is way more "confidence inspiring" on faster chunky descents. It's like night and day! My riding buddy was also in the same exact boat and went from a Tallboy to the Hightower. He loves it! You're doing a great service for your customers taking into consideration the riding experience/preferences they're looking for, and not just matching them up with bikes which can handle the trails they ride. Good stuff!
Thats exactly how I feel about trail and all-mountain bikes. They're fairly similar and cover the same terrain, but it comes down to preferences. The AM bike will be more comfortable on the DH while the trail bike sacrifices less on the uphill.
Very nice content! SUBSCRIBED! just a question, the hightower as you mentioned is more plush and the sb130 is more supportive, isnt that what suspension do? Technically I can tweak the suspension to make it feel one way or the other right?
Hey thanks! You can’t really change that too much. Shock setup will change it to a degree but the frame kinematics are mostly going to dictate suspension feel.
Connor love your videos. I'm really torn between the Tallboy and the Hightower. I know previous videos you were pretty stoked on the Tallboy. If you could own only one bike, which way do you think you would lean?
Hightower for how I like to ride. I generally stick to difficult (black diamond and double black diamond DH) I think the Tallboy is a great option if you mostly ride blues and black diamonds.
This is a great series. I see many more like this for the different style mtbs in your future. Btw- 1. Your review just described my Bronson. So if anyone likes this but is like, “but I don’t want a 29er- go get a Bronson V3 for 27.5 front and back or the new, Bronson V4 if you want a mixed wheel (mullet) bike 2. I’m pretty sure Santa Cruz is incapable of making a bike that is not playful. No matter how much you can plow their bikes, they still like to have fun. I guess that gets in the DNA of the company when one of the founders is a former pro skater.
Had this bike... twice... Gen2 CC X01... and a Gen1 C S. I'm a larger rider, and found the bike lacking in travel. Eventually upgraded the shock to a MegNeg, and found it more enjoyable. My only other gripe with this bike was the placement of the rear shock. I like to keep the moving parts of my bikes clean, and the shock tunnel makes cleaning the piston a pain in the ass. For what it's worth... the CC X01 builds are in no way shape or form worth the extra cost. Now that the X01 2022 builds are $1,000 more than the '21s... IMO it makes the X01 builds a fools purchase.
Excellent review! I understand inventory issues. Preferred build kits or color may not be an option. Just curious... How did you score a Grey frame? :-)
The Hightower is an all-mountain bike whereas the Trance X is more of a trail bike with a little extra travel. It climbs a lot better than a Hightower, but the HT will beat it on challenging descents.
Great review. Especially dig how detailed you are about the suspension feel. Does the suspension on the new Bronson Mx/mullet have he same feel? I’d like to see a follow up review by you on the Bronson. Not enough time is spent by reviewers on detailing suspension behavior.
Suspension feel combined with geometry make up 90% of how a bike rides I think. I have found that the new lower link VPP has a similar feel across the board. It’s deep, controlled and plush. The Bronson is no exception.
The geometry is very close but the suspension feels very different. The Hightower is soft and plush. The Megatower takes some aggressive riding to get the most of it.
Need some help here. I'm 6.04 (1.84 mt) running a large HT 2021. Supossed to be in the middle of L and XL. Feeling like my front end is to low. Would a riser bar, maybe 30mm would helpme even it out? Currently running an stock SC 20mm bar with 2.5 spacers. Just 0.5 spacers left. Im thinking reducing 0.50 spacer and set a 30mm Rise bar.. so more room and high front end. Agree?
Yeah you can try the bars. Should help a bit. You might lose a bit of length in the cockpit depending on how you run your bar roll. But that’s where I would start.
I always enjoy your videos, that being said, the seat tube angle shouldn't change regardless of the hight of the saddle. The reach will for sure change.....but not the angle. Or am I wrong?
Thanks for the kind words! The “actual” angle doesn’t change with height but the “effective” angle does. Effective angle is relative to the BB. The higher your saddle goes, the further behind the BB it gets so it technically does get slacker. If seat tubes were all straight and came directly out of the BB then effective and actual would be the same thing.
Thanks for a great review!!! Would be interesting to see a hightower vs. tallboy and/or ripmo vs. ripley comparison if you haven’t done so. I feel like im torn between the two sizes of suspension. Not sure i fully understand all the cons of more travel. Thanks for the video!!!
We’ve done Ripmo and Ripley. Not the Santa Cruz bikes though. We just made a video called “what type of MTB should you buy” That one breaks down the categories really well and should give you a clearer picture. Check it out!
So this is the $10k Santa Cruz? Any chance you have a review on the AL version of this that is under $4k? Im curious how a regular mans price point bike handles this.
We do has a review on the alloy version. You'll find that they are largely the same. The biggest factors that determine how a bike ride are the geometry and suspension kinematics. Those remain the same across all price points in this bike.
Saddle height stays the same across all the bikes. I change the spacer stack on each bike based on preference and fit. Stock stems on all of them minus the Sentinel (35mm). I set my Saddle at 80.5 cm with 170mm cranks.
Audio was a little weird. I don’t mind background noise but when the background noise cuts out when the talking stops, it makes the background noise much more noticeable where I wouldn’t notice before
Might want to get those ears checked! I don’t mess with background audio levels or anything. They’re constant levels the entire time I’m talking/riding.
I don't think you're wrong. A lot of the first gen lower link VPP bikes have a more grounded and stable feel. That seems to be changing with the gen 2 bikes with lower link VPP.
I think it's funny that we're now saying 65.2 is "a little steeper" when a couple years ago that was stupid slack lol. Oh, how things change so fast in mountain biking.
@@elijahstv that doesn’t really work that well. Your weight would still be over the back more than the front. I doubt it’s a big issue to run 160 though. I’m really tall so slack seat tubes get worse for me.
We did a video on "What type of MTB" is best for you - that would give you the long answer. Short answer - in my mind a trail bike has between 120-140mm of rear wheel travel. An AM bike is between 140-160. Obviously there are exceptions to those categories (the SB130 riding more like an AM bike than trail bike). There's quite a bit of overlap between the categories as well.
@@bikersedge That makes sense. I ride a V2 Ripmo, but I built it more as a light playful trail bike. I guess that's the magic of this category of bike. I could easily put some beefier wheels/tires and hit the bike park.
I did demo this bike before committing to a V1 Ripmo, and was disappointed how it pedaled. It didn't track that well to me. Maybe the suspension had to be setup differently? Regardless of how the Ripmo is setup it's super efficient up and down. I wanted to like it - I owned a Superlight back in the day so I'm not a total hater!...LOL.
@@bikersedge but Atleast people who are considering weight should know how much they weight and also what tiers are on those bikes can also make huge difference in grips i like ur reviews n last year i bought orbea Occam as it was really close to ripmo if u add occom in this category where u see ?
@@bikersedge they are fall in same category so its also not fair to not tell each bike weight . If someone is spending 5 k or 6 k he or she should know everything about the bike also weight n components .
The Occam doesn't really fit in this category. It sits below the AM bikes and kind of above the other trail bikes. See your other comment for my response about bike weight.
@@bikersedge fair enough...👍..appreciate for your response...hopfully you guys can work something out with the main company so youcan do a review on it...it would be awsome...
@@bikersedge 😂😂 I’ve owned revel rascal, ripmo, and sb130… Happiest on the blade with two sets of wheels. All shredding bikes though. Blade geo just fits me best. And I like to rock 27.5 and 29
Not saying it is. I'm just saying that simply claiming one bike is "better" than another isn't really a fair assessment. What's better for you might not be better for me. Also, better at what? Better in every aspect? Or climbing? descending? Cornering?
This suspension on the climbs is my favorite. It solves what I struggle with the most: techy steeps. The rear wheel doesn’t spin nearly as much as other bikes, it just squishes in and holds on. Plush and awesome
Exactly. Traction factory!
I have a 2019 Hightower with reserve 27 carbon wheels. I am 6'4" 205 and started Enduro racing after 8 years of XC. My sponsor shop and coach recommended the HT C and stated "this is all the bike you will need". Well, after moving to Tahoe last year and riding Northstar bike bike last weekend, this bike handled everything so nice. Like he stated, its the jack of all trades. I am thinking of getting a Megatower ONLY because I am starting to "hit" some bigger stuff, but its more of a want than a need.
Right on! Glad you're diggin' it. I used to live in Tahoe. - great riding out there.
I'm on my second hightower and I've loved every minute of both of them! My 21 feels much more plush than my 16 but they both crush the trails! And my 16 is still crushing the trails all these years later. :)
I have a Hightower and it consistently crushes all the black diamond trails on the North Shore, Squamish and Whistler. Absolute beast for a 5,000ft climb and can smash the descents. Super high quality bike, have been riding it for a year and no complaints!
Stoked to hear it!
Excellent job once again. I really enjoy these reviews, they are super helpful. Keep them coming.
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you liked it.
I finally found a new Hightower CC. I’m so excited to ride it when the snow thaws!
I’m a trail rider with a 5010 V3 (upper link)-love it! It’s perfect for 70% of my day-to-day rides. I wanted something for bigger, rougher, & more vertical days that didn’t completely loose a trail bike feel…and with the roll-over of a 29’er for pilgrimages to Moab & S Utah. I have a lot of time on a Lower-link Bronson and love the rear end feel. If the Hightower has the same suspension feel as the Bronson with the roll-over I’m expecting from a 29’er, I’m going to be a very happy man!
Stoked! You're going to dig it.
Love mine, but for the terrain im riding in Sweden (Pine woods and rock slabs(?) and not very big elevation changes) it felt kinda weird in the beginning. Suspension really needed to be set up, lighter tires and so on. Had a bit of adapting to the "new geo" which was a lot different from my 5 year old bike. Much slacker, longer, lower and so on. But now, really awesome bike that floats so smooth in the terrain, such a joy to ride.
I was trying to decide between a Santa Cruz hightower and a transition sentinel last year. So happy with my hightower, super confidence inspiring and such a smooth and great climber and descender
Good choice!
The SC bikes have better resale value too, when you’re ready to upgrade.
pgjudo this bike was $8000 I don’t think I can live with an upgrade anytime soon 🤣😅
@@alexanderhill9347 , I feel you, but price doesn’t matter. I meant the technology changes so frequently. Craigslist is full of $8k Nomads and Bronsons that are only a couple years old, now that the new ones are out. Luckily those dudes are selling SCs to get SCs, so they won’t COMPLETELY lose their asses! Lol 🤞
Great review video of the bike! Just wanted to say thank you from me and my Channel!👍🏴
I love my Tallboy! That VPP is awesome. So good on technical climbs and super responsive to small/medium sized bumps. I’m glad I got mine last year before this pandemic delay really hit!
Tallboy is one of my favorites from Santa Cruz
My OH Hightower was stolen recently, and I considered getting Ibis or Pivot, but at the end got 2021 Tallboy, and man….
It rocks! I may be imagining this, but it feels almost better going down than my 2017 Hightower with Float X2
Amazing bike.
I just built up this exact bike. I agree with your assessment esp on how smooth it feels over chunk. Very confidence inspiring. Love it!
Think I want to move to Utah. Those views 🔥
It’s a terrible place….. don’t move here.
@@bikersedge 😂
Conner, love the videos and I've also enjoyed watching you improve with these reviews the last few years. You're killing it! Major kudos and respect. Thank you!!
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it! Watching those first videos hurts a little bit. Haha. Surprised anyone watched.
Awesome video! Would love to see how the Evil Offering would stack up against these bikes
I watch these videos before riding - super motivational
Stoked you like them!
I ride the Hightower and it's my favorite bike I've ever owned. I agree with you completely on what type of rider this bike would be a good fit for. You pretty much described me to a T. Nice video.
Right on! Glad you liked it!
Bird is the word! I've ridden all these bikes at one time or another. Excited to hear your analysis on them to see if they align. So far, off to a good start! Great job.
They're honestly all on my short list of bikes I would buy. Favorite category and great contenders.
👏🏿👏🏽👏🏻Excellent review👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿 I have an HT R build on order from my local bike shop. This video has me so pumped. Can hardly wait for my bike to get here. I feel validated in my choice. Your summary of the Hightower was the exact reason I chose this bike. Looking forward to seeing the other bikes in the test.
Glad you liked it! You're going to love the Hightower.
Love the colors you wear 👌🏼
Oh, excellent review, very on point, without tooooo much excitement 😂
Thanks for the kind words!
Absolutely love these reviews! Keep em coming.
Hey thanks for the kind words!
Great review! Love your videos as they are comprehensive and You and I are about the same size(I'm a lanky 6'1"). Looking forward to the rest of the reviews in the showdown. Wish the Rocky Mountain Instinct was in there but I'll take what I can get ;)
I am lanky 6’1 as well. Never felt at home on XL frame. Always preferred L.
How about yourself? =)
@@highlander5304 I'm actually debating that very subject right now. I'm in the process of probably buying an Ibis Ripmo V2. Have a friend that owns a bike shop. They don't have the carbon bikes but have demos of a L and an XL that I rode yesterday. I'm leaning towards the L but I'm not sure. Had to have the seat all the way up on the L. The L has a lower stack height and the bars felt really low with my long arms and high seat height so I'm going to go back and bolt on a set of riser bars and try it again. The L definitely felt more nimble and maneuverable. The XL just felt big. The shop says I should be on a XL after seeing me on the bike but I'm leaning towards the L. Apologies for the long-winded reply ;)
They have demos of a L and XL aluminum that I rode yesterday.
@@Dworld2x0 Hi man, i'm having the exact same problem as you. Too low handle bars (stock santa cruz riser 20mm carbon bars). Im 6.09' running a L hightower. I Just ordered a Burgtec 30mm Rise, that way planning to move a spacer up (more room and reach) and put the riser bar to compensate. Im specting more roomie riser front end. Let me know when you change your bars.
@@highlander5304I'm 6'1, 200lbs with gear and I rock a L x01. Perfect.
Great summary and no nonsense review.
Glad you enjoyed it!
nice , I just picked up a 2020 hightower ,looking forward to see how it feels after a couple years on a Rocky Altitude . I had several Santa Cruz bikes back in the 90"s so happy to be back
Nice. You’re going to love it. Solid bike.
May I ask your thoughts after some time now regarding the feel compared to the altitude?
Thank you for your review. Looking to replace my nomad 2009, and I like the santa cruz brand.
Sounds like it's about time on that one! If you need help replacing it, let us know.
I recently moved on from my 2011 26” full suspension to a V1 Evil Insurgent. Insane difference! Good luck with your search
Always rate your reviews, content, explanation, video quality, etc.
Was interested to hear your comments of the HT’s rear suspension. So many reviews out there are saying the HT blows through its travel too easy, and that a Cascade Components linkage is required, which is said to make all the difference. Did you not find the same? I ask because this is one of the main reasons that would put me off the Hightower.
I don’t think it blows through it too easily. It does tend to hang out in the mid-stroke a bit more which is why I think it feels so plush. I don’t notice that it bottoms out easily/when it shouldn’t.
Compared to the Orbea Occam, climb and descent comparison? I have an Occam M30 with 150mm travel. Been riding a bit more technical and my but and legs are liking the idea of more plush in the cobbles. Don’t want to give up climb capability though. Thoughts?
Scott genius is the jack of all trade...
Nice Job for the review. Excited to ride mine. =)
You’re going to love it!
Love the review, totally agree!
Looks like you started climbing at Snowbird, is this their ‘Big Mountain’ trail or does this run down the canyon?
There's a portion of Big Mountain here. The trail goes way higher than where I started filming, though. It's a pretty fun trail, but it's tough to get to the top without the tram.
Question : I had a genius 900 tuned 2018 and was very happy with the bike. I want to buy a new bike, and Santa Cruz was always a dream… can you compare this bike with a Genius? Better? Different?
Did you ever figure out how to get rid of that ‘tink, tink’ sound in compression coming from the back? Please let me know as I can’t seem to identify it and it’s driving me CRAZY
Yes: chainstay is fully taped up with padding
Not sure what that would be. I’d check the hanger, axle and all the pivot bolts.
same issue here after 1,5 years 200h Service did the job.
@@bikersedge Same Problem here. I checked the hanger, axle and pivot bolt (incl. the inner axle). I was thinking it might me my DT Swiss 350 Hub. But still no luck. Anything at your end?
@@lengilongo I haven't experienced it, so unfortunately I'm no help.
Same here. Like a metal sound clinking when violent compresión (landing flat or rought terrain). Recommendations?
Really like your reviews. Enough detail and nicely explained. Would love for you to get a Pyga Hyrax or Slakline in for testing
Hey thanks for the kind words. Those aren't brands we carry. We won't be able to do a review, unfortunately.
Hi doubt between sb130LR, ripmo v2 or HT. Looking one quiver, probably any good. Disnt like more than 30 librs, not sure what will be the heaviest
. Will like to improve my confiance in all kind of jumps and in the air avoid loose some control. So any of this bikes its better on this?
I ride with many megatowers guys and also many 120 friends every week, so need a bike fits for great pedal and climb efficience (i have two wheel set Xc and Enduro) but can work on chunky staf and some bikepark laps here and there.
Like playfull and fun bike but ride generally fast as i can.
Thanks for the help, best YT reviews
XL and XXL need a 240mm dropper if it was out.... I have the 1up 210mm in mine, and I can slam it, but then I can't pedal up. Theres room in the frame for it too!
I'm with you. I'm on 201 and I'd still love a longer dropper.
Had one on order before pandemic , wouldn’t be in for months already sold my Kona process couldn’t wait ended up getting Intense Primer 29 really happy with it but still want the SC!
We’ve got some Hightowers at the shop currently if you’re still looking! Send us an email.
Really great review!
Why thank you!
Overall I really love my Hightower (had it for a year and a half) but one thing I’ve struggled with is getting the suspension to feel plush and still have any amount of bottom out resistance. One word I’ve never thought to describe the Hightower is plush so I find it interesting that it is the one word you do use! Very interesting!
Interesting. The new lower link VPP feels incredibly plush on almost every platform. The bikes seem to sit in the middle a bit more and don’t feel quite as lively as past iterations.
Have you experimented with volume spacers?
Great informative video! Did you consider including the Pivot Switchblade in your comparison?
No. We all know these four are far superior... We don't carry Pivot at the shop so we won't be able to include them, unfortunately.
@@bikersedge Not sure if reply was "tongue and cheek", but I vehemently disagree if it wasn't. IMO it would compare favorably, but subjectively it certainly is one of the elite bikes in the all mountain category along with the Hightower and Ripmo.
I'm just giving you a hard time. Unfortunately, we can't include all the bikes and some people will have their favorite bike left out. They're all pretty amazing these days. Tough to buy a bad one - we're just here to help people not buy the wrong one.
@@bikersedge I thought you may have been yanking my chain a little. I'm exactly the rider you described at the end of the video, shorter travel 29er can handle all my rides but my longer travel SB makes my downhills out here in CO so much more enjoyable, and quite honestly doesn't give up much on climbs. Came off a Ripley which climbed like a cheetah but would sometimes get caught up on chunk on technical climb sections, whereas the SB (as do the HT and Ripmo) roll right over. Most importantly to me, the SB is way more "confidence inspiring" on faster chunky descents. It's like night and day! My riding buddy was also in the same exact boat and went from a Tallboy to the Hightower. He loves it! You're doing a great service for your customers taking into consideration the riding experience/preferences they're looking for, and not just matching them up with bikes which can handle the trails they ride. Good stuff!
Thats exactly how I feel about trail and all-mountain bikes. They're fairly similar and cover the same terrain, but it comes down to preferences. The AM bike will be more comfortable on the DH while the trail bike sacrifices less on the uphill.
Im sorry but where the heck are you riding?!?! Place looks absolutely epic!
This one is at Snowbird resort.
Very nice content! SUBSCRIBED! just a question, the hightower as you mentioned is more plush and the sb130 is more supportive, isnt that what suspension do? Technically I can tweak the suspension to make it feel one way or the other right?
Hey thanks! You can’t really change that too much. Shock setup will change it to a degree but the frame kinematics are mostly going to dictate suspension feel.
Awesome review once again dude. How did you find this compared to the Norco sight?
Hey thanks. I felt that the Norco sight rode more like the sentinel.
Connor love your videos. I'm really torn between the Tallboy and the Hightower. I know previous videos you were pretty stoked on the Tallboy. If you could own only one bike, which way do you think you would lean?
Hightower for how I like to ride. I generally stick to difficult (black diamond and double black diamond DH) I think the Tallboy is a great option if you mostly ride blues and black diamonds.
This is a great series. I see many more like this for the different style mtbs in your future.
Btw- 1. Your review just described my Bronson. So if anyone likes this but is like, “but I don’t want a 29er- go get a Bronson V3 for 27.5 front and back or the new, Bronson V4 if you want a mixed wheel (mullet) bike
2. I’m pretty sure Santa Cruz is incapable of making a bike that is not playful. No matter how much you can plow their bikes, they still like to have fun. I guess that gets in the DNA of the company when one of the founders is a former pro skater.
The Hightower and Bronson are super similar. I really like both of them!
Had this bike... twice... Gen2 CC X01... and a Gen1 C S. I'm a larger rider, and found the bike lacking in travel. Eventually upgraded the shock to a MegNeg, and found it more enjoyable. My only other gripe with this bike was the placement of the rear shock. I like to keep the moving parts of my bikes clean, and the shock tunnel makes cleaning the piston a pain in the ass. For what it's worth... the CC X01 builds are in no way shape or form worth the extra cost. Now that the X01 2022 builds are $1,000 more than the '21s... IMO it makes the X01 builds a fools purchase.
The shock tunnel does make some things difficult, but the lower link VPP sure rides nice.
Excellent review! I understand inventory issues. Preferred build kits or color may not be an option. Just curious... How did you score a Grey frame? :-)
It is our XL demo at the shop. We've had it for a while.
How do you feel about the Hightower vs something like the sentinel? I’ve currently got a spire but looking to go to a Hightower or sentinel.
I make that comparison in this series.
would love to see a Pivot Switchblade vs the hightower comparison. Great vid.
We don't carry Pivot. Wont be able to make it happen.
Muito bom o review. Já pensou em testar bikes antigas que tem geometria atual?
I Like the Hightower. I want exactly this one in that color!!! (:
I love the color. The 2022 grey is really good too.
@@bikersedge You mean that Dark Grey and the blue Logo?
I only could find that and orange...
@@theberg1e that’s the one. Looks really really nice in person.
@@bikersedge I have to see this in real life. Maybe it will be my next bike.
Greetings from Germany (:
Nice ride and review ! Nice scenary. Which go pro are you using btw?
Thanks for the kind words! Hero 7
Love your channel. Curious why you never review Specialized? Stumpjumper Evo would have been a great fit in this comparison.
We don’t carry specialized at the shop. Can’t get access to one to include in our videos. Plus we all know these four are way better than that one…..
I’m deciding between this and the Giant Trance X 29 2. Which one would you recommend?
The Hightower is an all-mountain bike whereas the Trance X is more of a trail bike with a little extra travel. It climbs a lot better than a Hightower, but the HT will beat it on challenging descents.
Great review. Especially dig how detailed you are about the suspension feel. Does the suspension on the new Bronson Mx/mullet have he same feel? I’d like to see a follow up review by you on the Bronson. Not enough time is spent by reviewers on detailing suspension behavior.
Suspension feel combined with geometry make up 90% of how a bike rides I think. I have found that the new lower link VPP has a similar feel across the board. It’s deep, controlled and plush. The Bronson is no exception.
@@bikersedge thanks. Ride on!
How does it compare to megatower? I know mega is an enduro but the geo is nearly identical. Thanks.
The geometry is very close but the suspension feels very different. The Hightower is soft and plush. The Megatower takes some aggressive riding to get the most of it.
Need some help here. I'm 6.04 (1.84 mt) running a large HT 2021. Supossed to be in the middle of L and XL. Feeling like my front end is to low. Would a riser bar, maybe 30mm would helpme even it out? Currently running an stock SC 20mm bar with 2.5 spacers. Just 0.5 spacers left.
Im thinking reducing 0.50 spacer and set a 30mm Rise bar.. so more room and high front end. Agree?
Yeah you can try the bars. Should help a bit. You might lose a bit of length in the cockpit depending on how you run your bar roll. But that’s where I would start.
Do you guys plan on doing a enduro showdown?
If we can get our hands on enough bikes we probably will.
Where are you? Like where are you filming this video?
Northern Utah.
I always enjoy your videos, that being said, the seat tube angle shouldn't change regardless of the hight of the saddle. The reach will for sure change.....but not the angle. Or am I wrong?
Thanks for the kind words! The “actual” angle doesn’t change with height but the “effective” angle does. Effective angle is relative to the BB. The higher your saddle goes, the further behind the BB it gets so it technically does get slacker. If seat tubes were all straight and came directly out of the BB then effective and actual would be the same thing.
Would the SB130 be the Yeti's version of the Hightower?
I’d say that’s a fair comparison
Hightower vs Bronson which bike will you pick? Thanks!
Tough call. I’m a big fan of the full 29er though.
Thanks for a great review!!! Would be interesting to see a hightower vs. tallboy and/or ripmo vs. ripley comparison if you haven’t done so. I feel like im torn between the two sizes of suspension. Not sure i fully understand all the cons of more travel. Thanks for the video!!!
We’ve done Ripmo and Ripley. Not the Santa Cruz bikes though. We just made a video called “what type of MTB should you buy” That one breaks down the categories really well and should give you a clearer picture. Check it out!
So this is the $10k Santa Cruz? Any chance you have a review on the AL version of this that is under $4k? Im curious how a regular mans price point bike handles this.
We do has a review on the alloy version. You'll find that they are largely the same. The biggest factors that determine how a bike ride are the geometry and suspension kinematics. Those remain the same across all price points in this bike.
@@bikersedge ok cool ill look for that vid
If it doesn’t climb well then put a motor on it. Buy the bullet or heckler right?
It climbs well enough but I like where your heads at!
I would like to get 2022 Bronson would that be a good idea in your opinion?
We just reviewed it. Go check out the video!
Devinci Troy sits in this space as well.
Are you setting up saddle height and handlebar stack/reach the same on all bikes in the test? What’s your saddle height? Stem length and stack?
Saddle height stays the same across all the bikes. I change the spacer stack on each bike based on preference and fit. Stock stems on all of them minus the Sentinel (35mm). I set my Saddle at 80.5 cm with 170mm cranks.
@@bikersedge SWEET!!! Thanks for the details 👍🏻
Do you need to lock out the shock on climbs?
No. I'm kind of anti lockout switch. I usually prefer the traction provided when the shock is left wide open.
It’s probably the wide-angle lens, but those bars look backwards or something.
Ha. Yeah the GoPro distorts the bars quite a bit.
What's the actual weight of this XL hightower with pedals.
I didn’t weigh them. All the build vary so much it didn’t seem fair to compare/contrast weights and components. I’d guess around 30-31.
Great review. Where is this trail?
Snowbird
Price on the bike tested? Thanks!
~ $8000
When will be the Transition Sentinel showdown video coming?
Soon. We will be dropping 1-2 videos a week until they’re all done.
@@bikersedge Great!. Can't wait.
Audio was a little weird. I don’t mind background noise but when the background noise cuts out when the talking stops, it makes the background noise much more noticeable where I wouldn’t notice before
Might want to get those ears checked! I don’t mess with background audio levels or anything. They’re constant levels the entire time I’m talking/riding.
I owned the newer hightower and the new nomad
But after few weeks I went back to my 2019 hightower
Seems it's more playful than the new frames
I don't think you're wrong. A lot of the first gen lower link VPP bikes have a more grounded and stable feel. That seems to be changing with the gen 2 bikes with lower link VPP.
Whats your website?
What length of stem did you run?
The stock one. Honestly couldn’t tell you. It’s been so long. I’d guess 35-50
Thnx for reply, we're the same height and I'm about to build mine.
I think it's funny that we're now saying 65.2 is "a little steeper" when a couple years ago that was stupid slack lol. Oh, how things change so fast in mountain biking.
Agreed. It sounds very weird to hear myself say that.
trail still have snow? when was this filmed?
I filmed this portion in June. Most of the time I'm a one man film, edit, write and publish crew so these videos take a bit of time.
@@bikersedge don't get me wrong I am a fan of your channel, just surprised you still have snow in your area=)
@@bikersedge wow you are a talented dude. Keep up the great work 👍
Thanks for the kind words folks! This trail is close to 10,000' so the snow sticks around for quite a while.
Is it poppy or it isn't? Confusing comments at two different times...
Somewhere in the middle. Compared to the Yeti and Ibis, it's not as poppy. But for how planted and plush the suspension is, it's poppy enough.
can we use a 160mm fork for this frame?
According to Santa Cruz it’s fine. I’d worry about the seat tube angle getting slack I think.
@@bikersedge i see. Maybe i can adjust the handlebar to compensate the slack of the seat
@@elijahstv that doesn’t really work that well. Your weight would still be over the back more than the front. I doubt it’s a big issue to run 160 though. I’m really tall so slack seat tubes get worse for me.
And the winner is… the Pivot Switchblade
Everyone knows these four are 100x better….
What's the difference between an all-mountain bike and a trail bike?
We did a video on "What type of MTB" is best for you - that would give you the long answer. Short answer - in my mind a trail bike has between 120-140mm of rear wheel travel. An AM bike is between 140-160. Obviously there are exceptions to those categories (the SB130 riding more like an AM bike than trail bike). There's quite a bit of overlap between the categories as well.
@@bikersedge That makes sense. I ride a V2 Ripmo, but I built it more as a light playful trail bike. I guess that's the magic of this category of bike. I could easily put some beefier wheels/tires and hit the bike park.
That's why all-mountain bikes are my favorite category. Very versatile!
what is "plow" ?
Ability to stay composed and planted in chunky terrain.
can you do a comparison on Santa Cruz 2022 mega tower Bronson 2022 nomad 2022 please bromigo
I’ll do my best. Bikes are tough to come by at the moment.
@@bikersedge thanks my guy appreciate it 🤙
I did demo this bike before committing to a V1 Ripmo, and was disappointed how it pedaled. It didn't track that well to me. Maybe the suspension had to be setup differently? Regardless of how the Ripmo is setup it's super efficient up and down.
I wanted to like it - I owned a Superlight back in the day so I'm not a total hater!...LOL.
Yes!!!
👍
Snowbird?
Yup
The term „dad bike“ has been used to describe this bike. That doesn‘t sound very cool, but could it summarize your analysis?
I'm a dad and I really like it, so yeah, you can call it a dad bike.
I really love my Hightower, would have a hard time finding something else. But a all of my mates got ebikes, so I'm the only one not on an ebike.
Gotta get that Bullit!!!
@@bikersedge As of last year we don't really have an LB with santa cruz.
@@bikersedge That is one beautiful bike, but SO pricey.
Send us an email at info@bebikes.com if you'd like help finding one!
@@bikersedge I live in Denmark :/
My YT Jeffsy 29er is a machine but my next bike may be a SCHT!
How much it weight
I didn't weight these. All the builds vary quite a bit between the 4 bikes. Didn't feel it would be fair to compare weights.
@@bikersedge but Atleast people who are considering weight should know how much they weight and also what tiers are on those bikes can also make huge difference in grips i like ur reviews n last year i bought orbea Occam as it was really close to ripmo if u add occom in this category where u see ?
@@bikersedge they are fall in same category so its also not fair to not tell each bike weight . If someone is spending 5 k or 6 k he or she should know everything about the bike also weight n components .
The Occam doesn't really fit in this category. It sits below the AM bikes and kind of above the other trail bikes. See your other comment for my response about bike weight.
Where are you riding...what state and trail??
Northern Utah!
I would like to have seen the Fezzari LA SAL in the contest, or is it not that good as they say..?🤔
Fezzari is a direct to consumer brand that we don’t have access to as a bike shop. Won’t be able to include it.
@@bikersedge i tought you guys can just borrow one and do it..but whats is youre guys opinion on the Fezzari LA SAL..?
Haven’t ridden one. Couldn’t tell you.
@@bikersedge fair enough...👍..appreciate for your response...hopfully you guys can work something out with the main company so youcan do a review on it...it would be awsome...
I have this bike
Nice!
Dam this is some trail bike geo. Hqha there are slacker 120 bikes 🤣
When you combine that moderate geo with the deep/plush VPP suspension you get a very well rounded bike.
Are you not scared getting attacked by a bear ?
Im too fast for bears.
@@bikersedge I think yogi is faster then you
You calling me slow?
No Way the hightower ia good for xc super burly big slow tires
That’s why it’s an all mountain bike not an XC bike.
@@bikersedge You Say is for xc and all mountain not me
Switchblade >
False. Everyone knows it.
@@bikersedge 😂😂
I’ve owned revel rascal, ripmo, and sb130…
Happiest on the blade with two sets of wheels.
All shredding bikes though. Blade geo just fits me best. And I like to rock 27.5 and 29
I’m just giving you a hard time. I haven’t ridden one but all I hear is good things!
The breathing killed me. Dude don’t breath while u talk 😂😅
Sorry. My bad. I will hold my breath for 15.5 minutes next time.
slash is better
Nah.
@@bikersedge why not?
It’s pretty tough to objectively say that one bike is all out better than another. Better is pretty relative to who’s riding it too.
@@bikersedge why for you santa cruz better then slash?
Not saying it is. I'm just saying that simply claiming one bike is "better" than another isn't really a fair assessment. What's better for you might not be better for me. Also, better at what? Better in every aspect? Or climbing? descending? Cornering?