Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Carbon CC 27.5+ X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike 2017

We've got to hand it to Santa Cruz. Somehow, as the now legendary California brand continuously alters its lineup, it manages to do so without the slightest hint of redundancy. Though every Santa Cruz bike excels on a colossal range of terrain, each new frame the brand creates sits confidently in its own individual niche. In the case of the Hightower, Santa Cruz filled a geometry void created when the Tallboy was redesigned, then added new tech that riders hadn't even realized they needed. The 2017 Hightower Carbon CC 27. 5 X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike arrives with all mountain versatility that's enhanced by its ability to switch between a 27. 5 or 29er geometry and the added advantage of SRAM's Eagle drivetrain. When carving out a space for the Hightower, Santa Cruz turned to the most versatile enduro steed in its stable. The Bronson's redefinition of the all mountainenduro category is the subject of trailhead bonding with strangers to this day, and Santa Cruz wanted to bring the same versatility to the Hightower's frame. On this Hightower's 27. 5 platform, you'll enjoy a plusher, more stable ride than 29ers provide, so it's more approachable for beginners and more versatile for seasoned veterans. It also still has the same ravenous appetite as the Bronson for spiny rock gardens, rugged slickrock, and root laced singletrack. If you want to switch to the firmer, faster feel of a 29er, you can Santa Cruz's addition of a flip chip in the upper link now gives you the revolutionary choice to switch between wheel sizes without altering geometry. Santa Cruz's beloved VPP suspension connects the Hightower's two triangles, and the third generation of the revered suspension platform delivers the same responsive, glued to the trail feel that's earned it such a devoted following. In yet another nod to enduro roots, Santa Cruz took inspiration from the Nomad when positioning the suspension, keeping the link out of the way so that the Hightower's frame can accommod...