Santa Cruz Bicycles
Hightower C GX AXS Transmission Mountain Bike

5 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Current price: $5,799.00 Original price: $7,249.00

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Hightower C GX AXS Transmission charges big terrain with confident 29er control

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"This build hits all the sweet spots. The updated VPP platform feels incredibly planted, and the longer, slacker geometry gives way more confidence on steep, chunky trails. The GX Transmission shifts flawlessly under load, and the Fox Performance Elite suspension feels unbelievably composed. It’s a bike that genuinely wants to go fast everywhere."

We ride the Hightower C GX AXS Transmission Mountain Bike when flowing singletrack, steep technical sections, and all-day missions call for a 29er that can truly do it all. Santa Cruz updates the Hightower with longer, lower, and slacker geometry for even more stability and traction across big, aggressive terrain. With 150mm of VPP rear travel paired to a 160mm Fox 36 Performance Elite fork, this latest version delivers a balanced, capable ride that smooths rocky chutes and carves corners with authority.

Revised VPP kinematics create a more progressive feel for improved small-bump performance and better support deeper in the stroke. Size-specific geometry ensures riders across the full size range get consistent handling, while the Glovebox frame storage, UDH compatibility, and noise-free internal routing keep the ride clean and practical. Maxxis DHF and DHRII tires in proper compounds and casings add immediate traction you can trust, and the Race Face ARC 30 wheels with DT Swiss 370 hubs bring durable dependability to long seasons of hard riding.

Whether we’re threading tight switchbacks, smashing through rock gardens, or exploring big-mountain backcountry laps, the Hightower keeps us in control—and hungry for more trail.

Heads up - We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you'll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.

Details

29er trail bike built for aggressive, all-mountain riding
150mm VPP rear suspension with revised kinematics for traction and support
Fox 36 Performance Elite 160mm fork with Grip X2 damper for control
GX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain delivers precise cable-free shifting
Race Face ARC 30 wheels with DT 370 hubs provide durable performance
Maxxis DHF/DHRII tires with proper rubber and casings for serious grip
Glovebox frame storage keeps tools and essentials organized
UDH compatibility and threaded BB for long-term serviceability
Item #SNZK1OF

Frame Material: Carbon C
Suspension: VPP
Rear Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
Rear Travel: 150mm
Fork: Fox 36 Float Performance Elite, Grip X2,
Front Travel: 160mm
Headset: Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated
Shifters: SRAM AXS Pod Controller, 12-speed
Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS T-Type, 12-speed
ISCG Tabs: ISCG-05
Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission DUB T-Type Crankset, alloy
Chainring Sizes: 32t
Crank Arm Length: [small] 165mm, [medium, large, extra large, xx-large] 170mm
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB 73mm
Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission T-Type, XS-1275, 12-speed
Cassette Range: 10-52t
Chain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission T-Type, Flattop, 12-speed
Brakeset: SRAM Maven Bronze
Brake Type: 4-piston
Rotors: [front] SRAM HS2, 200mm, [rear] SRAM HS2, 180mm
Handlebar: Santa Cruz Carbon
Handlebar Rise: [small] 20mm, [medium, large, x-large, xx-large] 35mm
Handlebar Width: [small] 760mm, [medium, large, x-large, xx-large] 800mm
Grips: Santa Cruz House
Stem: Burgtec Enduro MK3
Stem Length: 42mm
Saddle: SDG Bel-Air V3, Lux-Alloy Atmos
Seatpost: OneUp V3, 31.6mm
Seatpost Travel: [small] 125mm, [medium] 150mm, [large] 175mm, [x-large, xx-large] 200mm
Wheelset: [front, rear] Race Face ARC 30, aluminum, 29in
Hubs: [front] DT Swiss 370, 6-Bolt, [rear] DT Swiss 370, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t
Front Axle: 15 x 110mm Boost
Rear Axle: 12 x 148mm Boost
Tire Clearance: [rear] 2.5in
Tires: [front] Maxxis Minion DHF WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, [rear] Maxxis Minion DHR II, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+
Tire Size: [front] 29 x 2.5in, [rear] 29 x 2.4in
Pedals: not included
Extras: Glovebox integrated frame storage, tool wallet, tube purse, downtube protector, chainstay protector, shock fender, shuttle guard, Flip chip, SRAM UDH compatible
Activity: enduro
Manufacturer Warranty: [frame, handlebar, bottle cage] limited lifetime, [paint, finishes, decals] limited 3 year, [Reserve Carbon Wheel] limited lifetime

C Carbon Frame

For our "C Carbon" frames we use the same proprietary processes of the highest spec frames in order to retain the same legendary strength and stiffness our CC frames are known for but there is a slight weight penalty. We achieved this by using a different grade of carbon material that results in a minimal weight gain.

VPP™ Suspension

Virtual Pivot Point, or VPP™, suspension is designed to bring you the best balance of pedaling efficiency and all-out bump-chomping prowess available, all while being extremely tough and reliable.

Flip Chip

The flip chip allows you to fine-tune your geometry and suspension feel to suit your terrain and riding style. In the Low position, the bottom bracket drops slightly and the suspension becomes more progressive, delivering extra traction and plushness on rough descents. In the High position, the bottom bracket rises for improved pedal clearance and a firmer, more supportive ride on technical climbs.

Glovebox

The Glovebox offers a sleek, built-in storage solution inside the frame, keeping your tools and spares out of sight and secure. Each bike includes a Tool Wallet and Tube Purse for organized essentials, while the hatch’s refined design closes with a smooth, satisfying snap for a premium fit and finish.

READY FOR ANYTHING

AN ALL-TERRAIN THRILLER

For local laps or international riding vacations, Hightower goes. The combination of travel, poised geometry, 29-inch wheels, and a can-do attitude make Hightower an easy choice when you're not sure exactly what's down the trail. Light enough to pedal, and long-legged enough to send, you'll come home with plenty of stories no matter how far you went.

MILLIMETERS MATTER

FOR MODERN MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Hightower has the brawn to back up the brains. 150mm-travel VPP™ provides a plush, open feel with a lot of traction. This suspension travel sweetspot provides a broad riding envelope, meaning you'll be pushing yourself and not the bike.