The Santa Cruz Hightower is a long-travel trail bike that has been gaining popularity among enduro racers in recent years. With its 150mm of rear travel and aggressive geometry, the Hightower is well-suited for tackling the challenging stages of an enduro race.
But is the Santa Cruz Hightower for enduro racing the right bike for you? In this article, we'll take a look at the Hightower's strengths and weaknesses in the context of enduro racing, and help you decide if it's the right bike for you.
What is the Santa Cruz Hightower?
The Santa Cruz Hightower is a full-suspension mountain bike with 150mm of rear travel and 160mm of front travel. It is designed to be a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain, from single-track trails to enduro race courses.
The Hightower has a relatively aggressive geometry, with a slack head angle and a long reach. This makes it stable and predictable at high speeds, and it gives the rider plenty of room to move around on the bike.
The Hightower is also equipped with a number of features that make it well-suited for enduro racing, such as a flip chip that allows the rider to adjust the geometry of the bike, and a glovebox in the downtube where riders can store tools and spare parts.
Is the Santa Cruz Hightower Suitable for Enduro Racing?
The Santa Cruz Hightower is a good choice for enduro racing for a number of reasons. First, it has the right amount of travel to handle the rough terrain of an enduro race course. Second, it has an aggressive geometry that makes it stable and predictable at high speeds. Third, it is equipped with a number of features that make it well-suited for enduro racing, such as a flip chip and a glovebox.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering using a Santa Cruz Hightower for enduro racing. First, the Hightower is a relatively heavy bike. This can be a disadvantage on long climbs, especially if you're racing against riders on lighter bikes. Second, the Hightower's aggressive geometry can make it less nimble on technical terrain.
Overall, the Santa Cruz Hightower is a good choice for enduro racing, especially if you're looking for a bike that is stable and predictable at high speeds. However, it's important to keep in mind that the Hightower is a relatively heavy bike, and its aggressive geometry can make it less nimble on technical terrain.
How To Choose Santa Cruz Hightower Bike for Enduro Racing
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding if the Santa Cruz Hightower is the right bike for you:
- Your riding style: If you're an aggressive rider who likes to push the limits of your bike, the Hightower is a good choice. However, if you're a more technical rider who prefers a more nimble bike, you may want to consider a different model.
- The terrain you'll be riding: If you'll be riding on mostly smooth trails, the Hightower may be overkill. However, if you'll be riding on rough terrain with lots of rocks and roots, the Hightower is a good choice.
- Your budget: The Santa Cruz Hightower is a high-end bike, so it's important to make sure that it fits your budget.
The Santa Cruz Hightower for enduro racing is a good choice, but it's important to keep in mind its strengths and weaknesses before making a purchase. If you're an aggressive rider who likes to push the limits of your bike, and you'll be riding on rough terrain, the Hightower is a good choice. However, if you're a more technical rider who prefers a more nimble bike, or if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider a different model.