Santa Cruz Highball
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 100mm
The Santa Cruz Highball is designed for those seeking thrilling speed both uphill and downhill on mountainous terrain. Its geometry is optimized for efficient power transfer, allowing you to climb with ease and descend with confidence. Equipped with high-quality components, this bike offers exceptional performance and reliability. Whether you're tackling technical trails or competing in cross-country races, the Santa Cruz Highball delivers a combination of speed, style, and agility that will elevate your riding experience.
Highlights and information
Santa Cruz Highball: Built for Speed, Efficiency, and Endurance
Wheel Size: 29" | Front Travel: 100mm
The Santa Cruz Highball is a race-bred cross-country (XC) hardtail engineered for those who crave the raw efficiency and simplicity that only a hardtail can provide. Whether you’re chasing medals, personal records, or simply your riding crew, the Highball’s lightweight design and advanced engineering make it the perfect partner for dawn-to-dusk adventures. Combining modern geometry with finely tuned compliance, the Highball offers a ride that’s as fast as it is forgiving.
Why the Santa Cruz Highball Stands Out
The Highball is not just a hardtail—it’s a masterclass in refined performance. Featuring a 67° head tube angle and advanced carbon construction, it delivers stability and precision on modern racecourses. Its low-slung top tube and custom laminate seat stays are designed to isolate trail chatter and enhance rider comfort, while the 27.2mm seatpost adds compliance without sacrificing power transfer. With the next-generation SRAM Eagle Transmission on CC models, the Highball shifts seamlessly even under load, offering reliability and strength that’s tough to match.
Who Should Ride the Highball?
The Highball is perfect for riders who value efficiency, speed, and simplicity. Whether you're competing on the XC circuit, tackling marathon rides, or logging long hours on demanding trails, the Highball is a hardtail that thrives under pressure. If you appreciate lightweight performance, modern geometry, and a ride that feels as fast as it looks, the Highball is for you.
What Contender Bicycles Likes About the Highball
- Efficient and Lightweight: The carbon frame maximizes power transfer while maintaining a forgiving ride feel.
- Advanced Compliance: Dropped seat stays and a 27.2mm seatpost reduce trail chatter, ensuring comfort on long rides.
- Modern Geometry: The 67° head tube angle delivers stability and control for today’s demanding XC courses.
- Next-Gen Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle Transmission ensures flawless, wireless shifting even under load, paired with rugged durability.
Frame Material
Crafted from either C or CC Carbon, the Highball combines lightweight performance with exceptional strength. The low-slung top tube and advanced carbon layup ensure a balanced ride, while the 27.2mm seatpost enhances compliance for added comfort.
Suspension System
While a hardtail by design, the Highball’s dropped seat stays and vertical compliance tuning provide a forgiving ride feel. Its modern geometry, including a 67° head tube angle, offers stability and confidence on technical racecourses.
Geometry and FIt:
- Climbing Efficiency: The moderate seat tube angle and compact rear center offer a balanced pedaling position and good traction on climbs.
- Descending Confidence: A 67° head tube angle and a stable wheelbase ensure predictable handling and control on descents.
- Balanced Handling: Reach and stack provide a comfortable and versatile riding position, with smaller sizes prioritizing agility and larger sizes enhancing stability.
Highlighted Models and Key Components
2024 Santa Cruz Highball 3.1 CC X0 AXS Reserve
- Frame: Premium CC Carbon for unmatched strength-to-weight performance.
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type 12speed for precise, wireless shifting.
- Suspension: RockShox Sid SL Ultimate Fork with 100mm of travel
- Wheels: Race-ready carbon Reserve 28 rims for durability and speed.
2024 Santa Cruz Highball 3.1 C S
- Frame: Lightweight C Carbon frame with advanced compliance.
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd for reliable, wireless performance.
- Wheels: RaceFace AR Offset wheels for responsive handling.
2024 Santa Cruz Highball 3.1 CC Frame
- Weight: 2.57 lbs / 1.17 kg
- Material: Carbon CC
- Wheel Size: 29”
Additional Highlights
- Legendary Santa Cruz Engineering: Combining XC race pedigree with cutting-edge carbon construction.
- Efficient and Comfortable: Advanced compliance features for long rides without sacrificing speed.
- Robust Drivetrain Technology: SRAM Eagle Transmission offers unparalleled shifting performance and durability.
Not Exactly What You’re Looking For?
- Santa Cruz Blur: For those seeking a full-suspension XC race bike, the Blur offers uncompromising performance and efficiency on technical terrain.Looking for versatility?
- Santa Cruz Tallboy: Designed for riders who want the agility of an XC bike with the added capability of a trail bike, the Tallboy is a true all-rounder.
- Scott Scale: The SCOTT Scale is a top-tier hardtail mountain bike built for both XC racers and passionate riders seeking a lightweight, fast ride. With its sleek design and focus on speed, the Scale excels on both race courses and rugged trails.
The Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz Highball is a high-performance XC hardtail designed to conquer races, epic rides, and technical trails. Its lightweight carbon construction, modern geometry, and advanced compliance features make it a top choice for riders seeking efficiency, speed, and comfort on the trail. Whether you’re gunning for the podium or simply chasing your personal best, the Highball is built to deliver.
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL is an eMTB that combines the agility of a lightweight trail bike with the power of the Fazua Ride 60 motor. Designed for riders seeking the best of both worlds, the Heckler SL features 150mm of VPP suspension, mixed-wheel sizing, and progressive geometry for exceptional handling and performance. The 430 Wh battery offers three power modes, controlled via the Fazua app, providing just the right level of support without compromising on weight or ride feel. The compact Fazua motor ensures a natural, bike-like experience, allowing for easy climbing while maintaining smooth power delivery. Whether you're carving corners or tackling technical terrain, the Heckler SL’s design delivers stability and agility. Its efficient motor and battery allow you to go further and ride longer, enhancing the overall trail experience. Built for those who want to push the limits without sacrificing performance, the Heckler SL is perfect for any mountain adventure.
The Santa Cruz Bronson is a versatile all-mountain bike built to handle any terrain, blending aggressive performance with efficient pedaling for a well-rounded trail experience. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Bronson is ready to take on everything from steep descents to technical climbs. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, this bike delivers a perfect mix of smooth handling, responsive traction, and control on challenging trails. Its mixed-wheel setup—29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel—optimizes both stability and agility, allowing riders to tackle switchbacks and rocky sections with confidence and ease. The Bronson's Proportional Geometry tailors each frame size for balanced handling, ensuring a comfortable fit and enhanced control for riders of all heights. Equipped with a Glovebox integrated storage compartment, the Bronson also offers convenient space for stashing tools and essentials on long rides. From park laps to backcountry adventures, the Bronson is designed to empower riders with the freedom to push their limits and explore all types of terrain. For those who crave an adrenaline-filled ride, the Bronson is ready to bring out the wild side of mountain biking on any trail.
The Santa Cruz Hightower is an adaptable all-terrain trail bike built for riders looking to tackle everything from high-alpine adventures to everyday singletrack. With 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear travel, it balances agility with capability, making it a top choice for mountain biking enthusiasts who crave both efficiency and confidence. The bike’s 29-inch wheels ensure smooth rolling and superior traction, giving riders the stability they need on varied terrain, from loose gravel to rocky descents. At the core of the Hightower is Santa Cruz’s innovative Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension, which provides a plush, responsive feel that absorbs trail impacts while maintaining efficiency on climbs. Its proportional geometry is carefully calibrated for each frame size, offering an optimal fit that enhances control and comfort for riders of all sizes. Constructed with a durable Carbon C or Carbon CC frame, the Hightower can handle the rigors of aggressive riding and technical terrain. Additional features like the integrated Glovebox storage make it easy to carry essentials, adding convenience to any ride. Designed for consistent performance on demanding trails, the Hightower is an all-rounder that delivers a smooth, confident ride wherever the path leads.
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