2024 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X0 AXS

The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 X0 AXS is a trail bike that embodies the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design, making it the ultimate choice for adrenaline-seeking mountain bikers. From its lightweight CC carbon frame to the precision of the SRAM X0 AXS T-Type drivetrain, every component of this bike has been carefully selected to ensure an exhilarating and confidence-inspiring ride. Built to tackle the most challenging trails with ease, the Hightower 3 X0 AXS is a testament to Santa Cruz's commitment to delivering top-notch performance and unmatched reliability.

At the core of the Santa Cruz Hightower 3 X0 AXS lies its CC carbon frame, renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio. The carbon construction strikes the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility, providing riders with a responsive and nimble feel on the trails. This frame delivers exceptional power transfer, enabling riders to efficiently conquer steep climbs and technical descents alike. Its lightweight nature also contributes to a more agile and maneuverable ride, allowing for precise handling even in tight and twisty sections.

The SRAM X0 AXS T-Type drivetrain is a true marvel of modern mountain biking. This wireless electronic groupset offers seamless and precise shifting, ensuring riders can effortlessly transition through gears regardless of the terrain. The wide gear range enables riders to conquer steep ascents with ease, while the wireless design reduces clutter and maintenance, allowing for a clean and streamlined appearance.

The Hightower 3 X0 AXS is equipped with SRAM Code Silver Stealth hydraulic disc brakes, providing unmatched stopping power and control. These brakes instill confidence in riders, offering consistent and reliable performance even in the most demanding conditions. Whether tackling steep descents or technical trails, the Code Silver Stealth brakes inspire a sense of security, allowing riders to push their limits and explore new horizons.

The front suspension of the Hightower 3 X0 AXS features two exceptional options: the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate or the Fox 36 Float Factory, both boasting 150mm of travel. These high-end forks deliver plush and predictable suspension performance, absorbing impacts and providing excellent traction on rough trails. The ability to choose between these two renowned forks allows riders to tailor their bike to their specific preferences and riding style.

For the rear suspension, the Hightower 3 X0 AXS features the Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, providing 145mm of travel. Coupled with Santa Cruz's patented VPP Suspension Platform, this rear shock delivers a balanced combination of pedaling efficiency and small bump sensitivity. This ensures that riders maintain optimal control and traction while navigating through challenging terrain, maximizing the bike's potential on both climbs and descents.

The Hightower 3 X0 AXS boasts internal cable routing, a feature that not only enhances the bike's aesthetics but also protects the cables from external elements. This internal routing system keeps the cables away from mud, water, and debris, reducing maintenance requirements and prolonging the lifespan of critical components.

A noteworthy addition to the Hightower 3 X0 AXS is the SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger). This robust derailleur hanger provides an extra layer of protection to the rear derailleur, safeguarding it from potential damage during aggressive rides or unexpected impacts. This small yet essential feature can make a significant difference, especially on rough and technical trails.

The Santa Cruz Hightower 3 X0 AXS also allows riders to choose between three high-quality dropper post options: the OneUp V2, the RockShox Reverb, or the Fox Transfer, all featuring a 31.6mm diameter. A dropper post is a vital component for trail riding, enabling riders to quickly and efficiently adjust saddle height on-the-fly. Whether tackling steep descents or tackling technical sections, having a reliable dropper post ensures optimal control and maneuverability.

The Hightower 3 X0 AXS rolls on RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29” wheels, which offer an ideal blend of strength, durability, and lightweight performance. These wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding, providing riders with confidence-inspiring reliability on any terrain.

The Industry Nine 1/1 hubs on the Hightower 3 X0 AXS are renowned for their smooth and efficient rolling performance. These hubs contribute to the bike's overall efficiency, enhancing power transfer and acceleration on the trails.

The Santa Cruz 35 Carbon 800mm handlebar on the Hightower 3 X0 AXS offers optimal stiffness and control, allowing riders to maintain precision during technical maneuvers and fast descents. The wider handlebar provides additional leverage, enhancing overall bike control and stability.

For enhanced comfort during long rides, the Hightower 3 X0 AXS is equipped with a WTB Silverado Medium TI saddle. This saddle offers a supportive platform for the rider's sit bones, ensuring minimal discomfort during extended rides.

The Maxxis Minion DHR II 29" x 2.4” tires with 3C MaxxGrip compound, EXO sidewalls, and Tubeless Ready (TR) design on the rear of the Hightower 3 X0 AXS provide exceptional traction and grip, especially during aggressive cornering and technical descents.

Similarly, the Maxxis Minion DHR II 29" x 2.4” tires with 3C MaxxTerra compound, EXO sidewalls, and Tubeless Ready (TR) design on the front further enhance control and stability, ensuring a confident and comfortable ride on a variety of terrain.

The SRAM DUB, 73mm MTB Wide threaded bottom bracket on the Hightower 3 X0 AXS provides a smooth and reliable interface between the crankset and the frame, ensuring efficient power transfer and pedal performance.

In conclusion, the Santa Cruz Hightower 3 X0 AXS kit brings together a host of high-performance features that make it an unrivaled trail shredding machine. With its CC carbon frame, SRAM X0 AXS T-Type drivetrain, SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate or Fox 36 Float Factory fork, Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock, VPP Suspension Platform, internal cable routing, SRAM UDH, versatile dropper post options, RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29” wheelset, Industry Nine 1/1 Hubs, Santa Cruz 35 Carbon handlebar, WTB Silverado Medium TI saddle, Maxxis Minion DHR II tires, and SRAM DUB bottom bracket, the Hightower 3 X0 AXS offers a level of performance and capability that will surpass the expectations of even the most discerning trail riders.