Santa Cruz Hightower 4 R: Performance and Durability for Every Trail

The Santa Cruz Hightower 4 R is a trail bike that combines rugged durability, excellent suspension performance, and an optimized geometry for every type of ride. Whether you’re taking on technical descents, grinding up steep climbs, or flowing through fast, smooth singletrack, this bike is built to deliver a confident and exhilarating ride. The Hightower 4 R offers incredible versatility, with a range of high-quality components ensuring top-tier performance in all conditions.

Suspension: Confidence-Boosting Performance

FOX Float X Performance, 230x57.5 Shock

At the heart of the Hightower 4 R is the FOX Float X Performance shock, designed to deliver exceptional suspension performance. With a 230x57.5mm shock size, the Float X absorbs impacts with precision, smoothing out rough terrain and providing a comfortable ride, even on the most challenging descents. The adjustable compression and rebound settings allow you to fine-tune the suspension for your riding style, ensuring maximum control.

RockShox Lyrik Base, 160mm Fork

Up front, the RockShox Lyrik Base fork offers 160mm of travel, giving the bike the ability to tackle aggressive terrain with ease. This fork’s stiffness and strength make it ideal for high-speed stability and technical obstacles. With the trusted DebonAir spring system, the fork delivers a responsive feel that keeps the front end glued to the trail, no matter how rough the terrain becomes. Whether you're charging through rock gardens or handling loose, off-camber sections, the Lyrik fork ensures a smooth and controlled ride.

Drivetrain: Smooth Shifting and Durability

SRAM NX Eagle 12-Speed Drivetrain

The SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain powers the Hightower 4 R, delivering smooth and reliable shifting in any terrain. The NX Eagle derailleur provides fast, clean gear transitions, allowing you to shift with ease even under load. Whether you’re climbing steep trails or descending at speed, the NX Eagle drivetrain ensures you stay in the right gear with minimal effort.

SRAM NX Eagle Shifter and PG1230 Cassette

The SRAM NX Eagle shifter is designed for easy, precise shifts with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead. The SRAM PG1230 cassette features a wide 11-50t gear range, making it easier to climb steep inclines and sprint on fast sections. Paired with the SRAM NX Eagle chain, this drivetrain offers durability and consistent performance, ensuring your bike is ready for the toughest trail conditions.

SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded Bottom Bracket

The SRAM DUB bottom bracket enhances power transfer, providing solid, efficient pedaling on all types of terrain. With its easy installation and reliable performance, the DUB bottom bracket ensures smooth drivetrain engagement, giving you the power you need on climbs and the efficiency required for longer rides.

SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB Crankset, 32T

The SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB crankset features a 32-tooth chainring, providing the right balance of power and speed for aggressive trail riding. With DUB technology, the crankset improves power transfer and longevity, ensuring smooth and consistent pedaling on every trail.

Wheels and Tires: Grip and Durability

Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT and Minion DHR II Tires

The Hightower 4 R is equipped with Maxxis Minion DHF (29"x2.5"WT) and Minion DHR II (29"x2.4") tires, which offer superior grip and traction across a wide range of conditions. The DHF’s aggressive tread pattern is perfect for cornering and braking, while the DHR II provides excellent control on steep, loose descents. Both tires feature MaxxGrip and MaxxTerra compounds, ensuring outstanding performance and durability.

SRAM MTH 716 and 746 Hubs

The SRAM MTH 716 and 746 hubs feature a smooth, reliable engagement system for quick, precise power transfer. With a robust 15x110mm front axle and 12x148mm rear axle, these hubs ensure strength and stiffness for exceptional handling and responsiveness. Paired with the Reserve 30|TR AL or Raceface AR30 rims, these wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive riding while providing lightweight strength.

Braking: Powerful and Controlled Stops

SRAM DB8 Stealth Brakes

The SRAM DB8 Stealth brakes provide superior stopping power, thanks to their four-piston calipers and oversized rotors. Whether you’re coming into a technical section or slamming into a steep downhill, these brakes ensure you have total control. The increased modulation allows you to precisely control your braking, preventing any sudden stops and allowing for smooth, controlled descents.

Cockpit: Comfort and Control

Burgtec Alloy Handlebar

The Burgtec Alloy handlebar offers great strength and comfort for all-mountain riding. With a lightweight yet durable construction, it provides excellent handling and control, no matter the conditions.

OneUp or Burgtec Enduro Stem

The OneUp stem or Burgtec Enduro stem, both with a 42mm length, ensure precise handling and stability. This setup gives riders the confidence to tackle even the toughest sections of trail. The 42mm length strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and control, making it ideal for aggressive riding.

Saddle and Dropper Post: Comfort for Every Ride

Fizik Monte or SDG Bel-Air V3 Saddle

The Fizik Monte or SDG Bel-Air V3 saddle provides all-day comfort for long trail sessions. Both options feature a shape designed for optimal support, so riders can stay comfortable on rugged terrain. The steel rails add durability, ensuring these saddles withstand harsh conditions while maintaining their comfort.

SDG Tellis Dropper Post

The SDG Tellis dropper post allows you to adjust your saddle height on the fly, making it easier to tackle steep descents and tricky technical sections. Available in different lengths depending on frame size (125mm for Small, 150mm for Medium, 170mm for Large, and 200mm for XL and XXL), this dropper post is a game-changer for riders looking for greater control and versatility on the trail.

Geometry: Agile and Stable

The Hightower 4 R’s geometry is designed for agility and stability across a variety of terrain. The frame features a slack head tube angle for confident descending and a steeper seat tube angle for efficient climbing. The mixed-wheel setup (29” front, 29” rear) offers quick handling with enhanced stability at high speeds, making it a great choice for trail riders who want the best of both worlds.

Conclusion: Built to Conquer

The Santa Cruz Hightower 4 R is an all-mountain trail bike that excels on rugged terrain while offering the versatility to tackle any adventure. With its powerful suspension, reliable drivetrain, and durable components, the Hightower 4 R is engineered to take on tough trails with confidence. Whether you’re ascending steep climbs or descending technical terrain, this bike provides the performance, durability, and comfort you need to push your limits.

Rediscover the thrill of trail riding with the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 R, your perfect companion for any mountain adventure.