Tue Sep 17 07:01:00 UTC 2024: ## Santa Cruz Hightower Gen 4: A More Capable All-Mountain Beast

Santa Cruz Bicycles has released the highly anticipated 4th generation of their popular Hightower all-mountain bike, pushing its capabilities even further towards the enduro realm. The new model boasts a significant travel increase, now sporting 150mm rear and 160mm front travel, matching the Bronson in terms of travel while maintaining the 29″ wheel size.

This increased travel translates to a more capable ride on steep and technical terrain, thanks to a refined VPP suspension design that reduces pedal kickback and provides enhanced sensitivity while descending. The redesigned VPP also allows for the use of coil shocks, offering more flexibility for riders.

To further enhance its downhill prowess, the Hightower Gen 4 receives a slacker 64° headtube angle, a steeper seat tube, and a longer reach to shift weight forward for improved control on both climbs and descents. The chainstays have also been slightly lengthened, maintaining a balanced ride feel for riders of all sizes.

The new Hightower is available in two color options – Old Growth green and Matte Deep Purple – and comes in 6 complete bike build options, ranging from the affordable C carbon frame to the top-tier CC carbon frame.

While the Bronson and the Hightower now share the same travel, the wheel size difference continues to set them apart. The Hightower remains the ideal choice for 29er enthusiasts seeking a fast-rolling, capable all-mountain bike that can tackle the most demanding terrain.

“This is the one bike to rule them all for wagon wheel fanatics,” says Cory Benson, EU Tech Editor of Bikerumor.com. “Think of it as a shorter-travel, more realistic Megatower… the solution for mountain bikers looking for the ‘mythical do-it-all bike’.”

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