Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C GX AXS Complete Mountain Bike 2025
Model Info
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Product Info
When it comes to mountain biking, you can ignore the "less is more" philosophy. More is always more. The Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C GX AXS Complete Mountain Bike doesn't disappoint, featuring more travel, more attitude, and more capability than ever. Santa Cruz has slackened head tube angles to 64°, increased travel to 160mm front / 150mm rear, and carefully reconfigured the VPP suspension for a smoother, more efficient ride. It all adds up to a rootin' tootin' good time, delivering serious downhill confidence without compromising overall versatility. This build features the latest Fox Performance Elite suspension, hard stopping SRAM Maven Bronze brakes, and the incredible SRAM GX AXS Transmission drivetrain for crispy clean wireless shifting.
Product Details
Key Features
Carbon C Frame – A minimal weight gain of approximately 250 - 280 grams (0.6 lbs) for the C frame over the CC due to the different grade of carbon used. Whether you're riding a carbon CC or C frame, you get exactly the same legendary strength and stiffness because Santa Cruz uses exactly the same manufacturing facility and techniques.
Travel – 160mm Front / 150mm Rear
Wheel Size – 29"
Lower-Link Mounted VPP® Suspension – VPP is based on the patented principle of having two short links rotating in opposite directions. This system provides huge design flexibility, allowing Santa Cruz to manipulate shock rates to the intended purpose and character of each model; from short travel endurance bikes to World Championship winning DH machines. This redesign mounts the shock lower on the bike, making for an even better ride quality.
The Glovebox™ – Seal whatever you want to carry on your ride inside your downtube. Secure and easy to access, the Glovebox™ has a Tool Wallet and Tube Purse inside, to help organize your stuff too. Simply cavernous!
Proportional Chainstay Lengths – With rear ends that match the size range, this bike's geo and ride quality is the same for all riders.
Integrated Flip Chip for High / Low Geometry Setting
Specs
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Biking Type:
Mountain
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Biking Type
Mountain Mountain bikes are built for tackling rough terrain with frames made of durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, ensuring stability and maneuverability. They feature suspension to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and drops, providing a smoother ride.
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Used For:
Trail
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Used For
Trail Trail bikes are the quintessential “mountain bikes.” If you’re heading into the woods expecting to do it all on two wheels – climbing, technical sections, AND fun descents – you’re looking for a trail bike.
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Suspension:
Full Suspension
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Suspension
Full Suspension Engineered to tackle the most challenging terrain with enhanced comfort and control. Unlike hardtail bikes, full suspension bikes feature both front and rear suspension systems that allow the wheels to move independently from the frame.
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Frame Material:
Carbon
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Frame Material
Carbon Carbon is a composite frame material. Unlike metals, carbon is composed of fibrous strands woven into a grid and bonded with epoxy. Carbon is favored by many for its lightness and stiffness but its complexity in fabrication makes it the most expensive option.
- Gearing: 1 x 12
- Water Bottle Mounts: 1
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Fork:
Fox 36 Performance Elite GRIP X2
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Fork
Fox 36 Performance Elite GRIP X2 The Fox 36 is the undisputed all-mountain champion. Lighter, stronger, faster — the 36 continues to dominate the all-mountain category.
Performance Elite forks retain the same adjustments, features, dampers, weight, and 7000 series aluminum upper tubes as Factory Series, but have black anodized stanchions instead of Genuine Kashima Coat.
This fork features the GRIP X2 damper for maximum adjustability: high- and low-speed compression adjustment plus high- and low-speed rebound adjustment. - Stanchion Diameter (mm): 36
- Fork Travel (mm): 160
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Rear Shock:
Fox Float X Performance Elite
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Rear Shock
Fox Float X Performance Elite From aggressive trail to enduro, the advanced damping, fade free performance and class-leading durability of Float X makes it the versatile and lightweight choice for All-Mountain riders earning their descents.
Performance Elite shocks have all the same internals as Fox Factory models, just without the Kashima coating. Simply put, this is a highly tuneable and smooth shock made for aggressive trail riding.
Shock Adjustments - Air Spring Pressure / Open/Firm Compression Lever / Low Speed Rebound / Low Speed Compression - Rear Travel (mm): 150
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Shifters:
SRAM GX Eagle AXS
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Shifters
SRAM GX Eagle AXS Shift under load, over the roughest terrain, uphill, without changing your grip on the bar. GX Eagle AXS™ changes your level of control on the bike when you’re under pressure and pushing hard. More than that, it changes your relationship with the bike. No cable, housing or wires to manage opened up design and engineering possibilities with the GX Eagle AXS™ controller. -
Rear Derailleur:
SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12-Speed
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Rear Derailleur
SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12-Speed The GX Eagle T-Type derailleur delivers everything a Transmission derailleur possibly can, and then some. It features a revised battery position and a reconfigured gearbox to better protect itself from impacts. To maintain crisp shifting and striking appearance throughout its entire lifespan, hard-chargers can replace both its protective skid plates and two-piece outer link, if needed, making this the most repairable derailleur we’ve ever made. It also features the first ever tool-free cage and clutch assembly – so it’s both removable and upgradable too. -
Crankset:
SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type, 32t
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Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type, 32t The GX Eagle Transmission DUB crankset gives no-nonsense riders a no-compromise balance of form and function. It’s the crankset where pure performance meets optimal value. Its two independently removable composite bashguards add durability and allows riders to manage scuffs and scrapes that come with the territory. Protecting and preserving the unique shape of its forged aluminum design to deliver maximum performance with minimum bulk.
FEATURES- No-nonsense, no-compromise. Two independently removeable composite bashguards. Chainring size specific.
- Forged aluminum with an all-new shape and optimal value.
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Cassette:
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type XG-1275, 10-52t
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Cassette
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type XG-1275, 10-52t The new 10-52 Eagle cassette for riders who prioritize all day function over anything else. With an expanded, 520-percent gear range giving riders more ability to spin and recover on the burliest climbs. Featuring FULL PIN technology that uses lightweight, precision engineered steel cogs permanently connected with high-strength stainless steel pins. An open design similar to our X-DOME cassette that aids in mud clearance, giving riders crisp shifting performance and longer component life.
FEATURES- 520-percent gear range utilizing the industry standard XD hub driver.
- Light and strong FULL PIN technology similar to X-DOME bringing true 1x gear range to more riders and builds.
- Lunar and black colorway makes the XG-1275 cassette right at home on any build.
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Chain:
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type Flattop, 12-Speed
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Chain
SRAM GX Eagle T-Type Flattop, 12-Speed The GX Eagle Transmission (T-Type) chain is the strongest SRAM has ever made. Specifically engineered to optimize Eagle Transmission, this all-new T-Type design features a unique flat top. In addition to this shape maximizing shifting performance and upgrading the aesthetics of any bike, it is developed specifically for the added torque loads of E-MTB thanks to its solid pins that give it incredible strength. - Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded
- Pedals: Not Included
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Brake Levers:
SRAM Maven Bronze
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Brake Levers
SRAM Maven Bronze SRAM Maven Bronze features monstrous 18 and 19.5mm pistons driving 50% more power than Code. But best-in-class power means nothing unless you’re able to harness it. The Maven Bronze lever body houses Swinglink, which translates rider input for progressive power throughout the lever pull, maintaining SRAM’s signature ride feel. And because of a stiff 4-bolt caliper that sheds an incredible amount of heat, that feel remains consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. Maven Bronze features a Dark Polar Anodized finish, and tool-free Reach Adjust. - Brake Calipers: SRAM Maven Bronze
- Rotors: SRAM HS2 | 180mm
- Headset: Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset
- Stem: OneUp Stem or Burgtec Enduro Stem, 42mm
- Saddle: SDG Bel-Air V3
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Seatpost:
OneUp Dropper
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Seatpost
OneUp Dropper Known for its no-nonsense smooth cable actuation, short overall length, and easy serviceability, the OneUp Dropper is a solid choice for dependable and customizable performance. - Hubs: DT Swis 370
- Rims: Reserve 30|SL AL 6069 -or- Raceface AR30
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Front Tire:
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5" | 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, WT
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Front Tire
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5" | 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, WT With a tread design that deftly balances rolling speed with braking and cornering traction, it’s no wonder why the Minion DHF is one of the most imitated tires in mountain biking.- 3C MaxxGrip: The stickiest, slowest rebounding rubber Maxxis offers.
- EXO: A cut and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls.
- Wide Trail (WT): Optimizes the tire's tread layout and profile for today's modern, wider rims.
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Rear Tire:
Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4" | 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+
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Rear Tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4" | 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ With side knobs borrowed from the legendary Minion DHF, but widened to provide more support, the DHR II corners like no other. The center tread features ramped leading edges to improve acceleration and sipes to create a smooth transition when leaning the bike. Paddle-like knobs on the center tread dig in under hard braking and help keep the bike under control.- 3C MaxxTerra: A triple compound ideal for trail riding in all conditions - offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed, yet provides better treadwear and less rolling resistance than 3C MaxxGrip.
- EXO+: Durable 60 TPI casing, legendary EXO puncture protection in the sidewalls, and a small butyl insert around the bead to protect from pinch flats and help prevent rim damage.
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime (Frame)
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
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| Rider Height | 5'1" - 5'5" | 5''5" - 5'9" | 5'9" - 6'1" | 6'1" - 6'4" | 6'4" - 6'7" |
| Reach (mm) | 432 | 458 | 478 | 498 | 528 |
| Stack (mm) | 625 | 634 | 643 | 661 | 670 |
| Effective Top Tube (mm) | 573 | 596 | 615 | 638 | 664 |
| Seat Tube (mm) | 380 | 405 | 430 | 460 | 500 |
| Head Tube Angle (°) | 63.9 | 63.9 | 63.9 | 63.9 | 63.9 |
| Seat Tube Angle (°) | 77.3 | 77.6 | 77.9 | 78 | 78.1 |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 435 | 437 | 440 | 443 | 446 |
| Bottom Bracket Height (mm) | 341 | 341 | 341 | 341 | 341 |
| Bottom Bracket Drop (mm) | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Head Tube Length (mm) | 110 | 120 | 130 | 150 | 160 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1206 | 1238 | 1265 | 1297 | 1329 |
| Standover Height (mm) | 714 | 719 | 722 | 7223 | 727 |
| Complete Weight (lbs) | 32.48 | ||||
| Complete Weight (kg) | 14.73 | ||||
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |