Bike Review:
Santa Cruz Hightower 4
Peak Trail Bike?
After spending the past several months aboard the latest Santa Cruz Hightower 4—across Colorado, Utah, Squamish, and the Pacific Northwest—I’ve had the chance to really get to know this bike. Following my initial impressions, I took your feedback seriously, made a few setup changes, and put this bike through everything from steep slabs to loose tech and flowy singletrack. Is the Hightower 4 the pinnacle of modern trail bikes? Let’s break it down.
Geometry:
The Hightower 4 retains the core elements that made the previous version a favorite—modern geometry with balanced reach, stack, and seat angles that work across a wide range of terrain. This version has a slightly taller head tube, which adds stability, and while not ultra-slack, the geo hits a sweet spot for all-mountain versatility. I ran the bike mostly in the low setting, which paired well with its 29” wheels for a confident, grounded feel.
This bike rides high in its travel, which helps with efficiency but doesn’t dull the descending fun. With a 150mm rear travel paired to a 160mm fork, it’s positioned squarely between trail and enduro—a true all-mountain rig.
Climbing:
Despite being a bit heavier than the outgoing model, the Hightower 4 remains a very capable climber. Compared to bikes like the Orbea Occam and Transition Sentinel, it holds its own and then some. The climbing position is comfortable and efficient—upright, but not cramped—with great traction and excellent balance for tight switchbacks.
Compared to the Stumpjumper 15 or the Ripmo, the Hightower climbs with less unwanted movement and feels more composed, especially on technical ascents. While not as featherweight as some carbon trail bikes, it doesn’t feel sluggish. Even on long fire road grinds or punchy PNW tech, it climbs with purpose and poise.
Descending:
This is where the Hightower 4 really shines.
It rides higher in its travel, improving rollover and making it feel more nimble than the travel numbers suggest. On steeps, it’s incredibly composed—one of the best 29ers I’ve ridden in this terrain, just behind bikes like the Evil Wreckoning. Compared to the new Bronson 5, the Hightower is lighter on its feet, more playful in the air, and more confident in loose corners.
Cornering is sharp and predictable. It holds a line with ease and transitions between directions quickly. In chunk, it absorbs hits better than the old version without feeling dull or glued to the ground. Jumping is solid too—stable, easy to preload, and just enough pop to keep it fun, even if not the liveliest.
Who’s this bike for?:
The Hightower is perfect for riders who want a confident, do-it-all 29er trail bike. If you’re looking for a one-bike quiver for everything from techy climbs to chunky descents, this is it. Taller riders will appreciate the XXL sizing and tall stack height, and if you’ve felt your Megatower or big enduro sled is too much bike, the Hightower 4 might be the better fit.
It doesn’t chase the super slack, park-oriented vibe of some new enduro bikes, but instead balances climbing, descending, and agility beautifully.
Final Thoughts:
After months of riding across the West, I can confidently say the Hightower 4 is one of the best-balanced trail bikes on the market today. It holds up well—Santa Cruz’s build quality and paint durability are top notch, and their bearing warranty is a standout. I did make minor changes (rear tire, grips, and a bigger rotor up front), but the frame and suspension platform needed nothing major.
Compared to its competition—Bronson 5, Transition Sentinel, and Specialized Stumpjumper 15—the Hightower lands in a sweet spot. It doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels purpose-built for riders who want to climb without excuses and descend with confidence.
If you’re after a trail bike that can hang in any terrain and doesn’t shy away from chunky lines or long pedals, the Hightower 4 deserves a serious look. It may just be the closest thing yet to the elusive “peak trail bike.”