Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

The latest iteration of the Santa Cruz Hightower has been revised from the ground, and now combines 160/150 mm of travel and a more downhill-oriented geometry. Despite the changes, it’s still designed to be a well-rounded all-mountain bike. We put the Hightower through the wringer to find out where it shines and which riders should take a closer look.

Santa Cruz’s mountain bike portfolio is massive, and some models differ only in small details. The Hightower and Bronson, for example, are nearly identical, except for their wheel size configuration. While the Bronson features a mullet setup, the Hightower rolls on 29” wheels. Both bikes generate 160/150 mm of travel and share an almost identical geometry.

Retailing at €9,999, the Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV we tested tips the scales at 14.6 kg in size L, which places it right in the middle of this test field – 300 g lighter than the Bronson. But how does this translate to real-world performance? In our review,we’ll tell you how the Hightower stacks up against the competition, what sets it apart from its sibling, and in which scenarios it might be the better choice.

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV in Detail

The Santa Cruz Hightower takes on the competition with a fresh new look. The descendant of the Hightower dynasty features a bigger, triangular opening above the bottom bracket, while the shock is positioned lower in the downtube, and seamlessly integrated into a recessed section. Despite all the updates, the Hightower is distinctly recognisable as a Santa Cruz.

Like its predecessor, the new Hightower features Santa Cruz’s proven Glovebox storage compartment, which is still one of the best on the market. It offers plenty of storage space, comes standard with two pouches, and relies on a reliable closure mechanism, thus delivering across the board. On top of that, Santa Cruz’s engineering made sure the edges of the opening are nice and smooth to prevent scratching and damage to your gear.

A big chainstay protector significantly reduces chain slap, though it doesn’t entirely prevent the chain from slapping against the frame with bigger hits. All cables are routed internally and neatly clamped at the ports, running through the frame inside integrated guide sleeves that effectively prevent rattling. A downtube protector shields the frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts, while a sturdy shuttle guard prevents chafing when you throw your bike at the back of a pickup truck.

The spec of the Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV

The Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV spec variant we tested comes equipped with top-tier components throughout. The suspension consists of a FOX 36 Factory fork with the new GRIP X2 damper, which builds on the previous GRIP2 version while still offering the same extensive adjustment options for high- and low-speed compression and rebound. The fork is paired with a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock, which controls 150 mm of travel at the rear.

The OneUp V3 dropper post offers 180 mm of travel, which is slightly less than the average 197 mm in this test. Given the short insertion depth of the OneUp dropper post, it makes sense to upgrade to a long-travel model. For those interested in a deep dive into dropper post performance, our latest dropper post comparison test offers more insights.

Für kraftvolle Verzögerung ist die SRAM MAVEN Silver-Bremse verantwortlich, die vorne und hinten mit einer 180-mm-Bremsscheibe ausgestattet ist. Im Vergleich zum Top-Modell verzichtet die Bremse lediglich auf Titan-Schrauben und Carbon-Hebel, liefert aber dennoch exzellente Bremskraft. Für die meisten Fahrer sind die 180-mm-Scheiben an Front und Heck dadurch ausreichend.

SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes with 180 mm rotors front and rear do stopping duties. Compared to the top-tier model, the Silver version foregoes the titanium bolts and carbon levers but still delivers powerful, reliable deceleration. For most riders, the 180 mm rotors provide sufficient braking performance.

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic 12-speed SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and ensures precise, reliable shifting even under load.

The Reserve 30IHD carbon wheelset has proven to be exceptionally robust and reliable in previous tests. The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF in the soft MaxxGrip compound at the front, and a Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in the lightweight and less durable EXO casing. We recommend upgrading to the sturdier EXO+ casing, which improves puncture resistance and allows you to run lower tire pressures for more traction.

Tuning Tip:
– Long-travel dropper post
– More durable tires

The geometry of the Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV

The Santa Cruz Hightower is available in five sizes, S to XXL, offering a suitable option for riders between 155 cm and 201 cm tall. Our test bike in size L has 478 mm reach in the low setting, and is therefore slightly longer than its predecessor. The flip chip allows you to raise the bottom bracket by 3 mm, steepen the seat and head angles by 0.3° (from 77.9° and 63.9°, respectively), and to increase the reach by 5 mm.

The Santa Cruz Hightower shines as an efficient touring all-rounder with a comfortable riding position and an active rear suspension.

At 430 mm, the seat tube is nice and short, but due to the limited adjustment range of the short dropper post, its full potential cannot be fully utilized. Chainstay length is 439 mm in size L and increases with the frame size, ensuring consistent handling across all sizes.

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat Tube	380 mm	405 mm	430 mm	460 mm	500 mm
Top Tube	572 mm	595 mm	614 mm	636 mm	662 mm
Head Tube	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm	150 mm	160 mm
Head Angle	64.2°	64.2°	64.2°	64.2°	64.2°/63.9°
Seat Angle	77.6°	77.9°	78.2°	78.3°	78.4°
Chainstay	434 mm	436 mm	439 mm	442 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	29 mm	29 mm	29 mm	29 mm	29 mm
Wheelbase	1206 mm	1237 mm	1264 mm	1296 mm	1328 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	480 mm	500 mm	525 mm
Stack	623 mm	632 mm	641 mm	659 mm	668 mm

The Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV on the trail

Riding uphill, the Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV places you in an upright, centered, and comfortable pedalling position. The suspension is pleasantly active while pedaling without bobbing excessively. Even on technical climbs with nasty root carpets, the responsive rear end generates excellent traction, preventing the bike from slipping on uneven ground. At the same time, it offers plenty of comfort, making it easy to embark on long singletrack tours. The harmonious balance between efficiency and comfort makes the Hightower a strong climber, and particularly appealing to riders who prioritize long tours in technical terrain.

Downhill, you sit more on top of the bike with the Hightower than with the Bronson, and at the same time it sits higher in its travel. The front end is rather high too, and inspires huge amounts of confidence in steep terrain, though the Hightower feels slightly more upright and less integrated. In open corners, the 29” wheels ensure a balanced ride, delivering agile, nimble handling on easier trails – and give it more of a trail bike feel compared to the Bronson, which feels more like a mini-enduro. In terms of agility, both bikes are on par, though with a noticeably different ride character.

Undeniably Santa Cruz – despite the newly designed frame.

However, when the terrain gets rough, the Hightower falls behind. In fast rock gardens and messy root-carpets, it requires more rider input than its sibling to hold the line. In terms of composure, it’s comparable to the Norco Optic and Orbea Rise. This is largely due to the firm suspension, which offers good support but doesn’t track the ground as smoothly as the Bronson. Impacts are transmitted more directly to the rider, requiring solid bike-handling skills to maintain control in rough terrain. Despite this firm setup, the suspension lacks pop, resulting in a less lively ride feel. In many aspects, the suspension struggles to match the competition, placing the Hightower at the same level as the Merida eONE-SIXTY SL.

When riding on relaxed singletracks and at moderate speeds, the Hightower is playful and fun. However, when trails become more demanding and the speed increases, it quickly reaches its comfort limits.

Who should take a closer look at the Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV?

The Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV is a solid trail bike that is aimed primarily at sporty touring riders. The geometry provides an efficient and comfortable riding position, along with an active rear suspension that delivers excellent traction and comfort on long singletracks. It performs best on moderate trails, where it pedals efficiently and feels smooth and controlled. However, riders looking for a more aggressive, fun-oriented bike will be better off with the Bronson.

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Conclusions about the Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV

The Santa Cruz Hightower is the quieter sibling next to the lively Bronson. While the Bronson shines with its aggressive character, the Hightower is more suited for long tours and smoother trails. In rough terrain and at high speeds, the suspension reveals some weaknesses, and also lacks composure. Uphill, however, it plays to its strengths – comfortable, efficient, and with a sensitive rear suspension – which makes it the perfect choice for long rides and relaxed singletrack adventures.

For more info head to santacruzbicycles.com.

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The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker