Is the Hightower better than the Bronson?

Different tools for different jobs. The Hightower rolls better on mixed terrain and climbs more efficiently thanks to the 29 inch wheels. The Bronson is more playful and handles steeper, rougher descents with more confidence. For long, varied UK trail rides, the Hightower is arguably the better all rounder.

Is 145mm enough travel for UK riding?

For the vast majority of UK trails, 145mm on 29 inch wheels is plenty. The big wheels effectively add compliance that smaller wheels lack. You would need to be riding very steep, rough terrain regularly to need more travel. For trail centres and natural trails, the Hightower handles everything well.

Santa Cruz Hightower on Cyclesite

The Santa Cruz Hightower has a fair market value of £2,585 to £3,497, based on current UK market prices for this model.

The Hightower is Santa Cruz's long travel 29er trail bike. With 145mm of rear travel and a 29 inch front wheel, it sits between the Tallboy (shorter travel) and the Bronson (more aggressive) in the Santa Cruz range. The Hightower is aimed at riders who want the rolling efficiency and stability of 29 inch wheels with enough travel for aggressive trail riding. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the Hightower uses VPP suspension and is built to a very high standard. The frame quality is excellent and the bike is designed to last. With 2 used listings tracked at an average price around £4,800, the Hightower is rare on the used market. Owners tend to keep them, which says a lot about how the bike rides. The Hightower has found a strong following among UK riders who want a modern 29er that handles everything from cross country loops to rough trail centre descents.

Best for: Trail riders who want the best of both worlds: big wheel efficiency and long travel capability. Riders who do long, varied loops mixing climbing with technical descents. Mountain bikers who prefer 29 inch wheels but want more travel than a typical 29er XC bike. UK riders who ride varied terrain and want one bike that does it all.

Buying tips

Check the VPP bearings and pivots. 29er trail bikes put significant force through the linkage
The alloy version is much cheaper than carbon and Santa Cruz alloy frames are built to last
Ask about shock tune and fork settings. The Hightower can be set up differently depending on riding style
Make sure the 29 inch wheels suit your height. Riders under 170cm may find the big wheels awkward
Look for a model with a coil shock if you ride rough terrain. Coil feels plusher on repeated impacts

Santa Cruz Hightower

demand · 0 active listings

Featured in our Best Mountain Bikes 2026 guide

Good points

Outstanding rolling efficiency from 29 inch wheels
145mm travel handles rough UK terrain with confidence
VPP suspension pedals efficiently for a long travel bike
Exceptional Santa Cruz frame quality and lifetime warranty
Versatile enough for all day trail rides and technical descents

Things to consider

Premium Santa Cruz pricing
29er handling can feel less playful than 27.5 bikes on tight trails
Limited used market availability. Owners tend to keep them
Large frame sizes can feel unwieldy for shorter riders

Santa Cruz Hightower buying guide

Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the Hightower uses VPP suspension and is built to a very high standard. The frame quality is excellent and the bike is designed to last. With 2 used listings tracked at an average price around £4,800, the Hightower is rare on the used market. Owners tend to keep them, which says a lot about how the bike rides.

The Hightower has found a strong following among UK riders who want a modern 29er that handles everything from cross country loops to rough trail centre descents.

What it's like to ride

The Hightower rolls beautifully. The 29 inch wheels carry momentum over rough ground and the 145mm travel keeps things composed on technical terrain. It climbs well for a long travel bike, partly because of the big wheels and partly because VPP delivers an efficient pedalling feel.

Descending is where the Hightower shines compared to shorter travel 29ers. The 145mm travel soaks up roots and rocks that would unsettle a 120mm bike, and the stability at speed is confidence inspiring. The handling is predictable and planted. On UK trails, the Hightower covers everything from smooth singletrack to technical descents with ease.

Who it's for

Trail riders who want the best of both worlds: big wheel efficiency and long travel capability. Riders who do long, varied loops mixing climbing with technical descents. Mountain bikers who prefer 29 inch wheels but want more travel than a typical 29er XC bike. UK riders who ride varied terrain and want one bike that does it all.

Santa Cruz Hightower year guide

The V2 Hightower (2020 onwards) is significantly better than the V1 with improved geometry and suspension. The V3 (2023) brought further refinements. For the best value, a V2 in alloy or carbon is an excellent bike. V1 models are getting dated and the geometry does not match current standards.

Santa Cruz Hightower, key things to know

Buying tips

Check the VPP bearings and pivots. 29er trail bikes put significant force through the linkage
The alloy version is much cheaper than carbon and Santa Cruz alloy frames are built to last
Ask about shock tune and fork settings. The Hightower can be set up differently depending on riding style
Make sure the 29 inch wheels suit your height. Riders under 170cm may find the big wheels awkward
Look for a model with a coil shock if you ride rough terrain. Coil feels plusher on repeated impacts

Cyclesite Fair Value Range

Market value range

£3,041(£2,585 - £3,497)

Based on current UK market prices for this model

Avg. sell time

0days

demand

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Value by Condition

Estimated market value based on current UK market prices for this model.

Excellent

Like new, minimal signs of use

£3,041

£2,585 to £3,497

Good

Normal wear, fully functional

£2,585

£2,197 to £2,972

Fair

Visible wear, may need minor work

£1,977

£1,680 to £2,273

Poor

Significant wear, needs repairs

£1,216

£1,034 to £1,399

Based on real UK market prices, updated continuously as the market moves.

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Santa Cruz Hightower Resale Value & Market Data

The Santa Cruz Hightower has a current fair market value of £2,585-£3,497 based on current UK market prices for this model. At the mid-point of £3,041, this places the Hightower in the medium-demand segment of the used market.

Santa Cruz Hightower Value by Condition

Condition has a significant impact on resale value. An excellent-condition Hightower commands around £3,041, while good condition drops to £2,585 and fair condition to £1,977. These figures update as Cyclesite tracks new sales across the UK.

How Fast Does It Sell?

On average, a Santa Cruz Hightower sells within 0 days on Cyclesite. Sellers pricing below mid-point tend to sell significantly faster.

Sell Your Hightower

Selling privately on Cyclesite typically nets POA more than a shop trade-in (% difference). With 0 active listings and medium demand, now is a reasonable time to list.