Winner – Santa Cruz Hightower
If you made it through the other bikes on this list, you probably noticed a theme–plus bikes are soooooo hot right now! Like most of the others here, the Hightower can run both 27.5+ and 29″ wheels. Basically, the Santa Cruz Hightower is the successor to the Tallboy LT, fully updated with modern geometry and all the latest “standards.” While it features adjustable geometry, Santa Cruz recommends running a longer travel fork when using plus wheels. It’s a big, burly bike that also pedals and climbs well. In fact, some of Santa Cruz’s riders are choosing it for less-demanding enduro courses where the Bronson or Nomad would be overkill. Thanks to the introduction of a less-expensive carbon frame earlier this summer, the Hightower is now slightly more attainable than when it was first released.
Key features/specs:
- Travel: 135mm rear / 140mm or 150mm front
- 67-degree head tube angle
- 17.1″ (434mm) chainstay length
- Full carbon frame, two levels available: C and CC
- Pricing: $3,600-$8,000
