Santa Cruz HIGHTOWER 4 C - GX AXS - Carbon Mountain Bike - 2026 - matte black

Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C - The All-Mountain All-Star

Large wheels, no excuses - this is the pinnacle of versatility. A balanced combination of travel, wheel size, and handling makes it a true mtb for modern mountain biking. Whether in the thin air of the Alps or on your local trail, whether on built flow trails, challenging descents, or natural mountain paths - the Santa Cruz Hightower is the all-mountain all-star. 

The Hightower’s look has changed radically. But it wasn’t about satisfying a designer’s ego or standing out; it was simply about shifting the position of the lower link and the rear shock lower and forward to reduce anti-squat for a radically better ride feel.

Highlights of the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C - GX AXS

• carbon frame
• FOX 36 Float Performance Elite suspension fork
• FOX Float X Performance Elite rear shock
• SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type 12-speed drivetrain
• SRAM Maven Bronze Disc Brakes
• OneUp dropper post
• DT Swiss 370 Hubs

Details of the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C - GX AXS

Sturdy Carbon Frame

Santa Cruz frames aren’t disposable products. With regular maintenance, they’ll easily last a biker’s entire life. At Santa Cruz, carbon isn’t primarily about lightweight design—it’s about durability, which is reinforced by the warranty promise and the crash replacement policy.

VPP Travel

150mm rear travel, optimized by the fourth generation of VPP™, and a 160mm fork give the Hightower the character it needs to respond to the latest developments in kinematics. Thanks to its wide range of use, you can push yourself long before the bicycle reaches its limits.

Anti-Squat

Anti-squat causes the suspension to stiffen while pedaling. At the same time, it pulls the chain backward with every compression. Too little anti-squat, and the suspension bobs while pedaling. Too much anti-squat, and the suspension is less effective at absorbing bumps under load. Santa Cruz has worked hard to improve the anti-squat effect on their bicycles and has reduced the value for it. The result is more traction and more riding fun.

The Geometry Is Just Right

The chainstay lengths on the Hightower increase with frame size. This ensures that all models have the same balanced geometry.