2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X01 AXS

Overview of the 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X01

The 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X01 is a high-performance trail bike designed for riders seeking a perfect balance of climbing efficiency, descending prowess, and technical versatility. Featuring Santa Cruz’s premium CC carbon frame, a meticulously engineered suspension system, and SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, the Hightower 3 CC X01 is built to excel on everything from technical climbs to rowdy descents. With a lightweight, durable design and premium components, this bike is a dream machine for trail enthusiasts.

CC Carbon Frame: Lightweight and Durable

At the core of the Hightower 3 CC X01 is Santa Cruz’s premium CC carbon frame. The CC-level carbon uses higher-grade fibers to save weight while maintaining stiffness and durability. This ensures responsive handling, efficient power transfer, and the ability to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding.

The Hightower’s Lower-Link VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension design provides a supple, bottomless feel on descents while remaining efficient and firm under pedaling loads. The frame's geometry features a slack head angle and steep seat angle, optimizing balance for both climbing and descending. Additionally, details like internal cable routing, a BSA threaded bottom bracket, and a tailored frame protection system ensure a sleek, low-maintenance design.

Fox Factory 36 Fork

The front suspension is handled by the Fox Factory 36, a gold-standard fork for aggressive trail and enduro riding. With 150mm of travel, this fork is built to handle steep and technical descents while remaining responsive and efficient on climbs.

The GRIP2 damper allows for precise control with four-way adjustability, letting riders dial in high- and low-speed compression and rebound settings for a custom ride. The 36mm stanchions provide excellent stiffness and steering precision, ensuring confidence and control in challenging terrain.

RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Shock

The rear suspension features the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, delivering 145mm of travel to smooth out rough trails. Its 210x55mm dimensions are perfectly matched to the frame’s Lower-Link VPP suspension, providing a supple ride and progressive feel.

The Super Deluxe Ultimate features a low-speed compression adjustment and a climb switch, allowing riders to easily adapt the suspension to their needs. This shock offers the ultimate combination of small-bump sensitivity and big-hit capability, making it ideal for the Hightower’s all-mountain versatility.

SRAM X01 Eagle Drivetrain

The Hightower 3 CC X01 comes equipped with the SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, offering precise shifting, lightweight performance, and a massive gear range for varied terrain.

• SRAM X01 Eagle Derailleur: This derailleur delivers smooth and reliable shifts even under heavy loads. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance on rugged trails.
• SRAM X01 Eagle Shifter: The trigger shifter provides intuitive and quick gear changes, keeping riders in the perfect gear for any climb or descent.
• SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon Crankset (32T, 170mm): The carbon crankset offers excellent power transfer while minimizing weight, making it a premium choice for aggressive trail riding.
• SRAM X01 Eagle Chain: Known for its strength and smooth operation, this chain enhances durability and efficiency.

SRAM Code RSC Brakes and Avid Centerline Rotors

Braking performance is critical on challenging trails, and the Hightower 3 CC X01 delivers with SRAM Code RSC brakes and Avid Centerline rotors.

• SRAM Code RSC Brakes: These four-piston brakes provide incredible stopping power with exceptional modulation, making them ideal for technical descents and high-speed trails. Tool-free reach and bite point adjustment allow for a customizable braking feel.
• Avid Centerline Rotors: With 180mm rotors front and rear, these rotors offer consistent braking performance and heat dissipation, ensuring confidence on long descents.

Race Face ARC Offset 30 Rims with Industry Nine 1/1 Hubs

The Race Face ARC Offset 30 rims and Industry Nine 1/1 hubs combine to create a high-performance wheelset built for durability and precision.

• Race Face ARC Offset 30 Rims: With a 30mm internal width, these rims provide excellent support for wide tires, enhancing traction and stability on technical trails.
• Industry Nine 1/1 Hubs: Known for their smooth engagement and durable construction, these hubs deliver a reliable and efficient ride. The high points of engagement ensure quick acceleration and precise handling.

Maxxis Minion DHR II Tires

The Hightower 3 CC X01 comes equipped with Maxxis Minion DHR II tires, designed for exceptional grip and control in varied conditions.

• Front Tire (3C MaxxGrip, 29" x 2.4"): The MaxxGrip compound offers unmatched traction and cornering control, making it ideal for aggressive riding on loose and rocky terrain.
• Rear Tire (3C MaxxTerra, 29" x 2.4"): The MaxxTerra compound balances grip and rolling efficiency, ensuring reliable performance on climbs and descents. Both tires feature EXO casing for puncture resistance and are tubeless-ready for lower pressure setups.

RockShox Reverb Stealth Dropper Post

The RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post offers smooth and reliable saddle height adjustment, making it easy to switch between climbing and descending positions. With a 31.6mm diameter and adjustable travel options, it provides a customizable fit for riders of all sizes.

Cockpit: Control and Comfort

The cockpit of the Hightower 3 CC X01 is designed to enhance control, comfort, and performance.

• Santa Cruz Carbon Handlebar (800mm Width, 35mm Rise): The lightweight carbon handlebar reduces vibrations and fatigue while providing excellent control on technical terrain.
• Burgtec Enduro MK3 Stem (42mm): This robust and lightweight stem ensures a strong and secure connection, offering precise handling.
• Santa Cruz House Grips: Designed for comfort and durability, these grips provide a secure and ergonomic feel, reducing hand fatigue.
• WTB Silverado Medium Titanium Saddle: Lightweight and supportive, this saddle ensures comfort on long rides without compromising performance.

Cane Creek 40 Integrated Headset

The Cane Creek 40 Integrated headset provides smooth and reliable steering performance. Its precision bearings and low-maintenance design make it a dependable choice for aggressive trail riding.

Trail Performance

The 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X01 is a trail bike that shines in a variety of conditions. Its lightweight CC carbon frame and efficient Lower-Link VPP suspension make it a capable climber, while the Fox Factory 36 fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock ensure confidence and control on technical descents. With its balanced geometry and mixed terrain versatility, the Hightower 3 excels on everything from flowy singletrack to steep, rocky trails.

Conclusion

The 2023 Santa Cruz Hightower 3 CC X01 is a premium trail bike designed for riders who want to tackle any terrain with confidence and style. With its lightweight CC carbon frame, top-tier suspension, and SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, this bike delivers a seamless blend of climbing efficiency, descending capability, and all-around performance. Whether you’re exploring epic backcountry trails or ripping through technical descents, the Hightower 3 CC X01 is built to elevate your riding experience.