Santa Cruz Highball
Top Pick
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Highball

4.6

Best high performance cross country machine for serious riders.

A refined, high-performance hardtail built for those who prioritize raw efficiency and speed over plush suspension. It strips away the complexity of full-suspension designs to offer a direct, responsive connection to the trail, making it an ideal choice for competitive racing and long-distance endurance efforts.

Wheel Size Inches
Intended Use Cross-Country
Cross-Country
Trail

Who it's for

  • Serious cross-country racers and performance-driven riders seeking speed.
  • Riders who value cutting-edge technology and flawless, effortless gear changes.
  • Enthusiasts prioritizing robust, lightweight, and high-performance wheel technology.

Who should skip it

  • Budget-conscious riders or those new to high-performance mountain biking.
  • Riders who frequently tackle extremely rugged trails or prefer maximum comfort.
  • Beginners or riders accustomed to the forgiving nature of full-suspension bikes.

Performance breakdown

Climbing Efficiency

The stiff carbon frame translates every watt of power directly forward.

Excellent

Drivetrain Precision

Wireless shifting delivers crisp, flawless gear changes under race-day pressure.

Excellent

Handling Agility

Sharp geometry makes navigating tight, technical switchbacks feel intuitive and fast.

Excellent

Frame Compliance

Carbon CC construction balances stiffness with enough vibration damping for long rides.

Good

Descent Stability

Modern geometry inspires confidence, though hardtail limitations appear on rougher terrain.

Good

Race Readiness

Out-of-the-box build requires zero upgrades to compete at the highest level.

Excellent

Key Specs

Frame Material

Carbon CC

Wheel Size

29 inches

Suspension Type

Front

Front Suspension Travel

100 mm

Rear Suspension Travel

0 mm

Drivetrain

SRAM X01 Eagle AXS

Brake Type

Hydraulic disc

Intended Use

Cross-country racing

Dropper Post Included

Yes

Tubeless Ready Wheels

Yes

Know before you buy

Still have a question?

Ask Metto anything about the Santa Cruz Highball before you decide.