Santa Cruz Bicycles Hightower Frame

The Hightower is a quintessential trail bike. It is designed to be a 'do-it-all' platform that balances climbing efficiency with the stability needed for aggressive, technical descents.

The flip-chip allows you to adjust the frame's geometry between 'High' and 'Low' settings. The Low setting slackens the head tube angle and lowers the bottom bracket for better stability on steep, fast terrain, while the High setting provides a slightly steeper, more agile feel for tighter trails.

Yes, the frame accommodates tires up to 63.5 mm (roughly 2.5 inches) wide. This provides plenty of clearance for modern, aggressive trail tires.

The Hightower uses a threaded bottom bracket. This is a preferred standard for many riders because it is generally easier to service and less prone to creaking than press-fit alternatives.

The downtube storage is designed for trail essentials like a tube, multi-tool, or a light jacket. It is a convenient way to keep weight off your back, though the exact capacity depends on the size of your specific tools.

Yes, it features a UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible hanger. This is a great future-proofing feature that makes finding replacement hangers easier and ensures compatibility with modern drivetrain systems like SRAM's Transmission.