Santa Cruz Hightower 4 C Eagle 90 Complete Mountain Bike 2026

Product Details

Key Features

Carbon C Frame– A minimal weight gain of approximately 250 - 280 grams (0.6 lbs) for the C frame over the CC due to the different grade of carbon used. Whether you´re riding a carbon CC or C frame, you get exactly the same legendary strength and stiffness because Santa Cruz uses exactly the same manufacturing facility and techniques.

Travel– 160mm Front / 150mm Rear

Wheel Size– 29"

Lower-Link Mounted VPP® Suspension– VPP is based on the patented principle of having two short links rotating in opposite directions. This system provides huge design flexibility, allowing Santa Cruz to manipulate shock rates to the intended purpose and character of each model; from short travel endurance bikes to World Championship winning DH machines. This redesign mounts the shock lower on the bike, making for an even better ride quality.

The Glovebox™– Seal whatever you want to carry on your ride inside your downtube. Secure and easy to access, the Glovebox™ has a Tool Wallet and Tube Purse inside, to help organize your stuff too. Simply cavernous!

Proportional Chainstay Lengths– With rear ends that match the size range, this bike´s geo and ride quality is the same for all riders.

Integrated Flip Chip for High / Low Geometry Setting

Specs

• Biking Type: Mountain More

  Biking Type

  
  
  MountainMountain bikes are built for tackling rough terrain with frames made of durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, ensuring stability and maneuverability. They feature suspension to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and drops, providing a smoother ride.
  
  
  
• Used For: Trail More

  Used For

  
  
  TrailTrail bikes are the quintessential “mountain bikes.” If you’re heading into the woods expecting to do it all on two wheels – climbing, technical sections, AND fun descents – you’re looking for a trail bike.
  
  
  
• Suspension: Full Suspension More

  Suspension

  
  
  Full SuspensionEngineered to tackle the most challenging terrain with enhanced comfort and control. Unlike hardtail bikes, full suspension bikes feature both front and rear suspension systems that allow the wheels to move independently from the frame.
  
  
  
• Frame Material: Carbon More

  Frame Material

  
  
  CarbonCarbon is a composite frame material. Unlike metals, carbon is composed of fibrous strands woven into a grid and bonded with epoxy. Carbon is favored by many for its lightness and stiffness but its complexity in fabrication makes it the most expensive option.
  
  
  
• Gearing: 1 x 12
• Water Bottle Mounts: 1
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance More

  Fork

  
  Fox 36 PerformanceThe Fox 36 is the undisputed all-mountain champion. Lighter, stronger, faster — the 36 continues to dominate the all-mountain category.
  
  Performance Series forks retain the same black anodized 7000 series aluminum upper tubes as Performance Elite, except paired with a GRIP damper. Push-button bleeders are not included but can be purchased separately.
  
  
• Stanchion Diameter (mm): 36
• Fork Travel (mm): 160
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X Performance More

  Rear Shock

  
  Fox Float X PerformanceFrom aggressive trail to enduro, the advanced damping, fade free performance and class-leading durability of Float X makes it the versatile and lightweight choice for All-Mountain riders earning their descents.
  
  Shock Adjustments - Air Spring Pressure / 2-Position Open/Firm Lever / Rebound
  
  
• Rear Travel (mm): 150
• Shifters: SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type More

  Shifters

  
  SRAM Eagle 90 T-TypeThe feel, look and shift quality of the Eagle 90 Shifter
  allow you to ride in a whole new way. Optimized
  cable pull with a revised lever position for maximum
  control. With a new T-Type cable actuation ratio,
  Eagle 90 offers a higher quality of shift than any
  previous mechanical system.
  
  
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type, 12-Speed More

  Rear Derailleur

  
  SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type, 12-SpeedThe Eagle 90 Transmission derailleur is the definitive
  answer to how good a cable actuated derailleur can
  be. It features an all-new T-Type cable actuation
  ratio to provide the most precise and crisp shifts
  every time. Utilizing the same Full Mount design
  as its electronic siblings, Eagle 90 is the strongest
  mechanical derailleur we have ever produced. Not
  only is it robust, but the derailleur body features
  replaceable outer and inner parallelogram links,
  skid plate, and a tool-free threaded cage assembly,
  making it the most rebuildable derailleur in the Eagle
  Transmission Ecosystem.
  
  
• Crankset: SRAM Eagle 90 DUB T-Type, 32t More

  Crankset

  
  SRAM Eagle 90 DUB T-Type, 32tThe new Eagle 90 crankset is a sleek, sturdy answer
  to a growing demand for robust and aesthetically
  pleasing components. And with availability down to
  shorter 155mm and 160mm lengths, it gives riders
  more freedom to build their bike, their way. Featuring
  8-bolt chainring compatibility, the Eagle 90 crankset
  includes a silver stamped steel T-Type chainring
  with optional bashguards for durability and protection
  on the trail.
  
  
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle T-Type XS-1275, 10-52t More

  Cassette

  
  SRAM Eagle T-Type XS-1275, 10-52tThe GX Eagle Transmission (T-Type) Cassette is a key reason why Eagle Transmission offers the best-ever inboard and outboard shifting performance under load. Thanks to its full X-SYNC design, the harder you pedal, the better it shifts. Designed for a 55mm chainline for less extreme chain angles throughout the full range and delivers more precision. It’s 520% range has been optimized with larger 38 and 44-teeth cogs prior to the 52-tooth cog for improved gear steps in the low end (compared to the Eagle drivetrain 10-52-tooth cassette). Featuring a clearly marked Setup Cog, install is both simple and foolproof. Plus, it utilizes a Pindome design for gears 1-8 and a single piece mini-cluster for gears 9-12.
  
  
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle T-Type Flattop, 12-Speed More

  Chain

  
  SRAM GX Eagle T-Type Flattop, 12-SpeedThe GX Eagle Transmission (T-Type) chain is the strongest SRAM has ever made. Specifically engineered to optimize Eagle Transmission, this all-new T-Type design features a unique flat top. In addition to this shape maximizing shifting performance and upgrading the aesthetics of any bike, it is developed specifically for the added torque loads of E-MTB thanks to its solid pins that give it incredible strength.
  
  
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB
• Pedals: Not Included
• Brake Levers: SRAM Maven Base More

  Brake Levers

  
  SRAM Maven BaseModern mountain bikes have redefined what riders are capable of, pushing the requirements for extreme duty power further than ever before. Maven is our answer to that evolution, giving you the boundless power of confidence for elevated speed and control on ever-more demanding terrain. Maven Base’s lever body houses Directlink, which translates rider input for a smooth application of power. And because of a stiff 4-bolt caliper that sheds an incredible amount of heat, that feel remains consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. And with so much baseline power on hand, there is more range than ever before to tune the ride qualities to exactly how you want with different pad materials, and rotor sizes. Maven Base features a Blasted Black anodized finish, and for ease of customization includes tool-free reach adjust
  
  
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Maven Base
• Rotors: Front: SRAM HS2 200mm | Rear: SRAM HS2 180mm
• Headset: Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset
• Handlebar: OneUp Aluminum Bar
• Bar Tape/Grips: Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips
• Stem: OneUp Enduro Stem, 42mm
• Saddle: SDG Bel-Air V3, Lux-Alloy
• Seatpost: OneUp V2 Dropper 31.6mm More

  Seatpost

  
  OneUp V2 Dropper 31.6mmThe OneUp V2 Dropper has the most drop, shortest stack height and shortest total length of any other post on the market. No other dropper can get your saddle lower. Smooth, reliable and a great value. There’s more than one reason testers, reviewers, racers and riders consistently rate our Dropper Post “#1”, “5-Stars” and “10/10.”
  
  
• Wheelset: Reserve 30 HD More

  Wheelset

  
  Reserve 30 HDThe Reserve 30 is specially designed to stand up to abuse, featuring a 30mm width for use with 2.5 tires and a redesigned inner rim bed that takes the hassle out of seating new tires. Proven in the lab, backed by a lifetime guarantee, and ride tested in some of the toughest terrain on the planet, the 30 takes you there faster with a greater sense of confidence. Combined with Industry Nine´s fantastic 1/1 hubs, this is an unbeatable wheelset. Reserve rims come with a lifetime guarantee.
  
  
• Hubs: Front: SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 32h | Rear: DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h
• Rims: Reserve 30|TR AL
• Tires: Maxxis Minion
• Front Tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5" | 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, WT More

  Front Tire

  
  Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5" | 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, WTWith a tread design that deftly balances rolling speed with braking and cornering traction, it’s no wonder why the Minion DHF is one of the most imitated tires in mountain biking.​
  • 3C MaxxGrip: The stickiest, slowest rebounding rubber Maxxis offers.
  • EXO: A cut and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls.
  • Wide Trail (WT): Optimizes the tire´s tread layout and profile for today´s modern, wider rims.
  
  
  
• Rear Tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4" | 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ More

  Rear Tire

  
  Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4" | 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+With side knobs borrowed from the legendary Minion DHF, but widened to provide more support, the DHR II corners like no other. The center tread features ramped leading edges to improve acceleration and sipes to create a smooth transition when leaning the bike. Paddle-like knobs on the center tread dig in under hard braking and help keep the bike under control.
  • 3C MaxxTerra: A triple compound ideal for trail riding in all conditions - offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed, yet provides better treadwear and less rolling resistance than 3C MaxxGrip.
  • EXO+: Durable 60 TPI casing, legendary EXO puncture protection in the sidewalls, and a small butyl insert around the bead to protect from pinch flats and help prevent rim damage.
  
  
  
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime