Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Santa Cruz Hightower 2022 in that eye-catching orange color. If you're on the hunt for a versatile mountain bike that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, the Hightower might just be your new best friend. Let’s break down what makes this bike so special and why it’s been turning heads in the mountain biking community. We will discuss everything from its design and key features to its performance on the trails. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting into mountain biking, this deep dive will give you a comprehensive understanding of the Hightower 2022 and help you decide if it's the right bike for you.

Overview of the Santa Cruz Hightower

The Santa Cruz Hightower is renowned for its adaptability. It’s designed to be that one bike that can conquer a wide range of terrains. Whether you're climbing steep ascents, bombing down technical descents, or navigating flowy singletrack, the Hightower aims to deliver a balanced and confident ride. The 2022 model continues this legacy with some refined features and updated geometry.

The Hightower's versatility stems from its design. It’s not a dedicated downhill bike, nor is it a featherweight cross-country racer. Instead, it strikes a sweet spot in the middle, making it an ideal choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all. The suspension setup, frame geometry, and component choices all contribute to its balanced performance. Santa Cruz has carefully considered every detail to ensure the Hightower is capable and comfortable in a variety of riding conditions.

One of the key highlights of the Hightower is its VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system. This system is designed to provide efficient pedaling performance while remaining active and responsive on rough terrain. The VPP system helps to isolate pedaling forces from suspension movement, which means you get less unwanted bobbing when you're climbing and more consistent traction and control when you're descending. The Hightower's suspension is tuned to offer a plush and supportive feel, making it comfortable for long days in the saddle.

The frame of the Hightower is constructed from high-quality carbon fiber, which provides an excellent balance of stiffness, strength, and weight. The carbon frame helps to dampen vibrations and provide a smooth ride, enhancing rider comfort and reducing fatigue. The frame also features internal cable routing, which keeps the cables tidy and protected from the elements. Santa Cruz pays close attention to detail in the frame design, ensuring that every aspect of the bike contributes to its overall performance and durability.

The Hightower is available in a range of build options to suit different budgets and riding styles. From entry-level models with reliable components to high-end builds with top-of-the-line parts, there's a Hightower configuration for everyone. Santa Cruz also offers a variety of color options, including the striking orange color that we're focusing on today. The orange colorway adds a touch of personality to the bike and makes it stand out on the trails.

Key Features of the 2022 Model

Let's zero in on what makes the 2022 Hightower stand out. The orange color is just the beginning. Santa Cruz has made several updates that enhance its performance and appeal.

Geometry Tweaks

The 2022 Hightower features updated geometry that is designed to improve its handling and stability. The bike has a slacker head tube angle, which provides more confidence on steep and technical terrain. The slacker head angle helps to keep the front wheel further out in front of the rider, which makes it easier to maintain control when descending. The Hightower also has a steeper seat tube angle, which improves pedaling efficiency and makes it easier to climb steep hills. The steeper seat angle positions the rider more forward on the bike, which helps to transfer power to the pedals more effectively.

The reach has also been increased, which provides more room to move around on the bike and improves stability at high speeds. The longer reach allows the rider to shift their weight more easily, which is beneficial when navigating technical trails. The chainstay length has been optimized to balance stability and agility, ensuring that the Hightower is both stable at speed and nimble in tight corners. These geometry updates reflect Santa Cruz's commitment to refining the Hightower and making it even more capable on a variety of trails.

Suspension Updates

The VPP suspension system has been refined for the 2022 model, offering improved small bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support. The updated suspension provides a more plush and controlled feel, which enhances rider comfort and confidence. The VPP system is designed to be active and responsive, allowing the bike to absorb bumps and maintain traction on rough terrain. The improved small bump sensitivity means that the bike is more comfortable on chattery trails, while the enhanced mid-stroke support provides more stability and control when tackling larger obstacles.

Santa Cruz has also updated the leverage curve of the suspension, which provides a more progressive feel. The progressive leverage curve means that the suspension becomes firmer as it moves through its travel, which helps to prevent bottoming out on big hits. This is particularly beneficial for aggressive riders who like to push their limits. The updated suspension is designed to work in harmony with the frame geometry, creating a balanced and capable ride that inspires confidence on any trail.

Frame Details

The carbon frame of the 2022 Hightower features sleek internal cable routing and a threaded bottom bracket. The internal cable routing keeps the cables tidy and protected from the elements, while the threaded bottom bracket provides a creak-free and reliable interface. Santa Cruz has paid close attention to detail in the frame design, ensuring that every aspect of the bike contributes to its overall performance and durability. The carbon frame is lightweight and stiff, providing an excellent balance of efficiency and comfort. The frame also features integrated chainstay protection, which helps to prevent damage from chain slap.

The Hightower also features a flip chip in the lower link, which allows riders to adjust the geometry of the bike. The flip chip provides two different settings: High and Low. The High setting raises the bottom bracket and steepens the head angle, which makes the bike more nimble and responsive on tight trails. The Low setting lowers the bottom bracket and slackens the head angle, which provides more stability and confidence on steep and technical terrain. The flip chip allows riders to customize the Hightower to suit their riding style and the trails they ride.

The Orange Appeal

Okay, let's talk about that orange color! It's not just a paint job; it's a statement. The bright orange finish makes the Hightower stand out, giving it a vibrant and energetic look. Color psychology suggests that orange evokes feelings of enthusiasm, creativity, and adventure. So, when you're shredding trails on this bike, you're not just riding; you're making a statement.

The orange color also enhances the visibility of the bike, which can be a safety benefit when riding on trails with other users. The bright color makes it easier for others to see you, which reduces the risk of collisions. Santa Cruz has chosen a high-quality paint that is durable and resistant to scratches, ensuring that the orange finish stays vibrant for years to come. The orange color is complemented by subtle black accents, which add a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

The Hightower's orange color is more than just aesthetics; it's part of the bike's identity. It reflects the adventurous spirit of mountain biking and the joy of exploring new trails. Whether you're riding through forests, deserts, or mountains, the orange Hightower will turn heads and make you feel like you're riding something special.

Riding Experience

So, how does the Santa Cruz Hightower 2022 perform on the trails? In short, it's a blast! The updated geometry and suspension make it a capable climber and a confident descender. The bike feels stable at high speeds and nimble in tight corners. The VPP suspension system provides excellent traction and control, allowing you to tackle rough terrain with ease. Whether you're grinding up steep climbs or bombing down technical descents, the Hightower delivers a balanced and engaging ride.

The Hightower's versatility makes it a great choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all. It's not a dedicated downhill bike, but it's more than capable of handling challenging descents. It's not a featherweight cross-country racer, but it climbs efficiently and comfortably. The Hightower strikes a sweet spot in the middle, making it an ideal choice for riders who want a bike that can handle a wide range of terrains.

The updated geometry of the 2022 model enhances the riding experience even further. The slacker head tube angle provides more confidence on steep and technical terrain, while the steeper seat tube angle improves pedaling efficiency. The longer reach provides more room to move around on the bike, which improves stability at high speeds. The flip chip in the lower link allows you to fine-tune the geometry to suit your riding style and the trails you ride.

The VPP suspension system is also a key contributor to the Hightower's excellent riding performance. The system provides efficient pedaling performance while remaining active and responsive on rough terrain. The improved small bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support enhance rider comfort and control. The progressive leverage curve prevents bottoming out on big hits, allowing you to ride aggressively with confidence.

Who is the Hightower For?

The Santa Cruz Hightower is ideal for riders who want a versatile, do-it-all mountain bike. If you enjoy tackling a variety of trails and want a bike that can handle everything from steep climbs to technical descents, the Hightower is worth considering. It's also a great choice for riders who want a comfortable and efficient bike for long days in the saddle.

The Hightower is suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. Experienced riders will appreciate its high-performance capabilities and adjustable geometry. Beginners will find it to be a stable and confidence-inspiring bike that is easy to learn on. The Hightower is also a good choice for riders who are looking to upgrade from an older bike and want a modern, capable machine.

If you're primarily focused on downhill riding or cross-country racing, there may be better options available. However, if you want a bike that can handle a wide range of terrains and riding styles, the Hightower is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Cruz Hightower 2022 in orange is more than just a pretty bike. It's a versatile, high-performance mountain bike that's ready to tackle any trail. With its updated geometry, refined suspension, and eye-catching color, the Hightower is a standout choice in the crowded world of mountain bikes. If you're looking for a bike that can do it all, the Hightower should definitely be on your radar. Go shred those trails, guys!