I've been subscribed for a while, but this is the first channel that I've ever clicked the bell to be alerted for all activity. I'll never get tired of this channels reviews... incredibly well done.
I just bought one of these in same size in the lowest spec build, and it only weighs 32 lbs. I got it at a great deal for $3000, so I picked up a Chris King wheelset built on Stan's Flow S2 rims. I may eventually upgrade to the Reserve rims, but I got my wheelset for less than you can get the hubs for. My bike came the other way around, Lyrik fork, with in line Rock Shox shock. I considered the Orbea Occam LT (another great vid of that btw on Chukanut trail), the Canyon Spectral CF 7, and the Ibis Ripmo AF SLX. The Santa Cruz was the only one I saw myself not being upset by frame pivot maintenance cost, and adding the CK wheelset due to the low cost means those will be easy to maintain as well. BTW, mines "Translucent Purple" like the one you reviewed, but I call it Burgundy. When I told Garen at Santa Cruz that while talking to him on the phone about the bike he laughed and thought I was being like the character Will Ferrell plays in Anchor Man, Ron Burgundy. LOL
Just sold my 2021 Ripmo AF SLX to try something else (great bike, not sure I should have sold it). Looking at the Spectral CF7 (too gimicky with the KIS and had more weight, same as my Ripmo AF I believe, HT3 2024 (same as yours, R build), Occam LT M30 2025. Occam has way better components for the price and look sweet as well, not sure about routing through headset and also some worries of it not being plush enough with the reported feedback from the trail and riding high in its travel, not sure about Orbeas customer service having had issues with a Wild HT ebike. Sure looks like it climbs well. Hightower 3 R build, a bit skeptical regarding the Lyrik base fork and inline shock, also only NX instead of SLX/XT drivetrain. Like that the frame has evolved over time, so hopefully not much issues with it, and would love to try out the VPP platform. All these came at the same price at $3000. Hard choice! :)
Great review. You actually cover elements of bike feel that experienced riders think about and understand like the bike pivoting around your hips naturally, the affect of reach/sizing on ride control. All while shredding what appears to a great trail. Well done and thank you.
I've definitely loved my hightower. I've been able to ride it on the hardest stuff around me and it really does have that kind of poppy presence likes it wants to do all the little jumps and drops I throw at it. loved this review and couldn't agree more with your final thoughts!
Are there any bikes you don't like? I'd like to hear more about what you don't like about each bike, maybe say who the bike is not for. Or maybe do a video where you rank the bikes you've tested (climbing, descending, value). Basically, you have convinced me that there are 15 bikes that are better than every bike I've ever ridden
I can't ride anywhere near that fast when I'm hyper-focused, never mind reviewing a bike out loud. But I want this bike now. I think I'm gonna get one.
What is the name of this test rider? Always love watching your videos as there is not a more talented test rider out there. I see this test rider had a recent operation he said on his elbow in his most recent video. Godspeed in your recovery. I must say, I just got a new 2023 Epic EVO Pro leftover for a steal from Specialized, but I always long to ride my Tallboy 4 still. I'm selling my TB but I'm always tempted to just say screw the efficiency of the Epic and get back on the yellow SC TB screamer and just have fun! Something about those Santa Cruz's...can't put my finger on it but they just get you stoked and excited to ride them!
Make another video on this bike for sure. Sad know one does reviews on what this bike is capable of doing only just on spec and describing how it feels it’s like I can Google specs and you describing the bike is not the same as just riding it lol. Definitely liked that you took it on more of a narly trail instead of something smooth that barely has jumps!! Great review
Great vid as always. I've had my HT3 about 2 months and we haven't bonded yet. It is fun on fast, flowy trails, and definitely climbs good for the plush travel. However, I ride rocky western CO and northern AZ and the pedal-strikes and toe-stuffers are so frustrating. I'm in the low setting and set up for my weight - I really have to focus on pedal-placement at all times. I've gotten stopped climbing techy rocky sections due to the pedals hitting ground. I've tried the high setting and I lost the agileness I originally bought the bike for. I'll hang in there though, hoping it grows on me still
Had the same problem with my Ibis Ripmo. I installed 165mm cranks and the problem is solved. I'm 6' and the cranks do not feel too short. 170-175 cranks should be a thing of the past with long low and slack modern bikes.
@@paulwintermute1495 Thanks for your feedback Paul! I was afraid the shorter crank arms would suck tbh. I'll def give it a shot after hearing your experience
I am putting up my hand for the next review. I vote the new yeti sb160 please. I really like your reviews they are super informative. And the downs look like a ton of fun.
Epic. Feels like I'm there. The sound and film quality is what makes it so easy to follow. Can I ask what microphone you're using and I'm guessing that's a GoPro 8 or higher? Thanks!
Iv always loved the Hightower think they have it absolutely dialed, but everyone iv ever known has tried to turn it into a Megatower by over forking it and buying a cascade link lol
Hi Freehub Mag. if its not a secret can you tell me how you get the gopro to focus on the trail ahead.. it looks amazing.. my gopro is always focused on the bike..
Can you compare and contrast this to the rocky mountain instinct? the rocky is a pain to climb super inefficient so I curious if swapping over to the hightower if i will lose anything and/or if climbing is that much better aboard the hightower to warrant a switch? Thanks ahead
How does it compare to the fuel ex gen 6? I like the higher stack height for the xl size of the Hightower. Seems as trek is a bit behind in that regard.
I don't know at what part of the video it reminded me of the Propane brand, I thought of the Tyee model. But I don't see any videos on their TH-cam profile. Does anyone know how this type of bike is? Thanks!
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done th-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
![[UNCUT] ขยี้ "อลิส" ปม "คลิปลับแตงโม" เปิดชื่อคนพยายามแฮก "มือถือแตงโม" I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์I 10ก.พ.68](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_RPLEIi5Sz8/mqdefault.jpg)
![TIMETHAI - ไม่อยากให้เป็นเขา (Why tho?) [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2qYlGVVtOw/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been subscribed for a while, but this is the first channel that I've ever clicked the bell to be alerted for all activity. I'll never get tired of this channels reviews... incredibly well done.
Ditto 👍
Great review, would like to hear about any negatives wrt the HT3
Your reviews are straight up therapeutic on days when I can't get out and ride.
I just bought one of these in same size in the lowest spec build, and it only weighs 32 lbs. I got it at a great deal for $3000, so I picked up a Chris King wheelset built on Stan's Flow S2 rims. I may eventually upgrade to the Reserve rims, but I got my wheelset for less than you can get the hubs for. My bike came the other way around, Lyrik fork, with in line Rock Shox shock. I considered the Orbea Occam LT (another great vid of that btw on Chukanut trail), the Canyon Spectral CF 7, and the Ibis Ripmo AF SLX. The Santa Cruz was the only one I saw myself not being upset by frame pivot maintenance cost, and adding the CK wheelset due to the low cost means those will be easy to maintain as well. BTW, mines "Translucent Purple" like the one you reviewed, but I call it Burgundy. When I told Garen at Santa Cruz that while talking to him on the phone about the bike he laughed and thought I was being like the character Will Ferrell plays in Anchor Man, Ron Burgundy. LOL
Just sold my 2021 Ripmo AF SLX to try something else (great bike, not sure I should have sold it). Looking at the Spectral CF7 (too gimicky with the KIS and had more weight, same as my Ripmo AF I believe, HT3 2024 (same as yours, R build), Occam LT M30 2025. Occam has way better components for the price and look sweet as well, not sure about routing through headset and also some worries of it not being plush enough with the reported feedback from the trail and riding high in its travel, not sure about Orbeas customer service having had issues with a Wild HT ebike. Sure looks like it climbs well. Hightower 3 R build, a bit skeptical regarding the Lyrik base fork and inline shock, also only NX instead of SLX/XT drivetrain. Like that the frame has evolved over time, so hopefully not much issues with it, and would love to try out the VPP platform. All these came at the same price at $3000. Hard choice! :)
I'm more amazed at your riding ability than any of the bikes you test! Great talent!
I simply enjoy watching and listening to your videos. A gem of the internet.
Great review. You actually cover elements of bike feel that experienced riders think about and understand like the bike pivoting around your hips naturally, the affect of reach/sizing on ride control. All while shredding what appears to a great trail. Well done and thank you.
Jesus...what a good review with high speed warp 9.
Love this guy's reviews.
Take a shot every time he says bike. Great review!
The bike looks great to me, but what cool trails are those and what a flow, wow. And you can drive incredibly well, nice to see.
I've definitely loved my hightower. I've been able to ride it on the hardest stuff around me and it really does have that kind of poppy presence likes it wants to do all the little jumps and drops I throw at it. loved this review and couldn't agree more with your final thoughts!
Good to hear!
Are there any bikes you don't like? I'd like to hear more about what you don't like about each bike, maybe say who the bike is not for. Or maybe do a video where you rank the bikes you've tested (climbing, descending, value).
Basically, you have convinced me that there are 15 bikes that are better than every bike I've ever ridden
Hightower is really damn impressive all around.
I can't ride anywhere near that fast when I'm hyper-focused, never mind reviewing a bike out loud. But I want this bike now. I think I'm gonna get one.
Absolutely nailed that run
I cannot think for better bike reviews out there. Great job as always. Hopefully there will be one for the new megatower soon.
The Trails look just amazing.
Would love to see you riding the Tallboy
What is the name of this test rider? Always love watching your videos as there is not a more talented test rider out there. I see this test rider had a recent operation he said on his elbow in his most recent video. Godspeed in your recovery. I must say, I just got a new 2023 Epic EVO Pro leftover for a steal from Specialized, but I always long to ride my Tallboy 4 still. I'm selling my TB but I'm always tempted to just say screw the efficiency of the Epic and get back on the yellow SC TB screamer and just have fun! Something about those Santa Cruz's...can't put my finger on it but they just get you stoked and excited to ride them!
I definitely like how SC went with pretty conservative reach/chainstay numbers on their new bikes. 470ish feels great with the high stack at 6’1”
Outstanding, you was shredding and talking 🤯🤙🏾 💯
Make another video on this bike for sure. Sad know one does reviews on what this bike is capable of doing only just on spec and describing how it feels it’s like I can Google specs and you describing the bike is not the same as just riding it lol. Definitely liked that you took it on more of a narly trail instead of something smooth that barely has jumps!! Great review
Nice review, always love Freehub's direction/presentation in the review videos!
Great vid as always. I've had my HT3 about 2 months and we haven't bonded yet. It is fun on fast, flowy trails, and definitely climbs good for the plush travel. However, I ride rocky western CO and northern AZ and the pedal-strikes and toe-stuffers are so frustrating. I'm in the low setting and set up for my weight - I really have to focus on pedal-placement at all times. I've gotten stopped climbing techy rocky sections due to the pedals hitting ground. I've tried the high setting and I lost the agileness I originally bought the bike for. I'll hang in there though, hoping it grows on me still
Had the same problem with my Ibis Ripmo. I installed 165mm cranks and the problem is solved. I'm 6' and the cranks do not feel too short. 170-175 cranks should be a thing of the past with long low and slack modern bikes.
@@paulwintermute1495 Thanks for your feedback Paul! I was afraid the shorter crank arms would suck tbh. I'll def give it a shot after hearing your experience
6:55 ''Got a little off-line there...'' - Yep, that's what I remember about my old/sold SC HT LT.
Those Rock Shox SDU’s are fantastic shocks
I am putting up my hand for the next review. I vote the new yeti sb160 please. I really like your reviews they are super informative. And the downs look like a ton of fun.
They haven’t reviewed any yetis yet so I highly doubt it
@@DavidFoundCo I would love it if they did!
Nice riding and review… travel is 150mm forks, 145mm rear.
The jump cuts and continued sentences are absolutely fabulous. LOL
Epic. Feels like I'm there. The sound and film quality is what makes it so easy to follow. Can I ask what microphone you're using and I'm guessing that's a GoPro 8 or higher? Thanks!
Hightower life yo. It's for real
this far in the game and how have you not tested an ibis ripley?! :)
Great vid as always man.
Great review. Great riding.
Another great review.
Sounded like this latest Hightower is faults free... possibly the price since IT IS a Santa Cruz 😅
Great review as always!
I’ve seen this video about 3 times now (not consecutively).
Love the last bit-ride more and share more videos with the Hightower!!! 🎉😅
Nice climb up Dog Patch! Which Galbraith trails for the decent?
Could you please do a video showing us your camera setup and settings? Thanks!
Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
Iv always loved the Hightower think they have it absolutely dialed, but everyone iv ever known has tried to turn it into a Megatower by over forking it and buying a cascade link lol
this or the bronson v4? Only do a few park days (green/blue no gaps I have a family lol). Want it to climb well and have fun on the DH.
Hi Freehub Mag. if its not a secret can you tell me how you get the gopro to focus on the trail ahead.. it looks amazing.. my gopro is always focused on the bike..
you have a demo of the new Nomad?? Would be awesome to see your take on that one.
Where are you? Such a beautiful park!
Would love to hear which bike you would choose between this and mx bronson.
What lav mic are you using? Sounds really good.
Were you riding this as fast as the Trek Fuel EX?
Can you compare and contrast this to the rocky mountain instinct? the rocky is a pain to climb super inefficient so I curious if swapping over to the hightower if i will lose anything and/or if climbing is that much better aboard the hightower to warrant a switch? Thanks ahead
That was the sikest shred I’ve seen in a while. Was it the north shore ?
How does it compare to the fuel ex gen 6? I like the higher stack height for the xl size of the Hightower. Seems as trek is a bit behind in that regard.
Considering one of two mentioned models. So wondering same differences between them. Do you have any updates on this ?
the downtube on this bike is ridiculously thick. It's pretty much an ebike without the power assist
I hear some sort of noise from the rear suspension, is that just a normal damper noise on the super deluxe?
I don't know at what part of the video it reminded me of the Propane brand, I thought of the Tyee model. But I don't see any videos on their TH-cam profile. Does anyone know how this type of bike is? Thanks!
When did the Hightower 3 get bumped to 150mm travel? I thought it was 145mm.
you are correct, it is 145mm rear.
Americans like to round up for some odd reason
This or the new Ripmo V2S?
5010 next please?
How does this compare to a Pivot trail 429?
Yew!
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done th-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
what trail is that
Sweet bike but too expensive for my meager salary
I got help from the insurance company due to my old bike getting stolen and I'm still bitter about the price lol
You must be a descendant of Ayrton Senna.
very ugly color new highttower
👍 👍 ! Excellent ride , always excellent watching ! ✌