I had that exact bike for a few years, same color and everything! I swapped out the fork for a 38, the shock for a DHX2, wheels for some Santa Cruz Reserve's, handlebar for a OneUp, the seat and a few other things. Basically all that was original was the frame and cranks, haha. Awesome bike though! Capable of such a big range of stuff.
Wow, I remember when you bought that bike. It's hard to believe that it's been six years. I don't think geometry has changed enough since then to warrant a new bike, so a good maintenance on your present bike is all I think you "need". With that said, A new bike is always a gr8 idea (LOL). I like the concept of the mullet but I've never ridden one. I just got a new Stumpy last fall, sold my 2017 5010c. I had a Niner before the 5010 and the reason I wanted to sell my 5010 was to go back to 29" wheels. A mullet just might be the magic bullet. Personally, I'd go with the 5010 mullet but that's me. It should be better than the Bronson for Fla trails and it should handle N.C. just fine also.
The garden looks good bro! Just sold my hardtail but I can't give up my carbon tallboy. I ride my DJ more than anything now. Rode grapefruit two weeks ago. Riding good man! Get the new bike!
@@kfivemtb lol shake rattle n roll. Lower maint costs, good for tight singletrack, backup bike(I've broken rear triangle on 29, shock and put it out of commish for few weeks at a time)
Get a pivot. I just came from my 2017 Django and got a pivot switchblade. Same as you i loved the django but had to see what was better. This switchblade climbs better than my chameleon hardtail. And can go down anything i have the skills for. I live near knoxville and travel to pisgah often as well. The switchblades geo is not as crazy as other bikes in its class so it keeps its playfulness and agility and rides higher in its travel due to the design. So would be perfect for your situation does great on easy flatter terrain all the way up to park riding.
Heck yes on the mullet. Shorter chainstay, slightly raised bottom bracket and smaller bb drop. It will be happy on the rear wheel and fun! plus the slackened stance. HOWEVER, climbing becomes more diffictul. Especially technical climbs. just takes a bit more effort but who's trying to set land speed records anyway?
I'm riding a 23 hightower C S build. Full carbon wheels 160 Lyrik ultimate up front 160m. Bike is a lot of fun. Deff test ride as much as you can. Prices are also coming down so hold on for a little while longer
A new Hightower might be the best!!!! Such a great ride! I’m keeping an eye on the prices. But it’s hard to hold back when you’re ready to pull the trigger!
My fear of getting an e-bike is that it might make mountain biking too easy, and/or too fast (i.e. Having to go fast to get any sort of real workout). I like the adventure aspect of MTB'ing but one of my main goals is to get a workout. I'm super afraid that after spending that kind of money, that I'll get no real workout and in that respect, I'll be disappointed.
@@kfivemtb That happened to me. I bought an e-bike in 2020 and only ride my regular bike about 3 time a year after that. The e-bike is just as much fun and I can regulate the workout. When I keep the power off I get more of a workout than on my regular bike. When I tire out I turn the motor on low and get the same workout as the old bike. If I turn the power up I still get a workout but I don't have to stop when I get tired. I can go longer and faster and still get the same workout.
Keep it. For the next calendar year seek out manufacturer's demo days and ride other brands. Then decide. For me, this weekend is Eminent Cycles, two weeks from now is Pivot. If I'm going to spend my money on another bike I want to know how many different brands ride. I'm also leaning towards Orbea Rallon. It's an enduro but with great single track manners and can be switched to mullet without messing up the geo.
I recently picked up a 22 bronson MX. Thing rips. E-bikes are definitely cool but I need a regular bike to stay in shape. And they cost as much as a car
Loving my Bronson! MX is perfect. I’m almost all conditions. The technical climbing is the only thing where it does not excel! I will own an e-bike some day. I think the weight and pricing will eventually come down. Hopefully!!!!
FYI if you’re the original owner Santa Cruz will warranty the frame for the clear coat peeling. Get yourself a brand new frame for the hassle of a phone call.
@@kfivemtb oooof, bummer. Any chance you can contact the shop you got it from and get a new copy? I’ve personally seen (via my shop) several people get brand new frames (current model year) for exactly the issue you’re experiencing.
I do not think you should go down in travel. (5010)…you like the downhill gnar in pisgah/dupont. What about a bronson? mullet…I think you should change up your color palette as well. How about that black bronson? Then at some point, an ebike for kanuga!!!
...in your opinion what makes the HT 3 better than the HT 2 (i'm riding a 2020 HT 2)...also have you ridden the Yeti SB 140 LR...trying to get a fair comparison of these two bike ...Im in the market or a new bike and it's come down to these two...tia...
In my opinion, you should not spend a lot of money on another analog bike when your bike is plenty good enough. Keep it and buy an e-bike. On an e-bike you can ride a lot further and have more fun plus still get as much exercise. You would benefit from test riding a full powered e-bike and then a super light e-bike and see which one suits you best.
@@kfivemtb I, also like the Orbea Rise. I have a 2022 Specialized Kenevo SL Comp and I love it. It is about 42 lbs in an xl. 12 lighter than my wife’s full powered emtb. It only has 35nm of power vs 60nm on the Rise which gives the Rise a big advantage. The Kenevo SL has longer suspension and slacker geometry so it is made for more open and aggressive terrain. Trek has the new Fuel EXE which is another great option.
Oh yes the Bronson, one of the best bikes out there. I almost got that bike but I wanted something that was more of my area. So I got a 5010 and that bike wants to just go…
Get a 27.5 rear wheel for your current bike and keep it. It’s not going to be worth selling it with all the good deals. And then buy an ebike. You’ll have three different bikes then. 😃
If I were you, I would not sell your current bike and buy a new bike that would compliment some of your riding and then upgrade a bit of the old bike, mainly the rear shock and service it well, new gear cables and housings full bleed on the brakes, new pads, new rotors, new bearings on wheels and frame, fork full service. This would get you to have 2 bikes that can help you have a better tool for the job each ride you do.
I agree with you, I always keep my bike serviced. Just not sure I’m a 2 bike guy. I like the ease of one, if I had 2. I would never know which one to ride!!!😜
Nothing against ebikes but i am not getting one..If i do that i get a real motorcycle...I might get the bike services,repainted,clear coated,and ride me a new bike in the meantime..
C’mon man. You know you don’t need an excuse to buy a new bike. If the thought of a new bike crosses your mind then it’s time for a change. We’ve already seen a 5010 on the channel. IBIS MOJO!!!!
@@kfivemtb revel rascal 29er. People claim it feels like a longer travel bike but it’s only 130/140 travel or the Niner rip 9. That one has similar travel to you current Santacruz and it comes in a 29 or 27.5. The 27.5 was built as a 27.5 from the ground up so it’s not the same frame as the 29er. I get what you mean. I’m struggling between an ibis ripley, pivot trail 429 or revel rascal. I don’t do a lot of traveling so a short travel bike for Florida would be ideal for me for small jumps and 4ft drops hear and there. Can’t wait to see what you bike you get next. Good luck! 👍🏼
If you have a perfectly working bike, why would you buy a new one? That's just what manufacturers have been trying to get you to do all this time. Vote with your wallet, wisely.
@@kfivemtb move out to old fort / marion / Pisgah forest nc. its close enough to Ashville NC without the price. your 10 mins from kitsuma and ORAMM and more. thats what I did. hit me up if you ever do!
Replace the old Hightower? If so, what should I get? Keep it? 🤘🏻 support the channel and SUBSCRIBE 😃
I had that exact bike for a few years, same color and everything! I swapped out the fork for a 38, the shock for a DHX2, wheels for some Santa Cruz Reserve's, handlebar for a OneUp, the seat and a few other things. Basically all that was original was the frame and cranks, haha. Awesome bike though! Capable of such a big range of stuff.
So good! But I’m ready for a change!!!
Wow, I remember when you bought that bike. It's hard to believe that it's been six years. I don't think geometry has changed enough since then to warrant a new bike, so a good maintenance on your present bike is all I think you "need". With that said, A new bike is always a gr8 idea (LOL). I like the concept of the mullet but I've never ridden one. I just got a new Stumpy last fall, sold my 2017 5010c. I had a Niner before the 5010 and the reason I wanted to sell my 5010 was to go back to 29" wheels. A mullet just might be the magic bullet. Personally, I'd go with the 5010 mullet but that's me. It should be better than the Bronson for Fla trails and it should handle N.C. just fine also.
The garden looks good bro! Just sold my hardtail but I can't give up my carbon tallboy. I ride my DJ more than anything now. Rode grapefruit two weeks ago. Riding good man! Get the new bike!
Hey! Thanks. Kate has been working hard on the garden this year, definitely time for a new ride, just not really sure what to get!
@@kfivemtb The way you progress so rapidly and jumping I thought you might get a dirt jumper. Either way keep us posted.
I think better to come to park for demo day and ride few hours b4 buying. I have 29er full sup, but still ride the old hardtail 26er cause I luuuv it.
Such a good idea, and the most responsible!!! People really do love the hard tails!! I feel my neck compressing just thinking about riding one😂
@@kfivemtb lol shake rattle n roll. Lower maint costs, good for tight singletrack, backup bike(I've broken rear triangle on 29, shock and put it out of commish for few weeks at a time)
My Hightower cc 2019 was great and now i have 2021 hightower cc and man love it
Trust me a new Hightower is still on the table😃
Get a pivot. I just came from my 2017 Django and got a pivot switchblade. Same as you i loved the django but had to see what was better. This switchblade climbs better than my chameleon hardtail. And can go down anything i have the skills for. I live near knoxville and travel to pisgah often as well. The switchblades geo is not as crazy as other bikes in its class so it keeps its playfulness and agility and rides higher in its travel due to the design. So would be perfect for your situation does great on easy flatter terrain all the way up to park riding.
I know. I have been eyeing pivot for a long time!!! SwitchBlade sounds good😜
Heck yes on the mullet. Shorter chainstay, slightly raised bottom bracket and smaller bb drop. It will be happy on the rear wheel and fun! plus the slackened stance. HOWEVER, climbing becomes more diffictul. Especially technical climbs. just takes a bit more effort but who's trying to set land speed records anyway?
💯 percent agree! That’s why I got a new Bronson. Love it!!
I have a 2020 Hightower and I LOVE IT.
I am considering an ebike though.
I think within the next few years we will all have e-bikes.
I'm riding a 23 hightower C S build. Full carbon wheels 160 Lyrik ultimate up front 160m. Bike is a lot of fun. Deff test ride as much as you can. Prices are also coming down so hold on for a little while longer
A new Hightower might be the best!!!! Such a great ride! I’m keeping an eye on the prices. But it’s hard to hold back when you’re ready to pull the trigger!
@@kfivemtb if you are ever at Balm or alifia lmk. You can take my HT out for a ride
What size you got?
My fear of getting an e-bike is that it might make mountain biking too easy, and/or too fast (i.e. Having to go fast to get any sort of real workout). I like the adventure aspect of MTB'ing but one of my main goals is to get a workout. I'm super afraid that after spending that kind of money, that I'll get no real workout and in that respect, I'll be disappointed.
My biggest fear of getting an e-bike, is it will be so much fun I’ll never ride a standard MTB again!!!😂
@@kfivemtb That happened to me. I bought an e-bike in 2020 and only ride my regular bike about 3 time a year after that. The e-bike is just as much fun and I can regulate the workout. When I keep the power off I get more of a workout than on my regular bike. When I tire out I turn the motor on low and get the same workout as the old bike. If I turn the power up I still get a workout but I don't have to stop when I get tired. I can go longer and faster and still get the same workout.
Keep it. For the next calendar year seek out manufacturer's demo days and ride other brands. Then decide.
For me, this weekend is Eminent Cycles, two weeks from now is Pivot. If I'm going to spend my money on another bike I want to know how many different brands ride.
I'm also leaning towards Orbea Rallon. It's an enduro but with great single track manners and can be switched to mullet without messing up the geo.
That would definitely be the responsible approach!😃. The Orbea bike have been getting very good reviews
@@kfivemtb Fat tire in ocala next month.
What’s the dates
@@kfivemtb March 10-12. Usually they list all the vendors coming on their site.
I’ll be In North Carolina then😃
I recently picked up a 22 bronson MX. Thing rips. E-bikes are definitely cool but I need a regular bike to stay in shape. And they cost as much as a car
Loving my Bronson! MX is perfect. I’m almost all conditions. The technical climbing is the only thing where it does not excel! I will own an e-bike some day. I think the weight and pricing will eventually come down. Hopefully!!!!
FYI if you’re the original owner Santa Cruz will warranty the frame for the clear coat peeling. Get yourself a brand new frame for the hassle of a phone call.
Never filled in the warranty info after I purchased, no longer have the receipt 😪
@@kfivemtb oooof, bummer. Any chance you can contact the shop you got it from and get a new copy? I’ve personally seen (via my shop) several people get brand new frames (current model year) for exactly the issue you’re experiencing.
Great idea it was a long time ago. But I’m gonna try it. Thanks
I do not think you should go down in travel. (5010)…you like the downhill gnar in pisgah/dupont. What about a bronson? mullet…I think you should change up your color palette as well. How about that black bronson? Then at some point, an ebike for kanuga!!!
That sounds perfect!
Keep it for sure 🤘🏾
I really want a new bike though!!😜
as someone who's owned and raced every Hightower and megatower, the HT 3 is the best yet in every way
Thanks so much. I did get a new Bronson. But I still have the Hightower. Not sure I can get rid of it.
...in your opinion what makes the HT 3 better than the HT 2 (i'm riding a 2020 HT 2)...also have you ridden the Yeti SB 140 LR...trying to get a fair comparison of these two bike ...Im in the market or a new bike and it's come down to these two...tia...
In my opinion, you should not spend a lot of money on another analog bike when your bike is plenty good enough. Keep it and buy an e-bike. On an e-bike you can ride a lot further and have more fun plus still get as much exercise. You would benefit from test riding a full powered e-bike and then a super light e-bike and see which one suits you best.
An e-bike is definitely in the near future!! I like the 2023 Orbea Wild.
@@kfivemtb I, also like the Orbea Rise. I have a 2022 Specialized Kenevo SL Comp and I love it. It is about 42 lbs in an xl. 12 lighter than my wife’s full powered emtb. It only has 35nm of power vs 60nm on the Rise which gives the Rise a big advantage. The Kenevo SL has longer suspension and slacker geometry so it is made for more open and aggressive terrain. Trek has the new Fuel EXE which is another great option.
So many good bikes out there!
I saw a CC high 2022 tower sell on Amazon for 2600ish the prices are crashing
Do you think the new bike prices will drop? I definitely see the used prices going down
eBay not Amazon sorry
The prices are diving Yetis are holding thier prices mostly tho
Just replace components, or wait for the prices to drop a little bit more.
Prices went down. Just got a new Bronson!!!😃
Oh yes the Bronson, one of the best bikes out there. I almost got that bike but I wanted something that was more of my area. So I got a 5010 and that bike wants to just go…
Enjoy the Bronson…probably my next bike or an e-bike if I move to Colorado.
Get a 27.5 rear wheel for your current bike and keep it. It’s not going to be worth selling it with all the good deals. And then buy an ebike. You’ll have three different bikes then. 😃
That is a real possibility!! 👍
@@kfivemtb I use my manual bike more but i use the ebike in recovery days so I can still enjoy going fast while not over doing it.
If I were you, I would not sell your current bike and buy a new bike that would compliment some of your riding
and then upgrade a bit of the old bike, mainly the rear shock and service it well, new gear cables and housings full bleed on the brakes, new pads, new rotors, new bearings on wheels and frame, fork full service.
This would get you to have 2 bikes that can help you have a better tool for the job each ride you do.
I agree with you, I always keep my bike serviced. Just not sure I’m a 2 bike guy. I like the ease of one, if I had 2. I would never know which one to ride!!!😜
Nothing against ebikes but i am not getting one..If i do that i get a real motorcycle...I might get the bike services,repainted,clear coated,and ride me a new bike in the meantime..
I may try and sell it see how much I can get and go from there! 🤘🏻
C’mon man. You know you don’t need an excuse to buy a new bike. If the thought of a new bike crosses your mind then it’s time for a change. We’ve already seen a 5010 on the channel. IBIS MOJO!!!!
So funny!!!! It’s definitely time. I’m not a 2 bike guy and that’s my problem. If I could get 2 it would be easy. I need that 1 do it all ride!
@@kfivemtb revel rascal 29er. People claim it feels like a longer travel bike but it’s only 130/140 travel or the Niner rip 9. That one has similar travel to you current Santacruz and it comes in a 29 or 27.5. The 27.5 was built as a 27.5 from the ground up so it’s not the same frame as the 29er. I get what you mean. I’m struggling between an ibis ripley, pivot trail 429 or revel rascal. I don’t do a lot of traveling so a short travel bike for Florida would be ideal for me for small jumps and 4ft drops hear and there.
Can’t wait to see what you bike you get next. Good luck! 👍🏼
Keep it n spend the money on great food
Love that!!😃 I already spend money on too much great food!!!!
The channel wouldn’t be the same without that Hightower, that being said. You should treat yourself to a new ride,😃
Like it!’
buy a new one. 5 years is long enough for a mtb
That’s what I wanted to here💯😃
E-Bike
Which one?
If you have a perfectly working bike, why would you buy a new one? That's just what manufacturers have been trying to get you to do all this time. Vote with your wallet, wisely.
I like your responsible approach! Sometimes I can be a little irresponsible 👍
You dont need a new bike, you need better trails. Move to NC
I gotta take what I can get locally! For sure need better trails! 1 more year before we can move. But that’s the plan!!!🤘🏻
@@kfivemtb move out to old fort / marion / Pisgah forest nc. its close enough to Ashville NC without the price. your 10 mins from kitsuma and ORAMM and more. thats what I did. hit me up if you ever do!
Thanks man! We actually bought property in penrose a few years ago! Getting ready to build😃
Get a new bike
Nice and simple, that’s what I’m going to do😃