They said trail, I saw enduro: 2025 Hightower review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Visit Jenson USA here for the details about the whole line of Santa Cruz Hightower bikes: jenson.sjv.io/... (any purchases from that link or the following help support my channel- thanks!!!)
The exact model Hightower I’ve been riding is this one: jenson.sjv.io/...
For me, the biggest overall upgrades were brakes, deeper drop seatpost, and wheels. I went with Shimano XT M8120 brakes (Shimano has sponsored me over the years), find those here: jenson.sjv.io/...
While I used a Fox Transfer post (31.6, 170mm), it’s a bit expensive. Other good optins to try include a PNW Loam or OneUp: jenson.sjv.io/...
Santa Cruz Reserve 30 HD wheels were a great upgrade. MUCH stiffer than the stockers, and Santa Cruz has a great warranty for these (I had to use it once! I made a full review about these wheels last year): jenson.sjv.io/...
For handlebars, I’m running the PNW Components Loam bar: jenson.sjv.io/...
ODI Reflex grip: jenson.sjv.io/...
I’m on a full Shimano XT drivetrain: jenson.sjv.io/...
Of course, Double Down tires from Maxxis, 2.5 Assegai MaxxGrip up front and a 2.4WT DHRII MaxxGrip in back. jenson.sjv.io/...
I actually quite like the stock SDG saddle!
Head to www.DrinkLMNT.c... to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Big thanks to Reilly for helping edit this! And lots of filming over the year: / reillykintzele
Also big thanks to Logan for helping to film this! Logan just launched his own TH-cam effort, give him a follow here: / @loganpatricknelson
Big thanks to Shimano for sponsoring me in 2024! Check out the XT groups I use here: jenson.sjv.io/...
Big thanks to Endura! In much of this footage, I’m riding in the Singletrack jersey and MT500 pant: jenson.sjv.io/...
And finally, a big thank you to all the local mountain bike advocacy groups:
www.wmbcmtb.org/
www.fvmba.com/...
nsmba.ca/
www.sorca.ca/
www.worca.com/
My personal socials:
/ jeffkendallweed
/ jeffkendallweedmtb
Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page ( / jeffkendallweed , so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through September 2024:
Pro bike setup tips: / pro-bike-set-up-119068243
How to Lanual: / how-to-lanual-117038654
Teaching Reilly and Savannah to wheelie: / teaching-and-see-11510...
How to WHEELIE! / how-to-wheelie-113121216
Effective braking: / teaching-braking-11117...
How to Drop: / how-to-drop-109195363
Corner Workshop with Reilly: / cornering-with-107184577
How to: Flat Corners / how-to-flat-104821486
How to Boost Jumps: / how-to-boost-is-103378303
How to Ride Rigid (and not die): / how-to-ride-and-101461266
Get Low, Get Pro: / get-low-get-pro-99481858
How a Bike CAN Make you a Better Rider: / how-bike-can-you-97605000
Avoid a Case of the MTB Mondays: / avoid-case-of-95625880
How to Ride Low Speed Drops: / how-to-ride-low-93774267
How To: Airtime Bike Control / how-to-air-time-92051562
Riding Techniques for your Feets: / ridings-for-your-89999826
How to Ride in Summer Time Dust: / trust-me-its-88585343
Corners are jumps, change my mind: / corners-are-my-86987274
4 (and ½) Summer Riding tips: / 4-5-summer-tips-85207251
How to Hit New Jumps: / hitting-new-and-83883299
Berm line choice: / line-choices-for-82322348
How to ride like a pro (and not a squid): / how-to-ride-like-80864886
How to MANUAL: / how-to-manual-my-79363708
And over 40 more videos ONLY posted to my page here: / jeffkendallweed
Visit Jenson USA here for the details about the whole line of Santa Cruz Hightower bikes: jenson.sjv.io/SantaCruzHightower2024JKW (any purchases from that link or the following help support my channel- thanks!!!)
The exact model Hightower I’ve been riding is this one: jenson.sjv.io/Hightower4cAXSGXjkw
I don't know why, but all of your link is blocked...
Thanks for the head's up, HH, but the link is working on my devices... What device and browser are you using?
@@JeffKendallWeed I'm using PC Google Chrome.
I'm in Korea so it might affect the link because of security reason I guess?
I often buy stuff at Jenson USA via international couriers.
Thanks for the extra info! Yeah I have no idea what the JUSA international stipulations are... If you use a VPN and locate yourself in the USA, it really should work...
The Hightower 4 is the first time that a new model came out and made me happy that own older model. To me the Hightower 3 is the perfect trail bike for my needs. If I wanted more travel and more aggressive geometry I would rather get the Megatower. The Hightower 4 just leans too enduro for my taste but I also don’t have the gnarliest trails in my area.
I hear you Hanson! I enjoy both bikes, but they are so different it's almost a little strange! I wonder if the new Hightower was purpose made for EWS racing- they did chance to rule to only allow smaller travel.
@@JeffKendallWeedthey didn’t make any rules restricting travel. The 140-150 bike thing was just just on a document probably written by some Warner brothers corporate people picking a general number inbetween XC and DH travel, plenty of riders still on 160 and 170 frames.
Iv been considering buying a Gen 3 on a major discount right now.
@hansonwang2121 I also have a HT3. I agree with you completely. If I want something more capable, it’ll be an HD6 or Megatower.
I couldn’t agree more! I also have a HT3 and don’t get FOMO looking at the HT4. HT3 has all the modern amenities and frame standards that a modern bike needs. It’s upgradable well into the future!
What a great soundtrack!
Love the style.
Thanks Kev, Reilly made all those music choices. He even google'd the french rap song to make sure we didn't pull an Amaury Pierron!
I picked up the gen 3 on a pretty big discount a couple of months ago. Best mtb decision I’ve ever made
Congrats Scott! That's a great bike!
Same here. GX AXS with 50%+ off the RRP - the V4 improvements just can't compete.
Yeah mine came with the X01 t-type electronic drivetrain. It’s nice but after a couple of months of using it I sorta want to go back to my xt drivetrain. Am I crazy or does this happen a lot?
Hightower 4 would be my choice. Great video, Jeff.
Love your reviews. They’re always honest. I would have a hard time paying that much and then having to swap nearly all the components out though.
I can’t wait to get my HT4. Only 5 days left till I receive it. 🎉
Awesome lines and review Jeff, party on 🎉
Thanks Engineer!
I think it would be sick to see a megatower review / comparison to the Hightower 4. Considering they look similar on paper etc
Yeah others are requesting that too. It'd be smart, but I do need to admit I'm jugglign a lotta bikes, so not sure when I'll have the chance!
Awesome video! I love the honest reviews you offer. My opinion is this bike is a little confused with what is intended for. Nonetheless always great content from you❤
Fantastic video as always. I picked up the HT3 GX AXS RSV last year. My trails are less gnarly and more pedally locally so it works well, but when I travel to Quebec for the gnar and dh with it it's more than capable as well. Handled the world cup track at Mont Sainte Anne just fine. Just gotta get rid of the SRAM Sealth brakes.
Thank you Vince! Enjoy that HT3, it's a great bike!
Jeff, you're a magician on wheels. Glad to hear you prefer mechanical shifting. I also like it because of the tactile feeling, and I feel when something is wrong with the shifting.
Thank you Bjorne!
Great video. I have both HT3 and 4 and agree with your points. I,m loving the better downhill abilities of the V4 but def a bigger bike and taken a bit to get used to putting more effort to move it around. Both are great all round trail bikes.
Thanks for the feedback Dan! Glad I'm not the only one with this perception! HT4 is great, but ya gotta live in the mtns!
Yay! A proper JKW video! Would love to see one on the new transition sentinel!
Thanks Yota! yeah I'd love to try out the new Sentinel! Just so many bikes, such little time!
Great video. 💪
I had a loaner Hightower v1 then got the Hightower v2 the day it came out in 2019… was such a huge difference… I still ride and love the HT v2. The HT v3 was a slight improvement over the v2, more refined but not big changes.
When this HT v4 came out I was taken back a bit, too much bike for my style and local trails.
I actually just ordered a Tallboy v5 frame to build up, almost the same geometry as my HT v2 with less travel, UDH compatible and the glove box (miss my Stumpjumper and its SWAT box).
I wanted to get the current Tallboy while I could, I’m afraid SC will make the TB v6 too big and slack as well and take away the option to run a mechanical drive train on the CC frame… I run AXS but still like the option to run mechanical.
So I’m very much looking forward to see what Santa Cruz does this fall with the next gen Tallboy v6.
✌️🤠
Thanks for the nice note Jim! Is that when TB6 comes out? I do NOT have any inside knowledge as to upcoming bikes from SC, but it seems like TB5 has been out for ages. Logan loved his TB, not sure if it was 4 or 5, but whenever there is a new TB, I'd love to compare it to the Ripley V5.
@ it’s my best guess for the TB v6, but based on the the age of the TB v5 compared to other models and SC’s release history, it’s a semi educated guess. 😅
I would love to see a Ripley/Tallboy comparison when it’s released.., I’m very curious if SC will add 10mm to the suspension on the TB v6. 🤷♂️
I would love to hear more details of HSC and LSC adjustments you make. More details into the why do that and how it will affect the ride.
Hi Jeff, great video as always. You mentioned switching off axs to cable Shimano gears. I was wondering what was the main driver. I've been tossing up the whole axs vs a good quality xt or xtr setup to improve my bike and was wondering what your thoughts were on what's better. Steve
I'm not sure how much they would interest you, but I think that the internet at large would find your thoughts and impressions on some high pivot trail bikes. Not only because you freaking JKW, but because you have been able to spend so much time with the current crop of class leading traditional layout trail bikes. Maybe a video (or pair of videos) on the Forbidden Druid V2 and Deviate Highlander II could potentially be in the future to compare through the lens of your experience, preferences, and style?
I’m trying!!! Forbidden has been fully sold out of size medium druids for over 6 months now, so I’ve been paying attention to marketplace. I have been chatting with Norco about a loaner high pivot optic or sight. Something will work out! It’s definitely a priority to get a high pivot on the channel this year.
@@JeffKendallWeed I have a Druid V2 in a medium (S2 or 460mm reach) that once park season starts (and I'm riding my bigger enduro bike), I'd be happy to lend for 2 or 3 months if you haven't found something by then!
@@Bixbysayshi Oh I've got a bike I can loan ya for a couple weeks! Where are you located?
@@JeffKendallWeed nowhere close unfortunately, so It'd have to be a shipped kinda deal. I'm in Santa Fe New Mexico. But I'd be happy to ship either just the frame, or the whole bike (although I've got a fairly mediocre hodge podge of components on it for the time being so I'd assume you would be happier with just the frame and building it up yourself) but it is my daily driver in the off season. which is the only consideration for getting something done soon. But I would love to figure out how to make it work because I think we (the internet) all would get so much from you getting your hands on a Druid V2
Hey Jeff, great video as always. I wanted your opinion on sb 160 vs Ht v4 as an all around daily ride. Love your channel. Thanks
To answer your question at the end, I'd rather ride thew new Hightower 4. I've only demoed Hightowers, and ended up buying a Tallboy and a Megatower (which is my every day rider, even though I'm over-biked). I've taken out the HT4 twice now, and really enjoy it. Being Enduro-Light seems to scratch the sweet spot for my terrain, and modest riding.
Yeah new HT4 is sweet. It's great on really rugged stuff. I could see the old one being a bit sketchy in steep and rocky environments.
Great review!
I was skeptical of the new-tower when it first got announce because it seems too close to the Megatower but it seems like a good bike for someone who likes to ride harder terrain but not want to commit to a full enduro bike.
Really curious what Santa Cruz is going to do with the Megatower though after this since that's already a big bike.
I think the new pro EDR suspension travel restrictions might have played a role in why this bike is set up the way it is. It’s a fun bike, but definitely different from what many of us would have expected!
@@JeffKendallWeed I didn't think of that, that would make a lot more sense.
Get your hands on the heckler sl ! Would love to see that video
That would be fun! I’d be stoked to ride a dual 29, but that still sounds sweet!
I still think the best Hightower is the v3 with a 160mm fork. Shorter length. close to the same geo with the 160mm fork.
Sick video! I would like to hear your thoughts on the new sentinel🤔
Thanks Garrett! I'd love to try out the new Sentinel- the list of bikes to rock in 2025 is long, but high pivot and Sentinel are both on it!
+1 on a review of the sentinel. Great video Jeff!
@@JeffKendallWeedin for hi-pivot! Currently dreaming about Druid v2’s over here 😂
Great review/video as ever, thanks. Will you doing one on the Bronson V5? I recall you liked the V4 and I'd be really interested in your view on the changes the V5 now has.
Thank you Duncan! The Bronson would def be fun to compare to the old one, and to this HT4, but since I generally prefer 29 I'm not scramblin to make it happen. I'm almost more curious about Heckler SL!
How would you compare this to the V2 Ripmo? I currently have one but have the itch to try something new. I ride in Pisgah so top of priorities is a bike that handles steep climbs and is comfortable through fast chunk.
Great video!
Thank you Casey!
Great video! I’ve got ht3 crashed cracked - thinking what to get sj 15 or ht 4? Both looks a bit much … I’ve got epic evo and specialised enduro for lift parks . Thanks
Interesting that it's less precise than the bigger travel Altitude. Though to be fair I felt the same comparing my old Ripmo AF to my current Altitude. I did demo the Hightower V3 and that one felt very poppy and playful compared to a Ripmo, but also had a busier, more chattery ride than the Ripmo.
I would agree with you that the HT3 was busier than a Ripmo! Ripmo hits a nice sweet spot of great cross country mannerisms, but still solid for some rowdy stuff. Yeah, I spent weeks trying to figure out how to articulate how the HT4 felt, and on a ride last week I realized I just can't quite anticipate where the wheels are as well as I can on some other bikes. I find both generations Altitude to be really easy to put exactly where I want on the trail- same with the Instinct. It's likely a geo thing, the HT4 is pretty much the slackest bike I've ridden in a while.
@@JeffKendallWeed Have you spent time on a Transition Sentinel v3 and/or Megatower v2 to compare??
Not yet! I'm hoping to try the new Sentinel this year.
It looks like a great bike, but with all the great bikes out there, and with all PON has done to hurt the industry as a whole, I'm going to keep voting with my wallet and stick to my Knolly. I want to support brands that are driven by growing the sport, not fattening their bottom line
Agreed. OneUp have always been one of my favourite brands in the industry, but now that they're part of big bad PON, I find myself looking elsewhere for things like droppers and bars, too. I loved my old 5010 V2 but I wouldn't buy another Santa Cruz now, over one of the smaller rider-owned choices out there.
Sometimes longer travel and slackes is not better. I was riding a Commencal meta size S and I felt it hard to maneuver, I bought a Norco Sight (at Jenson USA BTW) which has a shorter whelbase, is steeper, and les travel and I just clicked with that bike. I'm faster and more agile on the bike.
Thanks for shopping with Jenson USA! Yeah, the trend isn't always what's best. Commencal builds their bikes for crazy steep terrain- and we have very little of that in the USA. For more common trails, more moderate bikes are often a lot more fun.
I've got a demo for the new HT queued up for next week, but I'm curious about your thoughts on it versus a longer travel enduro bike. I'm considering upgrading from a Spire to the HT for a more energetic feel on the trail, but with still some of that "point and shoot" energy. What do you think?
If you enjoyed the spire but want something more lively, the HT4 would be a good call.
@@JeffKendallWeed My wallet may indeed be $3500 lighter after next week 😬. Cheers Jeff!
Well then Ben, future congrats!
I have the Hightower 3. Great do most things well bike. I decided not to get the Hightower 4 because unfortunately I don't ride uplifts all day.
It's not so much the climbing that's different, it's the feel of the bike on easier terrain. The HT3 is easier to pump around, and easier to handle at lower speeds. HT4 is more for smashing down really steep, rough trails. I've liked both, and it's almost unfair to compare them as they are so different!
For a 160/150 travel bike, how does the Hightower compare to the Occam LT? Looks like these trail bikes are bumping their suspension travel and maybe getting more harder to pedal up the steeps! Thoughts??? 😊
Yeah, geometry wise, the Occam is a better all arounder for less gnarly terrain. However, it's not built as robust as the Hightower. The solid swignarm of the Hightower is stiffer, and more inspiring for me. Ironically, the newer bikes pedal up steep stuff awesome- the problem is the less steep bits! The upright seat angles are nice on steep trails, but absolutely have some disadvantages on mellower terrain. I'm pretty happy with a 76 seat angle or so.
As always great review! I am wondering, if a instinct or ripmo could be as much "Enduro" as the Hightower with burlier suspension? I ride my instinct with a 160mm lyrik and 55mm strocke vivid, feels like an enduro to me, but i don`t have any good comparison. What do you think?
The Hightower feels a lot stiffer than the Ripmo, which to me, matters in the overall confidence a bike gives me. I did not try the Instinct with bigger suspension, but suspect it wouldn't be far off the old Altitude. I've been impressed with the build of the Instinct. It's closer to the Hightower in terms of torsional rigidity, but still rides like a precise, smaller bike. A bigger fork and shock would be a fun thing to try!
Thanks for your response. I am surprised that there is such a difference in frame stiffness. I felt it with different handlebars weareone to next R it's day and night when it comes to precision. The race face felt way bether to me.
Hey Jeff so I plan on using your link to get either a new bronson or v4? I like to get rowdy out on the trails, which i have a Canondale Jeckyll that takes care of the big shit and need a trailish bike better for pedaling here in AZ. Which wld you recommend getting a new Bron or V4? Purchasing in the next few days
Thanks Max! For more pedally AZ stuff, I would skip the Bronson. I'd much rather climb up the rocky stuff with dual 29" wheels. HT4 is great, but not much smaller than your Jeckyll- and the Hightower in low mode is actually SLACKER than your Jekyll! I'd consider something likea Ripley V5 (SUCH a good short travel bike!!!), Tallboy, or perhaps a Trail 429. An SB120 isn't out of the question. For South Mountain, there's nothing very steep there, so the short travel bikes do great. Same in Sedona, and even down in Tucson, all the legal trails aren't crazy steep, so would be very fun on 120-150.
@JeffKendallWeed wow dude ty for taking time out of your life to help a bratha out!!! Its truly appreciated. Some of these weren't on my radar! maybe ill try to demo some of these at the sedona mtn bike fest this year!!! But ill definitely use ur code/link to support with anything I'm able to. Top notch channel!!! 👊
Need a review of the Hightower with the cascade components link. Maybe shootout of LT Hightower vs Megatower???
Had no idea that they make one for this new version!
I dont know about the maven, since i dont own one, but the code RSC also predictable. I also like my xtr pever with magura caliper.
Is this just a first gen mega? lol
Hahaha I dunno! I've still never ridden a Megatower. One day!
you make it sound like the ht3 is better than the ht4 - i kinda wonder.
Shimano all the way!! If only they offer a AXS version.
Fire
Thanks J
@ 🫡
Why do you have a rubber band on the left side of your haandelbars??
That’s where I put my safety glasses for Climbing. Means easy access for descending. And holds them tight enough that I can actually ride without them falling. has been the best solution I found!
How would you compare this to the Trek fuel ex Gen 6? The Trek was better than the V3 but the V4 looks interesting.
Never ridden any modern Treks. They just aren't a common bike around here!
@ completely feel that man thanks for replying! Love the videos keep shreding
If I see 50 other bikes on the trail here, I probably see 20 Transition bikes, 8 Santa Cruz, 8 Ibis, 6 Specialized, 2 Evil, a few old Evils, and maybe a Pivot or Yeti. But you can literally ride to our trails from the Transition HQ!
What pedals have you been running Jeff?
Shimano Saint pedals for most of the time on the Hightower 4. I should try clips on the HT4 soon!
Would love to see a comparison with the Bronson 5
That's the new one? I think they are pretty similar- but would be cool to see if Bronson is indeed more poppy!
@@JeffKendallWeed How does the new HT compare to the old V4 Bronson?
It's so different. HT4 is MUCH longer, far more stable, and it feels a lot more glued to the ground. I have a lot more confidence on the trail with the HT4, and I'd rather pedal the HT4 long distances than I would the Bronson. However, Bronson is the better jumper, and a much more playful feel on the trail.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks that's what I thought you might say, I got the V4 Bronson and have used it for some enduros in BC including the Squamish full course. The HT sounds more like the right tool for the job, but first I'm going to try the cascade link on the Bronson (adds 6mm to chain stay, more than I'd want but) with a 170mm 36, hoping it'll help .
🤟🏼
Enduro enough to throw a 38 up front?
Sure, ya could, but the chassis feels about right for the 36! It's so slack, I don't feel the need to over fork it.
cute little shimano sponsor segment - What a crock of 💩
Mhh.. I don't want a Trailbike to punch above it's category.. What then is the point of buying an Enduro?
I love a solid long travel rockcrusher, but I'm more then happy how my 150/130 (fr/re) trail bike feels on the day to day rides. The 65 dgr. HA, 77 dgr. SA, 455 reach and 640 Stack and is more then reasonable, even for nasty riding.
150/130 is often a GREAT set up. That Ripley V5 is such a good bike! I don't even mind the 34 fork on it! I've only turned down a couple features aboard the Ripley V5, and it keeps mellower trails fun! I am in the midst of converting the loaner Ripley V5 to a Ripmo just to give the longer travel another shake, but I've been stoked on Ripley.
@@JeffKendallWeed I share the vibe! Riding a Starling Murmur Trail full steel frame with a RS Pike. Plenty stiff. No need for a 38 eg.
Even on the rough trails around Finale in Italy felt amazing.