Velopedia Bicycle Archive
2025 Santa Cruz Hightower XX AXS RSV
Mountain bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
- Original MSRP
- $11,399.00
- Sizes
- S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Colors
- Matte Deep Purple, Gloss Day Green
- Weight
- 31.7 lbs / 14.38 kg
- Geometry
- 5 manufacturer sizes · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 900000427
Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
Suspension at both ends means fork and shock setup should be considered together; mismatched sag or rebound can leave the front and rear reacting very differently. Electronic shifting removes the usual shift cable but adds a separate battery and controls, while the 520% cassette range describes how much gearing is available. Carbon construction changes the inspection emphasis from metal-style dents and corrosion to impact damage, ripples and overtightened clamp areas.
Suspension setup
Front + rear
Fork and shock pressure, sag and rebound should be balanced and recorded independently.
Drivetrain
Electronic · 520% range
Shift-system battery state joins derailleur setup and sprocket compatibility as a troubleshooting variable.
Frame material
Carbon / composite
Look for impact damage and clamp marks rather than metal-style dents or rust.
Wheel standard
29 in · 622 mm
Rim width and frame or fork clearance remain important beyond nominal diameter.
Used-bike inspection
If you’re buying this bike used
Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →- FrameInspect the frame in bright light, especially around the head tube, bottom bracket, chainstays and clamped areas. Look for cracks, ripples, crushed sections or signs of a previous impact.Inspect the frame and fork →
- BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
- SuspensionAsk when the fork and shock were last serviced. Check the stanchions for damage, look for oil at the seals, cycle both units through their travel and test the suspension pivots for play.Evaluate the suspension →
- DrivetrainConfirm every shift-system battery charges, every shift control works and the derailleur moves cleanly across the cassette. Make sure the matching shift-system charger is included, then measure chain wear and inspect the cassette teeth.Check drivetrain wear →
- Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 22 checks based on 6 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.
Identity and fit
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Archived: 2025 Santa Cruz Hightower XX AXS RSV · Mountain · Published sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: Carbon CC Frame · Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm
Suspension
Evaluate the suspension →Archived: Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm · Rear shock: FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Shifters: SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle · Rear derailleur: SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd · Crankset: SRAM XX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t · Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB · Cassette: SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t · Chain: SRAM XX SL Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate Stealth
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 29 · Rims: (F) Reserve 30|HD Carbon / (R) Reserve 30|HD Carbon · Hubs: (F) Industry Nine Hydra, 15x110, 6-Bolt 28h / (R) Industry Nine Hydra, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h · Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO · Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: Chris King DropSet 3 Integrated Headset · Handlebar: Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm · Stem: Industry Nine A35, 40mm · Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6 · Saddle: WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, Stainless
Before and during the test ride
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Interpretation based on the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.
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Frameset
| Frame Construction | Carbon CC Frame |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Fork | Fox 36 Float Factory, Grip X2, 160mm |
| Rear Shock | FOX Float X Factory, 230x57.5 |
Drivetrain
| Shifters | SRAM AXS Pod Controller Rocker Paddle |
|---|---|
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd |
| Crankset | SRAM XX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB |
| Cassette | SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM XX SL Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd |
Brakes
| Brakes | SRAM Maven Ultimate Stealth |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | Chris King DropSet 3 Integrated Headset |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm |
| Stem | Industry Nine A35, 40mm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Fusion, Stainless |
| Seatpost | OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6 |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | (F) Industry Nine Hydra, 15x110, 6-Bolt 28h / (R) Industry Nine Hydra, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h |
|---|---|
| Rims | (F) Reserve 30|HD Carbon / (R) Reserve 30|HD Carbon |
| Front Tire | Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5"WT, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ |
| Wheel Size | 29 |
Size-specific frame data
Geometry
Manufacturer-published geometry normalized for consistent archival comparison. Effective top tube and reach remain separate measurements because they describe different aspects of fit.
| Measurement | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 405 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 572 mm | 595 mm | 614 mm | 636 mm | 662 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 150 mm | 160 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° | 64.2°/63.9° |
| Seat-tube angle | 77.6°/77.3° | 77.9°/77.6° | 78.2°/77.9° | 78.3°/78° | 78.4/°78.1° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 434 mm | 436 mm | 439 mm | 442 mm | 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1206 mm | 1237 mm | 1264 mm | 1296 mm | 1328 mm |
| Bottom-bracket drop | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 | 29/32 |
| Bottom-bracket height | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 | 344/341 |
| Reach | 435/432 | 460/457 | 480/477 | 500/497 | 525/522 |
| Stack | 623/625 | 632/634 | 641/643 | 659/661 | 668/670 |
| Standover height | 721 mm | 723 mm | 725 mm | 727 mm | 731 mm |
| Front center | 771 mm | 800 mm | 825 mm | 853 mm | 883 mm |
Geometry source: Manufacturer HTML geometry table ↗ Measurements can vary by configuration, wheel size, or flip-chip position where noted by the manufacturer.
Geometry interpretation
What this geometry means
The archived table contains paired manufacturer values. Velopedia separates the numerically higher and lower chassis states for interpretation without treating them as separate bicycles.
S geometry
Configuration
Riding position
The 623 mm stack is tall relative to the 435 mm reach, pointing to a more upright front-end position rather than an especially long, low cockpit. Its 77.6° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 64.2° head angle combined with a 1206 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Lower geometry, this configuration raises the bottom bracket by 3 mm, reduces bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, steepens the head angle by 0.3°, and extends reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 77.6° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 623 mm sits somewhat taller than typical. The head angle of 64.2° sits somewhat slacker than typical.
Riding position
The 625 mm stack is tall relative to the 432 mm reach, pointing to a more upright front-end position rather than an especially long, low cockpit. Its 77.3° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 63.9° head angle combined with a 1206 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Higher geometry, this configuration lowers the bottom bracket by 3 mm, increases bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3°, and shortens reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
Its stack of 625 mm sits toward the taller end. The head angle of 63.9° sits toward the slacker end. The seat angle of 77.3° sits somewhat steeper than typical.
M geometry
Configuration
Riding position
A 460 mm reach paired with 632 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 77.9° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 64.2° head angle combined with a 1237 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Lower geometry, this configuration raises the bottom bracket by 3 mm, reduces bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, steepens the head angle by 0.3°, and extends reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 77.9° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 632 mm sits somewhat taller than typical. Its wheelbase of 1237 mm sits somewhat longer than typical.
Riding position
A 457 mm reach paired with 634 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 77.6° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 63.9° head angle combined with a 1237 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Higher geometry, this configuration lowers the bottom bracket by 3 mm, increases bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3°, and shortens reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 77.6° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 634 mm sits toward the taller end. The head angle of 63.9° sits somewhat slacker than typical.
L geometry
Configuration
Riding position
A 480 mm reach paired with 641 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 78.2° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 64.2° head angle combined with a 1264 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Lower geometry, this configuration raises the bottom bracket by 3 mm, reduces bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, steepens the head angle by 0.3°, and extends reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 78.2° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 641 mm sits somewhat taller than typical. Its wheelbase of 1264 mm sits somewhat longer than typical.
Riding position
A 477 mm reach paired with 643 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 77.9° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 63.9° head angle combined with a 1264 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Higher geometry, this configuration lowers the bottom bracket by 3 mm, increases bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3°, and shortens reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 77.9° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 643 mm sits toward the taller end. The head angle of 63.9° sits somewhat slacker than typical.
XL geometry
Configuration
Riding position
A 500 mm reach paired with 659 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 78.3° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 64.2° head angle combined with a 1296 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Lower geometry, this configuration raises the bottom bracket by 3 mm, reduces bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, steepens the head angle by 0.3°, and extends reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The seat angle of 78.3° sits toward the steeper end. Its stack of 659 mm sits toward the taller end. Its bottom-bracket drop of 29 mm sits somewhat shallower than typical.
Riding position
A 497 mm reach paired with 661 mm of stack gives this size a moderate frame proportion: roomy enough when standing without pushing strongly toward either a very low or very upright front end. Its 78° effective seat angle places the seated rider relatively forward, a layout that generally helps keep body weight centered on steep climbs.
Handling tendencies
A 63.9° head angle combined with a 1296 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Higher geometry, this configuration lowers the bottom bracket by 3 mm, increases bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3°, and shortens reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
Its stack of 661 mm sits toward the taller end. The seat angle of 78° sits toward the steeper end. The head angle of 63.9° sits somewhat slacker than typical.
XXL geometry
Configuration
Riding position
With 525 mm of reach and 668 mm of stack, the frame has a relatively long, low proportion that should leave plenty of room when standing and put the front end toward the lower side of modern mountain-bike fit.
Handling tendencies
A 64.2° head angle combined with a 1328 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Lower geometry, this configuration raises the bottom bracket by 3 mm, reduces bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, steepens the head angle by 0.3°, and extends reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
Its bottom-bracket drop of 29 mm sits toward the shallower-drop end. Its reach of 525 mm sits somewhat longer than typical. The head angle of 64.2° sits somewhat slacker than typical.
Riding position
With 522 mm of reach and 670 mm of stack, the frame has a relatively long, low proportion that should leave plenty of room when standing and put the front end toward the lower side of modern mountain-bike fit.
Handling tendencies
A 63.9° head angle combined with a 1328 mm wheelbase points to strongly stability-oriented steering and chassis behavior. The longer the chassis and slacker the front end, the more the bike tends to favor composure over very quick direction changes.
Configuration changes
Compared with Higher geometry, this configuration lowers the bottom bracket by 3 mm, increases bottom-bracket drop by 3 mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3°, and shortens reach by 3 mm.
Archive context
The head angle of 63.9° sits toward the slacker end. Its stack of 670 mm sits somewhat taller than typical. Its wheelbase of 1328 mm sits somewhat longer than typical.
Geometry describes frame proportions and likely tendencies, not a ride test. Rider proportions, cockpit setup, tires, suspension settings, wheel configuration, and component choices can materially change how a bicycle fits and feels.
Gallery
Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.