2026 Santa Cruz Hightower 90

Archived: 2026 Santa Cruz Hightower 90 · Mountain · Published sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Carbon C 29" 150mm Travel VPP™ · Fork: FOX 36 Float Performance, Grip, 160mm

• Inspect the frame in bright light, especially the head tube, bottom-bracket area, chainstays and clamped surfaces. Look for cracks, ripples, crushed sections or signs of impact.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: FOX 36 Float Performance, Grip, 160mm · Rear shock: FOX Float X Performance, 230x57.5

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated fork, shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Shifters: SRAM 90 Eagle T-Type, 12spd · Rear derailleur: SRAM 90 Eagle T-Type, 12spd · Crankset: SRAM 90 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t All Sizes: 170mm · Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB · Cassette: SRAM XS 1275 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t · Chain: SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: SRAM Maven Base

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 29" · Rims: (F) Reserve 30|TR AL / (R) Reserve 30|TR AL · Hubs: (F) DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 28h / (R) DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h · Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF 29"x2.5", 3C MaxxGrip, EXO · Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset · Handlebar: OneUp Aluminum Bar S: 35x760mm, 20mm Rise, M/L/XL/XXL: 35x800mm, 35mm Rise · Stem: OneUp Enduro Stem All Sizes: 42mm · Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post, 31.6 S: 150mm, M: 180m, L/XL: 210mm, XXL: 240mm · Saddle: SDG Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Cycle the dropper post repeatedly. It should reach full travel, remain extended under load and have no unusual oil, excessive rotational play or damaged remote, cable, hose or battery.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.