Santa Cruz Hightower C Carbon Trail MTB Frame
The Santa Cruz Hightower C trail mountain bike frame uses Carbon C construction with a 29″ wheel configuration and a threaded 73mm bottom bracket shell.
- The frame has no front derailleur mounting compatibility.
- The frame allows tires up to 2.5″ maximum clearance.
- The headset uses the integrated IS41/52 headset standard.
- The bottom bracket shell uses a threaded 73mm standard.
- The frame uses 148mm spacing at the rear axle.
- Ready to Ride guarantee 100% Built.
- Safe International Doorstep Bike Shipping.
Description
Maintain consistent trail control across rocky singletrack using the Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C carbon trail mountain bike frame. Constructed from Carbon C composite, the platform delivers 150mm of rear VPP travel paired with a Fox Float X Performance Elite shock.
This frameset module includes the Carbon C frame, Fox Float X Performance Elite rear shock (230×57.5mm), ISCG05 chainguide tabs, and Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility. Finished in Matte Black and Gloss Brick Red, you must supply a suspension fork, groupset, 29-inch wheels, cockpit, and pedals.
Key Specifications of the Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C Trail MTB Frame
- Carbon C frame delivers 150mm of VPP rear suspension travel.
- Fox Float X Performance Elite shock measures 230mm by 57.5mm.
- Frame is engineered for 29-inch wheel configurations.
- Bottom bracket interface utilizes a 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell.
- Chassis features ISCG05 chainguide mounting tabs.
- Rear dropouts accept Boost 148mm spacing and use the UDH standard.
- Rear brake mount features a 180mm post-mount interface up to 220mm.
- Drivetrain capacity accepts 1x single chainrings up to 36T.
- Frame accommodates 29-inch tires up to 2.5 inches wide.
- Sizing availability spans S, M, L, XL, and XXL.
Who This Trail MTB Frame Fits
Aggressive trail cyclists looking for a durable carbon frame capable of technical singletrack and long backcountry rides will benefit from this platform. The 150mm travel format balances efficient pedaling with descending confidence.
Compatibility and Installation
Installation requires a 73mm threaded bottom bracket, ISCG05 chainguide, Boost 148mm rear wheel, and a 571mm axle-to-crown suspension fork with 44mm offset. Upper shock mounting uses 40x10mm hardware while lower mounting uses 30x8mm hardware.
Before Ordering the Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C Trail MTB Frame
Consult sizing dimensions: Small fits 155 to 168 cm (5’1″ to 5’6″), Medium fits 168 to 180 cm (5’6″ to 5’11”), Large fits 178 to 190 cm (5’10” to 6’3″), XL fits 188 to 200 cm (6’2″ to 6’7″), and XXL fits 196 to 205 cm (6’5″ to 6’9″). Ensure you have a 150mm travel fork, 31.6mm dropper post, and Boost wheelset ready for the build.
Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C Specs
| Brand | Santa Cruz |
| Model | Hightower Frame C |
| Frame Material | Carbon C |
| Frame | Carbon CC 29" 150mm Travel VPP |
| Travel | 150mm |
| Rear Travel | 150mm |
| Wheel Size | 29" |
| Rear Shock | FOX Float X Performance Elite, 230x57.5 |
| Bottom Bracket Shell | Threaded 73mm |
| Rear Brake Mount | 180mm PM |
| Chainguide Standard | ISCG05 |
| Shock Length | 230mm |
| Shock Stroke | 57.5mm |
| Fork Axle to Crown | 571mm |
| Fork Offset | 44mm |
| Front Derailleur Mount | None |
| Headset | Integrated IS41/52 |
| Max Chainring Size | 36t |
| Max Rotor Size | 220mm |
| Max Tire Clearance | 2.5", varies according to tire and rim model |
| Rear Spacing | 148mm |
| Recommended Sag | 30% |
| Seat Clamp Diameter | 36.4mm |
| Shock Mounting Hardware Lower | 30x8 |
| Shock Mounting Hardware Upper | 40x10 |
| Suspension System | VPP |
| UDH Compatible | Yes |
| Water Bottle Mounts | 1 |
| Colors | Matte Black, Gloss Brick Red |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Santa Cruz offers a lifetime warranty on frames and rigid forks for the original owner. Paint, finishes, and decals are covered for 3 years. Pivot bearings, Santa Cruz carbon handlebars, bottle cages, and Reserve carbon rims are covered for life for the original owner. |
Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C Included:
- Santa Cruz Carbon C all-around trail frame (145mm VPP travel) with Glovebox storage.
- FOX Float X Performance Elite or RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock.
- Santa Cruz Glovebox Tool Wallet and Tube Purse storage accessories.
- 12x148mm Boost rear thru-axle and SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).
- Molded rubber downtube protector, shuttle guard, and chainstay armor.
- Bicycle User Manual Book.
- Official Manufacturer Warranty Card.
Santa Cruz Hightower Frame C General Questions
Q: What is the difference between Hightower C and CC frames?
A: Both frames share identical VPP kinematics, 150 mm travel, Glovebox storage, and structural strength. The Carbon C frame uses slightly more carbon material, adding approximately 250 to 280 grams of weight over the Carbon CC. It provides identical ride performance and durability at a more accessible price.
Q: What suspension travel does Santa Cruz Hightower C feature?
A: The Santa Cruz Hightower C frame delivers 150 mm of rear VPP travel paired with a 160 mm fork. Paired with a custom-tuned Fox Float rear shock, it absorbs trail chatter and harsh square-edge bumps. This provides balanced pedaling support and plush descending control across technical terrain.
Q: Does Santa Cruz Hightower C feature internal frame storage?
A: Yes, the Carbon C frame incorporates Santa Cruz's integrated Glovebox downtube storage compartment. A weather-sealed latch allows riders to stow tubes, tools, and windbreakers neatly inside the frame. It eliminates bulky saddle packs and lowers the bike's center of gravity for improved cornering balance.
Q: What bottom bracket standard does Hightower C use?
A: The Hightower C frame utilizes a standard 73 mm BSA threaded bottom bracket shell. This threaded interface eliminates bottom bracket creaks and simplifies routine garage maintenance in wet conditions. It ensures broad compatibility with modern mountain cranksets from SRAM, Shimano, and Race Face.
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