Full review: Santa Cruz Hightower 4 - all new for 2025!

Check out the 2025 Santa Cruz Hightower here at Jenson USA: jenson.sjv.io/... Anything purchased from that link, or the following, will directly help support my channel. Huge thanks to all of you for your support- and also to Jenson USA! Big thanks to Santa Cruz for loaning me this HT4 for the last couple weeks.
I also compare the Hightower 4 to:
Santa Cruz Hightower 3: • Big XC, small enduro, ...
Yeti SB140: • Reviewing the 2023 Yet...
Pivot Switchblade: • Riding the NEW 2024 Pi...
Ibis Ripmo V3: • Is the all new 2025 Ib...
Head to www.DrinkLMNT.c... to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
BIG thanks to my friends over at Endura! Check out the Humvee Shorts I’m rocking in the desert here at Jenson USA: jenson.sjv.io/... Any purchases from that link, or the following, will directly help support my channel. Thanks in advance!
Check out all the rest of the Endura gear at this link: jenson.sjv.io/...
BIG thanks to Shimano for sponsoring my channel: jenson.sjv.io/...
My socials:
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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 July 2024:
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
Wet weather riding tips: / wet-weather-tips-78055037
How to ride ROUGH corners: / how-to-ride-76582910
50 tips to be a better mountain biker: / 50-tips-to-be-75352100
How to land jumps: / how-to-land-74063598
How to ride steep trails: / how-to-ride-72705363
How to sprint without pedaling: / how-to-sprint-71580461
How to ride flat corners: / how-to-ride-flat-68552084
How to jump found gaps: / 67255256
How to stoppie turn: / 65842496
How to drop: / 64552391
How to LEAN in corners: / how-to-lean-in-63176556
How to Ride Light on the Bike: / how-to-ride-on-61941975
Riding technique differences between hardtails and full suspension: / 60435182
5 tips to make flat trails more fun: / 58058983
5 tips to improve bike control and balance: / 56839920
How to levitate out of corners: / 55607066
How (and when) to rock roll or drop: / 53126562
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! / 51914476
How to Lanual: / 50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: / 49476021
Which brake to use when: / which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: / 46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: / how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: / 44507851
And over 25 more videos ONLY posted to my page here: / jeffkendallweed

[@Couffee]

I think you and bikers edge have the all time best unbiased bike reviews. Thank you for all you do!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! Connor is cool, and I used to work with that shop when I was at Ibis. He's got a VERY different perspective than I do, so it's great to have their content to compliment mine! Same for Yumyum.

[@markharlor1144]

Bikers Edge only review bikes they sell though...

[@wozzupp8647]

Video quality is superb. You're definitely raising the bar.

[@MightyFireL]

Actually Jeff said he lowered the bar on this new HT 😁

[@spicymountainbike]

You’re the only KZbinr I trust for reviews. Such a cool video.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thansk Spicy!

[@BBKDRAGOON]

Awesome review, seriously the amount of polish and the all the great shots/broll and the depth of analysis are all really appreciated

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! Hoping it's both helpful and fun to watch. Thanks for clicking!

[@jasoniannone9675]

Great review as usual. You're not the only one dealing with pedal strikes. Biker's Edge did too. I got the Tallboy and have the same problem. SC should spec a 165mm or shorter crank.

[@SidiNic]

I put a 165mm crank on my Megatower v2 and its so much better. Almost no pedal strikes compared to 170 cranks.

[@Dy1pickel]

Video makes me appreciate my HT 3 even more

[@alejandrogross-rodriguez9875]

Same here, I think it has the perfect travel for a trail bike

[@nathanjennings9786]

I agree. Glad I grabbed one with the sales they were doing! This is pushing it too far for what I was wanting.

[@alejandrogross-rodriguez9875]

@@nathanjennings9786 yeah, I was a little mad when the sale happened since I got mine couple of weeks before from my lbs, build s for 4600 out the door, the sale for my bike was I think 4300 out the door so after thinking about it I still got a pretty good deal

[@notgazo7009]

I bought a Hightower 3 a week ago with a nice 15% discount... At first I was a bit surprised to see that my bike was discontinued a week later. But this 4th generation seems to go too far on the enduro side. I think the 3rd generation was the right choice for me.

[@mical_tv1426]

Same here. Just had my first ride on the V3. Seeing the V4. The distinction between the Hightower and the Bronson is pretty much gone. One has a smaller rear wheel. That's it. I moved away from a 150-160 mm altitude for this. So far so good. First thing I noticed was more effort needed for turn initiation. All the lengthening of the new one I feel would be too much for what I ride.

[@peterliuify]

Dude, you are killing it. I love your content!

[@Engineers_Shred_Too]

Your style is mesmerizing! Scenery and editing are fantastic as well. I think I’m just going to extend my HT 3 fork to 160 and pretend it’s a Newtower.

[@adamchambers7502]

i loved the "lived in, family man garage". Feels real. This man had kids and not the eons of spare time needed to create spotless workshop backdrops, which although are v nice to see, make me feel like i cant relate to those youtubers as much!

[@petedog9581]

Great vid. This is an aggressive trail bike w almost enduro geo and length. I prefer a 150/140mm trail bike for my less vertical trails in the Ohio. This would be too much bike for most trail riders that don't hit black trails or bike parks imo.

[@sgt.sender1]

If i were to have one bike and one bike only this would be it, that being said i have a freeride/enduro rig and also a HT3 and i agree, i think the 140/150 is the perfect all around bike. This does look nice though.

[@petedog9581]

@@sgt.sender1 I have a 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30, and I'm quite content w my choice. Less than $3K delivers to my door from Jenson. Had to give them a plug. My 2013 Stumpjumper Elite 29 alloy was over $4K new. Lol.

[@mtbyumyum]

As always, excellent video!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Jason, I’m excited to hear your take on this one! But I feel like the NewTower got revised to better suit my tastes than yours… which is fine by me 😂 😜 I can only guess the Tallboy will get revised soon, but I have zero inside knowledge there.

[@guystuff5594]

Awesome video! I still hope to see you do a vid on the HT3 with a 160 fork and cascade link!

[@crjmoto]

Good to hear they raised that bottom bracket!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Higher on paper, rides like it's lower!

[@crjmoto]

@@JeffKendallWeed We're all going to be rocking 100mm cranks at this point lol

[@MTBMcPhee]

Fantastic review, love your work!

[@birddog76]

Thank you for referencing the previous model! The previous Hightower has some great deals right now, but your review makes me consider if I should buy the new one. But as I get older, I am sure the less burly, previous Hightower would be great. Decision made!! Thanks Jeff!

[@stuartthomasson5027]

Great honest review. I want to ride like Jeff when I grow up

[@getskyhigh3677]

Giving a follow just off of how good the Manuals are in the video ! 🔥

[@MrAntoniovine]

You are my top reviewer… I’d love to hear your review on a Rocky Mountain Instinct!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! We hope to get an Instinct here soon!

[@ericthatcher]

Roll that beautiful drone footage.

[@svtrader]

The Weed man is a monster ripper. 80 yrs. Jeff would still ride circles around me.

[@doughboi007]

7k for a GX build is kind of insane.

[@RunRideHikeThrive]

Santa Cruz bikes are always stupid expensive 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Seems about average these days.

[@kevinleclerc1749]

is it ? am new here and was looking at the new gx for 2025v.. 10500 with tx up here

[@grantwilliams2912]

Great insight.. Hopefully a Bronson V5 compare in the future

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

I love your reviews and they're very intriguing to watchm.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Ninja jazz!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

You're putting out quality reviews like Duncan Hines cupcakes, just missing some Dolly Parton cameos 😂

[@cberg9480]

Super fresh review

[@lf46778]

Such a good review with the comparison to prev gen model. Hope they also send you the new Bronson for review!

[@joeshawcroft7121]

I love your channel and I love your bike reviews. I hate that I can't afford any of the new bikes though 😄

[@ryangregohara]

Awesome vid. Jensen…send Jeff a tshirt in the next size up! 🙂

[@throughthewire9434]

Ah that Green is some House of the Dragon Hightower Green.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Really? I don't know the reference!

[@lando4823]

Does the New Hightower feel a bit like the older Bronson you have tested?

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks for the great review. Seems SC, like other bike makers, are leaving more of a hole between their “down country”, 120mm travel bikes and their next step up like this HT. If you got the trails to make a bike as big as a HT worth pedaling all day good for you. I think that’s why you’ll see the few bikes that hit the trail bike sweet spot at 130mm do well in sales. You did allude to the HT not being ideal for the epic, BC rides, but rather a better fit for more “bike specific trails”. Maybe riding the latter is just becoming more popular. I still prefer the epic, bc on-bike specific trail type rides but I’m likely in the minority of riders today.

[@YongPark-g3h]

They have 5010 which I think is one of the most popular SC bikes.

[@CragCatDad]

“All while encouraging its rider to get those Lael Wilcox miles in😂”

[@Wafe_NZ]

I have the V2 and love it I think I will hold out until the V6

[@JimLacey357]

I’m currently riding the Hightower v2 (also owned the HT v1) and still love it, only drawback it is not UDH compatible. 🤷‍♂️ If I decide on a new frame I would choose the HT v3 over the “NewTower”. 150/140 (or even 140/130) is perfect for 90% of my riding and fine for the other 10%. No plans to update my frame even though it has over 16,000 miles (25000 km) on it, and if I do the HT v3, Stumpjumper 15 or Ibis Ripley v5 are more suited for me. I’m curious what the next Tallboy will become. 🤔 Great video 👍😎

[@kangsterizer]

the transition spur is also perhaps the type of bike youd like. def . on my list as the tallboy isnt there just yet (perhaps upcoming next version)

[@felipefarias7654]

I don't understand why manufacturers are falling in this game of "more is more". With a 160/150mm suspension platform this bike isn't a proper trail bike anymore. That kind of bike that is poppy, fun, capable descender and climbs very well technical stuff. Furthermore, sizing by most manufacturer seems very flawed. A size L with 480mm reach is too much, the bike will most certainly push the riders weight forward and will stretch his arms to the point where he will lose manoeuvrability. Nice video though!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Man, around here, a 160mm trail bike is the perfect "one bike" to have... I feel like size L in 475-485 is spot on. Medium around 455-465.

[@brookscurran]

Try a medium if a 480 reach large is too much. Or get a bike from some company that uses a trendy S1-S5 naming scheme if you’re hung up on the letters. There’s plenty of places that warrant 150mm as a do everything trail bike and others that would be more fun on 120mm…

[@felipefarias7654]

@@brookscurran oh yes. I went for an M and it’s spot on. According to manufacturers at 1.80m I should be using an L.

[@defult_fish0960]

The way your jumping down the trail

[@andersonsridebikes]

Excellent review! I’m interested in seeing how this compares to the new Stumpy 15

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Nice video and review. I have the Hightower V3 and I love it. I am not getting the new v4 as I want to keep my v3 for 5-7 years at least. I think I don’t need the extra rear/front travel.

[@alonsovaldivia2348]

Great review hell yeah! The quality is great ... but looks unreal sometimes the camera can process ur speed. Greetings bro!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! 4k60 fps!

[@Tubbdan]

I just got my hightower3 cardinal red and I wish I waited!! still love my v3 tho

[@rekamniar]

The hightower with its many iterations has surely evolved a lot. Now that its becoming more travel, does that mean the long travel siblings gonna grow its travel too?

[@justinfournier1285]

It has to. This is a Santa Cruz Stumpjumper Evo. Way too close to the Megatower now. I’ll be keeping my HT v3 as I already have a SJ Evo, but I’d get this is it came in a better colour and I was going to trim my quiver. It’s really an All-Mountain/Agressive trail bike IMO. I expect the Tallboy to move up in travel too now.

[@jeppemikkelsen248]

Well, initially I was tempted on an upgrade from my V2, which is still treating me well. The V3 was too incremental for me too consider and new I guess I need to test the V4 too really know. Still the V2 is amazing, but the new one does look nice in that color

[@LeviWood-bi9qb]

Awesome review! Any chance you’d do a review of the 5010 sometime?

[@justinfournier1285]

Ok. Ok. You’ve sold me on waiting for the new Megatower. Looking at the changes they made on the Bronson and Hightower, the Megatower is gonna be the deal. Unless it’s in bad (subjective) colours

[@SidiNic]

Well my Megatower v2 is the best bike I have ever ridden. For me only making it a bit lighter would help

[@justinfournier1285]

@@SidiNic Yeah, totally understand. I’m looking at the V2 as well but having more shock options and lowering anti-squat while adding a touch more travel won’t hurt. 2025 model is 170/170 already. I’d like the new rear triangle as well, no cable option. That being said if my LBS gives me a deal too good to pass up on a V2 I may take it.

[@323johnnybravo]

Based on your review and others I think I’m going to get a V3 with a 160 fork.

[@briankeller5267]

Ripmo gets my vote

[@buster7979]

Great video! You mentioned you like a light compression tune. Do you run a fast rebound? Your bikes always look so poppy!

[@Davidskates603]

Dang. I run a V1 Megatower as basically a beefy all mountain bike. It seems like they have come full circle. I wonder if the changes to the platform would be better for my riding. Also that new Bronson 😮

[@TheBikeBuddha]

Hope to see you review the stumpy 15!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! I may try to fanangle one!

[@323johnnybravo]

@@JeffKendallWeedget the new Alloy one too if you can !

[@FelixLux-jl8cb]

I like the V4 geo, same goes for the Bronson V5. Not sure, if I'm a fan of less anti squat, but my climbs are usually not very technical... More travel, less anti squat --> will they make the Tallboy more burly too?

[@matthewbenedetti490]

Great review! In regard to the frame flex, could it be the difference between the C and CC level carbon? I think SC said that only the C has cable ports… I’m still loving my late model gen 2 HT, but this new one is definitely tempting.

[@holc123]

Sounds like the v3 with a 160mm fork is the way to go for me.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That's a fine bike. I definitely prefer the new one though.

[@johnnybaridi]

another great review. question; do you always test/ride with DD casing on trail/all mountain bikes? would it feel more playful and less cumbersome pedalling if you put an enduro casing out back and trail casing up front?

[@abcd7819lll]

great review, but I wonder if it is coil friendly or can't fit in a coil shock?

[@gdosiu]

Complaining about insufficient stiffness is quite puzzling. 🤔 In other reviews, Santa Cruz bikes have always been rated as very stiff. It was even considered a slight drawback, being too stiff. It's interesting what has changed the assessment so drastically. Especially since all Santa Cruz bikes are very similar in design. Maybe a video with lab tests checking stiffness would clarify? ☺️

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I’ve measured frames, and the differences with a 45lb weight flexing the front triangle from fork to BB differs from ~12-16 mm, so it doesn’t translate well to video. I found the HT3 to be more torsionally rigid than the HT4. I notice flex a lot more because I’ve got a very active, aggressive riding style- I stand and pump and jump a lot, more than the majority of other reviewers. While it’d be less confusing for the public if I didn’t share my flex opinions, it’s a very important characteristic for me. I’d rather not dumb down the vids that way.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

FWIW it’s almost always the French people who like softer, flexy bikes. Check out Lew’s videos about the commencal- it was super flexy. And it’s a very popular bike in France!

[@RookYZRM1]

Tallboy update incoming to fill the gap in 3…2….I’d guess 130/140, with all the similar geo updates:)

[@ChaseAdams-f4h]

Jeff! Your own money, you can only pick one to ride as your only bike... sizing issues aside, which is the better bike, which would be your pick; Ripmo V3 or HT V4??? Great reviews!

[@kelvin9424]

I’m hoping to hear his thought on this too.

[@Sixbillion1]

best bike reviews on the internet rite here

[@rantingwrench]

Longer travel, more aggro geo… where have all the fun bikes gone?

[@Couffee]

Agreed, most riders that have 140 mm or travel or more really do not use it, let alone need it (unless you want to be less fatigued riding park all day). When I can get away with it, I will chose my Tallboy all day long to make things more interesting vs being over-biked or have less fun on the trails. I do whip out my enduro bike when things get rough though (steep double blacks).

[@TNW84]

Pivot Trail 429 has entered the chat

[@tom2038]

i find it interesting that most people say it doesn't feel composed on steep descents and isnt as nimble at slower speeds but you seem to think the opposite?

[@boogiedownbronx73]

The only thing i do not like about Santa Cruz is the price...I mean 5k you have lots of better options in my opinion. For example IBIS or YETI or PROPAIN. Personally my budget is 3k. Currently riding a 2021 Giant Trance X 2 but im reaching its limits....i need a stronger enduro bike

[@Dempsey222]

Why does the frame look like an E bike. Especially on the down tube?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's got a big ol downtube.

[@azzy9532]

Do you think the new Hightower is less stiff than the outgoing model?

[@MrRedSoldier1000]

Will you still be making a video about a long travel v3 with the cascade components link?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Maybe- we'll judge how this is received.

[@drlangingtonphd2909]

Would be a good comparison to the H4 I think…

[@guystuff5594]

@@JeffKendallWeedreally looking forward to it!

[@rashman763]

How bout blur vs tallboy which one u prefer thanks from clermont orlando fl

[@ttMTB26]

Hi Jeff, What is currently your favorite trail and enduro bike?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Rocky Altitude 2024 is amazing!

[@Kev2Bee]

No internal cable routing = no buying. Forced to buy wireless controllers will create an external cable revival. We had external cables once upon a millennium ago.

[@Tomzzzzzz]

Is the new tower heavier than the V3? That beefed up downtube and lower link area looks heavy. 😢

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I didn't notice a weight difference. Weight wise, both bikes are totally acceptable for me.

[@tom2038]

How much worse does it climb compared to the v3?

[@brendanford4850]

Mech for me

[@mkrj2576]

Anyone find frames with drop in style heads more prone to creaking?

[@mrpachuco696]

😮

[@YongPark-g3h]

I wonder if it's vpp suspension design that doesn't allow them to have deeper seat post insertion. I wish my HT seat height is slightly lower as well but when I push it in even 1mm deeper the dropper post starts acting up. I tried my friend's Transition Sentinel medium size which comes with 180mm dropper stock, it felt so much better on the down.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I think it's just the short 150mm drop post that was chosen, not an issue with insertion depth. Simply less SKUs to manage for Santa Cruz. I fit a 180 no problem on my Bronson.

[@YongPark-g3h]

@@JeffKendallWeed Interesting. I physically cannot insert even 150mm dropper all the way into the frame (HT V3). Cable gets kinked or something happens. Maybe a great excuse to upgrade to wireless dropper :)

[@justinlam8203]

Daym beaten

[@endureHo]

What trail is that?

[@gunshipanropace2gunshipand119]

Is that British Racing Greeen?

[@justinfournier1285]

Like the green, hate the yellow. Ugh.

[@gundamnit3594]

@@justinfournier1285 SC uses that yellow way too much.

[@justinfournier1285]

@@gundamnit3594 Agreed. It’s played out like the Jheri curl. I don’t understand the combinations of like a more subtle color like the gray mega tower, but then the bright yellow. It’s like way too much. If they have one really bright option, they should have one more muted option as well in my opinion.

[@Phantom1000]

First :)

[@tylerdesrosiers]

Keep the cable routing ffs

[@ericzingeler7140]

The amount of wheelies in this video is borderline annoying. 😛

Can i use your images to create content in portuguese? i haven't conditions to acess that bikes and others, but i would to bring those content for my country

[@RookYZRM1]

You missed the BIGGEST update news, the Hightower is now coil shock compatible!!🥹

[@kangsterizer]

new bike day is everyday for some! /jealous-happy-for-you-must-be-nice interestingly i find my old ht2 to also be too flexy when you push it, despite the rest being pretty enduro-y (cascade link, 160mm front, which modified geo a bit). its nice at slower speed but not fantastic if you send it. kinda fits the type of bike its sold as vs the megatower i guess, but i cant help to think that they could eliminate the mega and just make the hr a tad stiffer