2020 Santa Cruz Hightower Test Ride & Review

[@mtbyumyum]

Please join me Monday evening, September 16th, live here on KZbin at 8:30 PM MST where I can answer any questions you post below in the comment section and we can discuss the new 2020 Santa Cruz Hightower! Excited to hang out with all of you and just catch up!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

I hope to join you Jason. Sucks that as of right now, last light is about 7:30 :( Hard to get that after work ride now.

[@bitumen83]

Is there any chance that you test new Ibis Ripmo AF. Thanks in advance! 🙂👍

[@rodianwatcher2628]

idol can i have one of ur santa cruz high tower.

[@ksodhi]

The POV video quality and colour looks much better than previous videos. Great review, BTW.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you!

[@ScottReznicek]

MTB yumyum What settings are you using for your GoPro? Trying to get into filming my rides. As always enjoying your content!!!

[@jctrails]

Jason try a little less sag in the shock. I set it up with 27% sag for my local trails to get that pop and when it’s time to ride park I put it back to 30% to get that Mega feel. Great review bro!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha dude, how did you measure your sag on this shock to 27% sag? I typically use a electronic mm tool but it's impossible on this bike dude!

[@jctrails]

MTB yumyum it’s a pain for sure! You need to take the mud guard off.

[@chumpmtb2554]

This is going to sound strange, but my Bronson (with the same lower link design) actually feels more playful with lower sag. I had it at 27% forever, which gave it a very stiff, wooden, feel. I didn't feel like I could push down into the travel. The more pressure I let out, the more lively it got. I'm down to like, 40% sag now. It pumps better, bunny hops better, and just feels more playful all around. One thing I've found with all of the lower link SC designs is, they're really kind of sluggish and dead feeling at slower speeds, but come to life the faster you ride

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@mtbyumyum Yeah that shock is so hidden away down there its hard to see what's going on.

[@mattschirle]

@@jctrails Less sag on this bike will also increase the anti-squat by a few percent, which combined with the firmer spring should make it climb a little better too.

[@dancassidy5243]

Had mine for about 2 months and really really really happy...coming from a 15 year old Blur LT - you can only imagine the difference and excitement level, great bike for me and such a good company

[@popoypoop]

Time for the new tallboy now! 😆 cant wait for ur awesome review

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

I would like to do a review on my channel on the Tallboy. From everyone I know who has ridden it, they say its way better than the new Ibis Ripley. It weighs much less than the Hightower. I bet the new Tallboy is speedy shifty demon!

[@davidzimmer1773]

And a comparison to the Ibis Ripley V4!

[@oliverburke3743]

@@davidzimmer1773 Yes please !!

[@stuartthomasson5027]

Great review Jason. It’s nice to hear your honest reviews about different bikes and how they compare to one another; especially from someone who has ridden different bikes for years. Keep up the great videos

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you!

[@mrrims]

Great review. Looking forward for the Tallboy review. Cant decide between the two.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks. Should have it uploaded in the next week or so!

[@mtnbikon391]

All of the new santa cruz bikes look absolutely awesome. Review was amazing as always!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks dude!

[@jamess.7261]

is there a Ripmo AF review in your future?

[@brettv576]

Would like to hear your thoughts on the YT Jeffsy and how it stacks up against this and the Ripmo.

[@ryanhicks382]

+1 to this. I’d like to know if it’s a better all day rider than the ripmo.

[@shamrock4840]

I think of all your great reviews-this might be the best daily do it all bike you’ve reviewed. Some might me a little more “ fun “ or zippier but this bike has no limitations. When you add an Aggressor 2.3 rear the bike really takes off.

[@stellaordoudi]

Amazing review!I totally agree with your comments as a Megatower-Hightower owner,

[@Truthbomb1390]

Stella Ordoudi I’m looking at getting either a MT or HT, which one is your favorite?

[@victorrafa6540]

Great review and great comparison with other models. Thank you.

[@briankeller5267]

Great review! Can't wait for the Tallboy review. Hoping that bike is amazing. 120/130 seems like the new optimal setup for everything from stage racing to trail riding.

[@ballplayer7373]

Would love to hear a comparison between the 5010, Hightower2 and Tallboy4 once you’ve ridden them all

[@adamrowley9026]

Agreed!!!

[@dirtbike9003]

I’m there, your live stream is so cool! Best review in the house!

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice, see you Monday!

[@persistentconsistency]

It's so wild how different riders feel different things on the same rig. Most bike review mags say the Ripmo is more plush and the HT is a bit too firm. I weigh between 210 and 225 year-round, so I'm guessing I'd be good either way, but lean heavily toward the HT due to the more progressive leverage curve. I wish it took a coil shock, but it is what it is. Thanks for the review!

[@mtbyumyum]

you're welcome!

[@zxtenn]

You guys sure carry some serious speed, 23++ MPH is fast and your vids don't seem to pay justice to that, great that you mention it from time to time. I have a 2018 Spectral 6.0 AL version and just installed a pair of the 2019 Mavic XA carbon wheels, 27.5X30. 2019 has a new 40 tooth hub that is nearly silent and fast engagement, took off the DHF tires and riding Vittoria Mezcal G+ 2.6 for more speed and suits my riding style better as I am not even close to you guys skills and terrain, between the wheel and tire swap I dropped exactly 1 pound and its so much smoother not to mention the hub engagement, got a STEAL on the wheels [E-BAY $1100.00] and tires from CC 70.00 for the pair

[@mtbyumyum]

Rad, thanks for sharing. Tires and wheel make a huge difference!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great review as always! However, I am thinking of the revamped SC 29er bikes, the Tallboy might end up being the cream of the crop. The main thing that I don't like about the new lower links is how exposed the shock is to mud and rocks coming off of the rear tire. The old upper link VPP had the lower link exposed, however it had a grease fitting so that you could hose the link pocket area out and keep the bearings greased by just pumping more grease through the port from time to time. Durability was has set SC apart from some other great bike for me, since I like to keep my bike 3 years or more. I suspect that this new shock set up will A. require more ride to ride maintenance and B. shorten the life of the shock (or increase the frequency of service)

[@mfa81]

Tallboy or Ripley seems to be the sweet spot for trail riding unless you want to compromise in order to have a better downhill bike!

[@Montezuma0]

@@mfa81 If your trails are smoother and more flowy then Ripley or Tallboy. If your trails are steep and gnarly, Ripmo or Hightower...

[@jpmche]

This is awesome! Looking forward to the 2020 SC Tallboy review.

[@Cartsp70]

Great review, You’re spot on with your comments , I demoed this bike Saturday, I found it to be REALLY REALLY sluggish a bit like the Bronson V3 , it was the CC XO1 build , I need to try the new Tallboy 🌳👍🏽👍🏽

[@ChhayaEang]

Any chance for the new Orbea Occam? 140mm version? 😊 Thanks for the videos. Keep it up. ✌️

[@dantribby199]

That would be cool.

[@chas60422]

Great review Jason. As always thorough and nice you ride the same trails comparing the bikes. Just wondering because of the rain, it probably made the trail that day epic. How much do you think the trail conditions affect the bikes feel. What if you rode this bike after a long summer on dusty, dry, and loose trails. Would the feel and reponsiveness change? Keep those reviews coming. BTW: I bought your hipbelt water carrier. That thing is the bomb. Comfortable, light, and just enough storage to be smart on what you bring and not the kitchen sink. I went otb with it and the water bottles stayed put. No dropped bottles. Must buy if you want a hip pack that isn't reservoir based for water.

[@duanehundley]

I like how you said the seat tube is steeper for the tall guys. Have you every seen anyone push their seat all the way back? I even see the short guys push their seat all the way forward. I dont understand why manufacturers dont notice that.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, the higher the saddle is the further back it gets... tall guys often times end up riding way further back then shorter people....

[@hfedrums123]

Sb130 or Hightower???:)

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

Jason, might I suggest some b-roll shots/camera angles that demonstrate some of your points? Get a shot of the shock working while climbing and then descending. Sometimes have your other rider wear a camera and get shots of you over some of the stuff too! (I know its hard with a one may production crew) Keep up the good reviews

[@JoeS97756]

Jason, regarding your comment on weight of new Tallboy, I think your Ripley build is top of the line XTR with light tires and I believe you are comparing to a Tallboy GX build with Minions. As I recall, a Ripley with GX build and beefy tires is also 30 lbs.

[@adamt3289]

canyon strive its been winning alot of reviews be cool to hear your take on one

[@mikedemille]

Nice review Jason! I'm thinking about one of these vs. new tallboy (coming from HTLT) so this is very helpful

[@mtbyumyum]

I'll have the tb4 video uploaded in the next week or so.

[@JoeS97756]

Would love to hear a review of SRAM AXS...I think you have it on your Ripley. Just test rode AXS in a parking lot and it seemed pretty cool.

[@mtbyumyum]

dude, I really need to make that video... it's amazing in every way! I shift a lot more because of it!

[@LiftedAdventures]

As always great review. My shop doesn't have the hightower yet. Can't wait.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks dude!

[@donnpassMTB]

From your rewiev sounds like the Ibis Ripley with a 140mm up front would be better bike owerall. That is why im waiting for new Ripley 6 weeks.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I think so. The Ripley will never descend like this Hightower though... it's really fun!

[@theedmondsept]

It looks like all the enduro bikes are getting the rear shock much lower to the bottom bracket, I was in Whistler this past August during Crankworx and saw a lot of companies going this route. I think it's becoming an Enduro/Downhill Hybrid

[@fuenstock]

Tallboy 4 review next!

[@micheandmikey]

I demo'd the Hightower LT and I actually like my 2016 Specialized Enrduro 29 better.......I was comparing it to the Ripmo which is by far my favorite bike I've ridden to date. I felt the Hightower was slow in tight turns.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

They have an aluminum S build at my local shop $4299, it’s sweet !!

[@totalglitch]

So I just got an aluminum 5010, I have the 18 hightower I'm getting a replacement, so for a longer travel would you go new hightower, Bronson, megatower or nomad? I don't do more than 3-5ft drops. But do like the bailout aspect of bigger bikes. Thanks again for these videos

[@mtbyumyum]

Of the 4 bikes you listed, I'd maybe go with the Hightower or Bronson. gl

[@davepeniuk]

Great review and video as always Jason! And thanks for helping with my Lab Austere hip pack order! Received it and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! Curious, if you had to buy one, which would you buy: RM Instinct BC or SC Hightower? I ride a RM Altitude 70C and love it but starting to lean towards a 29r finally. Thoughts?

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice, glad you like the pack! I actually just went back to a 27.5 bike myself. Picking up an Ibis HD5... loved the Altitude btw🙌

[@MOSTOME]

Great video. I've been riding a 2018 Hightower and 2019 Hightower LT. I like them both for very different reasons but my 2020 Hightower frame will be here on Monday and this video makes me even more stoked. Question tho, where did you film this?

[@unworktotravel4720]

Great review as always, and I can't wait for the Tallboy review. Personally, I'm on a Rimo, and currently debating whether I want to trade it in for a Ripley!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, theres always a trade off... the ripmo is fun but for me it was a bit much for my every day rides....

[@unworktotravel4720]

@@mtbyumyum If you don't mind me asking, what type of trail/ride do you think that you would you start wishing for the Ripmo, or a bit bigger bike in general, as opposed to the Ripley?

[@dalelakusta8143]

I don't think there is a drastic difference in pedal efficiency that you would need to throw away money to change to a Ripley from a Ripmo unless you ride only on smooth flow trails. But there is a difference most likely. Every ride we hope for something better that suits the trail we are riding at the moment but ride something a little chunkier and you will wish for the Ripmo again. The Ripmo is the best trade off bike that rides well everywhere. I think the best choice is to hoard tires and use what works on the trail best. I have a light forecaster/rekon for desert/flow riding, assegai/dhr2 for my main riding and even more lying around.

[@rotorwind177]

Nice! Look forward to the tallboy review :)

[@victorrafa6540]

I know this was awhile ago. How would you compare this bike to the yeti 150? I know different in many ways but trying to make a final decision between these 2 bikes and I believe you have a very good insight to a lot of bikes out there. Thanks.

[@mtbyumyum]

The sp150 feels like a much bigger bike. Honestly, They probably climb about the same.

[@nismomike3182]

If you had a fully pimped out custom build HTLT with X2/Grip2, would you sell the frame and buy an HT2 frame? Fyi, I have no complaints about suppleness and I love how sharp the handling it is. Does the HT2 climb that much better to warrant a frame upgrade? I hate Rockshox and would have to also spend $500 on a DPX2. It's hard to demo an XTR or XX1 model, and NX GX builds will always seem less impressive than a dentist's build. Thanks for the review J!

[@mtbyumyum]

hum, tough question... yes the ht2 is better but it's up to you if it's worth it. The climbing is better but I wouldn't swap frames just for that. The biggest difference is the descending. Significantly better imho... good luck!

[@dcouture79]

Love the videos man! Built a 2020 Tallboy to compliment my Bronson. Sometimes I wonder if I should have built a Hightower, what are your thoughts on the two?

[@dcouture79]

Great video! What would you like better, the new Bronson or Hightower? I’ve been considering updating my Bronson until this came out!

[@miguelnavarro2571]

Another great review Jason! Seeing how much you climb on a daily basis and not one for ever having to use the pedal platform, do you tinker around with the low speed compression to keep the bike sitting higher when pedaling and pumping?

[@GOTCHAPARK]

Jason love your videos and reviews BUT you make me want to buy every bike you ride / test / review :) ... Is there anyway you can do a 2020 comparison video ? Don't get me wrong I really appreciate you doing all these test / reviews and I respect your opinion which is why I feel it is important for you to do some kind of caparison video ( just a thought )

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thanks! Yeah, I would love to... it's just a matter of getting all the bikes together and riding them all in the same day or 2 days... It would be a lot of production and time. Where I don't get paid to do this and have a full time job it would be difficult.

[@GOTCHAPARK]

wow thx for the quick response . you SHOULD be paid for this you do a hell of a job man ! Keep up the good work .

[@michaelp9313]

The Testtrack is a highway ;) no roots, no stones. you can ride with a CC bike :) What is the significance of this test?

[@davidbradshaw6836]

Love that your representing the local CC trails!

[@davidp3208]

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on an Evil offering especially with a 150mm fork. Pretty much blew me away. Love to hear where a professional demo expert ranks it.

[@mikeep666]

I've just replaced my original hightower with an offering 150mm fork. The DELTA link is something special. Really impressive.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I need to get on the Offering for sure...

[@88losi]

Good review..dude..try the trek slash 8..

[@WildeSuchtelei]

Switchblade V2 vs Ripmo V2 vs Hightower V2?! What would be your first choice for local trail riding + 4 weeks in the alps / year and some enduro races.

[@mtbyumyum]

Right now, the Switchblade... it's so good.

[@raivkka4313]

Getting a kona process 134 or ripmo AF (aluminum frame) anytime soon?

[@chadclark2070]

I would like to see the Process too!!

[@briniball1066]

Hey can you give any insight on the differences between the 2019 Bronson and the 2020 Hightower? I like the idea of a more poppy maneuverable bike but would there be any compromise choosing the Bronson over the Hightower? I ride a bit of everything but mostly 2-3 hour rides, not too many full day epics.

[@Bike_and_Beer]

Im seriously torn between a new hightower and an offering. Currently have an OG hightower but looking for a little more travel and want something to smooth out the trails better. Also looking for something that can handle park days a little better. Unfortunately don't have an Evil dealer near me. Any opinions on comparing the two?

[@mtbyumyum]

Both the Offering and the new Hightower can handle park days and will smooth out the trail much more than your og Hightower. Personally, I'd go with an Ibis Ripmo but between the two you mentioned... Offering🤘 good luck

[@Bike_and_Beer]

Thanks dude, love your videos, I’ve learned a ton

[@olivierhacking]

Does the same suspension design but with 15mm less travel (the Tallboy) really climb noticeably better? Thanks for the review! :D

[@localmtb-musictrailsbeer89]

Great review! Are you going to make it to the YT demo coming up out there? Would be so cool to get your thoughts on the Jeffsy.

[@nodnarbswenson]

Id like to see you review the new Ibis Ripmo AF!!!

[@marcmatulich2782]

Looking for a new bike in the +/-130mm range. Still trying to decide between 27.5 or 29. Any recommendations in either wheel size. I ride in Santa Cruz and basically climb to descend, not many long up and down xc loops. Looking at SB130 and 140. Santa Cruz Hightower and 5010. Any others to consider? Or comments on the bikes listed?

[@jasonn7790]

Hey J, sold my 4 yr old fuel and looking hard at the Switchblade and the Hightower, any comments. I don't love to climb but have to climb because of my local terrain and love to pop hop and find mild air on the descent. Any comments on the two bikes? Plus I"m 6'5".

[@hayddagoat2338]

Epic! If i am 5'9-5'10 do you think id be best suited on a large? I currently ride a large Hightower LT which seems to fit good. Thanks!

[@mtbyumyum]

I think so!

[@youssefkarmous6227]

for 5.8", I think the L fits better right(based on SC size chart) ? I'm getting confused on what to get L or M. What do you think ?

[@ZillaYT]

If you already have the Tallboy, would you go for the Hightower or Megatower?

[@johannmadrid8864]

Great review. New to mtb will someone please tell me the difference between tallboy, Hightower, 5010, Bronson and mega tower? Or like what bike is trail, enduro?

[@cbgentry30]

have you ridden a tallboy? curious to know what bike you like more?

[@alexlamy1271]

Bro I already order the frame of my Megatower.. ✌🏻the green color saludos amigo ✌🏻

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice, congrats!

[@endriuu100]

hi. what size did you choose and what is your height and standover in cm or ft? whether it was the right choice?

[@mtbyumyum]

5'8" on a size medium. Felt right.

[@stefanxkohlbauer]

Hey! Can you please do me a favor and compare SC Hightower 2020 with NINER RIP 9 RDO? (especially uphill?) Thank you so much!

[@georgehernandez6672]

hey Jason. Im gonna be in Provo next weekend for a wedding and i have a window to ride on Saturday morning. I like to ride early and the wedding starts at 6pm. any suggestions on where to ride? Can I ride an YT Decoy on any trails up there? or better to bring my Bronson.

[@dalelakusta8143]

george hernandez Jason does corner canyon in his videos.

[@georgehernandez6672]

@@dalelakusta8143thanks Dale. I'lll search it. someone recommended bobsled. i like DH tech, fast, drops, jumps.

[@TheThunderstorm149]

Tough one! If you had to pick one as your one and only, would you go Megatower, SB150, HT2 or SB130?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeti SB130

[@louieluis8840]

Is it fun to ride bec its expensive?

[@danduro]

Are you doing a norco sight review?

[@jaymanese2556]

Great review

[@pinoypridemtb]

Hi Jayson, after rebound adjustments how many clicks of rebound did you set it up? You mentioned 10 clicks . Thanks!

[@mtbyumyum]

There are 10 clicks of adjustment on the super deluxe shock, I was at 6

[@pinoypridemtb]

Thanks Jayson!

[@bike_somm]

Jason..... Nice job and i’m happy to hear you liked the bike! The only few questions i have for you being a higher skilled rider and Strongly looking at this bike and the Megatower is.. do you think the Mega has slightly more advantage being that they are “so close” almost like the SB130 & 150.. not a huge difference in weight and also the HT being less adjustable compared to the Mega & Tallboy, that maybe santa cruz hit it out of the park with one swing on this HT.. or Maybe they silghtly missed the mark being that the mega pedals close to as well and does much more? Next less complicated question.. Do you think a better rider like yourself and myself perhaps.. who wants to race some enduros “California Enduro Series” enduros along with say Sea Otter and Downieville, would better bennefite from a HT or a Mega? I know it’s still a long shot of a question.. but shoot give me your best analysis if you will be so kind! Thanks a million, JayBirdy

[@motoj9050]

You think you could ever get your hands on a commencal meta tr 29?

[@christopherfarish4965]

Nice video! Btw, where did you buy those blue gloves?

[@mtbyumyum]

I think there's a link to the gloves in the description below the video.... Thanks!

[@ericsandrow8942]

thoughts on the Hightower vs Pivot 429

[@david029014]

how does this compare to the 2021 giant trance x???

[@237311]

Bit confused here with the HT better on steeper vs the TB has better position when climbing

[@mtbyumyum]

I dont understand your question...

[@doozlamuller7887]

Hi mate, love your vids, is this bike more playful than a yeti 5.5?

[@mtbyumyum]

It's been awhile that I last rode the sb5.5... I would say they're close...

[@doozlamuller7887]

MTB yumyum thank you very much.

[@roland5599]

i like those gloves, what are they?

[@z28fun]

How does it compare to the new switchblade?

[@MiciahChamberlain]

Now review the 2023 version

[@larsgibsonsmelker1365]

Have you risen the v4 5010 by chance? I know you ride a ton and probably don’t have every bike filmed

[@mtbyumyum]

just posted today!!

[@Geneseenrique48]

Nice santa cruz bike i like that bike

[@alecwebster1]

Great review. I noticed you didn’t answer the big question? SB130 or Tallboy/Hightower?? Especially for climbing and pedaling performance. I rode the SB130 and Tallboy on the street and was surprised how well the SB130 pedaled plus it’s over 2 pounds heavier with the same X01 build.

[@mtbyumyum]

SB130 climbs better than either of the Santa Cruz bikes. Of the bikes you listed, I'd go with the sb130

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Great job Jason! I thought a lot of the same things about this bike when I did my video. For some reason, the Hightower felt like it climbed better than the SB130. It really reminded me of the DW link. I also noticed that its not the most "poppiest" bike around corners. It's agile and playful but it could be that frame weight. It does weigh more than the Ripmo frame weighs.

[@mtbyumyum]

So many good bikes out right now!

[@alexkeyes1706]

How does this thing climb compared to the Ripmo? Looking for the best climbing bike possible in this category to get the most riding in, I am a slow climber.

[@mtbyumyum]

Doesn't climb as well as the Ripmo.... Just get the Ripmo, you wont be disappointed!

[@Truthbomb1390]

If you had to choose between this HT and the Megatower, what would you choose?

[@mtbyumyum]

Ibis Ripmo :) is that a choice?!

[@fntugger4578]

So you said it wasn't the best 140mm climber. What bikes would you name as better climbers ?

[@mtbyumyum]

Rocky mountain Instinct then Ibis ripmo

[@thezelona1]

is the back wheel quick release?

[@mead813]

Where do you guys ride at? It looks a lot like the terrain here in New Mexico.

[@mtbyumyum]

slc utah

[@mead813]

@@mtbyumyum beautiful

[@miatamx]

Have you already ridden the jeffsy?

[@jmanswat2457]

PLEAZ REVIEW NEW SPECIALIZED ENDURO!!!

[@martynprice87]

Which short travel 29 do you think is the best ride?

[@mtbyumyum]

Ibis Ripley

[@rodianwatcher2628]

new subcriber here...how i wish to own that santa cruz hightower...but i cannot afford buy that

[@mtbyumyum]

Welcome!

[@ChrisKiller]

What doesn't it climb as well as?

[@testalino]

There is no Strava or Instagram link below. Good video though, but sometimes it feels like you are holding back on the negative points :)

[@mtbyumyum]

just updated with link, thanks! Negatives would inclue, it's heavy, everyone in my area either rides a Santa Cruz or Specialized so I personally wouldn't buy it because I don't want to have the same bike as everyone else and I didn't love either paint job. I didn't mention them because they're not overly relative to the purpose of the video. thanks!

[@decalderon]

Love your reviews Jason! How would the HT compare to de SB150? Would you say the HT sits between the Sb130 and the Sb150? Thanks!