Santa Cruz Hightower 4 CC XTR Reserve Complete Mountain Bike 2026

Mountain bikes are built for tackling rough terrain with frames made of durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, ensuring stability and maneuverability. They feature suspension to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and drops, providing a smoother ride.

Trail bikes are the quintessential “mountain bikes.” If you’re heading into the woods expecting to do it all on two wheels – climbing, technical sections, AND fun descents – you’re looking for a trail bike.

Engineered to tackle the most challenging terrain with enhanced comfort and control. Unlike hardtail bikes, full suspension bikes feature both front and rear suspension systems that allow the wheels to move independently from the frame.

Carbon is a composite frame material. Unlike metals, carbon is composed of fibrous strands woven into a grid and bonded with epoxy. Carbon is favored by many for its lightness and stiffness but its complexity in fabrication makes it the most expensive option.

The Fox 36 is the undisputed all-mountain champion. Lighter, stronger, faster — the 36 continues to dominate the all-mountain category.

“Factory” says it all – feature-packed and designed to exceed the demands of Fox's Factory-level riders. What they sell is what they race. Factory Series products feature slippery smooth, ultra-durable Genuine Kashima Coat.

This fork also features the GRIP X2 damper for maximum adjustability: high- and low-speed compression adjustment, plus high- and low-speed rebound adjustment.

From aggressive trail to enduro, the advanced damping, fade free performance and class-leading durability of Float X makes it the versatile and lightweight choice for All-Mountain riders earning their descents.

Factory Series models feature a genuine Kashima Coat finish for the ultimate friction-free performance.

Shock Adjustments - Air Spring Pressure / Open/Firm Compression Lever / Low Speed Rebound / Low Speed Compression
 

The XTR Di2 shifter feels instantly natural out of the box, but can also be molded to fit any hand, thanks to its familiar fit and evolved adjustability design. Multiple shift modes, like hold-down multi-shift, tactile click-through double shift, or locked-out single shift, deliver precision, while a tunable third button allows for additional system tuning or third-party connection.

The all-new XTR M9250 long-cage derailleur paired with a standard 10-51T M9200 cassette gives riders and racers the speed, range, and robustness to tackle every trail on the mountain. With built-in Automatic Impact Recovery, an impact-deflecting shape, and simple covered-pulley solutions, this derailleur stands up to harsh trail impacts and still retains its lightning-quick shifting speed and top-level performance.

The Shimano XTR crank features an entirely new construction, using direct mount chainrings, special gear tooth profile for improved chain retention, and a narrow 162mm Q-factor. The FC-M9100-1 uses a 52mm chain line and can be converted between 1x and 2x.

In mountain bike riding, trail conditions change drastically from one second to the next, from one turn to the next. Mountain bikers need to be able to seamlessly Perceive the conditions, Judge their options, and Operate their bike in a split second. XTR satisfies the needs of the most demanding riders by providing the highest level of precision and integration. We refocused on the original goal of XTR - to be the ultimate race components.

Designed for Shimano's revolutionary XTR M9100 12-speed MTB groupset, the M9100 chain provides enhanced chain retention thanks to an extended portion of the inner plate. The chain features quick-link assembly and SIL-TEC treatment for extended offroad durability.

High consistency and control make the BR-M9220 the strongest caliper in the M9200 family. New low viscosity oil keep the M9220 brakes’ bite point consistent in all trail and weather conditions, and new brake pads eliminate rattling noise caused by vibration. Increased power and consistency coupled with the peace of silence give riders pin-point control on rough trails.

RockShox' intention with Reverb™ AXS® was inventive and pure. No hoses. No routing. No energy wasted. Not a single thing in the way of the experience. They created a reliable wireless-electronic dropper post and controller that actuates with drastically less effort and zero distraction. Expanding what's possible on a bike, Reverb AXS is enabled by SRAM AXS™ technology, a new level of interaction, personalization, and connectivity across all AXS enabled components.

Features:

• Effortless Electronic-Wireless actuation and infinite height adjustment with a single touch.
• Clean, simple and fast to install. No hoses to route, no fishing required.
• Updated internals for faster return speed in all conditions.
• New Vent Valve Technology, a simple and reliable built in service solution without disassembly of the seatpost.
• SRAM AXS technology, a new level of interaction, personalization, and connectivity across all AXS enabled components.
• Includes RockShox AXS handlebar controller, rechargeable SRAM battery and charger.
• System is completely waterproof to IPX7 rating.

With a tread design that deftly balances rolling speed with braking and cornering traction, it’s no wonder why the Minion DHF is one of the most imitated tires in mountain biking.​

• 3C MaxxGrip: The stickiest, slowest rebounding rubber Maxxis offers.
• EXO: A cut and abrasion-resistant material added to the sidewalls.

With side knobs borrowed from the legendary Minion DHF, but widened to provide more support, the DHR II corners like no other. The center tread features ramped leading edges to improve acceleration and sipes to create a smooth transition when leaning the bike. Paddle-like knobs on the center tread dig in under hard braking and help keep the bike under control.

• 3C MaxxTerra: A triple compound ideal for trail riding in all conditions - offers more traction than 3C MaxxSpeed, yet provides better treadwear and less rolling resistance than 3C MaxxGrip.
• EXO+: Durable 60 TPI casing, legendary EXO puncture protection in the sidewalls, and a small butyl insert around the bead to protect from pinch flats and help prevent rim damage.