If you have been shopping for a Santa Cruz lately, you have probably noticed the names have changed. Where build kits used to be called R, S, or GX AXS, the current lineup lists bikes like the Hightower C70 and the Hightower C90. The naming is cleaner once you understand it, but Santa Cruz does not explain it well on the spec sheet, and the price gap between a 70 and a 90 build is significant enough that you want to know exactly what you are paying for.
This guide breaks down what the letters and numbers mean, what separates a C70 from a C90 build, and which one makes sense for your riding. Both builds are in stock at Dunbar Cycles in Vancouver and Corsa Cycles in Squamish, and you can browse every current model in our Santa Cruz C70 and C90 builds collection.
What the Name Actually Tells You
A Santa Cruz model name has two parts that matter here.
The letter is the frame. C is Santa Cruz's standard carbon layup. CC is the premium layup, which uses higher-grade carbon to hit the same strength targets at a lower weight, typically saving a few hundred grams. Both carry the same lifetime frame warranty, and both use identical geometry and suspension design. A C frame is not a lesser frame. It is the same bike with a small weight penalty and a meaningfully lower price.
The number is the build kit. The 70 and 90 designations follow SRAM's current drivetrain naming, where the Eagle 70 and Eagle 90 transmission groupsets replaced the old GX and NX mechanical tiers. A C70 bike is a C carbon frame with the 70-level component package. The C90 uses the same frame with the 90-level package. The frame underneath does not change between the two.
So when you compare a C70 against a C90, you are not comparing frames. You are comparing components on an identical chassis.
The C70 Build: The Value Pick
The 70-Kit is the entry point into Carbon Santa Cruz ownership, and it is a genuinely strong package. You get the full C carbon frame, SRAM's Eagle 70 transmission drivetrain with the direct-mount derailleur design, and suspension that handles real trail riding without complaint.
The 70 build is the right call if most of your budget priority is the frame. Every component on a 70 build is replaceable and upgradeable over time. The frame is the one thing you cannot upgrade later, and on a C70 you are getting the exact same frame that sits under builds costing thousands more.
The C90 Build: The Sweet Spot
The 90-Kit steps up nearly every touch point on the bike. The drivetrain moves to SRAM Eagle 90 transmission, the suspension moves up a tier in damper quality with more adjustability, and the brakes and finishing parts improve along with it.
The practical difference shows up in two places. The first is suspension performance, where the better dampers hold up noticeably better on long, rough descents of the kind that define North Shore and Sea to Sky riding. The second is drivetrain feel and durability under demanding use. For riders putting in big seasons, the 90 build spends less time in the service stand.
Most riders who can stretch to the 90 build do not regret it. It is the configuration we see chosen most often by riders who plan to keep the bike for five or more years.
C70 vs C90 at a Glance
| C 70-Kit | C 90-Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | C carbon | C carbon (identical) |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission |
| Suspension tier | Performance level | Performance Elite level |
| Best for | Frame-first buyers, future upgraders | Riders who want the bike dialled out of the box |
| Price position | Entry carbon | Mid-carbon, best value per dollar |
Component specs vary slightly by model and model year. Check the individual product pages in the C70 and C90 collection for exact build details on the bike you are considering.
Where Does CC Fit In?
Above the 90 builds sit the CC-frame bikes with kits like GX AXS, X0 AXS, and XTR. These pair the lighter CC carbon layup with wireless electronic drivetrains and factory-level suspension. They are exceptional bikes at a premium price.
For most riders, the honest advice is that the jump from C70 to C90 buys more real-world performance per dollar than the jump from C90 to a CC build. The CC bikes are for riders who race, who count grams, or who simply want the best version available without compromise. You can compare every tier side by side in the full Santa Cruz collection at Dunbar Cycles.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the C70 if:
- You want Santa Cruz frame quality at the lowest carbon entry price
- You plan to upgrade components gradually as parts wear
- Your riding is regular but not punishing, and mid-tier suspension covers your terrain
Choose the C90 if:
- You want the bike dialled from day one with no upgrade plans
- You ride frequently on rough, technical terrain where suspension quality earns its keep
- You are keeping the bike long-term and want the durability of the higher-tier drivetrain
Either way, the frame, the geometry, the suspension kinematics, and the warranty are identical. There is no wrong answer here, only a question of where you want your money to sit.
FAQ
What is the difference between Santa Cruz C and CC carbon?
Both are full carbon frames with the same shape, strength, and lifetime warranty. CC uses a higher-grade carbon layup that saves a few hundred grams. C costs significantly less. Ride quality between the two is nearly indistinguishable for most riders.
Is the C70 frame different from the C90 frame?
No. The C70 and C90 use the exact same C carbon frame. The number refers only to the component build kit on the bike.
What do the numbers 70 or 90 mean on a Santa Cruz?
The number indicates the build kit tier, aligned with SRAM's Eagle 70 and Eagle 90 transmission drivetrains. Higher numbers mean higher-tier components, primarily in the drivetrain, suspension, and brakes.
Is a C90 worth the extra money over a C70?
If you ride often on demanding terrain, usually yes. The suspension and drivetrain upgrades on the 90 build are the components you interact with on every ride. If your budget is firm, the C70 gets you the same frame and leaves room to upgrade later.
Can I upgrade a C70 to C90 components later?
Yes. Every component difference between the builds is a standard replaceable part. Many riders buy the C70 and upgrade the suspension or drivetrain when the original parts wear out.
See Them Side by Side
Spec sheets only tell you so much. The fastest way to settle a C70 vs. C90 decision is to look at both builds in person and talk through how you actually ride. Visit Dunbar Cycles in Vancouver or Corsa Cycles in Squamish, or browse the Santa Cruz C70 and C90 builds online. Still comparing brands? Explore the full range of trail mountain bikes at Dunbar Cycles.
