Hardtails are about as subtle as bikes come, and in the case of the Highball, simplistic refinement belies engineering effort. We’ve learned from our road biking pals that a great deal of a hardtail’s compliance comes from the seatpost: the smaller the diameter, the softer the feel, and with more seat post exposed to daylight, more compliance is had— which is the reason the Highball features low slung top tube and the smaller, 27.2mm diameter post. But you need not be sitting to recognize the ‘soft’ feel of the Highball— the dropped seat stays are made of custom laminate, finely tuned here in Santa Cruz for vertical compliance— and they’re oriented to isolate the top tube from high speed trail chatter, reducing feedback to the, uh, engine.
SPECS:
Frame |
Carbon C 29" Hardtail
|
Fork |
RockShox Sid SL Select+, 100mm, w/ Remote
|
Rims/Wheels |
RaceFace AR Offset 27, 29"
|
Hubs |
DT Swiss 370, Torque Cap, XD, 6-Bolt
|
Tires |
Maxxis Rekon Race 29"x2.35", EXO
|
Crankset |
SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB
|
Chainrings |
34t |
Bottom Bracket |
SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB
|
Chain |
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
|
Rear Derailleur |
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
|
Cassette/Rear Cogs |
SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t
|
Shifters |
SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd
|
Handlebars |
SRAM Atmos Flat Bar, 31.8x760
|
Grips |
SRAM Twistloc
|
Stem |
SRAM Atmos Stem, 60mm
|
Brakes |
SRAM Level TL w/ Avid Centerline, 160mm Rotors
|
Pedals |
Sold Separately
|
Saddle |
WTB Silverado, CroMo
|
Seat Post |
RaceFace Next, 27.2, 400mm
|
*Product specifications are subject to change without notice.