Santa Cruz introduced the carbon fibre Highball 29er in 2011 – and now the super-fast hardtail is available in aluminium.
Value and versatility are the key buzzwords used by Santa Cruz to describe the new aluminium Highball. Value? We spoked to Jungle Products, the UK distributor for Santa Cruz, and they expect it to retail at a similar price to the Chameleon, which is £499 for the frame. Versatility? Riders have the option of running a fixed position rear dropout for geared use, or a pivoting, adjustable dropout for single speed use.
“It’s not the low weight or the stiff carbon frame that has amazed us, it’s how nimble and agile they’ve made this 29er, and how much fun it is to ride” – that was our verdict of the carbon Highball last year and its 3.9lb aluminium brother will have the same responsive geometry. Sizes S-XL will be available, with two colours – pearl white/green and traffic blue/orange.
So, the carbon Highball will now be known as the Highball C, with the wallet-friendly aluminium version going under the alias of Highball A. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz have also unveiled a 29″ version of their existing Superlight full-suspension machine.
“Custom hydroformed aluminum tubing, a reliable, efficient, responsive single pivot suspension design offering 100mm of travel, terrain eating 29-inch wheels and kickass value for money all add up to a timeless sweetheart of a bike,” say Santa Cruz.
How much? The guys at Jungle say it’ll be around £999, which is close to the existing Superlight. Again, sizes S-XL will be available, in gloss burnt orange/silver and gloss black/green.
UK pricing and available builds should be confirmed by the start of March.
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