It's that much of a hassle to insert one more cable into the frame? Especially when every other company is doing it?
Having had a couple other bikes with internal routing, Im glad SC did external, sure it looks cleaner internal routing but every bike mechanic thanks them for going external
So concerning the 2019 Hightower lt bikes, it looks like they will be announced this July 3rd. they will ship shortly after apparently. I have no information on the changes taking place though.
(I made a deposit, and pre-ordered mine at my lbs)
So the new versions are out – no major changes except new colors (which aren't that nice) and less build options. The C-XE build with Shimano XT and a Fox DPX/Performance Elite suspension has been dropped. That sucks because it offered the best value for money... upgraded suspension and better brakes over the S build but only about 600$ more. In 2019 there's a big gap between the S build and the X01 build.