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Replace 2020 Hightower AL R with new Hightower?

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Replace 2020 Hightower AL R with new Hightower?

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flag dboyajian85
O+
Posted: Oct 9, 2023 at 7:57 Quote
Hi all -

I'm somewhat struggling to make a decision about replacing my 2020 Hightower AL R. I don't have a quiver of bikes, and this was the bike that really got me into riding. So, it's taken a decent beating, especially early on - still works great and I keep it serviced, but am seriously thinking about getting a new bike. I just don't really know where else to go, except a newer, better version Hightower. What a struggle to pick the right bike...so I keep coming back to the Hightower V3. But..then I ask myself, is it worth it to go spend all this money on a new version of the bike I already have? What is the better build quality (carbon, better components, etc.) going to do?

Also struggling to decide if I'd prefer a different amount of travel or multiple bikes. Again, the Hightower just seems like the goldilocks. I live in Utah and pretty much like riding everything, with a preference towards the chunky tech. But, overall, I'm shuttling laps, doing long uphill days (and enjoy uphill), riding lifts at deer valley, doing mellow days, and doing a decent amount of jump trails, driving out to the desert to ride, etc...the full mix...so, I suspect the 140-150 trail bike is probably right.

Thanks all for entertaining these very basic questions!
flag djyosh
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 13, 2023 at 16:03 Quote
You must be talking about a 2019 or earlier Hightower because 2020 was V2 with the lower linkage. There is not a lot of difference between V2 and V3. I went from V1 to V2 and there is a significant difference. V1 was nowhere near as capable (although I also went with a 160 Fox 36).

I ride the north shore, Squamish, and occasionally do park laps at Whistler on it and I think it is a good single bike for all but obviously more travel would be ideal in the park. That said, I do think I'd like a bit more travel in the 160 or 170 range and with a mullet. I also would like to downsize from XL to L. The geo changed a lot from V1 to V2 and I did not play my cards right when I got a crash replacement.

Find a shop with a demo HT3 and then, if you like it, maybe look for a V2 in the used market. While SC has reduced their prices since peak COVID insanity, the used market is also down so I'm sure you could find a killer deal. Hell I would look to sell mine but want to wait a bit to see if the used market picks up (doubtful). May just get a mx wheelset and Cascade link.
flag gmoss
Posted: Oct 14, 2023 at 9:26 Quote
The carbon version performs much differently as it won't flex as much. Allows you to progress, focus on the trail without the susp/frame flex. I started on an alum 5010 and then to carbon. I was amazed. Beyond that, better susp will also help you progress.

The Hightower is a great do it all bike. I have had them all, V1, HTLT, V2, and a V3 frame but sold it without building it. The v3 is a lot different than V2 though they generally look the same.
flag djyosh
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 15, 2023 at 8:35 Quote
gmoss wrote:
The v3 is a lot different than V2 though they generally look the same.

Not according to Levy: “ while we got a wholesale change to lower-link VPP suspension layout nearly four years ago, the latest version for 2023 is all about subtle refinements to a platform that was already pretty damn good.”

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/field-test-2023-santa-cruz-hightower-extra-normal-extra-good.html
flag gmoss
Posted: Oct 15, 2023 at 15:48 Quote
Look at the specs, compare the frames side by side. It doesn't really matter what he said and I read that when it posted, but subtle and refined can be big changes for some of us. Having the frame storage is a huge difference. Not all changes have to be ride quality based and the 2 frames are a lot different.
flag dboyajian85
O+
Posted: Oct 16, 2023 at 11:39 Quote
gmoss wrote:
Look at the specs, compare the frames side by side. It doesn't really matter what he said and I read that when it posted, but subtle and refined can be big changes for some of us. Having the frame storage is a huge difference. Not all changes have to be ride quality based and the 2 frames are a lot different.

Thanks all - to address the first reply - I have a 2020, which is v2...so these points regarding v3 are very helpful. Thanks.
flag slowerthanmydentist
O+ FL
Posted: Oct 17, 2023 at 19:52 Quote
I would be a contrarian and say that subtle changes will make very little difference to most people's riding. Go buy a new bike if you want one. If it makes you more stoked to ride, great. Or keep your old bike and go ride it and you'll have a great time.

I loved my Hightower and only replaced it when it was stolen or I'd still be on it. I had the same question with my Mega and whether to replace it with V2 but won't bother because, like you, I love riding my bike. But I know I won't love it any more if I'm on a different bike with a 1 deg change in head / seat angles and a taco holder for another $CDN 12,000.

Best value ever? Keep your bike and use the extra cash to take it to Squamish or Finale or some other place. Will give you more memories for the same cash!
flag gmoss
Posted: Oct 17, 2023 at 20:08 Quote
If anyone thinks you won't feel a huge difference between a 2020 aluminum V2 and a carbon V3, well, take it for what its worth. But yeah, buy a new bike if ya can afford it and want one. Life is short.
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