Ratboy's and Loosedog's Santa Cruz Hightower LTs

May 18, 2018
by Tristan Tinn  
Ratboy s Santa Cruz Hightower LT - in Brown Trout paint job
Josh 'Ratboy' Bryceland's Santa Cruz Hightower LT, aka the 'Brown Trout'.

Ratboys controls
Some 38mm rise Burgtec Ride Wides
Ratboy's controls, complete with a prototype 38mm rise Burgtec Ride Wide bar.

Comin in hot
Comin' in hot!

Custom 50 01 fabric saddle
50:01 Fabric saddle

Ratboy s Santa Cruz Hightower LT




Loosedog s Hightower LT
Josh 'Loosedog' Lewis' Hightower LT with a jazzy purple paint job

Loosedog s cockpit
Loosedog's cockpit

Lovely purple industry 9 wheels laced to Santa Cruz s own Reserve Rims
EWS souvenirs
Lovely purple Industry 9 wheels laced to Santa Cruz's own carbon Reserve Rims.

Josh Lewis Hightower LT

Loosedog s Hightower LT


Mentions: @steelcitydh // @ratskid23 // @tris400d // @LadLife



Author Info:
tris400d avatar

Member since Mar 10, 2007
54 articles

118 Comments
  • 290 17
 It is not a bike check without any info of the suspension settings, tire pressures etc and some comments or reasons why they are set so. Images are always nice, but put some effort in these, please.
  • 46 127
flag DARKSTAR63 (May 18, 2018 at 4:48) (Below Threshold)
 Lighten up, most of that stuff is (although sometimes interesting) irrelevant.
  • 107 9
 As if ratboy and loose know what their pressures are. They're the kind of guys who would set it so it feels good and not really care about the specificities.
  • 18 3
 Agree with you. This is just showing and promoting the material their sponsors have or give them, which of course has to be done. We want to know about their personal preferences to see if we can learn something out of the details. :-D
  • 35 27
 Bring the negs. What is it you wish to learn ? His suspension is stiffer than yours. I get it, that sort of info is interesting but it can't and shouldn't inform your personal set up. It's still cool to see these bikes up close.
  • 35 2
 @DARKSTAR63: I don't want to know the details so I can change my own personal set up, but just knowing what pros run and how they run it is simply interesting. Bike checks serve as one of the main ways to geek out on that info.

Also, Josh is known for running incredibly soft suspension- something we know from prior bike checks Smile
  • 7 15
flag DARKSTAR63 (May 18, 2018 at 8:16) (Below Threshold)
 @ka-brap: All I'm saying is don't let it ruin it for ya Wink
  • 4 16
flag DARKSTAR63 (May 18, 2018 at 8:23) (Below Threshold)
 @ka-brap: That's also not true about his suspension, at least not in respect to his dh race bike set up from some years back. I'm sure this bike is "softer" than that but I can venture to guess he's not blowing through and bottoming it either - and he is racing this bike. Everything is relative. I'll take whatever content they can get, whether or not the rider spills all the details.
  • 10 5
 @ka-brap: and 30psi in his minions. Don't care about your opinions.
  • 3 2
 Ahem *High Roller IIs. But that doesn't work at all.
  • 8 0
 Fair.
  • 12 4
 Tough crowd.
  • 28 18
 @Hri666

Mommy..... Pinkbike didn't give my Ratboy's suspension settings...... Waaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!
  • 124 2
 Sorry guys we werent asked any specifics at the event, just got our bikes snapped. Happy to answer any questions though if there’s any - general set up being rats bikes always stiff and hard tyre pressures. I go for 150psi rear shock 100psi forks - tyre pressures change for each trail condition but 24f 28r is my go to for racing. 760mn bar width. Few spacers under stem not too sure but like it higher. M frame. Loves back wheel Smile
  • 13 2
 ya! I'm a paying pinkbike customer! I deserve better quality articles! oh right. this shit is free
  • 5 3
 @WasatchEnduro: Yes, I feel that bad.
Had you given any thought for my comment, there's a slight chance that you might have noticed that criticism was towards the state of journalism in this article, not so much for the bro fanboy settings of Ratboy's suspension, tire pressures or the amount of spacer under his stem.
  • 3 1
 Btw the 30psi comment was based on an old interview with Rat, he said he always ran 30psi cos if his tyres rolled it made him feel sick. Of course he might have changed now.
  • 24 0
 It’s possible that ratboy told them his tire presh and suspension settings but they were indiscernable.
  • 2 3
 They're not super boost 157 come on pinkbike get with the program, nobody want to see these 'old' bikes with their 'old' standards.
  • 3 0
 @alexhyland: he has em even harder now I think. I loved that comment about tyre squirm making him feel sick, always makes me laugh.
@ka-brap: they’re both called Josh.
@LadLife: you guys running any inserts in the tyres?
  • 2 0
 @bridgermurray: haha no fuhling mayte dahts gowhld!
  • 1 2
 @LadLife:
  • 2 2
 @DARKSTAR63: I should have qualified that it is "incredibly soft for racing". He was known to have the softest set up of basically any racer on the WC circuit. This Vital MTB slideshow (sorry PB) from a few years ago touches upon that:
www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/We-Rode-The-FOX-Pros-Bikes,7837/Slideshow,0/bturman,109
  • 3 0
 @LadLife: 760 bars awesome.
  • 7 0
 @ThomDawson: no inserts in the tyres dude
  • 2 3
 @DARKSTAR63: I'm with you! I'm happy with just the pics! Not even remotely interested in the finer details!
  • 3 1
 You are right. It is not a bike check. Says so in the title.
  • 1 0
 @LadLife: @LadLife: nice one, I was curious with Rats queeziness, whether he ran anything to firm the tyres up more but I guess the old tried and trusted Moar Pressure™ works just fine.
Looks like you’re both on DD casings, is that your preference on these bikes? D’you ever run DH casings?
Sorry for 20 question man!
  • 1 0
 @LadLife: do you keep the high rollers on whatever the weather and whatever the trail or would you ever throw a shorty on? tubeless? same for Rat?- Cheers!
  • 3 5
 @DARKSTAR63: pls don’t birth any children
  • 3 0
 @alexhyland: 2bar in the HR. I don't care how gnar you are.
  • 1 0
 I don't care about tyre pressure (especially for a track I've never ridder nor will never ride) cos I'm not a sad man.
  • 8 0
 Its all track dependant but we would use DH compounds for EWS events unless theres absolutely no rocks. The feel and confidence in tyres is worth the extra bit of weight. HR2 has a really good edge and i would use for dry and wet. A 2.5 Minion front would go on for a loose fast dry trail. Hr2 in the loam and steeps. Tubeless set up always. Shortys only go on for when the mud gets real for me, great front tyre for winter in the UK.
  • 2 2
 Pretty sure it doesn't say "bike check" they just want to show you cool bikes.
  • 65 3
 i see the bikes but where is the check?
  • 29 4
 in the post from santa cruz
  • 35 0
 Whos better at putting number boards on?
  • 1 0
 my blind cat
  • 22 3
 This was a pretty worthless bike check
  • 17 1
 Not a real bike check for me, what about full setup and frame sizes and why are they running those specs... Still nice pics by the way Wink
  • 18 1
 Pinkbike checked them. Result? Confirmed, they are indeed bicycles.

Thanks guys!
  • 15 0
 My bad on the lack of details guys - lesson learnt! Cheers to @LadLife for chipping in some of what I missed ^
  • 22 12
 Hell Yea ... We don't need to know tire pressure...Bar Width .... how many clicks of suspension .....that's all personal taste... You can See everything you need to know .... The Yuppies love shopping and parts talk more than riding .... Sick Sleds !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Punch out Yuppies and Send It !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 14 0
 i want some of what you're on.
  • 2 0
 @mm732: He's high on life man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 All you need's a squish meter, and that's part of everyone's anatomy.
  • 15 1
 But what bar height are they running?
  • 9 0
 What is their bong setup?
  • 4 0
 Roor? How many percs?
  • 7 2
 I like that they are both running HRIIs. One of my favourite all-round multi condition tyres, that often doesn't get the respect it deserves, especially at the front.
  • 20 8
 that's because in the hands of mere mortals, its a shit tyre.
  • 10 1
 eh, id take a DHRII over it any day
  • 3 0
 @poah: haha really? I must be a god.*



*I am def not a god. I just like the way it feels under braking. Clears mud okay too. Yes it's not as grabby as a Minion in the dry, but it's more versatile.
  • 7 6
 @Franziskaner: its mediocre at best, a jack of no trades.
  • 15 4
 @poah: I'm sure Rat & Loose would be interested in your advice as to what they should run instead...
  • 1 0
 @poah: lols .. so true
  • 3 3
 It's an inanimate object, it doesn't "deserve" anything.
  • 3 3
 @Franziskaner: you missed the point about mere mortals above I take it.
  • 3 2
 I find them to be an excellent dry weather tire, and they are lasting me quite awhile. However I find them to have barely any grip in dry conditions. I just slide everywhere
  • 12 0
 @AntonOP: but what about when it's dry?
  • 2 0
 Great tire for getting loose and destroying berms need I say more?
  • 3 0
 @AntonOP: lol wut
  • 4 0
 im back on a high roller after a couple of years on minions or shortys and I forgot how good they are especially the side nobs traction factory’s in almost all conditions. @maxxis please can we have a maxx gip 2.5 wt for the front though thanks.
  • 1 2
 @Franziskaner: They're not "mere mortals"
  • 1 0
 Lol shit I meant I find them to barely grip in wet conditions
  • 3 0
 At least frame sizes, pleez. For instance Loosedogs Reverb is slammed down. That is interesting. Is it a size M, L, XL? Or better yet, how tall is he?
  • 12 0
 Im 5ft 9 - i run a medium frame (i’m short arse) Smile
  • 1 0
 @LadLife: Thanks mate, same sizes here (M frame and short arsed bugger).
  • 5 0
 how 'bout that Super Deluxe on non-metric frame?
  • 4 0
 I think SC made a couple just for the EWS boys. But this company is making an aftermarket one for Hightowers...

outsiderbikes.com
  • 5 0
 Good spot! I wouldn't be surprised if the 2019 HTLT comes with an updated front triangle, to accept metric shocks. (And hopefully a longer reach.)
  • 3 0
 @Lankycrank: true story
  • 2 0
 SC made a couple of upper links that can accept metric shocks, that is.
  • 2 0
 Y HR 2's and not minion DHF? Just curious as I've been looking for input on this subject...super awesome rides!!! Love the OG BMX vibes
  • 3 0
 Interesting how Ratboy runs a reverb dropper not a fox transfer...
  • 11 1
 Reliability. ... I will see myself out...
  • 9 0
 After two bad Reverbs, I have a Fox Transfer. Won't go back to Reverb anytime soon
  • 3 0
 @bman33: 4 Reverbs.. 1 Transfer here.
  • 1 2
 2 sick bikes for 2 sick riders! Save your breathe on the negative comments and just droll and wish! Who cares about their settings--they aren't right for you because you cant ride like either of them and probably never will!! You really think Ratboy know what his exact settings are...they guy has mechanics build and set up everything. "jibberish..jisbberish...jibberish...she feels mint mate"
  • 1 0
 What the hell is going on with Josh’s left hand brake lever set up?? Is there 3 levers?
  • 1 0
 Its the reverb remote Wink
  • 2 0
 Always wondered how well the Fabric saddles feel.
  • 3 0
 they're very soft.
  • 3 0
 I actually really like them. Had one on my bike for a long time and it is comfy for long days. I am ordering another to replace my current seat (wtb silverado). Imo the shape and curvature is better for me.
  • 1 0
 I have a Fabric Scoop Radius w/ Chromoly rails on my Adventure/Commuter bike. Super-comfortable. I'm considering getting the same for my full squish XC/Trail bike as well. I switched from a WTB Speed ProGel to the Scoop Radius. I have a WTB Speed Comp on the XC bike currently. The Scoop provides better performance in that I don't feel like the energy I put into a pedal stroke is somewhat negated by the saddle compressing under that load. The WTB Speed ProGel had that kind of negative performance aspect to it. The Speed Comp is firmer and has less of that, but I think the Scoop would be an improvement in performance and comfort. My .02 fabric.cc/products/saddles/scoop-elite-radius-142mm-saddle
  • 2 0
 You're weird as fuck lol aren't we all
  • 2 0
 i couldn't scroll past Josh's crooked saddle
  • 1 0
 @LadLife any idea if these are going to be production colors? love the purple!
  • 1 0
 Glad you like them! Just custom only for these colours though Smile
  • 1 0
 I want the 50/01 stemcap so bad for my HT....and the purple paint job. I hope he calls it purple rain.
  • 1 0
 Haha! Brown trout...can picture Ratty doing that in many a lake around the world.
  • 2 1
 Why rat boy doesn’t do Dh races anymore ?
  • 21 1
 Welcome to 2018. A lot has happened in the world since fall of 2016...hold on tight for that ride.
  • 17 2
 @OriginalDonk:

Is it true Donal Trump is the president of the USA ?
  • 19 2
 @St1234: No that's just a reality TV satire show they are hosting on CNN and FOX. Amazing performance art. Wink
  • 1 1
 @LOL ????
  • 1 0
 What Grips do they have? Fabric Prototype?
  • 3 0
 Coming soon... they are a fabric/50to01 collab Smile
  • 1 0
 Why does Josh have a reverb seat post when he rides for fox? anyone???
  • 1 0
 He’s sponsored by Fox Racing (riding gear) not Fox Factory (suspension). Technically two different companies.
  • 1 0
 @Neiliosis: he has always been on fox suspension and sram drivetrains. I don't know shit anyways
  • 1 0
 Am I the only one bothered that Rat’s saddle is crooked?
  • 1 0
 bottle looks squashed by the spring
  • 2 0
 Lazy
  • 10 0
 See you behind the bleachers at recess.
  • 1 0
 First pic it looks like 29er read 27,5 front.. Smile Is that the new trend ??
  • 1 0
 Whats Rat’s revound on the fork set at again?
  • 2 0
 29 dildo dddd
  • 1 0
 I wish I could get met that 50to01 Seat!!!
  • 1 0
 even nice
  • 1 0
 Specifics?
  • 1 0
 Awesome setups!!!!
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