boomshakkalagga

Keep in mind that back then in 2016 or what when the Hightower came out, their biggest size initially was XL, which by today’s front triangle standards would be a Large, the Santa Cruz sizing recommendation was up to 6’6” or even 6’7”!! The XXL was only added about a year after initial release. Now THAT is too small for someone in that size ballpark, but proofs you shouldn’t rely on the manufacturers’ size recommendations too much. Santa Cruz kept the same front triangle in the Hightower and LT until basically the lower linkage bikes came out and they shortened the bikes’ top tubes by a size (I am purposefully not saying stretched the front out a size!) and the sizing remained the same, considering fully based on TTL. They build good bikes? But their sizing communication is for the trashcan.

I am 198cm tall and have a Hightower 1 in XXL which is virtually the exact same front triangle size once you bring it up to the same stack!! That bike rides perfectly fine to me and back then recommended to people up to 6’7”!! Under today’s Santa Cruz standard that would be only good up to 193cm. Forget their sizing! The new (oh those long) Yetis that just came out are at the same (stacked) reach just 3mm longer and recommended for folks up to 201cm. Same thing with other XL out there, they overlap (measured at the same stack!) and most of them go to 198cm recommended. Just for reference… The only ting that makes the XL considerably smaller is the shortened top tube. But who at our size rides with the saddle at head tube height anyways… that actual ~69 seat tube fully extended at 750-800mm saddle height makes that top tube bot thaat short anymore. I also have the Megatower 1, that I ride with a 30mm stem. That thing is almost too long for tech riding here in the Northeast. If I had to buy an MK2, I would downsize too - unless I’d live in the alps with all the highspeed/brain off riding that they have there. 1310+ mm in wheelbase is a no-go for me personally.

Wish more manufacturers would build actual XXL bikes, nut by only adding on the Reach, but also paying attention to Stack for us taller dudes. On that note; taller, potentially heavier XL and XXL riders would have probably appreciated a (size specific) larger tunnel adding the option for a coil. Who cares about if a dropper can be fully inserted in an XS 29er kinda frame or not.

In another interview Ben Cathro said that he chose the XL to have a more familiar handling to his V10. Interestingly there are YouTube videos where even he looks stretched on his XXL Tallboy. I am 198cm/~6’6” and have the XXL Megatower 1 and the XXL Hightower 1, which has virtually the same Reach as the new XL Megatower once the stem is brought up to proper height. The Megatower is a BIG big for me and especially after a full day riding and getting tired it pretty much rides me. On the other hand, the with the Hightower I definitely get better through EasCoast tech chunk, but it’s tiring in its own way. For me personally, I’d immediately jump on a slightly(!) shorter Reach bike, BUT with the same high Stack - which is where Santa Cruz shines for tall people and allow downsizing better than others. Others’ “long” bikes show up with a 520 or whatnot Reach, but on paper have a 630 Rise. ROFL. That works for shorter people that want to size up, but not vice versa. Look at those new Specialized or Yetis (that now offer XXL options too), that show up with a 120mm or what steerer and supposedly are OK for folks up to 210cm. Once the stem is at proper height, you’ll have a 490 or so Reach and a 4-5cm spacer tower. LOL. That is actually pretty small.

Haha. Literally two hours ago I was at the Yeti HQ in Golden and randomly asked what their product cycles are… the guy gave me a history of their switch infinity and left it open with a smile. Also we were told that “normally we would give you a tour of the assembly, but we are doing construction and rearranging our office layout”. The exact same thing I was told when I stopped by there four years ago just a few days after the SB150 was released and the SB130 accidentally leaked, but was not officially released… the show room and whatever else you can see from their customer area looked exactly the same. We were told they are back to 2 weeks lead time btw. if you’re looking for something that is not in stock at a dealer.

When will bike manufacturers understand that S6 bike size riders don’t come with the same 75kg body weight than the happy MEDIUM rider? Being 6-6 and tiding too small bikes for ages now, I appreciate more and more manufacturers give XXL frame size options. But PLEASE consider also higher body weights of us taller riders when designing the frame/shock ratio! Giving S1 featherweights another leverage and designing different chain stays throughout the size portfolio is a good start, but this one is still a pass for me. Otherwise, nice looking bike tho IMO.