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Santa Cruz Highballs


Santa Cruz have redesigned their Highball hardtail for 2015, introducing a new 650b model, updating the geometry of the original 29er bike and adding a cheaper carbon frame option.

The Highball 29 now has a longer front end (599.9mm effective top tube, medium size), shorter chainstays (430mm) and keeps the same 70.5-degree head angle. Cable routing is fully internal and a 27.2mm post boosts comfort - both firsts for Santa Cruz, and features shared with the new Highball 27.5. Top tube lengths are the same on the 650b bike as on the 29er but it gets a slacker 69-degree head angle, shorter 425mm stays and a longer wheelbase (1,095 vs 1,079mm, medium).

Both bikes are available in Santa Cruz's top-grade CC and one-step-down C carbon, with full builds starting from 3598$ and frames at 2548$. The alloy Highball 29 is still in production too, and gets the same geometry updates.

Slinging a leg over both new models at the launch, the 650b bike's handling was in line with the 29er's but with a livelier rear end feel. The frame still had the comfort of the 29er but acceleration was blisteringly fast and it had more of a point-and-shoot feel when things got really twisty.

Price from 3598$, 2548$ (frames)


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