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)
