Readers’ Choice: The 5 Most Innovative Mountain Bikes of 2016

Winner – Santa Cruz Hightower If you made it through the other bikes on this list, you probably noticed a theme–plus bikes are soooooo hot right now! Like most of the others here, the Hightower can run both 27.5+ and 29″ wheels. Basically, the Santa Cruz Hightower is the successor to the Tallboy LT, fully updated …

By Aaron Chamberlain
September 12, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

17 comments

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Winner – Santa Cruz Hightower

If you made it through the other bikes on this list, you probably noticed a theme–plus bikes are soooooo hot right now! Like most of the others here, the Hightower can run both 27.5+ and 29″ wheels. Basically, the Santa Cruz Hightower is the successor to the Tallboy LT, fully updated with modern geometry and all the latest “standards.” While it features adjustable geometry, Santa Cruz recommends running a longer travel fork when using plus wheels. It’s a big, burly bike that also pedals and climbs well. In fact, some of Santa Cruz’s riders are choosing it for less-demanding enduro courses where the Bronson or Nomad would be overkill. Thanks to the introduction of a less-expensive carbon frame earlier this summer, the Hightower is now slightly more attainable than when it was first released.

Key features/specs:

Travel: 135mm rear / 140mm or 150mm front
67-degree head tube angle
17.1″ (434mm) chainstay length
Full carbon frame, two levels available: C and CC
Pricing: $3,600-$8,000

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17 Comments

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mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Sep 12, 2016

Aaron or Greg, do you have an opinion why the Yeti SB6c or 5c are not on the list? Do you think it's because they didn't come out in a plus size in 2016. Isn't there a SB5c+ or SB6c+ for 2017???

0 reply

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Sep 12, 2016

Also @mongwolf, in case you missed it, check out deets on the new SB5+, just announced at Eurobike, here: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/yeti-releases-their-first-plus-bike-the-sb5

AUTHOR

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 12, 2016

Hey @mongwolf, there were numerous votes for the Yetis, but they were spread out over their various models which put them out of the top 5. There will be a plus-sized Yeti for 2017, but it had yet to be announced when we ran our survey.

Also, it could be that the new SB line of Yetis has been around for a couple years, so apart from some refinements, there hasn't been too much in the way of "innovation." That's just a guess though.

Thanks Greg. I did read that article before when you posted. Good to read again. Soon the sb6+ ... ...

Thanks Aaron and Greg. Some very cool bikes. Looks like plus tires are here to stay and the adjustable geometry is becoming more and more a reality. I look at my 2.35 tires now and think, "Man, those look skinny." =)

dpb1997 Alberta // 2015
Sep 15, 2016

Hi,

Really not too sure how the poorly designed Trek got in on the list... With the fork and down tube clashing, and the restricted turning radius of the handle bar, all equate to warranty claims, widgit replacement, at owner's expense, and crashes... Trek will be changing this design... Don't believe me? I hope I am wrong, but time and statistics will tell.

Plus size bikes are so unnecessary and carry more weight...and as for boosted hubs...what a joke on the consumer...!!

Regards.

Joel DH
Sep 14, 2016

I agree that the Santa Cruz bike deserves #1. That is a very innovative wheel system. I am a Specialized fan, so me picking the hightower over the stumpjumper is saying somethin'. I love the fact you can chose whatever tire size you want, but an interesting question popped up in my mind that nobody addressed in the other posts: what about the shock and fork? Do you have to adjust your settings with each tire change? Wouldn't the damping have to be adjusted?

Mr Mojo Risin West Virginia // 2015
Sep 15, 2016

Switched from a Stumpjumper FSR to the Hightower C+ this summer and haven't looked back. Truly amazing bike, sometimes I pinch myself that I really own it.

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 14, 2016

I mentioned it in the paragraph about the SC, but yes they recommend running a longer travel fork when using the plus wheels to maintain a consistent BB height. There is a flip chip for the shock as well, but you don't have to adjust that unless you want to.

Mr Mojo Risin West Virginia // 2015
Nov 29, 2016

Sorry, just saw this. I laughed when I read this question, not because it was a silly question but because how much better the HT is. The HT is way more nimble and playful, yet it hammers at speed. This could be because of the plus tires, or the stiffer carbon frame (my Stumpy was the Elite alloy). As far as jumping goes, again it's not even close. I had the Fox Brain fade on the Stumpy and just flat out hated that shock. The HT is really playful and the plus tires feel super plush when hitting the jumps.

Joel DH
Sep 16, 2016

How does the hightower descend compared to the stumpy? Does it feel as capable? How does the jumping performance compare?

Steve55 New Zealand // 2014
Sep 16, 2016

It's Steve here from down under in NZ of self flagellating luddite fame. I thought I might like to stir the pot a little, or as the Trappist monks would say, stir the wort, and add this little beauty to the mix

http://ebike-mtb.com/en/moustache-debut-new-hidden-power-samedi-27-race-trail-range/

This is a masterpiece in carbon, for diversity they also make an Aluminum one where hydroforming techniques are pushed to the limt

k2rider California // 2013
Sep 16, 2016

The silly part about these bikes being chosen, presumably for their ability to switch wheel sizes (aside for the Mojo 3), is that apparently very few people are swapping wheels. If you read everybody's posts on MTBR, people are finding one size is working much better that the other and they are sticking with that wheel size. Consequently, being able to switch wheels is effectively moot.

I appreciate the option of choosing my desired wheel size. This doesn't mean I intend to run all other options.

Aaron Chamberlain Georgia // 2013
Sep 16, 2016

That backs up from what I've heard from shops as well as my personal preference. After all, you at minimum need a set of wheels and tires, if not a fork. That gets spendy.

Wow I can't believe how this list turned out! You could correctly categorize every single bike on this list as "a high-dollar, carbon fiber, 27.5+ full suspension trail bike." I was honestly expecting more diversity, but apparently FS plus bikes are the story of the year!

Gunnar Westholm 2016
Sep 13, 2016

www.tantrumcycles.com deserves to be mentioned.
If Missing Link delivers what is promising, Tantrum will be on 2017 list of innovations.

Winner – Santa Cruz Hightower

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