Santa Cruz Highball 29 C R2x (2017)

When it's time to blast through miles of singletrack, nothing beats the quick, lively feel of Santa Cruz's Highball hardtail. Santa Cruz has been at it for years with the Highball, and with modernized geometry this version rips better than ever. In keeping with today's preference for running a short stem and wide handlebar, Santa Cruz lengthened the front end to preserve an efficient pedaling position, and they trimmed the rear to increase agility. The result is a cross country trail slayer that's easy to lift over obstacles and whip through tight turns, ultimately making you a faster rider. Internal cable routing with hassle-free guides keeps the Carbon C frame looking smart, and a slimmer seatpost offers a touch more compliance you'll appreciate on epic rides. The Highball 29 C R2x features a nice mix of reliable, solid-performing components. A 2x drivetrain by Shimano tames hilly trails, and the RockShox Reba RL 100mm fork offers a consistent feel for predictable handling.