I would say the Yeti has a more dialed geo for climbing and descending. But the Hightower will be more stable in rough chunk, plus... Cascade components makes a rear linkage for the Hightower that can take it to 150mm of travel. The Yeti does get bounced around more in rough chunk. I've owned several hightowers and spent alot of time on the Yeti, did some reviews on my channel on them too. Plus, I've had experienced SC customer service warranty and they took care of me in 5 days. You are looking at two fantastic bikes though Alex, you won't be disappointed.
Had a Hightower, own an SB130LR now. A couple things; the DT Swiss wheelset on the Yeti is pretty cumbersome, replace them with carbon and the bike feels much more responsive to spin up. Personally I'm much faster on the SB130LR both up and down, I feel virtually no pedal bob with the Yeti and never use the lockout except for when I'm on the road riding to the trailhead. If I could choose between the current V3 Hightower and the new SB140 though I'd go with the Hightower, the in-frame storage is great and the SB140 seems to be as demanding to ride as the 130 is. I also feel like Santa Cruz has a more stout carbon layup.
I love both of these bikes, I had to be critical, but that’s just how the bike was spec’d in the Covid era of bikes when things weren’t what they were suppose to be (the 130LR having DH casing tires so that changed the climbing performance) I do have a newer 130 video and it has carbon wheels and I think I compare the two quickly again and say it’s a better climber. I 100% think the 140 was a better climber then the V2 Hightower. I have the new V3 Hightower and it’s really good, I’ll probably get a 140 or 160 this year at some point though.
Maybe I missed it. Did you use Yeti/SC fork and shock settings or FOX/Rockshox? As I've mentioned, I demoed Yeti extensively. I could have bought one much cheaper as I have a connection but I bought the Hightower. I found SC fork setting suggestions very harsh. After running the shockwiz for about a month, I finally have it dialed and it's sweet. There's probably also upside for the Yeti with that as well. I also found Yeti climbed slow. It's almost like the rear end dragged a bit, like I was towing something. Well balanced review. You are right that 2-3 seconds on both DH sections is negligible. Probably a draw.
I started with the SC and Yeti Shock settings. Both were a little off for me, but were in the ballpark for all the clickers. Air pressure I ended up being lower across the board for both. That would be awesome to be able to use the shockwiz! Thank you though, I appreciate it!
Good job on this one. I reviewed these separately on my channel when they were at Hightower 140 and SB130 was, well 130. Now SC and Yeti has squeezed out a little more travel but I suspect they both have the same characteristics.
I personally don't think you can compare them climbing when the yeti is on a heavier cheaper wheelset. If the bikes had the same wheels and tires the yeti would be the better climber by far. As a rule of thumb yeti bikes will always climb better than santa cruz in terms of speed.
I have owned 3 Yeti’s and 4 Santa Cruz bikes this year, and from the same travel to travel from one brand to the next, the climbing is way closer then what you are saying. Yes the regular SB130 T2 (not the lunch ride) does climb better then the same priced Hightower. But it’s 15mm less rear travel. Carbon wheels and going to a Maxx Grip DHR2 on the front would help some, but it’s not going to be a miracle for this specific bike. I have about 700 miles on 2 Different Hightower Builds this year, and over 700 miles on 2 different 130 builds this year. Anyone will love either of the bikes if they are looking for a bike in this category.
@@dialedmtb what do you think in terms of value? Bronson, Hightower or SB130? I do lots of climbing in NC mountains. Mostly climbing and chunky descents. Climbing efficiency is important. Carbon wheel set is a must. X01 is minimum
Great video. I have had the 2020 megatower for almost a year now and am very pleased at how well it climbs. I was on the fence between Hightower and megatower but wanted to work on my downhill a bit more. Can’t go wrong with a SC or Yeti.
Cool, i had a 2019 RM Instinct BC for almost 2 years and recently sold it, i live in NC but i bought it from CBI bikes in Idaho, got an AMAZING deal on it so i rode it for under a grand in depreciation. I am looking at a 2021 SB 115 T-2 with XO/XX1 now for a lighter bike to ride as at age 66 i prefer to avoid real chunk/rough stuff when i can, smoother and safer flow trails to rocks is best for me, etc.
I wish I could get my hands on one! There aren’t any around me to demo. You could email Giant and let them know you want this channel to do a demo, they listen to customers a lot more then they would to me. haha
Great informative video . Thank you I personally have just bought my Megatower as it suits my riding style. It was a close call between both bikes though. Thanks for the info.
Thank you, I appreciate that! I am looking forward to getting more done! It is just a little slow right now due to the weather and trails being closed.
Hi what do you think about Revel Rascal with 150front? Maybe good choice on this mini enduro bikes with great climbing Sorry Whats the weight of the santacruz ? Will be great you review it!
I think it would definitely be a super solid option! the rear ended of the Rascal is really good and think a little slacker with some more travel would be good. The weight of the HT was 30.9 pounds.
Nice review. Haven’t ridden the SC but I do own a 2021 SB 130CLR in a GX build performance shocks front and rear. I’ve had it for few months now. I left the spec’ed tires on it DHR II rear and Assegai in the front. I do leave my rear shock in open and never touch it. I find that it climbs very well on long (3 miles) climbs up to get to the descents. I feel the switch infinity link does a great job keeping suspension bob at a minimum. I also agree that it’s not too exciting at lower speeds, but once you are up to speed, riding a bit more aggressive, the SB130CLR wakes up and is very stable and confident inspiring bike. It just wants more!
That’s awesome! It is definitely a sweet bike! But yeah all the Yeti’s have a great feel climbing due to the magical switch infinity system on the bikes.
I am the same height and have owned both a large and a medium and I definitely preferred the medium. I felt like I was able to control the bike a bit more and had more fun on the medium. Also on the longer climbs the medium was more comfortable.
Thank you Matt! I appreciate it! It is a little slow right now where I live but I am trying to keep it going. Jared, that is awesome! I am trying to keep up with both right now and it is tough! lol I definitely recommend riding mountain bikes though!
@@dialedmtb Thanks for replying back!! I literally got mine about a month ago. Took it once to the trails and came back with this noise. Apparently it is pretty common on the HT ua-cam.com/video/NfG_41Z9z7E/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Paul%27sHardwarePaul%27sHardwareVerified
@@dialedmtb Took it all apart and greased everything and the issue seemed to go away. Only have done 1 ride, so far so I will keep you posted once i have taken it out more
Carbon Reserve wheels vs X1700 is like a pound of rotational weight difference and a world apart in comparison. Climb trail mode on one bike vs open on other? Hard to call this a apples apples comparison. Own both love them both. My 130TLR w/ I9 305 wheelset is a lb lighter and preferred climber. Also faster on DH. Agree HT is more balanced playful pup. Yeti just wants to pin it. Go Ride suckas
The wheel set is a lot closer in weight then you’d expect. Reserve 30’s with 350 hubs are 1831g, the EX1700’s are 1878g so only 47g difference which in pounds is 0.1 lbs. As far as the climb switch, I go faster with it open on the Hightower, and on the Yeti I use the trail mode which is how I climb the fastest on that bike. So in the test to be fair I did what is the fastest on each bike.
You have no idea what you just did! I’ve been stressing trying to decide on these exact bikes and you made it that much easier! Safe riding!
That’s awesome to hear! I am glad this video could help!! What one are you thinking you’re going to go with?
I would say the Yeti has a more dialed geo for climbing and descending. But the Hightower will be more stable in rough chunk, plus... Cascade components makes a rear linkage for the Hightower that can take it to 150mm of travel. The Yeti does get bounced around more in rough chunk. I've owned several hightowers and spent alot of time on the Yeti, did some reviews on my channel on them too. Plus, I've had experienced SC customer service warranty and they took care of me in 5 days. You are looking at two fantastic bikes though Alex, you won't be disappointed.
Had a Hightower, own an SB130LR now. A couple things; the DT Swiss wheelset on the Yeti is pretty cumbersome, replace them with carbon and the bike feels much more responsive to spin up. Personally I'm much faster on the SB130LR both up and down, I feel virtually no pedal bob with the Yeti and never use the lockout except for when I'm on the road riding to the trailhead. If I could choose between the current V3 Hightower and the new SB140 though I'd go with the Hightower, the in-frame storage is great and the SB140 seems to be as demanding to ride as the 130 is. I also feel like Santa Cruz has a more stout carbon layup.
I love both of these bikes, I had to be critical, but that’s just how the bike was spec’d in the Covid era of bikes when things weren’t what they were suppose to be (the 130LR having DH casing tires so that changed the climbing performance) I do have a newer 130 video and it has carbon wheels and I think I compare the two quickly again and say it’s a better climber. I 100% think the 140 was a better climber then the V2 Hightower. I have the new V3 Hightower and it’s really good, I’ll probably get a 140 or 160 this year at some point though.
Maybe I missed it. Did you use Yeti/SC fork and shock settings or FOX/Rockshox?
As I've mentioned, I demoed Yeti extensively. I could have bought one much cheaper as I have a connection but I bought the Hightower. I found SC fork setting suggestions very harsh. After running the shockwiz for about a month, I finally have it dialed and it's sweet. There's probably also upside for the Yeti with that as well.
I also found Yeti climbed slow. It's almost like the rear end dragged a bit, like I was towing something.
Well balanced review. You are right that 2-3 seconds on both DH sections is negligible. Probably a draw.
I started with the SC and Yeti Shock settings. Both were a little off for me, but were in the ballpark for all the clickers. Air pressure I ended up being lower across the board for both. That would be awesome to be able to use the shockwiz!
Thank you though, I appreciate it!
Good job on this one. I reviewed these separately on my channel when they were at Hightower 140 and SB130 was, well 130. Now SC and Yeti has squeezed out a little more travel but I suspect they both have the same characteristics.
Hey man thank you, I appreciate it! I’ve watched a couple of your videos and are subscribed on my personal account to it also! You do a good job!
@@GF-cb8rr Yes I have. I have found that the high setting to me, the bike feels most lively and playful. It's slight but it does feel edgier for sure.
I personally don't think you can compare them climbing when the yeti is on a heavier cheaper wheelset. If the bikes had the same wheels and tires the yeti would be the better climber by far. As a rule of thumb yeti bikes will always climb better than santa cruz in terms of speed.
"By far" is a bit much.
I guess it depends if you want to go fast uphill or sit and spin. Yetis respond well to being on the gas all the time.
I have owned 3 Yeti’s and 4 Santa Cruz bikes this year, and from the same travel to travel from one brand to the next, the climbing is way closer then what you are saying. Yes the regular SB130 T2 (not the lunch ride) does climb better then the same priced Hightower. But it’s 15mm less rear travel.
Carbon wheels and going to a Maxx Grip DHR2 on the front would help some, but it’s not going to be a miracle for this specific bike. I have about 700 miles on 2 Different Hightower Builds this year, and over 700 miles on 2 different 130 builds this year. Anyone will love either of the bikes if they are looking for a bike in this category.
@@dialedmtb what do you think in terms of value? Bronson, Hightower or SB130? I do lots of climbing in NC mountains. Mostly climbing and chunky descents. Climbing efficiency is important. Carbon wheel set is a must. X01 is minimum
Great video. I have had the 2020 megatower for almost a year now and am very pleased at how well it climbs. I was on the fence between Hightower and megatower but wanted to work on my downhill a bit more. Can’t go wrong with a SC or Yeti.
That is awesome! Yeah the Megatower is an awesome bike also. The whole SC lineup is solid, same with Yeti! It’s hard to pick a bad bike these days!
Cool, i had a 2019 RM Instinct BC for almost 2 years and recently sold it, i live in NC but i bought it from CBI bikes in Idaho, got an AMAZING deal on it so i rode it for under a grand in depreciation. I am looking at a 2021 SB 115 T-2 with XO/XX1 now for a lighter bike to ride as at age 66 i prefer to avoid real chunk/rough stuff when i can, smoother and safer flow trails to rocks is best for me, etc.
The SB115 would be an awesome bike for you, but you should also check out the Santa Cruz Tallboy!
You should do a 3 way and add a giant trance x 29 pro in there, similar suspension tech.
I wish I could get my hands on one! There aren’t any around me to demo. You could email Giant and let them know you want this channel to do a demo, they listen to customers a lot more then they would to me. haha
Nice review! Lots of great information on both bikes!
Thanks Chris!
Great informative video . Thank you I personally have just bought my Megatower as it suits my riding style. It was a close call between both bikes though. Thanks for the info.
That’s awesome! The Megatower is a sweet bike also. What build did you end up going with?
Really great review! Look forward to more videos.
Thank you, I appreciate that! I am looking forward to getting more done! It is just a little slow right now due to the weather and trails being closed.
Do a review on the giants trance x 29er 2!
Hi what do you think about Revel Rascal with 150front? Maybe good choice on this mini enduro bikes with great climbing
Sorry Whats the weight of the santacruz ?
Will be great you review it!
I think it would definitely be a super solid option! the rear ended of the Rascal is really good and think a little slacker with some more travel would be good.
The weight of the HT was 30.9 pounds.
Nice review. Haven’t ridden the SC but I do own a 2021 SB 130CLR in a GX build performance shocks front and rear. I’ve had it for few months now. I left the spec’ed tires on it DHR II rear and Assegai in the front. I do leave my rear shock in open and never touch it. I find that it climbs very well on long (3 miles) climbs up to get to the descents. I feel the switch infinity link does a great job keeping suspension bob at a minimum. I also agree that it’s not too exciting at lower speeds, but once you are up to speed, riding a bit more aggressive, the SB130CLR wakes up and is very stable and confident inspiring bike. It just wants more!
That’s awesome! It is definitely a sweet bike! But yeah all the Yeti’s have a great feel climbing due to the magical switch infinity system on the bikes.
Interested to hear how your Tallboy performs compared to the HT and SB130, too.
I will be doing a Tallboy vs Hightower comparison video in the future. But both bikes are awesome, that I can definitely say with confidence!
I am 5-8 1/2. On the so at the edge of medium or large on the Hightower. Which size would you recommend?
I am the same height and have owned both a large and a medium and I definitely preferred the medium. I felt like I was able to control the bike a bit more and had more fun on the medium. Also on the longer climbs the medium was more comfortable.
Side note: Do you race race for team Losi? A lot RC going on in the back ground.
Haha yeah I do race for Team Losi Racing, Proline, Team Trinity, and Hobbywing! I was waiting for someone to ask about RC cars! lol
@@dialedmtb couldn’t help but notice. Great MTB content and looking forward to more!
@@dialedmtb I was a Losi/Trinity guy like 10 years ago. Now looking to get into MTB. Small world
Thank you Matt! I appreciate it! It is a little slow right now where I live but I am trying to keep it going.
Jared, that is awesome! I am trying to keep up with both right now and it is tough! lol I definitely recommend riding mountain bikes though!
Sweet Video!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Are the rims steel or aluminum?
Aluminum on the yeti and carbon on the Hightower.
Subbed fellow rc guy here too!
Right on, thank you! I was thinking of doing a couple RC videos on here in the future to mix things up a little bit!
Hey, does the Hightower start making noise on the rear suspension when it collects dust?
Not that I’ve ever noticed, I’ve owned one for over a year now. I do keep up on the maintenance on all of my bikes pretty well though.
@@dialedmtb Thanks for replying back!! I literally got mine about a month ago. Took it once to the trails and came back with this noise. Apparently it is pretty common on the HT ua-cam.com/video/NfG_41Z9z7E/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Paul%27sHardwarePaul%27sHardwareVerified
Did you ever get it figured out?
@@dialedmtb Took it all apart and greased everything and the issue seemed to go away. Only have done 1 ride, so far so I will keep you posted once i have taken it out more
Carbon Reserve wheels vs X1700 is like a pound of rotational weight difference and a world apart in comparison. Climb trail mode on one bike vs open on other? Hard to call this a apples apples comparison. Own both love them both. My 130TLR w/ I9 305 wheelset is a lb lighter and preferred climber. Also faster on DH. Agree HT is more balanced playful pup. Yeti just wants to pin it. Go Ride suckas
The wheel set is a lot closer in weight then you’d expect. Reserve 30’s with 350 hubs are 1831g, the EX1700’s are 1878g so only 47g difference which in pounds is 0.1 lbs.
As far as the climb switch, I go faster with it open on the Hightower, and on the Yeti I use the trail mode which is how I climb the fastest on that bike. So in the test to be fair I did what is the fastest on each bike.
Not to mention comparing a 150 to a 160 on the downhill section
SC Hightower all day ! 💯🥜🇺🇸
Yeah the Hightower is awesome!!