The Hightower has been a does-it-all-well trail bike since its inception. More maneuverable than its longer-travel sibling, the Megatower, and more at home in the steep-and-chunky than its snappy cousin Tallboy, Hightower excels when the route covers ‘all points in between,’ and descents come courtesy of some big-ass climbs. The VPP suspension’s lower-link-mounted shock creates a nearly linear leverage curve, meaning it mops up bumps of all sizes and maintains the kind of progressivity normally reserved for Santa Cruz's V10 DH bike!  145mm of rear travel complemented by a 150mm front end gives Hightower just a bit more front and rear travel over the first-generation model. 
The Hightower also has a bonus disc to heighten the experience—the flip-chip. In the High setting, the BB height is a little higher for those tricky tech trails and/or when Plus-sized tires are required. In the Low position the shock rate is more progressive, to provide additional bottom-out resistance. Whatever mood you’re in, the tone of the Hightower can be adapted to meet your individual taste.