[Closed] I think i want a Hightower, do I?

You don’t tell us what you want it for. If it’s for all round including a fair amount of Climbing then the ripmo is the best climbing bike I’ve ridden and I found it a lot more lively in a non plush way on the way down than my v2 Hightower. Which version of ripmo as they’ve updated it but I didn’t ride a v1 Hightower?

Wrong time really to find second hand as covid has increased costs to almost new price and it’s selling quick to.

Have you got light wheels to go with the frame

Yes you do. I’m going to have a excellent condition v1 2018 CC model with a tuned DPX2 shock for sale shortly. I’ve just taken collection of my 2021 v2 frame.

If you’re interested ping me a DM abs I can send over some pics.

I’ve just been though my
Pinkbike album to find out if I had a Hightower a few years ago, I think it is (Luce yellow) but was an LT. Ran it with a fairly basic spec (SLX 11 speed and Pikes, cheap wheels) and its “probably” my favourite all time bike, not really for its climbing ability although I couldn’t really knock that.
I paid something like £700 for the frame about 2 years ago, was reasonable condition but I haven’t seen one so cheap since then.

They’re short mind, way out dated compared to current geometry but if you size it right I think you’ll like it.

https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p3pb17886255/p3pb17886255.jp g" alt="" />

I test rode a v2. I liked it but it’s a lot of bike for what I do which is mainly long rides in the lakes. It’s very plush and you can ride anything on it. It sort of steamrollered everything. I felt I’d end up being underwhelmed by the trail, it was soo comfortable, if you see what I mean. Eventually I bought a forbidden Druid which seemed to be a bit more Spritely with more feedback, yet nearly as capable.

thanks everyone. DM sent prezet. please tell me it's a medium?

i do have fairly light wheels. hope hubs. They're B+ at the moment, which i like, and suits my abilities and terrain quite well. 29 would 'work' better, but i don't like the feel of the steering so much, tho i am going to experiment to see if i can stop noticing. this is another reason i want to try the hightower, as it's made for both.

terrain is pretty rough, with round stones as opposed to pointy. i like to be able to work hard on the climbs, but like to feel i'm not lugging extra weight as well.

yes covid definately seems to be impacting 2nd hand market too, tho maybe not as much aas i thought. there were a couple for sale a month or so ago, but typically, since i've got hte money together, there have been none

i wouldn't say geo is WAY outdated, tho sure, a little. i've kinda had to decide not to care too much about that, as my budget isn't that big, so i can't necessarily aford something new enough.

prezet's is a large, so still looking. at 5'8" i need a Medium

You might want to consider a large at your height as they are quite short compared to on-trend. Mrs Devbrix has a medium LT and is 5’6” and it’s way too short for me at 5’ 10” so worth thinking about as you are in between. Worth test riding a medium and large Santa Cruz if you haven’t already which would give you an idea. Hightower is a great bike, definitely a good choice, comfortable and capable but sadly she’s not selling the medium - it’s a keeper.

@single07 would also say that large would be spot on for you. I’m 5’9 and on a larger 5010 from same era as V1 Hightower. Was choosing between Hightower and 5010 at the time. Actually considered an XL from reach point of view but couldn’t get seat low enough with the fitted dropper.

Buy a hightower, it's what you're wanting, it's a good design and i've rarely heard any complaints about SC in terms of ride capability. Everything else is just another option, looks like sizing will be the key for you though, they do seem to be a little smaller than others.

i've ridden a large and it was too large : )

Everything else is just another option

excellent line, and way to think about it!

I've got one to sell as well but as it's an XXL that's no good to you either alas,

I tested a new Hightower recently. I was impressed, but I bought something else. Does that help?

Mk1 Hightower isn't that 'short' really. Don't forget, it's not meant to be a long, slack enduro bike. It's more of a middle of the road trail bike, jack of all trades etc.

My XL is one of the bikes I regret selling so soon, but the only thing I could fault on it was the slightly slack seat tube. Mine did have a 150mm fork on it too so that didn't help.

This isn't as much of an issue on smaller frames and at the time it wasn't that much of an issue on the XL (only in my head at the time).

I upgraded the standard Monarch on mine to a Cane Creek DB IL air and it transformed the bike.

I rode it everywhere from big days out in the Lakes, Peaks, trail centres etc. I think the main issue will be finding one for a decent price at the moment!

yes the reach is shortish, relative to eTT, compared to other newer things, or even contemporay things like cotics, but the 600mm ish top tube on an M seems more important in terms of fit to me.
and seat tube angle shouldn't be too much of a problem as i'm small and have relatively short legs too.

having only ever ridden one bike with a cane creek shock on a demo day (a spitfire), it nevertheless felt so wildly different /better than the others i rode (including the large hightower) that i could well believe it would transform any bike : )

I'm on a v1 Hightower. Best bike i've ever had. But you can't have it.

it better not be a medium. if it is you have to sell it to me. forum rules

V1 geometry was described as "a bit funny" to me. They are quite short & high, especially compared to the way new bikes are heading.
You'll probably need to size-up & try to find a test ride where you can compare it to something more "modern".

To the OP, assuming I can get a new frame out of the local bike shop that I currently have my eye on, I could be convinced to unload my a medium mk1 Hightower. Drop me a DM if interested

thanks barnsley, message sent