Does anyone know when a V3 Hightower will be out? I think the writing is on the wall with what they'll do to it. I bet it will have all of the changes of the new Bronson so more progressive, clearance for any coil shock, tad more travel, tire clearance for any 2.5, steeper seat tube, etc. Despite what the numbers say, the seat tube is visibly steeper in all pictures of the new Bronson vs HT2. I really like the design of the new Bronson but would want 29 front and rear!
Hightower V3 Speculation
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They’ve updated or released several bikes throughout the course of the last 18 months—the Nomad, the Blur, the Bronson, the Chameleon, the e-bikes. I keep seeing people say no way there will be updates before 2023, and I don’t really get what that’s based on. Availability will be low and it’ll be a while before we really start seeing them in shops, but there’s no reason to think SCB won’t keep to the product cycle they’ve been on based on all evidence I can see.
Bronson, Nomad, Chameleon, and Blur refreshes all came right on time. I don’t see any signs that the same won’t be true for the Hightower, Megatower and Tallboy.
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Any news regarding HTV3 this year?
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probably they gonna ride the mega v2 this year and we should see a new HT next spring in 2023, definitely shock tunnel gotta be fixed, dont see much more to be done with it, I hope they keep it as 140 rear 150/160 front I don't really think more is needed, I never changed mine to 145
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Bigger question is when would it be available, 2024?
It's strange that SC seems to be struggling the most with availability. They seem to be the worst out of the bigger brands. It has really driven up the value of used HT's, MT's, V-10's, etc.
At some point will there be a huge influx of bikes/frames?
It's strange that SC seems to be struggling the most with availability. They seem to be the worst out of the bigger brands. It has really driven up the value of used HT's, MT's, V-10's, etc.
At some point will there be a huge influx of bikes/frames?
My guess is shock clearance, additional progression, 145-150mm travel, steeper (actual) STA and more rear tire clearance or it will be behind their competition. I passed on the HT2 in 2019 for just these reasons.
Nice. I really liked the HT2 demo I did but felt like the bike was still half a generation outdated when it was released. Not sure why they just didn't go all the way. I got my Ripmo AF in 2019 and was very strictly sticking to that list of requirements (short offset fork too) and there were only 3 bikes that fit it then, the SB130, Sentinel and Ripmo AF. The carbon Ripmo V1 wasn't coil compatible nor had the right head angle yet. Everyone was behind the times and is just now catching up. Once I learned that the AF frame was only about 0.5-1 lb heavier than most other brands' carbon frames, I went that route. Pretty happy with it but still wondering if the updated Hightower will check all those boxes. I bet it will.
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Some good points, I don't think there is much to fix in the geo, I'm actually pretty happy with the STA, wish there was a shorter ST to allow for longer travel droppers, but other than that the shock clearance I think it's a given they gotta fix that, I'd also love to have a more progressive suspension curve, since the original SD it was quite easy to just blow through travel...
Yeah, it's not a bad STA per say, but I'm sure they'll steepen it a bit, in line with the new Bronson. You can easily see in side by side pictures with the Bronson, Ripmo and others, how much steeper they are, despite what the numbers say In all honestly, I think my Ripmo STA puts quite a bit of pressure on the wrists on flatter terrain. Thankfully on steep terrain where I typically ride, it's perfect. If I lived where the terrain was rolling, I wouldn't like it.
Every frame has pros and cons though. There's lots of pros for the lower link design, great ride, quiet, bottle is up high, etc. Cons are easy, linkage and shock get dirtier and collect crap more than some other designs, tough to check sag and like you said, you can't run a 210 dropper which sucks. 175 or 180 is ok but 210 is a lot nicer for some people.
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I'd love to see 10MM longer chain stays...
love the current HT, but it gives up a bit with very high speed stability and steep/super chunk climbing with the current chain stay lengths.
shock tunnel enlargement- fine=Ok if coil becomes an option, but it is fine with air.
love the current HT, but it gives up a bit with very high speed stability and steep/super chunk climbing with the current chain stay lengths.
shock tunnel enlargement- fine=Ok if coil becomes an option, but it is fine with air.
I just found (finally!) and ordered a Hightower…I’ve been trying for nearly 18 months to find the color/spec that I want.
I thought for a second about the HT being towards the end of a usual refresh cycle. A few thoughts came to mind:
First, back during “normal” times (based on my past experience) models were “released” July-ish but not readily available until September/October. Assuming a similar time table, I’d still be waiting through most of prime riding season, AT BEST. (I live near the Canada/US border and the season can be over by mid October).
Second, my wife’s top spec Bronson 2.1 remains one of the best all around bikes I’ve ever ridden (maybe it‘s just me, but it really hits a sweet spot). So, even if a new HT drops, the current model is still going to be awesome.
Third, as a shop employee recently told me, a new bike in the garage is better than unfulfilled hope for something better.
All that said, it’s good to hear speculation that updates will be minor.
I thought for a second about the HT being towards the end of a usual refresh cycle. A few thoughts came to mind:
First, back during “normal” times (based on my past experience) models were “released” July-ish but not readily available until September/October. Assuming a similar time table, I’d still be waiting through most of prime riding season, AT BEST. (I live near the Canada/US border and the season can be over by mid October).
Second, my wife’s top spec Bronson 2.1 remains one of the best all around bikes I’ve ever ridden (maybe it‘s just me, but it really hits a sweet spot). So, even if a new HT drops, the current model is still going to be awesome.
Third, as a shop employee recently told me, a new bike in the garage is better than unfulfilled hope for something better.
All that said, it’s good to hear speculation that updates will be minor.
The V2 is still a great bike, even if due for a minor update. If you plan on running an air shock and a 2.4 rear tire, the differences would be negligible anyways. Enjoy the new ride!
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