I bought a 2024 Hightower 3 r-Build which is the base kit, but the guy before me did a lot of upgrades on it.
- Upgraded to SRAM X01 cassette, derailleur, chain, and shifter
- Threw on Renthal fat bars and some nice grips too
It has the Rockshock Larik Base front fork and the Fox Float Performance in the rear.
My question is, is the bike worth putting anymore money into it? Suspension or brake upgrades? I hate the idea of component chasing just for the sake of component chasing, and I truly believe that most bikes out there at this level are great for most intermediate riders, but want to see if there are any opinions out there on some 'reasonable' upgrades that are really worth it.
https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/products/hightower-r-2024?variant=49995558093082
by theancientmonk
3 Comments
Not unless you notice performance issues yourself. I started with the rockshock sds+ and I’m going to a fox factory rear shock for better performance and adjustability. But I only noticed that after trying to dial it in for my riding style. I’m also going to upgrade the brakes because the sram codes kinda suck honestly. I started with a host of upgrades though, because I wanted to get a top spec mountain bike, so I worked out a custom build with my bike shop, so I’m fox factory 36 front fork at 160mm, and a carbon wheelset with dt350 hubs from we are one. Stuck with the stock gx shifter and derailleur though. Also went with one up carbon bars.
If it all feels fine to you, then it’s fine. You’d definitely notice lighter (carbon) wheels and probably would notice an upgraded fork damper. It’s a super nice frame so not as if you’re putting expensive parts on an entry level metal frame.
The biggest difference you’ll see is from regularly doing oil changes on your suspension…buy the tools and learn to do this.
When its due for a full damper rebuild you don’t want to do yourself consider snagging an upgrade to more tunable suspension on clearance instead.
It should be pretty obvious if your brakes are limiting you. Going up a rotor size is a cost effective upgrade.