I tested two top-end trail bikes head to head – and there's nothing I'd change about the winner's spec
How does Yeti’s SB140 LR fare against the Santa Cruz Hightower?
The demands on modern-day trail bikes are astounding, with very little room for compromise. These bikes need to do it all and do it well to be in with a chance of impressing riders.
While no one expects the same level of efficiency as a thoroughbred cross-country bike, or the descending prowess of a full-on downhill bike, riders have very high expectations when it comes to these true all-rounders.
Are they comfortable enough to be pedalled all day up and over hills and mountains? Are they stable and surefooted enough to take on steep, technical downhill trails?
And are they robust enough to be thrown about in the bike park? These are all justifiable questions riders looking to buy a trail bike should be asking.
Creating a bike that can tick these boxes and more is a real headache for brands.
Not only do they need to sweat the details such as geometry, suspension travel and suspension kinematics, but the spec too.
Yes, this is true for every type of mountain bike, but designing a trail bike with a build kit that offers the best possible ‘do-it-all’ credentials is possibly the hardest.
Do you go long, low and slack with the geometry to ensure it descends well and feels stable at speed, or keep things a little more conservative so as not to disrupt slower-speed agility?
And what about suspension travel? Can you land on a figure that provides a sprightly, efficient feel when hammering the pedals, but still offers enough comfort and cushioning for those times you venture into wilder terrain?
Bottom brackets will be low and most bikes, to ensure they can cover ground as quickly as possible, will roll on 29in wheels.
Both Yeti and Santa Cruz have taken years to perfect their own trail bikes.
The Hightower and SB140 share multiple similarities, with specs and geometry figures that are closely matched.
Yet, on the trail, each bikes offers something a little different. As you’ll find out, much depends on what you’re looking for from a trail bike.
Where do your preferences lie and what sort of riding do you want to do?
Both are important questions when considering which top-end trail bike is best for you.
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