2026 Forbidden Heathen Framekit vs 2024 Santa Cruz Hightower C S
The Santa Cruz Hightower C S size closest to your S2 is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Santa Cruz Hightower C S
Compared with the Forbidden Heathen Framekit in S2, the Santa Cruz Hightower C S in XL places the top of the head tube 24 mm higher and 37 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 83 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +24 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +37 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +83 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
The two frames
We can't draw these frames yet. The Forbidden Heathen Framekit numbers we have for size S2 are missing the chainstay length. The numbers below still compare.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Forbidden Heathen Framekit S2 | Santa Cruz Hightower C S XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 455 | 492 | +37 mm |
| Stack | 630 | 654 | +24 mm |
| Head tube angle | 64 | 64.5 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 76 | 76.6 | +0.6° |
| Effective top tube | 612 | 648 | +36 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1192.8 | 1276 | +83 mm |
| BB height | 301 | 338 | +37 mm |
| Standover | 728 | 709 | −19 mm |
| Seat tube length | 420 | 460 | +40 mm |
| Fork length | 541 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 100 | 145 | +45 mm |
| Chainstay length | not listed | 441 | |
| BB drop | not listed | 34 |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Hightower C S minus the Forbidden Heathen Framekit. Full charts: 2026 Forbidden Heathen Framekit, 2024 Santa Cruz Hightower C S.
Where each sits in its class
Forbidden Heathen FramekitSanta Cruz Hightower C S
Each bike is ranked against the other trail bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Forbidden Heathen Framekit | Santa Cruz Hightower C SC S |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | not listed | Santa Cruz Hightower |
| Fork | not listed | Fox 36 Float Performance |
| Rear shock | not listed | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ |
| Shifter | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Derailleur | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cassette | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chain | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Crankset | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB |
| Chainring | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Tire | not listed | Maxxis Minion DHR II |
| Hub | not listed | DT Swiss 370 |
| Rim | not listed | Race Face AR Offset 30 |
| Brake | not listed | SRAM Code R |
| Rotor | not listed | Avid Centerline |
| Handlebar | not listed | Burgtec Ride Wide Alloy |
| Stem | not listed | Burgtec Enduro MK3 |
| Grips | not listed | Santa Cruz House |
| Headset | not listed | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
| Dropper post | not listed | OneUp Components V2 Dropper Post |
| Saddle | not listed | WTB Silverado |
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