2023 Norco Optic C1 vs 2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R
The XL is the Santa Cruz Hightower C R size closest to your L Norco Optic C1. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Santa Cruz Hightower C R
Compared with the Norco Optic C1 in L, the Santa Cruz Hightower C R in XL places the top of the head tube 8 mm higher and 13 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 25 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +8 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +13 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +25 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Norco Optic C1, LSanta Cruz Hightower C R, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Norco Optic C1 L | Santa Cruz Hightower C R XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 480 | 493 | +13 mm |
| Stack | 629 | 637 | +8 mm |
| Head tube angle | 65 | 65.5 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 76 | 76.6 | +0.6° |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 433 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1235 | 1260 | +25 mm |
| Head tube length | 120 | not listed | |
| BB drop | not listed | 29 |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Hightower C R minus the Norco Optic C1. Full charts: 2023 Norco Optic C1, 2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R.
Where each sits in its class
Norco Optic C1Santa Cruz Hightower C R
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 | Norco Optic C1C1 | Santa Cruz Hightower C RC R |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Norco Optic | Santa Cruz Hightower |
| Fork | Fox 36 Performance Elite | RockShox Yari |
| Rear shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite | Fox Float Performance |
| Shifter | Shimano XTR M9100 | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Derailleur | Shimano XTR M9100 | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Cassette | Shimano XTR M9100 | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chain | Shimano XTR M9100 | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Crankset | e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Chainring | e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Wheelset | Stan's Flow S1 | DT Swiss 370 |
| Tire | Vittoria Mazza, Vittoria Martello | Maxxis Minion DHR II, Specialized Eliminator |
| Hub | Shimano HB-8110-B XT, Shimano FH-8110-B XT | not listed |
| Rim | Stan's Flow S1 | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano XTR M9120 | SRAM G2 R, Shimano XT M8100 |
| Rotor | Shimano XTR MT900 Freeza | not listed |
| Handlebar | OneUp Components Carbon | Race Face Aeffect R |
| Stem | Norco CNC Alloy | Burgtec Enduro |
| Grips | DMR Deathgrip | not listed |
| Headset | FSA Internal Sealed Bearing | Cane Creek 40 IS |
| Dropper post | X-Fusion Manic | RockShox Reverb Stealth |
| Saddle | fizik Alpaca Terra | SDG Tellis |
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