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2023 Norco Optic C1 vs 2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R

The Santa Cruz Hightower C R size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Santa Cruz Hightower C R

Compared with the Norco Optic C1 in M, the Santa Cruz Hightower C R in XL places the top of the head tube 17 mm higher and 43 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 64 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+17 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+43 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+64 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2023 Norco Optic C1 (M) and 2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R (XL), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Norco Optic C1 is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Santa Cruz Hightower C R is the colored outline on top.J 1196

Norco Optic C1, MSanta Cruz Hightower C R, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementNorco Optic C1 MSanta Cruz Hightower C R XLDifference
Reach450493+43 mm
Stack620637+17 mm
Head tube angle6565.5+0.5°
Seat tube angle7676.6+0.6°
Chainstay length430433+3 mm
Wheelbase11961260+64 mm
Head tube length110not listed
BB dropnot listed29

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

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

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.

PartNorco Optic C1C1Santa Cruz Hightower C RC R
FrameNorco OpticSanta Cruz Hightower
ForkFox 36 Performance EliteRockShox Yari
Rear shockFox Float DPX2 Performance EliteFox Float Performance
ShifterShimano XTR M9100Shimano XT M8100
DerailleurShimano XTR M9100SRAM NX Eagle
CassetteShimano XTR M9100SRAM GX Eagle
ChainShimano XTR M9100SRAM NX Eagle
Cranksete*thirteen TRS Race CarbonSRAM NX Eagle
Chainringe*thirteen TRS Race CarbonSRAM NX Eagle
WheelsetStan's Flow S1DT Swiss 370
TireVittoria Mazza, Vittoria MartelloMaxxis Minion DHR II, Specialized Eliminator
HubShimano HB-8110-B XT, Shimano FH-8110-B XTnot listed
RimStan's Flow S1not listed
BrakeShimano XTR M9120SRAM G2 R, Shimano XT M8100
RotorShimano XTR MT900 Freezanot listed
HandlebarOneUp Components CarbonRace Face Aeffect R
StemNorco CNC AlloyBurgtec Enduro
GripsDMR Deathgripnot listed
HeadsetFSA Internal Sealed BearingCane Creek 40 IS
Dropper postX-Fusion ManicRockShox Reverb Stealth
Saddlefizik Alpaca TerraSDG Tellis

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