From weekend singletrack rides to racing in our local XC series, the Santa Cruz Highball is one of our favorite cross-country bikes to throw a leg over when we need a bike that specializes in speed and efficiency. The Highball is a cross-country race hardtail that features 29-inch wheels, aggressive geometry, and a super lightweight frame. The efficient-rolling 29-inch wheels roll over roots and rocks with ease and ensure our energy is transferred into forward momentum. The seat stays help to eliminate vibrations and trail shock from transferring through the rigid rear end by joining the seat tube below the junction where the top tube meets, mitigating the energy transfer. With a 67-degree headtube angle, we are able to handle steeper descents while still maintaining precise handling on the flats, and a 73. 5-degree seat tube angle puts us in a centered position over the bottom bracket to give us an efficient and powerful climbing position. The Highball comes complete with downtube and chainstay protectors to protect against rock strikes and chain slaps, and the front triangle can hold three water bottles, so we are always hydrated. The GX Eagle Transmission build of the Santa Cruz Highball is fitted with quality components that ensure a manageable price point. First up, Santa Cruz's Carbon C frame gives us a reliable and lightweight frame that was built to the same standards as their more premium Carbon CC frame to ensure optimal strength and a lightweight design. Next, SRAM's GX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain gives us flawless electronic shifting and a huge 10-52-tooth, 12-speed gear range that will allow us to boost up technical climbs with ease. A RockShox Sid SL Select, 100mm fork handles all the suspension duties on the Highball and features a remote lockout so we can stiffen up our fork when climbing for efficiency. RaceFace ARC Offset 27 aluminum rims are durable, reliable, and allow us to rocket through the XC track without worry. Finally, Santa Cru...