Rocketing down the singletrack and blazing up technical climbs calls for a lightweight XC bike with exceptional capability. The Santa Cruz Highball fits the bill and is one of our favorite cross-country bikes when we need speed and efficiency. The Highball is a cross-country race hardtail with 29-inch wheels, an aggressive geometry, and a lightweight frame. The 29-inch wheels easily roll over obstacles on the trail and ensure our energy is transferred into forward momentum. Strategically placed seat stays help to eliminate vibrations from the trail from transferring through the rigid rear end by joining the seat tube below the junction where the top tube meets, mitigating the energy transfer. A 67-degree headtube angle gives the Highball surprising capability for a cross-country bike, and a 73. 5-degree seat tube angle puts us in a centered position over the bottom bracket to provide us with 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 Santa Cruz Highball S build is fitted with quality components that ensure a high-performing bike at a reasonable 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 drivetrain gives us reliable shifting and a huge 10-50-tooth, 12-speed gear range that allows us to easily make it up technical climbs. 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 give us confidence on the roughest XC courses and ensure a smooth rolling ride. Finally, Santa Cruz equipped the Highball with premium Maxxi...