2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R vs 2023 Norco Optic C1
The Norco Optic C1 size closest to your XL is the L. Compare the L instead
What changes on the Norco Optic C1
Compared with the Santa Cruz Hightower C R in XL, the Norco Optic C1 in S places the top of the head tube 26 mm lower and 73 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 103 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −26 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −73 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −103 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- −8 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Santa Cruz Hightower C R, XLNorco Optic C1, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Hightower C R XL | Norco Optic C1 S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 493 | 420 | −73 mm |
| Stack | 637 | 611 | −26 mm |
| Head tube angle | 65.5 | 65 | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.6 | 76 | −0.6° |
| Chainstay length | 433 | 425 | −8 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1260 | 1157 | −103 mm |
| BB drop | 29 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | not listed | 100 |
Differences are the Norco Optic C1 minus the Santa Cruz Hightower C R. Full charts: 2021 Santa Cruz Hightower C R, 2023 Norco Optic C1.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz Hightower C RNorco Optic C1
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 | Santa Cruz Hightower C RC R | Norco Optic C1C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Santa Cruz Hightower | Norco Optic |
| Fork | RockShox Yari | Fox 36 Performance Elite |
| Rear shock | Fox Float Performance | Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite |
| Shifter | Shimano XT M8100 | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano XTR M9100 |
| Crankset | SRAM NX Eagle | e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon |
| Chainring | SRAM NX Eagle | e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon |
| Wheelset | DT Swiss 370 | Stan's Flow S1 |
| Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II, Specialized Eliminator | Vittoria Mazza, Vittoria Martello |
| Brake | SRAM G2 R, Shimano XT M8100 | Shimano XTR M9120 |
| Handlebar | Race Face Aeffect R | OneUp Components Carbon |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro | Norco CNC Alloy |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS | FSA Internal Sealed Bearing |
| Dropper post | RockShox Reverb Stealth | X-Fusion Manic |
| Saddle | SDG Tellis | fizik Alpaca Terra |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano HB-8110-B XT, Shimano FH-8110-B XT |
| Rim | not listed | Stan's Flow S1 |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano XTR MT900 Freeza |
| Grips | not listed | DMR Deathgrip |
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