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SANTA CRUZ Megatower CS Test: Fast but demanding

santa cruz megatower

Steering angle (°) Vertical tube (mm) Rear chassis (mm) Center distance (mm) BB height (mm) Reach (mm) Front/rear travel (mm)
Inline 405 mm 436 mm 1208 mm 340 mm 447 mm 160 mm

Presented last year, the Megatower entered the Santa Cruz catalog by force as the new 29 "enduro with very aggressive characteristics and immediately usable by the various Santa Cruz Pros engaged in international competitions: 160mm both front and rear with the VPP shock absorbing scheme ® typical of Santa. Let's dive into the test.

santa cruz megatower
Santa Cruz Megatower CS 2020

The Megatower comes with a carbon frame and proprietary VPP damping scheme. Like any self-respecting Santa Cruz, we find the frame in C and CC versions: the more expensive version (CC) uses a more precious high modulus carbon and slightly reduces weight. The Megatower does not take the place of the Nomad which remains the Enduro choice for those who want to stay on the 27,5 ”wheel format: more playful and less physical.

Lifetime warranty on the frame, bearings and wheels, an expertly designed frame with internal cable routing and excellent finishes. On the test model (CS) I was able to try the Santacruz Reserve carbon wheels, although in 2021 you will not find them in the first assembly on the S model but you will have to order them separately. Possibility to slightly change the position (Low and High) through a Flip Chip placed at the base of the shock absorber.

SCB Megatower, Mark Scott, Santa Cruz, SRAM
CAPE TOWN - Photo with Mark Scott. Credits: Gary Perkin

FEATURES

The Santa Cruz Megatower is between the Santa Cruz V10 and the Santa Cruz Hightower LT, one of the bikes I have most appreciated in the past but now no longer in the catalog.

The shock absorbing pattern, in this version, is very progressive and is well suited to 'full gas' use. But full gas not intended as a poser style, the Mega notices immediately if we bluff. Lifetime warranty on the frame, but not if we print it on a tree (since the Megatower leads to this type of athletic gesture), Metric shock absorber 230 × 57.5mm, front derailleur not compatible (frame only for single chainring), 160 compatible forks with 180mm of travel, 73mm bottom bracket and ISCG05 support.

shock absorbing scheme vpp
VPP damping pattern ® : always a guarantee

Maximum width of the tires: 29 × 2.5 ″ (29 × 2.6 ″ with wagon set to the maximum length). Maximum size of the crown: 36t and support for a bottle cage. The shock absorber stem is fixed by a mini fender. The down tube is protected by a plastic support that protects the frame when loading the bike, for example, on the pick up or in protection from the classic stones.

VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS

The test version is a 2020 model and the 2021 models have been presented a few days ago, so we will show you the prices of the updated range. The changes compared to 2020 are not exaggerated, just some changes / choices in the components (or updates such as the Fox 38 in the top models) and the colors.

We find 3 mounts with Carbon C frame and 4 mounts with more premium Carbon CC frame. Let's start from € 4.999 of the Carbon CR which is equipped with SRAM NX Eagle gearbox, RockShox Yari RC fork and Rockshox Super Deluxe Select shock absorber (very basic for demanding downhill use). Then we move on to the Carbon CS test assembly at € 5.899 (this year increased to € 5.999 with RockShox Super Deluxe Select + air shock absorber), of which we find the complete assembly at the end of the test. Up to the € 11.399 of the CC XX1 Reserve.

santa cruz megatower davide finetto
VIDEO TEST - viewable at the beginning of the article

If in the models we find the abbreviation RSV, it means that it is fitted with Reserve carbon wheels. In the middle we find the C XT, C XT COIL, CC X01 and CC X01 COIL. Difference to mention from last year, the lack of the spring damper on the R and S base mounts (in test). Too bad for the colors, the same for all models so we can only choose between 2 color versions.

GEOMETRY

The Megatower, being a gravity vehicle, is quite compact, but it is also a typical feature of the Californian brand. In the Low position, used for the most part in tests, we find very aggressive values ​​such as the head angle of 64.7 °, saddle angle of 76.4 ° and compact reach of 447mm. Values ​​refer to size M under test.

Detail Santa Cruz Megatower
Detail Santa Cruz Megatower

The wheelbase, thanks to the steering angle, is 1208mm while the rear stay is contained in 436mm. Values ​​that, combined with the 29 ”format, make the Megatower a“ path grinder ”.

In the High position, the values ​​of Reach (from 447mm to 450mm), head angle (from 64.7 ° to 65 °), bottom bracket height (from 340mm to 343mm) and indirectly wheelbase (from 1208mm to 1207mm) are changed. Changes, if we can say, hardly noticeable by an average biker but that for the most fussy biker can be a plus.

THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST

Matteo Anici Santa Cruz Megatower
The new entry Matteo Anici busy during the test

In the saddle, the Megatower is compact but, having aggressive geometries, it is easily usable even if it “dresses” short. A set-up in full DH style. Otherwise, the solution is to go one size up where you will find greater performance at a chronometric level but, on the flip side, the fun is reduced and the physical demand increases, they become more demanding on the descent.

Another aspect that you notice is the solidity as a whole: massive pipes, What you immediately notice is the solidity: a bike that stops the weight at about 15,5kg (without pedals 15,2kg) so certainly not a featherweight that makes you want to climb 2000m in altitude.

The 80cm wide handlebar is abnormal but it can always be cut and here subjective choices and anthropometric measurements come into play. Another plus are the Reserve wheels with 30 mm channel, which give excellent precision to the bike without being too stiff like other carbon models.

UPHILL

Matteo Anici Santa Cruz Megatower
VIDEO TEST - link at the beginning of the article

Like many Santacruz, the Megatower is well optimized in pedaling thanks to the VPP system which makes everything very efficient.. It remains a 15 kg bike and passes kg with a head angle below 65 °, so to say that it is well pedaled is a pure euphemism but, if you are not in a hurry, it is carried up well: remaining seated in the saddle and locking the shock absorber (which in any case even in the open position is very efficient) you go up well to be an enduro bike at the limit with freeride.

garda mtb anici
On the Rocca in Garda (VR)

The real seat angle is 76.4 °, a good value, but, if we look at the actual value, the value is much lower and this leads to riders who use the Megatower with an important off-saddle, to be seated accentuated on the wheel. rear at the expense of pedaling efficiency. It must be said that there is also the shock absorber block that compensates for this and, pedaling on long climbs on a regular basis, the Megatower remains dignified. Forget this note in case of saddle rises in the norm: I did this precisely because in the test I have a size M and, having a very high horse, I noticed this thing given the important off-saddle.

Naturally not suitable to be relaunched uphill or on style trails cross country but if you have targeted the Megatower I don't think your goal is to register for the Sellaronda Hero.

In a competitive enduro use, therefore in the case of long salutes at a regular pace, it is well worn.

The excellent behavior of the VPP, which I always want to point out, leads her not to succumb / sit in the technical climbs but she always remains well supported and pedaled. I remember that, despite the ROCKSHOX Super Deluxe Coil Select + spring damper, there is the possibility to choose between 2 positions: open and closed.

DOWNHILL

Matteo Anici Santa Cruz Megatower
Matteo engaged in a nose press during the VIDEO TEST

Initially, unless you are loaded with a mine, you have the feeling of being unsuitable on the descent because screams like: “Put me flat! Break me down! Kick me ". Conveys embarrassing confidence on the trails, except old school riders with a slightly back stance: in fact, the Megatower is a bike with a very open geometry, it must be ridden in a central position and, in many situations, loaded on the handlebar. A guide for a bike park user rather than an all-mountain biker.

lake garda mtb
The spot of the shooting is the beautiful Lake Garda

The Megatower has a very composed and sustained setup: it is not intended as a bike that absorbs everything sitting on the shock absorber but remains high to be always ready to be pumped over the bumps and actively guided. This is a feeling that almost all Santa Cruz, with their VPP system, have. It is not to be seen as a defect, on the contrary, but a typical style of the Santa that gives many advantages to active bikers in riding. The Megatower, given its weight and 29 ”wheels, is a physical bike that, if not actively driven, can disappoint: in this case, perhaps it is better to focus on Hightower or Nomad, staying at Santa Cruz.

megatower test
VIDEO TEST at the beginning of the article

It is incredibly solid and makes everything easy: in the paths around my house I was not able to take it to the limit but I had the feeling of riding a super sports bike and not being able to put the fourth, quite embarrassing.

The harder you go, the more the bike behaves sincerely even if we have to be active on driving: the Megatower calls fast trails to pump while on slow and technical terrains, it does not look bad but it gets better. Just be well present on the front and she takes us out of every situation in a dignified way.

Santa Cruz Megatower
VIDEO TEST - link at the beginning of the article

If the trail allows it, the Megatower allows you to generate a lot of speed by pumping and pushing, and then remain stable thanks to its 64.7 ° head angle and other geometric contour dimensions.

We can exaggerate, indeed we must exaggerate, because it has ad hoc geometries that are excellent in the racing field. The shock absorber, in my opinion, is a great solution on a bike of this caliber born for the descent and having a very progressive compression curve.

XC MARATHON TRAIL ALL MOUNTAIN ENDURO FREERIDE DOWNHILL




XXXXX XXXXX
Geometry
Sizes S, M (test), L, XL
Steering angle Inline
Vertical tube 405 mm
Steering tube 100 mm
Rear chassis 436 mm
Wheelbase 1208 mm
Bottom bracket height 340 mm
Reach 447 mm
Stack 618 mm
Particular signs ELEGANCE
The elegance and sinuosity of the Santa cruz frames cannot be discussed: attention to detail at the highest levels
+ Strength and precision of the frame High limits on the descent
Attention to detail
-Demanding downhill bike
Very relaxed saddle angle in case of important off-saddles

Only 2 colors present
€ 5.899 Euros
Price of frame + shock | nd
Italian distributor: www.focusitaliagroup.it
Weight (without pedals) 15,2kg
Fork FOX 36 Float Performance 160mm
Shock absorber ROCKSHOX Super Deluxe Coil Select+ 230×57.5
wheels SANTA CRUZ Reserve 30 Carbon Rim
Service MAXXIS Assegai 29×2.5 (front) MAXXIS DHR II (rear) – 3c Maxterra
Rolling mill chocks SRAM Stylo 7k 148 DUB 30t-170mm
Rear gearbox SRAM GX Eagle 12v
commands SRAM GX Eagle 12v
Brakes SRAM Code R
Buy Boxes SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12v, 10-50d
Headset CANE CREEK 40 IS Integrated Headset
OFFENSE RACE FACE Aeffect R (40mm)
dumbbell RACE FACE Aeffect R (800mm)
seatpost ROCKSHOX Reverb Stealth, 1X Lever, MatchMaker, 31.6
Sella WTB Silverado Pro Saddle
Color (2019) Black and Water (test)

The verdict
Fast, stable but demanding

The Santa Cruz Megatower is a demanding bike: excellent for enduro racing use or for bike park rides. It is a vehicle that requires good physical shape and has very high limits, which are difficult to reach for an average user. Climb with dignity on constant climbs without too many changes of pace or descend like a devil.

On smooth trails, prepared and with jumps (typical of a bike park) it gives its best. If you are a biker who wants to make the qualitative leap downhill, or who likes to play lots of jokers, this is the vehicle for you.

Overall ratings 365tv test

Video featured in episode # 31



Written by

[email protected] I am a fan of everything that has 2 wheels: at a young age I practiced road and track cycling (Italian Allievi champion). At the age of 18 I passed into the cross country competing at national/international level as an Under23. Past Elite, I made the choice to take things more lightly from a training point of view, and my love for gravity disciplines was born, training me as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made passion my profession by managing 2 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Bike Center Elba and Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').

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