Thank you for your honest review. I'm looking into this generation Megatower, and it seems every MTB site reviewing these bikes is kissing SC's butt by not willing to give any criticism. Even with the negatives you've noted, I'm still gonna buy this bike. Thanks!
Thanks for the honest review. I just put in an order and went with the smaller M size. I’m 5’9” and right in between sizes so I’m happy to hear about what your thoughts were with sizing! Btw I got the same color and setup as the one you have! (XO1) So stoked!
After having my Megatower V2 for 2½ years, I fully agree with your cons. It's heavy, I'm overbiked and it's too burly for my needs. SIZING, you really nailed it. I'm 6'1" and feel at home on an XL Tallboy and XL Hightower. My Megatower is an XL, and I absolutely should have sized down a L. Tight turns are difficult. Getting the front end up and over features is also challenging. SC tuning specs for the X2 are spot on. My also cavitated, but fortunately was replaced with a 2024, which again cavitated, and Fox fixed under warranty Long story short, I'm on the fence between sizing down a frame swap, or selling the Megatower and pickup the new Hightower v4 (which is a better match for my riding).
After a few months on my Mega V2 I totally agree with your air vs. coil comments. The x2 is great and it hauls for racing but I prefer the bike with coil for most of my riding. Sorry if I missed it but what position do you run the flip chip?
Currently on a Stumpy Evo and agree with what you are saying about the rear end feedback, and it does not pedal particularly well. Considering switching to the Megatower V2!
Have you tried a coil on the stumpy? I thought the bike pedaled well but definitely a lot of feedback in the pedals. Mega is a much bigger bike too though. But it did pedal well for what it is!
Looking at the geo chart the hightower v4 has the same wheelbase and chainstay. Curious if it feels super long as well. On the Evo and agree with assessments. Was really leaning towards megatower as my bike park bike since i mainly ride a Trail 429 everywhere else
Thanks for the good review! Just one question about the Megatower - it looks like all the spray from the rear tire is going straight into the suspension link? Is that so? If yes - is it difficult to clean it well? How did you manage that?
I dont know if you still have this bike but try lowering the handlebars one or two 5mm spacers. I was having the same issue as you having to be really aggressive about weighing the front wheel until I did that. Now the bike rides very effortless after lowering my handlebars 5mm.
Did you ever get this bike out to Left Hand? I love the idea of more bike for the trails I ride daily near me in Boulder but am afraid that the lack of maneuverability will negate any additional capability given how steep and twisty and technical most of my front range favorites are.
Yeah only once but it felt good. Agree, my gripe is with how long it is. If you are on the cusp between sizes and can size down then I’d say go for it, but if moving to the MT2 means having a much longer wheelbase than your current bike then you might look at other options. I have zero regrets going from the L MT2 to a M SB160
@@andremtb480 Appreciate the response! I'm in both M and L size ranges so thinking a Medium MT might be worth a try. My trail bike is a SB130 set up 137/150 and it's the only bike I've kept for multiple years and have no intent to ever sell until it breaks into pieces. The 160 sounds like a beauty, just hard to find deals on the Yetis!
Did you ever ride it in the high/steep geo setting? A steeper HTA will shorten the wheelbase a bit. It might make the small difference that you need to really get comfortable on the bike.
I’ve been considering this bike as a new long travel bike. Wondering if it would be overkill. I have a few good trails that it would crush but most of my riding doesn’t require this much bike. Very useful to know that your opinions are based on the steep settings. I assume pinkbike and others just test every bike in the most extreme setting. Cheers
@@Zlee1 if you’re on the cusp between sizes and can size down I think it’d be great. But at 6ft I wasn’t keen on riding a medium and just thought a large had too long of a wheelbase. But depends on your personal situation. For me, a large is much more of a park bike than a trail bike
What is Your exact height in cm? And a wingspan? I’m 184cm, ordered L, but lots of people my height are sizing up for XL and I’m a little worried that L would feel cramped/too short - what You think?
I'm about 188cm on an XL, and it's a bit too large for me, particularly in cornering, and the overall seat stay height (gets in my way on descents even with the seat post fully slammed down)
I’m looking at going from a ripmo v2 to a megatower, because I’m looking for a bit more bike. I’m really happy with the way the Ripmo suspension feels with an x2 though. And the setup window is huge. When I was riding easier trails I ran, more normal 30% sag and was happy. I’m currently running 18% sag f&r (and I think max tokens in the rear, using full travel and thankfully it still feels really good. How does the ride compare to the ripmo? Do you think the setup window is large? I’ve had a bike before that was super constrained, that sucked. I really can’t run a coil shock. I’ve also heard that the megatower is harsh, but I’m not sure to what extent. My guess is most people would think my setup is harsh, and I normally don’t get along well with plush bikes because they blow through travel. Basically, very interested in your opinion and experience going from ripmo to megatower. Thanks!
Hey, I think SC does a great job giving an out of the box setup so I didn't have an issue finding the sweet spot quickly. I always kept it around 28% sag because it felt good so. Comparison to Ripmo: depends if you're looking for a trail bike or a park bike. I'd describe the Ripmo as a long legged trail bike while the SC is like a mini DH bike. Mega can still pedal well but it's very long and slack; it's a BIG bike. The Ripmo is a great one-bike setup, very versatile. Megatower is tough if it's your only bike unless you're really focused on bike park and enduro racing. Other thing to Remember is the Santa Cruz Frame is at least 1.5 lbs heavier than the Ripmo. I find the SB160 to be a bit more versatile than the SC but all great bikes. Just about finding the right tool for the type of riding you do.
if you like this bike, but want something shorter. Get the hightower, over-build it with a 38 or Zeb. Add the cascade link. Shorter wheelbase, 160/155 travel. Only con - can't run coils. The new super deluxe does a good job. No complains, but I would love to know what it would feel like with coil.
Yeah I hear you. I bet it’s a killer bike and I think I’d love it too but not being able to run coil was hard to swallow. I built up a sb140 with a coil and a stiffer fork and am loving it.
I agree w/the DH X2 being fast on the rebound side when compared to the FLOAT X2...even straight out of the box; it just isn't even close to comparable in range of adjustment. I run a 600lb+ MRP progressive spring on my Trek Rail 5 & actually contacted FOX about it. Would have to revalve if wanted to change it. I just got used to it so it buffed out.
Sounds like you have to exaggerate your body movements more than with other bikes in order for your weight to make a difference. At high speed, in gnarly terrain, this may be more risk than what I want. I was thinking about sizing up actually and with your review I'm going to stick with being on the big end of medium rather than the small end of large. This was such a good in depth review. Thanks!
hey man - good review dude - sounds spot on - one thing the PB reviewers said was it being noisy? have you noticed it? they seemed to suggest the axs, but you run shimano, and also possibly the downtube rattling?
thank you, appreciate it! Noise never bothered me - I think there's possibly a bit of cable rattle but you should be able to quiet it down if you really want to. Never stood out to me as a loud bike relative to the others I've owned, so I wouldn't worry too much about it
@@andremtb480 thanks for the reply man - good stuff yeah just watched your other video and noise sounds minimal or at least what you expect from a bike, good news! thanks again great riding vid too
I’m on the V1 Mega out in western Colorado. The weight and wheelbase on this definitely had me worried, mine in an XL is 34lbs. The V1 climbs so well and is a bit more of a long legged trail bike from what i can tell.
Yeah the XL V2's wheelbase is very long. If you're using as a trail/enduro bike, and not predominantly for bike park or "freeride" then I would probably opt for the shorter wheelbase of the V1.
@@andremtb480 The V2 is dope. But seems very focused on full on enduro/ park like you were saying. and not so much of an all arounder like the V1. Rad bike tho.
I live in Golden BC Canada. Home of Mount 7, Moonraker and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. You think I'm going to be overbiked with the new Nomad 6 I ordered? Almost the same bike as this just a bit more playful but not as fast..
@@andremtb480 I am 5'10" 200 lbs. I got a large with a coil shock. Hoping it's not bad to climb with. I do however have decent cardio for a bigger guy.
ill say i just got my first few rides in on the nomad 6. Its way better than the megatower IMO i think that will be a more versatile bike than the megatower. Enjoy i think you're gonna like it!
37lb - wow, sounds heavy. Its a bit like cars, everything just getting heavier and bigger, I accept that things don't break these days, like they used to - but with tech development and advancement in material science /cfd etc, things should be getting lighter, just my view. I ride a Bronson most of the time and 27.5 is plenty big enough, my other bike is an older Cannondale 26/27.5 mullet, with a Fox 36 and that is 25.5lb. I do like my Bronson (hugely), but when I think my Cannondale is nearly 12lb lighter than your Megatower, it doesn't surprise me that on some days (lots of climbing days) the 'Dale sometimes get picked over the Santa Cruz. Good review, by the way. So thanks.
After having Polygon trail bike this feels like i'm riding a heavy DH bike with a huge cassette. It makes you feel like riding a tank, even overshot or not popped enough drops feels like nothing on it. What i don't like are the tires. They give you all the grip in the world, but they don't roll at all. If I have to ride some pavement to the trail or hard ground trail - it feels like you are fighting the bike to go forward, it sticks to the road and throws all the small pebbles in your face cause assegai compound is like a bubble gum.
SJ Evo climbs better - its one of the best pedaling bikes I’ve ever ridden. Very light and a little more efficient. SJ Evo is a bit more of a trail bike though.
Santa cruz make awesomeness bikes. I do feel my yeti sb160 climbs better and descends a little better. I am 5’-7” and medium on both Santa Cruz and yeti fit me perfect. I have 30” inseam long arms. Don’t get hang up on the geometry, you as a rider need to adjust to the bike. A good bike rider always manage the bike.
maybe totally wrong but think its you - 2supple off of MTBR forum? now this will be interesting as im interested in a sb160 too and youve just built one :) bike looks identical after youve swapped all parts over so im 99.9% sure your the same guy haha!
hah yeah good catch! Hoping to get out on the SB160 this weekend and I'll let you know how it feels on MTBR, might try to do an initial ride impression video too if I can find time
@@andremtb480 haha thought so great stuff man yeh do a ride and report please on both, enjoyed that video as it made sense and you know what your on about and told it like it is without holding any punches, very interested in the yeti as they generally pedal great too, look forward to it mate
I can't tell what handlebar (alloy or carbon) you have on your Megatower, but your DT Swiss wheelset is alloy. You therefore don't feel that chatter the Pinkbike crew experienced on their fully loaded CC Reserve test mule with carbon wheels and carbon bar. I recently got my Megatower C S with alloy components, and the bike is as comfortable as it can be without chatter or fatiguing. I only own Santa Cruz bikes, and I love them, but after I bought one Santa Cruz trail bike (Hightower LT CC) with SC's inhouse carbon bar, I will never buy a trail or enduro bike with carbon components other than the frame. Carbon bars and wheels should only be mounted on XC bikes due to their lack of compliance. I don't know what SC and many other bike manufacturers are thinking here other than trying to maximize profit with each carbon-loaded bike. Every time I watch a review video on carbon wheels mounted on a trail or enduro bike, every reviewer reports chatter and fatigue from the bike and tries to explain they need more time to finetune the suspension. No, it's not the suspension's problem, because the suspension was just fine until you swapped the alloy wheels to carbon set. No matter how creative carbon wheel and handlebar makers try to be to reduce chatter with built-in compliance techniques, they can't achieve the same compliance the alloy components can due to the built-in stiffness quality of the carbon material.
Nice to see an honest informative review of an SC bike. Most SC reviews are like marketing material and don't call out any negatives
Thank you for your honest review. I'm looking into this generation Megatower, and it seems every MTB site reviewing these bikes is kissing SC's butt by not willing to give any criticism. Even with the negatives you've noted, I'm still gonna buy this bike. Thanks!
I got to demo one of these this weekend. Size medium and I'm 170cm or 5'7. It was definitely a big feeling bike! good review
I am same height and I am considering size L.
Thanks for the honest review. I just put in an order and went with the smaller M size. I’m 5’9” and right in between sizes so I’m happy to hear about what your thoughts were with sizing!
Btw I got the same color and setup as the one you have! (XO1) So stoked!
I’m 5’9 on the large I’m still growing but right now the bike does feel pretty big. Prob a better idea to get a medium
After having my Megatower V2 for 2½ years, I fully agree with your cons. It's heavy, I'm overbiked and it's too burly for my needs. SIZING, you really nailed it. I'm 6'1" and feel at home on an XL Tallboy and XL Hightower. My Megatower is an XL, and I absolutely should have sized down a L. Tight turns are difficult. Getting the front end up and over features is also challenging.
SC tuning specs for the X2 are spot on. My also cavitated, but fortunately was replaced with a 2024, which again cavitated, and Fox fixed under warranty
Long story short, I'm on the fence between sizing down a frame swap, or selling the Megatower and pickup the new Hightower v4 (which is a better match for my riding).
After a few months on my Mega V2 I totally agree with your air vs. coil comments. The x2 is great and it hauls for racing but I prefer the bike with coil for most of my riding. Sorry if I missed it but what position do you run the flip chip?
Currently on a Stumpy Evo and agree with what you are saying about the rear end feedback, and it does not pedal particularly well. Considering switching to the Megatower V2!
Have you tried a coil on the stumpy? I thought the bike pedaled well but definitely a lot of feedback in the pedals. Mega is a much bigger bike too though. But it did pedal well for what it is!
Looking at the geo chart the hightower v4 has the same wheelbase and chainstay. Curious if it feels super long as well. On the Evo and agree with assessments. Was really leaning towards megatower as my bike park bike since i mainly ride a Trail 429 everywhere else
Thanks for the good review! Just one question about the Megatower - it looks like all the spray from the rear tire is going straight into the suspension link? Is that so? If yes - is it difficult to clean it well? How did you manage that?
I dont know if you still have this bike but try lowering the handlebars one or two 5mm spacers. I was having the same issue as you having to be really aggressive about weighing the front wheel until I did that. Now the bike rides very effortless after lowering my handlebars 5mm.
Did you ever get this bike out to Left Hand? I love the idea of more bike for the trails I ride daily near me in Boulder but am afraid that the lack of maneuverability will negate any additional capability given how steep and twisty and technical most of my front range favorites are.
Yeah only once but it felt good. Agree, my gripe is with how long it is. If you are on the cusp between sizes and can size down then I’d say go for it, but if moving to the MT2 means having a much longer wheelbase than your current bike then you might look at other options. I have zero regrets going from the L MT2 to a M SB160
@@andremtb480 Appreciate the response! I'm in both M and L size ranges so thinking a Medium MT might be worth a try. My trail bike is a SB130 set up 137/150 and it's the only bike I've kept for multiple years and have no intent to ever sell until it breaks into pieces. The 160 sounds like a beauty, just hard to find deals on the Yetis!
Did you ever ride it in the high/steep geo setting? A steeper HTA will shorten the wheelbase a bit. It might make the small difference that you need to really get comfortable on the bike.
Pretty much only rode it in the high setting for those exact reasons. Never felt the need to go more slack
I’ve been considering this bike as a new long travel bike. Wondering if it would be overkill. I have a few good trails that it would crush but most of my riding doesn’t require this much bike. Very useful to know that your opinions are based on the steep settings. I assume pinkbike and others just test every bike in the most extreme setting. Cheers
@@Zlee1 if you’re on the cusp between sizes and can size down I think it’d be great. But at 6ft I wasn’t keen on riding a medium and just thought a large had too long of a wheelbase. But depends on your personal situation. For me, a large is much more of a park bike than a trail bike
Bronson bro fun bike.🎉
What is Your exact height in cm? And a wingspan? I’m 184cm, ordered L, but lots of people my height are sizing up for XL and I’m a little worried that L would feel cramped/too short - what You think?
Same height as you and i tested the Large and felt fine. It is a big bike so if you would get the XL, it would be alot effort to turn in corners
I'm about 188cm on an XL, and it's a bit too large for me, particularly in cornering, and the overall seat stay height (gets in my way on descents even with the seat post fully slammed down)
I’m looking at going from a ripmo v2 to a megatower, because I’m looking for a bit more bike. I’m really happy with the way the Ripmo suspension feels with an x2 though. And the setup window is huge. When I was riding easier trails I ran, more normal 30% sag and was happy. I’m currently running 18% sag f&r (and I think max tokens in the rear, using full travel and thankfully it still feels really good.
How does the ride compare to the ripmo? Do you think the setup window is large? I’ve had a bike before that was super constrained, that sucked. I really can’t run a coil shock. I’ve also heard that the megatower is harsh, but I’m not sure to what extent. My guess is most people would think my setup is harsh, and I normally don’t get along well with plush bikes because they blow through travel.
Basically, very interested in your opinion and experience going from ripmo to megatower.
Thanks!
Hey, I think SC does a great job giving an out of the box setup so I didn't have an issue finding the sweet spot quickly. I always kept it around 28% sag because it felt good so. Comparison to Ripmo: depends if you're looking for a trail bike or a park bike. I'd describe the Ripmo as a long legged trail bike while the SC is like a mini DH bike. Mega can still pedal well but it's very long and slack; it's a BIG bike. The Ripmo is a great one-bike setup, very versatile. Megatower is tough if it's your only bike unless you're really focused on bike park and enduro racing. Other thing to Remember is the Santa Cruz Frame is at least 1.5 lbs heavier than the Ripmo. I find the SB160 to be a bit more versatile than the SC but all great bikes. Just about finding the right tool for the type of riding you do.
Will these models go on sale soon?
Yes! Tons of discounted models now
Ive a hightower 2 cc ao1 with carbon rims and its 29.5 lbs
if you like this bike, but want something shorter. Get the hightower, over-build it with a 38 or Zeb. Add the cascade link. Shorter wheelbase, 160/155 travel. Only con - can't run coils. The new super deluxe does a good job. No complains, but I would love to know what it would feel like with coil.
Yeah I hear you. I bet it’s a killer bike and I think I’d love it too but not being able to run coil was hard to swallow. I built up a sb140 with a coil and a stiffer fork and am loving it.
@@andremtb480 definitely a bummer you cannot run big air shocks or coils on it. if you could, i think its the perfect bike.
If Im 185cm tall, should I buy Large size or XL size mtb Megatower?
I agree w/the DH X2 being fast on the rebound side when compared to the FLOAT X2...even straight out of the box; it just isn't even close to comparable in range of adjustment. I run a 600lb+ MRP progressive spring on my Trek Rail 5 & actually contacted FOX about it. Would have to revalve if wanted to change it. I just got used to it so it buffed out.
Sounds like you have to exaggerate your body movements more than with other bikes in order for your weight to make a difference. At high speed, in gnarly terrain, this may be more risk than what I want. I was thinking about sizing up actually and with your review I'm going to stick with being on the big end of medium rather than the small end of large. This was such a good in depth review. Thanks!
Glad it could help! I think you have the right idea!
I maybe missed it, which size do you have?
size Large!
hey man - good review dude - sounds spot on - one thing the PB reviewers said was it being noisy? have you noticed it? they seemed to suggest the axs, but you run shimano, and also possibly the downtube rattling?
thank you, appreciate it! Noise never bothered me - I think there's possibly a bit of cable rattle but you should be able to quiet it down if you really want to. Never stood out to me as a loud bike relative to the others I've owned, so I wouldn't worry too much about it
@@andremtb480 thanks for the reply man - good stuff yeah just watched your other video and noise sounds minimal or at least what you expect from a bike, good news! thanks again great riding vid too
I’m on the V1 Mega out in western Colorado. The weight and wheelbase on this definitely had me worried, mine in an XL is 34lbs. The V1 climbs so well and is a bit more of a long legged trail bike from what i can tell.
Yeah the XL V2's wheelbase is very long. If you're using as a trail/enduro bike, and not predominantly for bike park or "freeride" then I would probably opt for the shorter wheelbase of the V1.
@@andremtb480 The V2 is dope. But seems very focused on full on enduro/ park like you were saying. and not so much of an all arounder like the V1. Rad bike tho.
Algunas partes usadas que ya no ocupes de las bicicletas que me pu das donar 😢😢
I live in Golden BC Canada. Home of Mount 7, Moonraker and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. You think I'm going to be overbiked with the new Nomad 6 I ordered? Almost the same bike as this just a bit more playful but not as fast..
If it's a park bike it'll be perfect. For trail riding, depends on which size you went with and how comfortable you are with a longer wheelbase, IMO.
@@andremtb480 I am 5'10" 200 lbs. I got a large with a coil shock. Hoping it's not bad to climb with. I do however have decent cardio for a bigger guy.
ill say i just got my first few rides in on the nomad 6. Its way better than the megatower IMO i think that will be a more versatile bike than the megatower. Enjoy i think you're gonna like it!
37lb - wow, sounds heavy. Its a bit like cars, everything just getting heavier and bigger, I accept that things don't break these days, like they used to - but with tech development and advancement in material science /cfd etc, things should be getting lighter, just my view. I ride a Bronson most of the time and 27.5 is plenty big enough, my other bike is an older Cannondale 26/27.5 mullet, with a Fox 36 and that is 25.5lb. I do like my Bronson (hugely), but when I think my Cannondale is nearly 12lb lighter than your Megatower, it doesn't surprise me that on some days (lots of climbing days) the 'Dale sometimes get picked over the Santa Cruz. Good review, by the way. So thanks.
After having Polygon trail bike this feels like i'm riding a heavy DH bike with a huge cassette. It makes you feel like riding a tank, even overshot or not popped enough drops feels like nothing on it. What i don't like are the tires. They give you all the grip in the world, but they don't roll at all. If I have to ride some pavement to the trail or hard ground trail - it feels like you are fighting the bike to go forward, it sticks to the road and throws all the small pebbles in your face cause assegai compound is like a bubble gum.
What Polygon where you riding before?
@@alex_rogan Siskiu T8
How does this climb compared to sj evo?
SJ Evo climbs better - its one of the best pedaling bikes I’ve ever ridden. Very light and a little more efficient. SJ Evo is a bit more of a trail bike though.
@@andremtb480 Got it, I miss my enduro for riding steeper gnarly stuff and was looking at the Megatower as I have never owned a Santa Cruz
WOW...!
Santa cruz make awesomeness bikes. I do feel my yeti sb160 climbs better and descends a little better. I am 5’-7” and medium on both Santa Cruz and yeti fit me perfect. I have 30” inseam long arms. Don’t get hang up on the geometry, you as a rider need to adjust to the bike. A good bike rider always manage the bike.
maybe totally wrong but think its you - 2supple off of MTBR forum? now this will be interesting as im interested in a sb160 too and youve just built one :) bike looks identical after youve swapped all parts over so im 99.9% sure your the same guy haha!
hah yeah good catch! Hoping to get out on the SB160 this weekend and I'll let you know how it feels on MTBR, might try to do an initial ride impression video too if I can find time
@@andremtb480 haha thought so great stuff man yeh do a ride and report please on both, enjoyed that video as it made sense and you know what your on about and told it like it is without holding any punches, very interested in the yeti as they generally pedal great too, look forward to it mate
@@didzy9349 thanks man appreciate the feedback. Will let you know how the yeti rides!
I can't tell what handlebar (alloy or carbon) you have on your Megatower, but your DT Swiss wheelset is alloy. You therefore don't feel that chatter the Pinkbike crew experienced on their fully loaded CC Reserve test mule with carbon wheels and carbon bar. I recently got my Megatower C S with alloy components, and the bike is as comfortable as it can be without chatter or fatiguing.
I only own Santa Cruz bikes, and I love them, but after I bought one Santa Cruz trail bike (Hightower LT CC) with SC's inhouse carbon bar, I will never buy a trail or enduro bike with carbon components other than the frame. Carbon bars and wheels should only be mounted on XC bikes due to their lack of compliance. I don't know what SC and many other bike manufacturers are thinking here other than trying to maximize profit with each carbon-loaded bike. Every time I watch a review video on carbon wheels mounted on a trail or enduro bike, every reviewer reports chatter and fatigue from the bike and tries to explain they need more time to finetune the suspension. No, it's not the suspension's problem, because the suspension was just fine until you swapped the alloy wheels to carbon set.
No matter how creative carbon wheel and handlebar makers try to be to reduce chatter with built-in compliance techniques, they can't achieve the same compliance the alloy components can due to the built-in stiffness quality of the carbon material.
Ido please guve one mountain bike im from YRENE street miramonte lukban province of quezon Philippines,, thank you
I personally wouldn't buy a heavy bike