The latest version of the Santa Cruz Megatower remains true to its roots and aims to combine riding fun with speed to create a great whole. To achieve this goal, Santa Cruz is focussing on fine-tuning rather than radical change.
Visually, the latest version of the enduro bike is therefore closely modelled on its predecessor presented three years ago. However, in order to give the successful model a new coat of paint, the geometry and details have been worked on diligently.
New geo, same driving pleasure
Measured values say more than a thousand words, so we'll limit ourselves to the facts from our BIKE test lab, where we were able to compare the old Megatower with the new one. The Test of the Santa Cruz Megatower read in the 32-page Enduro Spezia - now available as an extra issue in BIKE 06/2022.
The steering angle of the 2022 Megatower has been slackened by one degree for a slightly smoother ride. The new Santa Cruz enduro bike therefore moves between 63.5 and 63.8 degrees, depending on the setting of the flip chip. For an even more forward riding position, the seat angle is now 77 degrees (+1.5 degrees compared to the predecessor).
The reach has also grown by eight millimetres to 471 millimetres. The chainstays have been lengthened by five millimetres, resulting in a 34 millimetre longer wheelbase. All of these measures contribute to even more confidence at high speeds and on steep sections.
More spring travel
In addition to the geometry update, the suspension has also been renovated. Our characteristic curve test bench certifies that the Megatower has six millimetres more rear suspension travel, which is now between 162 and 164 millimetres, depending on the flipchip setting.
Instead of the 160 mm fork, a 170 mm fork is now used, currently the standard in the enduro sector. However, it was not only the quantity but also the quality of the suspension travel that was in the specifications for the new bike. Thanks to a shock with more stroke, the transmission ratio could be reduced. As a result, the shock requires less air pressure and the damping control should be better.
With and without filling
New at Santa Cruz is the so-called glove box. After other companies such as Specialized, Trek, Giant and Last have shown the way, the Californians are now following suit and making the hollow space in the down tube usable by means of a flap.
There is an elaborate locking mechanism under the bottle cage that secures the flap. The mini boot increases the frame weight by 70 grams to 3109 grams without shock (Megatower C). In the matching bags, tools and spare parts always find a rattle-free place in the bike and cannot be forgotten.
Santa Cruz Megatower: 7 models 2022
Seven model variants of the new Megatower are planned. The entry-level model comes with a Sram NX drivetrain and Rockshox suspension. The second and third most expensive models in turn have full Fox suspension.
For the other models, Santa Cruz relies on a mix of Fox forks and Rockshox shocks. The top model again has a pure Rockshox Ultimate suspension with electronic Flight Attendant control.
Santa Cruz Megatower 2022: Prices at a glance
Megatower CC X01 AXS RSV - € 11,799
Megatower CC X01 - € 9,199
Megatower C GX AXS RSV - €9,199
Megatower C GX AXS - € 7,999
Megatower S-Kit - € 6,799
Megatower R-Kit - € 5,799
Megatower CC 29 XX1 AXS Flight Attendant RSV - € 13,999
Megatower CC frameset - € 3,899
We have already been able to test the latest Santa Cruz Megatower extensively against the renowned competition from Canyon, Cube, Norco, Radon and YT. Find out how the new race enduro bike from Santa Cruz performs in our Enduro Special in BIKE 06/2022 - now available.
