In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
It seems that Santa Cruz is in a frenzy of innovation. Last year, the Americans presented the Blur, Highball, 50/10 and Bronson four new MTB models. Shortly before that, they gave their Enduro classic Nomad has breathed new life into the new product range. And the stream of new products continues unabated: at the beginning of the year, the Santa Cruz with the Chameleon a trail hardtail The Megatower, a thoroughbred race enduro bike with 29er wheels and 160 millimetres of suspension travel, is now following. However, this is probably not the end of the flood of new products. After all, downhill racers have been eagerly waiting for over a year for the 29-inch V10 downhiller from the Syndicate team to hit the bike shops. But for now, let's find out more about the new Santa Cruz Megatower.
Hightower LT becomes Megatower
The presentation of the megatower comes as a surprise. Because the Hightower LT has similar key data (29-inch wheels and 150 millimetres of suspension travel) and was only relaunched in 2017. The usual product life cycle of three to four years in the industry is still a long way off. This is why the Hightower LT will remain in the American company's portfolio alongside the Megatower for the time being. The Hightower LT was created because the enduro racers at Santa Cruz urgently required a 29-inch bike with more suspension travel for the Enduro World Series competitions. The engineers therefore designed new rocker arms and a new rear triangle around the existing main frame of the Hightower. Because the Hightower LT not only proved itself in EWS races, but was also extremely successful on the market, Santa Cruz decided to launch the Megatower a completely independent bike, customised to the needs of enduro racersto construct. The Megatower was designed unconditionally for hardcore enduro use.
Technical data on the new megatower
In comparison to the Hightower LT the rear travel increases from 150 to 160 millimetres. Santa Cruz remains true to its VPP rear suspension on the Megatower, but gives the enduro MTB the same linkage as the Bronson or Nomad. Santa Cruz itself refers to this shock linkage as a lower-link VPP. This means that the shock moves towards the bottom bracket. According to Santa Cruz, in addition to the bike's lower centre of gravity, this also allows for a better rear suspension characteristic. Unlike the Santa Cruz Nomad, the rear triangle of the Megatower is supported by two struts (symmetrically) from the chainstay to the shock linkage. This should significantly reduce torsion in the rear triangle. In addition, unlike the Bronson, even a large steel spring shock fits into the frame. The length of the rear triangle can be extended by ten millimetres using a flip chip. Another flip chip adjusts the steering angle by 0.5 degrees and lowers the bottom bracket. According to Santa Cruz the Megatower frame weighs 2890 grams without shock absorber. Both the shift cable and brake cable run discreetly inside the frame.
Major change to the geometry of the Megatower
Compared to the Hightower LT, Santa Cruz has radically changed the geometry of the Megatower. The reach in size L increases by over 20 millimetres to 467 mm in size L. Santa Cruz has slackened the head angle by almost two degrees to 64.7 degrees. Despite shorter chainstays (in the short setting), the wheelbase grows by four centimetres. Only the bottom bracket height remains unchanged at 340 millimetres. The bottom line is that the geometry changes are aimed at more stable handling at high speeds or in extreme terrain. However, the playful handling that BIKE still attested to the Hightower LT is likely to suffer somewhat as a result of the changes. The Megatower will be available in five frame sizes.
First ride impression of the new Santa Cruz Megatower
The first ride impression confirms what the geometry data suggests. The Megatower is a thoroughbred race enduro bike with a penchant for fast, full-throttle descents. Even rough, steep terrain can't rattle the new Santa Cruz. When it goes uphill, you have to contend with the consequences of the downhill course. The rear suspension remains surprisingly stable even when pedalling, but the total weight of our test bike is 14.3 kilos without pedals. Not a bad figure for this category of mountain bike, but it's no longer a light-footed bike for climbing.
Santa Cruz Megatower: Prices and availability
The new Santa Cruz Megatower is now available. There is only a carbon version. The price for the frameset is 3499 euros. Complete bikes are available from 4799 euros, e.g. in the Liquid Life online shop. If you want to completely empty your account, you can order the top model for 11099 euros with carbon wheels. Santa Cruz offers a total of 13 equipment variants.
