REVIEW - The NEW Santa Cruz MEGAtower - What Do We Think?

We get the opportunity to ride the brand new Santa Cruz MegaTower 29er enduro mountain bike in New Zealand to see just how capable it is. With a name like the Megatower, you've no doubt already guessed this bike's intentions. It's the no-holds-barred replacement for the Santa Cruz Hightower LT. After four days of rowdy rides full of fast downhill near Nelson, New Zealand, we have our impressions of the MegaTower CC X01. It features SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, FOX Float 36 fork, RockShox SuperDeluxe air shock and Maxxis Minion DHF tires. Megatower Compared to the 2019 Hightower LT -Much longer reach measurements (22-27mm) and wheelbases across the board. For example, what was an extra-large Hightower LT is comparable to a large Megatower with a 470mm reach. 1.4 to 1.7-degree slacker headtube angle, depending on the geometry setting Shorter 42 or 44mm offset fork Shorter seat tubes for added dropper travel compatibility -Improved standover Slightly higher bottom bracket height Comparable chainstay length in the short 435mm setting, with a new, longer 445mm option 3-degree steeper effective seat tube angle View full specs and more info: https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guid... Megatower Highlights: C and CC carbon frame options 29-inch wheels 160mm (6.3-inches) of front and rear wheel travel Lower-link mounted Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension system Coil and air shock compatible Metric 230x57.5mm shock with rear bearing eyelet Shorter 42 or 44mm offset fork (max 180mm travel suggested) Hi/Lo flip chip in lower link for geometry and leverage curve adjustment Dropout flip chip for chainstay length adjustment Internal cable routing with hose guides Threaded 73mm bottom bracket with ISCG05 mounts Boost 12x148mm rear axle spacing 29x2.5" tire clearance in short setting, 29x2.6" in long (NOTE: The bike is not 27.5+ compatible as noted in the video) Fits 36-tooth boost chainring (52mm chainline) or smaller Integrated 41/52mm headset 180mm post brake mount Water bottle mount inside front triangle Shock fender, shuttle guard, downtube protector, and ribbed chainstay protector Lifetime warranty on frame and Reserve wheels Video by John Parkin, John Reynolds, and Brandon Turman