Go big or go home
Now one of the most in demand high-end full suspension bikes on the market, the Megatower is one epic machine!
Take all that was great from the award winning Hightower, giving it steroids and you have the most confidence-inspiring 29” wheeled trail bike. Santa Cruz have added the lower link-driven VPP suspension derived from Santa Cruz’s Downhill bike, the V10, this lower-link mounted shock configuration designed for compatibility with both air and coil shocks provides a progressive rear shock rate that has unmatched traction as well as bottom out resistance.
Adjustability? Yes! a tidy and concealed flip chip in the lower-link adjusts bottom bracket height and changes the progressiveness of the rear suspension. A second, in the rear dropouts, allows for a 10mm fore-aft adjustment in chainstay length to dial in the riders rearward weight distribution - either set for play or for stability. The flip chips are a robust mechanism for riders looking to tune their ride according to their needs without compromising reliability and durability.
The Megatower isn't all fight and fury, it's smart and savvy too. It has a sharp, 76-degree seat tube angle for winching to the top of the kinds of descents where having a roomier cockpit and a 65-degree head tube angle will come in handy. And you can still carry around a full water bottle inside the frame (even with a piggyback shock), and the frame is well protected with a shock fender, shuttle guard, down-tube protector and ribbed chain stay protector.
Custom Build your own Megatower here on the Bike Builder
Flip Chips
The Megatower has two flip chips; one in the lower link adjusts geo and shock rate. The second, in the dropout, allows for 10mm adjustment in chainstay length. The chip in the lower link allows for 3.5mm difference in BB height to allow riders to fine-tune their ride height and people wishing to over-fork (+10mm travel) can preserve the BB height by using the Lo setting. Worth noting: You do get a larger HTA change (1-degree slacker) if you go from Hi to Lo and up-fork by 10mm at the same time. The dropout flip chip allows for riders to fine-tune their wheelbase and rear center +/- 10mm, something that’s particularly pertinent for riders on the larger size bikes who’ll benefit from an optimized climbing position and wider weight distribution for traction. While these changes may seem slight, and certainly won’t change the bike from an XC bike to park bike, using flip chips is a robust mechanism for riders looking to tweak their ride according to their needs without compromising the reliability and durability of the bike. No wack-a-do mousetraps and proprietary shocks here. Furthermore, switching between Lo and Hi will have an affect on shock rate, with the Lo position giving it slightly more progressive rate and a bit more bottom out resistance. Again, tweakers and finicky riders can adapt the suspension feel to their needs and desires. Lower-link
VPP
A lot’s happened in the past 18 years, but SC been hard at work on VPP the whole time. Conceptually, it’s no different than it was back in 2001 (when we started using VPP), but they've incrementally improved the ride characteristic with the introduction of each new model. The lower-link mounted shock first appeared on the V10—a bike free of constraints like that pesky front derailleur, and stayed there for a while. The lower link-mounted shock configuration gives a very progressive-linear rate with excellent small bump, mid-stroke support and great bottom out resistance. Sounds rad, right? It is. What’s more, short, counter-rotating links connect the front and rear triangles to create an extremely robust chassis. Simple linkages contain the pivot points to prevent slop from developing over time; grease ports make it serviceable; and pivots run on large diameter axles and bearings, which Santa Cruz offer free lifetime replacement for.
• Wheel Size: 29” • Size Range: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Materials: C and CC carbon
• Rear Travel: 160mm, Front Travel: 160mm
• Suspension: Lower-link mounted VPP
• Dropout flip chip allows 10mm chainstay length adjustment
• Flip chip in lower-link for geo adjustment (-/+ 3.5mm BB height) - preserves BB height for over-forkers and allows even the most sensitive riders the ability to fine-tune their ride.
• 76-degree seat tube angle • Fits water bottle and piggyback shock
• Leverage curve designed to work equally well with coil or air shocks (both offered at most builds). Metric sizing and works with bearing shock eyelet
• Shock fender, shuttle guard, downtube protector and ribbed chainstay protector
• ISCG-05 mounts • 36T max chainring
• Lifetime warranty on frame and Reserve wheels
Build Kit | R - Kit | S - Kit | XT |
Frame | Megatower C | Megatower C | Megatower C |
Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm, 29" | FOX 36 Float Performance, 160mm, 29" | FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 160mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select | RockShox Super Deluxe Select | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
Chainguide | e13 TRS Race SL, ISCG05 | OneUp Bash Guide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | SRAM Descendant Eagle DUB 30t - 170mm | SRAM GX Eagle DUB 30t - 170mm | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | SRAM Guide RE | SRAM Code R | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm | Avid Centerline 200mm | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | e13 TRS Base | Burgtec Alloy Bar, 800mm, 30mm Rise | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | e13 Base | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 32h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Front Hub: DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 6 bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Rear Hub: DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 28h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Build Kit | XT Coil | XT Reserve | XT Coil Reserve |
Frame | Megatower C | Megatower C | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 38 Float Performance Elite, 170mm, 29" | FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 160mm, 29" | FOX 38 Float Performance Elite, 170mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select | RockShox Super Deluxe Select | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide | OneUp Bash Guide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | Shimano XT, 12spd | Shimano XT, 12spd | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | Shimano XT 8120 | Shimano XT 8120 | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim Race | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim D-Light | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim D-Light |
Build Kit | R - Kit |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
Chainguide | e13 TRS Race SL, ISCG05 |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
Crankset | SRAM Descendant Eagle DUB 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t |
Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd |
Brakes | SRAM Guide RE |
Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm |
Handlebar | e13 TRS Base |
Stem | e13 Base |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 32h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, 32h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Build Kit | S - Kit |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 36 Float Performance, 160mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle DUB 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t |
Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
Brakes | SRAM Code R |
Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm |
Handlebar | Burgtec Alloy Bar, 800mm, 30mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Race Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 6 bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: DT Swiss 370, 12x148, XD, 28h Rims: RaceFace AR Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Build Kit | XT |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 160mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Build Kit | XT Coil |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 38 Float Performance Elite, 170mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Spokes: Sapim Race |
Build Kit | XT Reserve |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 36 Float Performance Elite, 160mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim D-Light |
Build Kit | XT Coil Reserve |
Frame | Megatower C |
Fork | FOX 38 Float Performance Elite, 170mm, 29" |
Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select |
Chainguide | OneUp Bash Guide |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Shifters | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd |
Crankset | Shimano XT M8120 30t - 170mm |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano XT 68/73mm Threaded BB |
Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd, 10-51t |
Chain | Shimano XT, 12spd |
Brakes | Shimano XT 8120 |
Rotors | Shimano XT RT86, Ice Tech, 203mm |
Handlebar | Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm, 35mm Rise |
Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42.5mm |
Grips | Santa Cruz House Grips or Burgtec Bartender Pro Grip Minnar |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium Cromoly SL Fusion Saddle or WTB Volt |
Front Tyre | Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+, TR |
Rear Tyre | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C, EXO+ |
Front Wheel | Front Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 110x15, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim Race |
Rear Wheel | Rear Hub: Industry Nine 1/1, 148x12, Microspline, 6 Bolt, 28h Rims: Reserve 30 29" Carbon Spokes: Sapim D-Light |