If you’re paying close attention, you’ll have noticed that we photographed the XL Megatower during this test. The geometry of the 2021 Santa Cruz Megatower CC X01 Coil The CC version is around 250 g lighter while offering the same level of stiffness and durability, though it’s also a whole lot more expensive. Santa Cruz offer the Megatower with two different carbon frames. We wouldn’t recommend switching back and forth. Adjusting the flip chip is a fiddly job due to the lack of space in the rear end. We liked the seat tube angle in the high position on the climbs but the handling is a lot more fun on the descents with it in the low position. The latter is by far the most appropriate for the kinematics of this bike, offering the best mix of traction and pop. By now, we’ve ridden the Megatower with a Super Deluxe, a Super Deluxe Coil and a DHX2 shock. During all the time we’ve spent riding on Reserve rims, we’ve only broken one once – thanks to the lifelong guarantee, doing so wasn’t a problem. The Santa Cruz Reserve wheels performed well in all of our tests. Unfortunately, the rear derailleur loses its tension over time, which leads to increased chain slap. The SRAM CODE RSC brakes are paired with 200 mm rotors while the SRAM X01 drivetrain offers precise and reliable shifting. The remaining components are also high quality and proven. In the coil version, the bike comes with a DHX2 shock and a FOX 38 fork and you also get robust MAXXIS Doubledown tires, doing justice to the bike’s capabilities on the trail. The Santa Cruz Megatower is available in different builds at different price points, including a coil option.

The components of the 2021 Megatower CC X01 Reserve – High-quality, proven and well-thought-out The bike doesn’t just look great but also offers well-thought-out cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket and a lifelong guarantee on the frame, bearings and wheels – good arguments when you’re trying to convince your better half. The manufacturing quality of the Megatower is excellent and does justice to the high price tag of € 8,999. Has that changed for 2021? Offering 160 mm travel at the rear, the bike rolls on 29″ wheels and offers two options for adjusting the geometry with a flip chip on the rear end and one on the shock mount. However, we found the Megatower to be too firm for rough enduro use in the past. The twin link system provides a virtual pivot point and enables Santa Cruz to optimise the kinematics to suit the intended use. The shock is positioned very low in the frame and is driven by the lower of the two rocker links. Is that a Megatower? Or is it a Tallboy, or a Bronson? At first glance, all the bikes are very similar.

This creates a strong brand image, though it confuses some customers. Santa Cruz have done it: the bikes from the American brand are unmistakable with their lower link design.

Santa cruz hightower 2021