Santa Cruz Megatower Review: Is the V2 better?

Santa Cruz Megatower Review - I try hard not to get too excited or too much of a bummer when reviewing bikes. I try to focus on things that actually matter and the bigger picture. I really don’t want to come across as a hater or maybe, worse, a fanboy. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to stay so level-headed on this one. The second iteration of the Santa Cruz Megatower launched today, and I’ve had one hidden away in my garage for the last little while. So is it love or hate? Stick around to find out.

0:00 Intro
0:51 Geometry and Build Details
2:40 Ride Highlights
8:07 Ride Impressions - Uphill
11:06 Ride Impressions - Downhill
14:29 Comparisons
16:57 Who is it for?

[ryanbrandt]

I watched this review when it first dropped. I've waited 3 years and just received my Megatower V2! Thanks for the fantastic reviews!

[samangelo]

This review made me buy a Megatower V2! Almost a year on and a full summer bike park season i honeslty couldnt be happier. The best bike I've ever owned or probably will own. Anyone on the fence about buying one, just do it - its incredible.

[rynolindz]

Great review guys! Some of the best content on the tube. Santa Cruz is really dialing in that VPP.

[TylerN-nu]

I just came home with one today, Trans blue in the C S kit, it actually pedals awesome the mega really is the 1 bike quiver killer

[namnguyenle]

I know I'm late to the game but I get mine next week. I was kinda having buyer's remorse but now that I have seen your video, I'm so excited for it. Thanks!

[DevonKing]

I've hiked my bike up terror ridge many times, never even thought about climbing it. I guess the new mega really does climb well!

[baptistefaitdelenduro]

Thank you so much for this great review. i have the V1 since 2 years and this is so far the best bike i ever had ! I just want it to climb better and the new one seems to deal this point. And if it is better on donwhill part, i will be so happy because the V1 is allready super good at this !

[ianfurqueron]

Oddly enough, I have similar opinions about my Megatower V1. I have mine set up more as a gravity/park bike with DH casing tires, but even with those it climbs far better than I expect it to when I need to do those sorts of rides on it.
While it sounds like the V2 is a better bike, I don't know if the improvements would be justified compared to what I already have - which is still a bike I've been very happy with.

[mepa-eb]

this is really what i'm looking for, all mountain versatility with enduro bike capability..Thanks for the great review.

[andrewduncan]

Great review, I have a version one which I bought for whistler which never happened due to the pandemic, I ride it on fairly mild trails in SE Texas, Spider Mountain and Reville peak Ranch. Suffice to say it way too much bike for most of this but it pedals so good I will ride it anywhere. It’s just a little heavier than my 140mm trail bike but so much more forgiving on the big stuff. The V2 looks even better. Love the honest reviews, keep it up.

[montechie]

Nice, that's a proper trail for a bike like this! So many YT reviewers take these enduro bikes out on easy hardpack flow trails and then complain about it being overkill.

[dam]

Have the original Megatower and its an absolutely incredible bike, these tweaks just take this beast to the next level

[GUY-on-Earth]

this is so great, not many videos ride on rough terrain in there videos like this, this give us a real demonstration of the impacts it can take.

[powerliftingmycross]

Not to add more to the “to do” list but a Sentinel vs megatower head to head would be cool since they are so closely speced. Great video!

[jameskrause]

My one concern about this bike had to do with its climbing performance, and you answered EXACTLY the questions i had. Thank you!!!! Great review, and also a great video.

[nunyabiznes]

Santa Cruz sure has nailed the suspension feel on these new designs. My wife's Juliana Furtado handles the small bumps so much better than my Ibis Mojo HD3.

[josechavez]

Thanks for the great review. Your review was a big reason why I decided to order one from LBS. hopefully I get it it by 2024 😅😆🤘

[KapitanPisoar]

Sweet bike, had the V1 on order but it fell through because of the covid shortages. I am riding the pre mullet Bronson at the moment and I love it! But as I am getting older the 29ers starting to make sense to make it bit easier on myself. But also I am more and more thinking about getting a motorbike, it is pretty hard to justify spending so much money on a MTB, while for the same price you gen get some awesome motorbikes...

[kedrickperkins]

I am excited to see this same formula applied to the other bikes in the line up!

[Fabiandeml]

One of the best reviews of the V2 so far. Thanks for the comparsion with the Sentinel.
I ride a Sentinel at the moment which is a really really good bike.
But i ordered a Megatower framekit last week, as i want a bike which is more capable for parklaps
and rough trails, since i sold my Downhillbike recently.

After your review, i think it was the right desicion. Going to sell my Sentinel then, because its to close
to the Megatower and going for an light trailbike with 120/130mm travel.