2 things you didn't know about the 2020 Santa Cruz Megatower // Review
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- čas přidán 20. 07. 2024
- I’ve had enough time on my new 2020 Santa Cruz Megatower to share some initial thoughts for this review. As always nothing in my video is sponsored and the views expressed are 100% my own.
Mentioned in this video:
www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-...
/ dagonger - Sport
My man just wanted to flex a little and I'm proud of him
great review! so nice to hear unbiased pros & cons from an owner. conversely, bike magazine's review...every bike is awesome at everything. you covered it all. very helpful for any prospective buyer, like myself.
Wow man! Top notch review. Thanks for covering some “things you might not know”. I’ve had this bike on my “next bike shortlist”. Your review bumped it up a couple spots. 🤘🏽
Right on man. Glad you found it informational! 👊
With the assistance of this video, I just recently purchased the Megatower. No regrets! Thanks
Other CZcams channels only have me 6/10ths engaged, MTB Savant always has me 10/10ths engaged! Nice video man!
This comment made my day!
Now that is a really great review. Great camera work, right to the content (great content) and great riding. Such a relief to not have to sit through fifteen minutes of someone jawing off about everything but the bike and how it rides!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have almost 1000 trail miles on my Mega, and I have to say you completely nailed the review. Love my Megatower, best all around MTB I have ever owned.
Right on man. Thanks for your comment!
It was good to run into you on our local trails. Hope my directions to the bowl was ok. See you next time bud. Great video🤘🏽
Yeah man thanks for the tips! That place is super fun!
Holy amazeballs that’s fast on Cindy! Great vid bro, hope to ride with you soon 🤙🏽
For sure man!
Good video!
I finally got my megatower, would you mind sharing the settings you use on the RS Superdeluxe and the FOX 36 Grip 2?
thanks!
KillerJob on this Video!! Love the quality edit & details! On a side note.. “Saaaaanta Cruzzz is coming to town!! Saaaanta Cruz is coming.. to my town!!!” 🎼🎼🎼 I’m Sooo Stoked to be a brand new Mega Bro after it comes in today! Shhhh 🤫🚲💨💨
Whaaa? Congrats bro. Can't say I'm too surprised after seeing your vids ;)
Hahah, Thanks a bunch! I’m beyond stoked~ Going to be fun putting it together tomorrow am & then it’s Off to Oregon for the Ashland Enduro for my Bday! Yeeeowww! Let’s ride sometime if we can!
Great vid. Was funny seeing Gong on there. 🤘
Lol yeah glad I could add my disapproval!!
Im 5’8” (~172 cm), 185 lbs (~82 kg) and pick a large frame with a shorter cockpit (35 mm stem) with moving the seat forward. I really enjoy the large frame reach when climbing. I built it the same but got 170mm fork Fox 38 with NOBL T37 laced on Onyx hubs. The bike is literaly silenced. For usual day I ride the flip chips settings on High/Short wheelbase and go opposite (Low/Longbase) when hitting the park. This bike is just sick! 🤘🏻
Indeed. Still love mine
I wish all reviews were this good.
Wow, thanks I really appreciate it!
Great bike and video, you bombed down Chap and Cindy! What's the name of the Lime Ridge trail at 7 min?
Great videos, keep them coming.
Great vid. I have the same bike and ride the same trails! Was out at JMP yesterday -- amazing how your camera flattens out Cindy and Chap. I love the X2, but went to the new v2 PUSH instead this time. Set and forget is pretty cool. I love built mine up with a Lyrik Ultimate. Several of the sections you're climbing in don't look like JMP (a few do), where were those shot?
Awesome dude. The footage was shot between JMP and Demo
I've recently considered a bigger bike after riding a few new places. The way they plow through stuff is nice.
It seems like bigger bikes are coming with fewer and fewer downsides.
Great bike and always good to see some JMP footage!
Gotta rep those local spots!
... and some Lime Ridge footage as well.
J Q what part of Lime?
Yeah the HT LT just makes you wanna push on harder. Think I’m hooked on Santa Cruz for life. Debating whether or not to upgrade my Hightower LT to this Megatower. Like I have no faults with my current bike but I always have that thought “mmmmmm, wonder how I’d get in with that bike!” Just seems more enduro specific after the HTLT bodge job. And that’s what I’d be after it for. Enduro races.
👌🏽bike looks sick! So many choices out there!
Nice ride...seeing the x2 on it just put it back in my top 3
One of the best reviews. Others are like yeah it has big travel and bounces yeah nice color.
Me: I'm pretty good with cameras
*MTB Savant has entered the chat*
Always learning and evolving ;)
Great video! What kind of Bike Carrier is that towards the end of the video??
Seriously - who fitted this front brake hose?? Totally unacceptable.
ha, good catch. that's horrible.
Maybe he doesnt know how to bleed.
@@marilakay4902 Oh boy does he know how to bleed. He purchased a Santa Cruz which meant that he was bleeding money profusely when it was purchased.
No comparison between the Super Deluxe Air and the Float X2? The SuperD comes with a Med/Med tune so I imagine it will feel harsher/stiffer than the X2...although by your review I assume you set the X2 to feel like the SDAir?
Honestly that warrants a video in itself. I much preferred the SD air surprisingly.
Congrats on the sweet bike, one day I will be able to afford such a nice bike 😍.
Truly blessed. Thnx for your comment.
I just put those same wheels on my Megatower and it definitely gave it a more trail bike feel.
Best wheelset for the price imo
looks like the east bay and joaquin miller park. I love leaving wet and cold oregon to visit sunny california over the holidays
I love me some JMP!
Nice review! I can see how that bike feels more firm than you’d expect, I rode with a guy that had one and he was popping off stuff and jibbing all over the place, not something a long travel bike would normally inspire🤔
Yeah I wonder what it's like with a coil shock
MTB Savant mine came with the Coil (Select +). I also have the Factory X2 currently installed. Im considering going back to the RS Coil to be honest , it was very confidence inspiring and supple. The X2 is amazing but If I had to do this over id probably just leave the coil on there or upgrade to an Ultimate or DHX2.
Welcome to the cool kids' category 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼
Look at us all grown up now :)
Great review. Have this and the yeti 150 down to my last 2 before decision day. Both great bikes and having a hard time deciding.
Can't go wrong either way!
Well made the jump today on the meg. Taking on first ride tomorrow can wait.
@@victorrafa6540 get some!!
MTB Savant what made you choose the mega over the 150? they’re my top 2 right now and would love both but also wanna make the right choice
Ben Hoppe for me it was the overall fit of the bike. You can’t go wrong with either one. I have wanted a Santa Cruz since I started riding a long time ago. Thus far every ride both uphill and down have been a PR. I also like the rear chainstay adjustment depending on where and what I’m riding. Good luck with your decision.
Great review!!
Thnx!
How do you like the X2 compared to the Super Deluxe? I'm thinking of switching my Megatower to an X2 as well.
I liked the SD much better surprisingly. Could never get the X2 to feel right
Nice vid! What's that mudguard you're using up on your Fox36?
Thanks! Its a synchros fender. Bolts right up to the fork with 2 screws and looks super clean. Got it from sports basement
MTB Savant yeah, looks super clean! I'll get this for my pending XXL Megatower! 😇
@@ShreddingBliss right on man! Congrats
great vid !
Thnx!
What are your shock settings on the Super Deluxe? I'm on a size large and 155lbs, I've found the bike rides best with it wide open, 0 compression, 0 rebound. I'm considering revalving it to a lighter tune.
I weigh 175lbs and running about 200psi. 2 clicks from fully open for both LSC and rebound.
how tall are you? I'm thinking of getting a mega
5'10 and u go for Medium? Do you think you could ride more beneficial if you were to go for a Large according to Santacruz official sizing recommendations
I was able to parking lot test both a M and L. With the medium I never once wished this bike was longer.
Should i get the yeti sb150 t-Series or the Santa Cruz nomad im a kid that is 13 years old and about 1.60 High
Nomad
How do you like the tire combo? How is the Dissector treating ya?
Dissector is a great rear tire, and it's staying on there. Front DHF 2.4 is great for trail riding. I swap between that and a DHF 2.5 exo+ depending on the ride.
I LOVE the megatower. My only problem is the price to specs ratio. A 8000$ santa cruz is a 5000$ other bike
Yeah there's definitely cheaper bikes out there
Oh yeah! I luv my mega!
Nice!
did you buy a frame, then build it up?
You’re bike looks so cool
Thanks. It's sold. ;)
This is a really great video. The editing, the review, the footage, the music - really top notch. I loved the details you went into on the bike too. I think the only thing you didn't touch on was how tall you are and how big the bike is. Also, love the great paint job with matching font color on the fork. Looks so slick. I kinda want one but I believe I'm an "in-between" height for the Santa Cruz brand at 6'2" - I'd rather find a brand that has me set right in the middle of the intended sizing range. Have you experienced that issue before? Are there brands you avoid/go to based on the sizing range? Both my Trek and my Klein had the odd sizing so my Trek at 19" was too small and my Klein at 21" was too big. 2005 My Rocky Mountain and 2010 Vassago are "just right" at 20.5" and 20.0" respectively. I don't even know if the seat post inches are used as a reference point anymore or if it would make sense with the strange seat tube shapes now. It's a really challenging topic that no one addresses - would love a video that covers the "not quite one size fits all" size issues that current bike manufacturers run up against and how different brands compare. A Large in one is not a Large in all.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm 5'10 but with a longer torso and shorter arms and 31 inseam. I'm inbetween sizes for almost anything I get. I made a video called "are we riding bikes that are too big for us" that addresses size selection. Check it out!
@@mtbsavant5414 Wow! I had a hunch you'd have interest in that topic I just need to watch more of these videos! Thanks a ton!
I have a SC. They are a solid, quality bike!!
Where are you based out of? I ride out of the east bay would love to ride with ya some day. I’m from San ramon and JMP is my jam. See ya around!
Castro Valley. I usually ride JMP on Friday's. See ya there!
Just curious where you are riding at about seven minutes into the video?
Shot at Lime Ridge near Walnut Creek
What were your times down Chap and Cindy?
Haven't been able to put it all together on Chap and Cindy yet on this bike. Strava times say I'm faster but haven't put a clean run yet. Current PR's are 1:29 on Cindy and 52 seconds on Chap.
What you think of that DHR2/DISSECTOR combo?!
It's a solid trail setup for sure. I've since swapped the DHR for the 2.5 DHR up front.
@@mtbsavant5414 hell ya. I'm going to give that combo a try. Maybe a DHF/dissector would be a dope setup!
2.5 Assegai & 2.4 Dissector DD casing
I want to own an xtr groupset someday , makes things more better 🤪
What about the specialized enduro ... 2020 .. 170mm 🤔..under 7g’s for the expert build , carbon wheels and X01 build ...
the MT is almost 8 for the lower end carbon with carbon wheels ...
Yeah Specialized is able to provide a break since they make their own components
Idk about the firmness... I rode a 2020 Bronson and it feels like a freaking couch 😮
What shock do you think you will end up running? I have the SD ultimate on my mega and honestly the shock feels great to me but I am easily bottoming it our for some reason even with 2 volume spacers stuffed in the can. I’m considering picking up an x2 shock. Do you think it’s worth it on this bike? Any thoughts experiences you could share? Thanks man great video!!
Thanks Steven. I'm actually going to stick with the SD ultimate and the X2 will be for sale soon. The X2 is a terrific shock and I was hoping it was versatile enough where I could get it to feel like both the air and coil options. It felt great as a coil replacement as i could get it to feel very supple and ground huggy, however I could never get it to feel as supportive as the SD without feeling too harsh. I'll probably end up selling it and picking up a second hand SD coil that I can swap back and forth. As for your bottom out make sure you're in the low position as it adds a little more progression at the end. Unless it bottoms out hard (you can actually feel on the trail) I wouldn't worry too much about using all of the travel.
MTB Savant thanks for all the valuable info dude! I haven’t tried the low position yet, and I should have rephrased, only a couple bottom outs on the SD ultimate on a couple big drops so that’s probably to be expected honestly... I am running 30% sag and weigh 170 lbs shock is at 185 psi. I’ll try the low and I may try one more volume spacer if I need to. Anyway, would you mind giving me a heads up if you post the x2 up for sale? I’d be interested. Did you order 230x57.5 with the climb switch? Thanks!
Yeah it's a 2019 230x57 with the new fox bearing eyelet. Will let you know soon!
@@mtbaddict6843 I wonder if you change the sag to 20% it might help? The MegaT is beast!
whats its price ?
Your the only popular mountain biking CZcamsr in the Bay Area
I hear there's another guy nearby, BK something. Can't remember ;)
@@mtbsavant5414 BKXC?
Did u use a nd filter for this vid or postprod?
no filter, but color corrected
@@mtbsavant5414 oh wow, how did you get the awesome motion blur? Looks really good!
So what do you think about the engagement on the 101 hub?
Having the i9 torch hubs on my other bike I can confidently say the 101's are terrific and the less engagement is hardly noticeable at all.
@@mtbsavant5414 Awesome!. I believe the torch was 3° and the 101 is 4° of engagement so not much difference between the two. Sounds like they are a good option without having to spend over $400 for a rear hub
Any long term thoughts on the I9 101? Been looking to upgrade my wheels on my 2018 Bronson. From watching / reading online these seem like a good mid level option.
How do you like the I9 101 wheelset? Worth the money?
Yes one of the best for the money imo
@@mtbsavant5414 Thanks man love the content big fan!
30 lb for a 160 mm , is legit. Thanks for the review.
Agreed. Although this was somewhat of a gucci build. Glad you enjoyed the review!
Yeah that’s true. My mega (size large so a little heavier) is right at 31.5 pounds. I’m pretty happy with that for what it can do on the downhills.
Ha ! Love the Gonger shot - a true camera Ho 🤣🤣.
He still talks to me after I bought this bike - true friends
Lol...where's my check?
My feelings were apparent.on your decision....lol
Love u
Lol 🖤
🤣
I like this bike but the price is a huge downside for me. I went with Revved Guerrilla bike, I get 4 different bikes for a price of 1 Santa Cruz. GG bikes also allows you for wide range of customization.
Yeah definitely better options when it comes to bang/buck. That Guerrilla bike is rad. Congrats!
Nerd Alert!!!😁
I like turning knobs, not gonna lie :)
MTB Savant haha me too.
What type of bike rack is that
1up USA
"The trails don't get easier, you get better"
Words to live by
@@mtbsavant5414 Can't believe you just replied. I am flattered. I have a crush on mountain biking (not love) because crush is one sided and by that I mean I love mountain biking but have never done it. I live in india and we have literally a few trails that too not good. I wish we had more trails like Whistler.
I need to ask this, what job do u do so that you can afford such costly bikes?
What bike rack do you have
1up USA Super Duty. Love it!
Didn’t prefer the SB150?
I never got to ride one as a comparison. I will soon tho
Honestly dude, no body wants a “stiff through the chassis... taught... harsh... movement under heavy pedaling” out of their full sus MTB investment. If that’s truly your preference you should have bought hard tail...Judging by the trails you shot this review on, the Megatower is overkill. Personally I think the Mega is the perfect bike for a rider that is 6’2-6’6”... and north of 215lbs. If a downhill bike is truly needed...V10 is the easy decision.
Truth...
Go and ride in a tight with lots of switch back trails and see if u can appreciate a 29er or not.
Hahahahah! Love that clip of Brian!
bff
I would rather waste my money on Trek slash or top fuel than that megatower.
What trails?
Jmp and lime ridge
Thank you
What trails were you showing here?
JMP and Lime Ridge
How much?
Too much ;)
To much what
14.0 kg with pedals? I would never call that heavy for a 29" 160mm burly bike.
Agreed.
@@mtbsavant5414 By the way, excellent video!
@@th_js Thnx man. Really appreciate it!
How Mr Gong react?
He's still crushed ;)
Decent bike but my meta 29 would destroy it 🤣
Both are great
I’m not sure bout that
Great Video! Great video for all the Millennials!
- under 10 minutes, check. Because Millennials have very short attention span.
- Not much hard content or hard data, check! Because Millennials have a hard time interpreting anything that takes more than 2 steps.
- great camera work with with a lot of change of scenery, check!
because Millennials are visual people and they like colors and different backgrounds. Millennials needs colorful pictures. "More colorful pictures and less wordy good content please!" -- Millennial
- nice soothing voice with a lot of PC words to please the sensitive ears of Millennials, check!
Millennials get their feelings hurt easily and they are offended by loud voices.
lol. Comment of the day
@@mtbsavant5414 , you do put out some nice quality videos though... and your voice! Your voice can be in Hollywood!
Your voice is Morgan-Freeman-esque, you do NOT sound like him, but you have a nice tone (without being monotone), and it is a great story telling voice!
@@mtbsavant5414 , I also post a lot of your video on my Facebook Page.
Condescending Boomer comment by an ageing guy from the generation that fucked the world over and thinks young people should work for minimum wage, no opportunities and live all their lives in rented accommodation. Nice.
Rich Dukes , Millennials cant't do basic tasks and are pretty much useless overall. Boomers are also useless, us Gen X'ers keep the world rotating. We pay for the benefits for the Boomers and then we have to to do the work because you Millennials can't do jack, and good portion of you guys still love with mommy and daddy despite being 40 years old. You are Welcome! HUGGGZZZ!
Cables need to be cut stat. Nice bike doe...
Yeah eventually cut down that front brake line. Thanks for the comment!
@@mtbsavant5414 try that thing out in pacifica again, haha. Holla.
@@boylagz Werd, I definitely need to go back there
$10,000 bike and also has a yeti btw. Very nice im trying to contain myself.
That looks extremely expensive.
can't hide $$
Fo sho
I want one...can anyone gift me this Bike 😇
No m. No
B my
M h
Yea
Megatower is one ugly looking bike. Look at the frame design.... Looks hedious.