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Review: Santa Cruz Megatower CC XX1 AXS Reserve

Wheel size: 29 Travel: 160mm rear Riding Category: Enduro

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The 2020 Santa Cruz Megatower is an enduro lover’s dream. I have been on this bike all of the 2019 season and it absolutely rips; the bike I was riding is a CC carbon frame, XX1 AXS reserve build. Equipped with 160 mm of travel front and rear, this bike can handle almost anything you throw at it. In my opinion, the Megatower is best suited to technical downhill riding, such as what you might see down in southern Utah or in an enduro run at Deer Valley bike park.

Lower-linked VPP suspension helps lower the center of gravity on the bike to help it track the ground exceptionally well (I recommend using the flip chip in the low setting to really reap the benefits of this bike). I opted for a wider 2.6” front tire than what comes stock to get some extra traction in loose sections of trail. As far as pedaling goes, the Megatower feels just like you would expect a 160 mm travel bike to perform on the uphill. For the most part it feels a bit sluggish and the slackened geometry puts you in a less than ideal pedaling position. However, I have done several long climbs on this bike and though it feels slow going uphill at first, once you settle into a groove you barely even notice that you are on a long travel bike.

Megatower loves the air

If you're looking for a bike that is well suited for the trails around Salt Lake City, the Megatower is probably not for you. On most sections of singletrack the 160mm of travel is just overkill, and it I feel like it takes away from the maneuverability of the bike most of the time. On the other hand, if you’re the type of rider who likes to lap the bike park or takes several Moab trips a year, you likely won’t mind pedaling around this beefier bike on your local rides.

- Devin Keefe

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