Santa Cruz Bicycles

Megatower Carbon CC Coil Bike Frame

When it comes to high speeds and gnarly terrain, long travel 29ers are arguably the most efficient tool for the job. The current trends in geometry along with advancements in frame design and suspension technology have transformed these machines into unstoppable enduro weapons that make quick work of daunting rock gardens and unruly descents, but are still enjoyable to ride when you're racking up miles on somewhat tamer terrain and flow trails. The Megatower Carbon CC Coil is Santa Cruz's most recent heavy-hitter that exemplifies these traits, and represents their burliest 29er to date. This version of the Megatower frame comes with a FOX Factory DHX2 Coil shock for maximum bump-absorption with heaps of traction, though the frame is also available with an air shock if you're after a more lively ride.

We would slot the Megatower in right between the DH World Cup-winning V10 and its venerable Nomad as far as its capability on demanding trails, however, that's only part of the story. It's pretty damn versatile too. Sure, it likes to go fast and provides the security of a safety net at high speeds on technical trails, however, unlike the V10, and to a lesser extent, the Nomad, we would whole-heartily throw a leg over the Megatower at almost any trailhead we've visited as it can simply devour almost any terrain without hardly a weight or, thanks to its steep seat tube angle (76-76.8 degrees depending on size), pedaling penalty.

This Megatower is built using Santa Cruz’s top-tier CC carbon fiber construction, which has become legendary in the mountain bike world for class-leading durability. By using some of the highest quality, strongest raw materials available, Santa Cruz is able to make its CC-level frames extremely lightweight while maintaining outstanding impact resistance, exceptional stiffness, and just the right amount of finely-tuned flex. Of course, balancing these factors requires true mastery of carbon fiber, and the design team at Santa Cruz has proven time and time again that their command of carbon fiber construction is unsurpassed in the bike industry. The result is a frame that will hold up to years of hard riding, will provide a comfortable ride, and will do so at a very competitive weight.

The frame features include the now industry-standard Boost spacing that improves wheel stiffness as well as frame strength. It's designed for 1x drivetrains only with a max chainring size of 36 teeth and has ISCG-05 mounts for a bash guard and chain guide use. It only fits 29in wheels with tire clearance up to 2.5-inches wide (2.6-inches in the longer chainstay position). Returning Santa Cruz frame favorites include the simple-to-install and easy-to-keep-quiet 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell and tough frame protection pieces including a lower downtube protector, downtube shuttle guard, and the new, V10-derived chainstay protector that keeps your investment safe, looking like new, and quiet on the trails.