{"id":11721,"date":"2022-05-16T18:11:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:11:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=11721"},"modified":"2022-05-16T18:11:26","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:11:26","slug":"santa-crus-megatower-cc-x01-a-xs-rsv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/2022\/05\/16\/santa-crus-megatower-cc-x01-a-xs-rsv\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa Crus Megatower CC X01 A XS RSV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX & ONTO THE TRAILS<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a39,699<\/strong> | Just how mega is the new Megatower?<\/p>\n\n

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SPEC<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Frame<\/span> <\/strong>\u2018CC\u2019 carbon fibre, 165mm travel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fork<\/span> <\/strong>Fox 38 Factory, 170mm travel <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shock <\/span><\/strong>Fox Float X2 Factory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drivetrain<\/span> <\/strong>SRAM X01 Eagle AXS with GX Eagle AXS shifter (1×12)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheelset <\/span><\/strong>Reserve 30 carbon rims on Industry Nine 1\/1 hubs, Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ 29×2.5in WT (f) and Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29×2.4in WT (r) tyres <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brakes <\/span><\/strong>SRAM Code RSC, 200mm rotors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar\/stem<\/span> <\/strong>Santa Cruz 35 Carbon, 800mm\/Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seatpost\/saddle<\/span> <\/strong>RockShox Reverb Stealth\/WTB Silverado SL Fusion <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight <\/span><\/strong>15.05kg (33.2lb), claimed, small size without pedals<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

The Megatower CC <\/strong>X01 AXS RSV is Santa Cruz\u2019s all-singing, alldancing enduro bike, with tons of travel and 29in wheels. It\u2019s one of the highest-spec bikes out there, and one of the most expensive, too. So, do the latest updates \u2013 including new geometry, suspension kinematics, chassis improvements and frame features \u2013 justify the price?<\/p>\n\n

THE FRAME<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

It may have a remarkably similar silhouette to the previous model, but the Megatower has received a significant makeover for 2022. It now has 165mm of rear-wheel travel (which you can increase to 170mm with a longer-stroke shock), delivered via Santa Cruz\u2019s twin-link Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension platform.<\/p>\n\n

The \u2018CC\u2019 frame tested here is said to have the same strength and stiffness as the cheaper \u2018C\u2019 version, but for a lighter weight. Size-specific layups mean lighter riders now get a more compliant chassis and heavier riders a stiffer one, and the chainstay length varies on each frame size as well.<\/p>\n\n

The suspension kinematics have been refined, too, and the bike comes with a longer-stroke (62.5mm) rear shock. This reduces the leverage ratio, allowing the shock to provide more damping support for aggressive riding. The Fox Float X2 Factory shock has also been fully custom-valved for the Megatower, with no off-the-shelf tuning settings available.<\/p>\n\n

You get internal frame storage, courtesy of Santa Cruz\u2019s new down tube \u2018Glovebox\u2019, which comes with a tool wallet and \u2018tube purse\u2019, to keep tools and spares in easy reach and rattle-free. Other features include space for a water bottle, a threaded bottom bracket (BB) shell, channelled internal cable routing, Boost hub spacing, clearance for 2.5in tyres, a mud flap over the shock, plus plenty of frame protection to keep the bike quiet and reduce impact damage.<\/p>\n\n

The updated geometry puts the Megatower in line with other modernday enduro bikes. Its flip-chip gives it two geo charts. In the \u2018high\u2019 setting, the reach ranges from 430mm to 520mm across the five frame sizes, while the chainstays grow from 436mm to 447mm. The head angle is 63.8 degrees and effective seat tube angle ranges from 77.2 to 77.8 degrees. In the \u2018low\u2019 setting, the head and seat tube angles are slackened by 0.3 degrees and the reach shortens by 3mm, while the chainstays grow 1mm.<\/p>\n\n

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THE KIT<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

For nearly 10 grand, we\u2019d expect no less than the killer kit that adorns this Megatower. It boasts a SRAM X01 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with a 12-speed, 10-50t cassette, 30t chainring and X1 carbon cranks. SRAM Code RSC brakes with 200mm rotors are similarly high-spec, as is the Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 fork. Reserve carbon rims (Santa Cruz\u2019s wheel brand) are laced to Industry Nine 1\/1 hubs and shod with triple-compound Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tyres.<\/p>\n\n

THE RIDE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

For an enduro bike, the Megatower is a good climber. It pedals well for its travel and doesn\u2019t waste energy on the ascents. However, it still has a little sensitivity, to help smooth out chunkier terrain. We kept the shock in the \u2018open\u2019 setting on uphill sections, and the Santa Cruz never bobbed excessively nor sank too far into its travel under seated pedalling. The steep effective seat tube angle and long effective top tube length put you in a comfortable and balanced position for efficient climbing.<\/p>\n\n

On the downhills, the Megatower is very easy to ride. From the first run, we felt at home and able to hit a pace at the top of our comfort zone. Fox\u2019s custom tune on the Float X2 shock is superb, and it\u2019s clear Santa Cruz have spent plenty of time dialling it in. The rear end sits into its travel nicely and keeps the tyre firmly pressed into the dirt. There\u2019s a ton of grip on tap through the corners, adding to the confidence this bike delivers, yet it still offers sufficient support, letting you push into compressions and turns without feeling like the Megatower is stealing any momentum.<\/p>\n\n

Small trail chatter is taken care of impressively, so we didn\u2019t notice any feedback or vibrations coming through our hands and feet. This is helped by how well the suspension deals with bigger hits, too \u2013 there\u2019s good progression to the travel, which feels plush but not soft. It takes the sting out of the bumps, meaning you don\u2019t have to. Manoeuvring the bike through turns and kinks in the trail is a breeze, and the well-thought-out geometry keeps your weight wellbalanced between the wheels.<\/p>\n\n

Under braking, the Santa Cruz feels active enough and never harsh over bumps. The slack 63.5-degree head angle provides enough stability when speeds increase and we never struggled to weight the front tyre when the trails pointed downwards more steeply. The Megatower\u2019s moderate reach and chainstay length, paired with its slack head angle, make a great combination, blending stability with agility.<\/p>\n\n

Luke <\/strong>Marshall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

www.santacruzbicycles.com<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n