Sunday releases details on their new Megatower. 29″ wheels, 160mm travel. Learn more about it inside.

Action Photos: Gary Perkin

It’s clear the 160mm travel 29er Megatower was designed to handle some rough terrain given the build spec, amount of suspension, and weight. Enduro riders looking for a capable bike to conquer aggressive terrain may find what they’re looking for in the Megatower. Features include the adjustable chainstay length, air/coil compatibility, adjustable bb height, and more. Additional details below from Santa Cruz.

Highlights

• Wheel Size: 29”
• Size Range: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Materials: C and CC carbon
• Rear Travel: 160mm, Front Travel: 160mm
• Suspension: Lower-link mounted VPP
• Dropout flip chip allows 10mm chainstay length adjustment
• Lower link flip chip for geo adjustment (-/+ 3.5mm BB height) –
• preserves BB height for “over-forkers” and allows even the most sensitive riders the ability to fine-tune their ride.
• 76-degree seat tube angle
• Fits water bottle and piggyback shock
• Leverage curve designed to work with coil or air shocks
• Metric sizing; works with bearing shock eyelet
• Shock fender, shuttle guard, downtube protector, and ribbed chainstay protector
• ISCG-05 mounts
• 36T chainring clearance
• Lifetime warranty on frame, bearings, and Reserve wheels

• Front Derailleur -Not Compatible
• Headset/Headtube -Integrated (IS41/52)
• Seat Post -31.6mm
• Seat Clamp – 36.4mm
• Fork Compatibility 160-180mm
• BB Shell – 73mm Threaded; ISCG05
• Max Tire Size – 29×2.5″ (29×2.6″ in Long Chainstay setting)
• Max Chainring Size – 36t
• Chainline Spec Boost
• Brake Types – 180mm Post Mount
• Water Bottle Mounts 1 mount on downtube
• Shock Dimensions 230×57.5mm
• 30×8 rear hardware (bearing compatible) 20×8 front hardware

Geometry:

Santa Cruz also sent over a quick FAQ on the new bike.

What kind of headset does this bike use?
This bike uses integrated headset cups. The upper is 41mm and the lower is 52mm. The SHIS name is IS 41/28.6 IS 52/40.

Where can I find additional technical information for my bike?
Currently all technical info is located either on the bike archive or under tech support. Both can provide helpful information for puzzling with your bike, torque specs, and exploded diagrams.

Can I mount a chainguide to my bike?
Yes, this bike is equipped with ISCG-05 tabs for easy chainguide mounting. Most chainguides on the market that are made for this standard should work. We have first-hand experience with MRP and e13 Guides, which fit great.

The geometry chart shows two settings- how do I adjust that?
There’s a “flip chip” on the link where the shock mounts. Just remove the lower shock bolt and flip the chips to the setting you desire

Should I ride in High or Low setting?
You should definitely try both, but we typically recommend starting in High. This will make the bike more agile and easy to get used to. If your terrain is quite steep, give Low a try. This setting lowers the BB by 3.5mm, slackens the head angle by 0.3 degrees, and generally just biases your weight a little further back. The leverage curve of the suspension changes slightly as well: it’s more progressive. The geometry changes combined with the slight suspension change will make you feel like you’re sat further down in the bike. Great for steep gnar, not as good for flatter corners. It’s easy to change, so experiment!

How does the chainstay-length adjustment work?
The bike ships in the short position, and nothing unusual is required for this setting. The brake mount is Post-Mount 180, so just add whatever adaptor you need to make it work for your chosen rotor size (none if you want 180). Included with the bike is a special brake adaptor to adjust to the long setting. This setting only works with 200mm or larger rotors- use the included 1.5mm spacers between your caliper and the bracket if you are using 203. Put the spacers above the caliper if you are using 200mm. Once you’ve changed the adaptor, install the Long derailleur hanger and then flip the chip around in the non-drive dropout. There is a retaining set-screw in the chip- make sure you loosen this to remove it, then snug it up once you’ve re-installed the chip

What size tire will fit?
In short position, the largest tire we recommend is 29×2.5″. In the long chainstay setting, a 29×2.6″ will fit as well.

What is the largest chainring I can use on the Megatower?
With a proper boost chainring (52mm chainline), the Megatower will accept a 36t chainring or smaller.

I want to change my rear shock. Any limitations?
The Megatower was built to be compatible with all shocks on the market, that we’re aware of. We haven’t tried some of the smaller obscure brands, but it fits anything from Fox and Rockshox

What is the recommended fork?
Our geometry is based off of a 160mm fork with a 42 or 44mm offset. We wouldn’t recommend less travel than that, as the BB will get a bit low. 180mm is fine if that’s your preference.

Can I put 27.5″ wheels on my Megatower?
No, the Megatower is build exclusively for 29″ wheels and tires. 27+ tires won’t fit, and the geometry is not setup for a conversion.

Claimed complete bike weights

*correction: Megatower CC 29 XTR Air Reserve — 30.9lbs, 13,785g
Megatower CC 29 XTR Coil Reserve — 31.64lbs, 14,352g

Megatower pricing

Megatower Build Options are detailed below including the Frame Only CC, R, S, S RSV, X01, X01 RSV, XTR RSV, XX1 RSV, XX1AXS RSV