Santa Cruz Megatower V2 Review // The straight line chunder jumper

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

Awesome review! Well done on the sound, editing, pacing, and information.

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

Btw what's the trail at 10:35?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@GnarlyBearMTB that is the lower gut section of the Apex trail in Golden CO. It’ll be the reason the owners of Maxxis become millionaires with how many tires it shreds locally.

[@GnarlyBearMTB]

@@MTBJonnie oh shoot! Looks way different in early spring. Yeah I busted a DHR II in Exo+ there on its second day out :(

[@meteormedia7021]

I‘m the same height and I’ve had that same problem with sizing these last couple of years. Most size XL bikes feel a bit too big while most size L bikes feel way too small. Santa Cruz is pretty much the only brand that offers geometry that fits me.

[@MTBJonnie]

I genuinely hope they never change.

[@Jacksquatch69]

I have the opposite problem but I'm 6'6". most XL's feel like bmx bikes to me especially the big brands. I just ordered a Megatower XXL.. if their numbers and sizing chart is anything to go by then XXL really is for 6'4" - 6'7" where other companies have like 6'1" - 6'7" listed for XL ( that's a HUGE range ). I had a XL Yeti, wayyyyyyy to small for me. Have a size 4 Guerrilla Gravity Gnarvana currently, its been great but looks like the Megatower XXL is even bigger. Edit: I demo'd a XL Evil awhile back and that thing was absurdly small for me it was a joke lol.

[@gunfighter1514]

Lower rise bars and lowering the spacer stack made my MT V2 super snappy and quick in tight corners and better on the climb without sacrificing much on the DH. Great review.

[@MTBJonnie]

I can totally see achieving snappier handling this way. What bars and how much stack were you running? Was it still as playful to jump?

[@gunfighter1514]

@@MTBJonnie I run 20mm rise bars and about 20mm of spacers underneath the stem. It didn’t lose any of the fun characteristics. It already has a really high stack compared to most enduro/all mtn I’ve ridden and in my opinion it only benefited from getting rid of the 35mm bars and the 25-30mm spacer stack from the factory. Super poppy and playful but still really composed with tons of grip, the changes in the cockpit also gave it a more balanced feel in terms of front to rear traction.

[@MTBJonnie]

@@gunfighter1514 love it.

[@ambushell5778]

this mirrors most of my thoughts... I also live on the front range, I'm a hair shorter than you and I have a large MT V2 with the DHX2 coil. In a straight line this bike is a rocketship, but it has some surprising pop in the linkage. the geometry is great for climbing but it does bob a bit with the coil. all around an extremely comfortable and capable bike, but very expensive and rather heavy (36lbs with EXO+ tires!) I still have the frame from my V1 that I am building up as a 160-160 long travel AM bike with an air shock and Fox 36. Hopefully it'll be lighter.The V1 is much more firm and feels like it has more anti-squat. the character of the V1 was always long travel trail bike instead of mini DH bike I felt. So yeah, I'll be the weirdo with 2 Megatowers. Nice video!

[@MTBJonnie]

Lol this made me laugh. Love it man. I really really liked mine and am not a huge racer so it was a rad bike. I didn't even get that much pedal bob climbing with the air. Excited to take this new Nomad out for it's maiden voyage today at Ore Chute though.

[@cmphoto7366]

Excellent review as usual! Great in-depth info on the Mega V2 and Nomad. Any plans for Bronson review in the future? Looks like a better all rounder but curious how it can handle the front range chunk. Cheers!

[@MTBJonnie]

You know I love a Bronson but haven't been on one in some time. I tend to gravitate to the book ends of the range (Trail or full Enduro). If I can get my hands on one in the spring for a Demo I sure will.

[@NoShredDad]

Came off the 2018 Rocky Mountain (Aluminum Build) and can’t tell a difference between this and my old RM. Its just as playful, it climbed better, I have not noticed any drawback on the tighter stuff. I am 6’3 on the XL and it’s perfect. I live and Oregon and ride mainly Blue style trail. Just did Oakridge Lawler and if anyone knows it’s tight and I cleared all but one switch backs, this is my first time in that trail and I would have cleared that one is I knew the trail and was able to set up for it. If you set up your suspension right this things will give you enough support on those flow trails. I will say if you ride flatter stuff it’s not that bike for you, it just requires a little more effort to get trough the flatter sections of trail aka you need to paddle a bit. The size specific CS are so nice, that sweep spot is just there. They only part i struggle is trying to dial in your suspension they rear end sweet spot is so narrow it requires a bit more effort to tune to your liking.

[@destinationdenvercolorado]

Extremely informative, thank you!!

[@MTBJonnie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dam8087]

Excellent review, thank you

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks!

[@finroddd]

Great review! I am starting to watch all your reviews! Just one question about the Megatower - it looks like all the spray from the rear tire is going straight into the suspension link? Is that so? If yes - is it difficult to clean it well? How did you manage that? Thanks in advance, please keep up with the videos!

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks dude! No there’s a little flap that protects it. It’s modular. I do use a muc off pressure wash system for my bikes after most rides though to keep things clean.

[@finroddd]

@@MTBJonnie So the little flap is actually helping with the mud? That's nice. And yeah, a good clean after every ride is essential. Thank you, will be glad to see more reviews from you, they are really helpful and informational.

[@dit4963]

Holy moly. Most mambo jumbo I've ever heard in a review. Anyway most bike reviews make no sense or even contradict each other. You think of the turn and the bike's already going that way...how can I get that option? Or Nukeproof Mega doesn't like to jump...maybe lean to do a shock setup? 😅

[@koolkeith8908]

Sick bike. Is the bottom bracket a good height? Did you have to deal with smacking pedals?

[@MTBJonnie]

My crank arms have gotten pretty chewed up to be honest. I don’t strike while pedaling much just out of good practices but it’s harder to avoid descending. The armor on the new XO T Type cranks has been awesome defense though.

[@NB-ski]

How much did your Megatower build weight? Not sure if I missed it in the video. Thanks!

[@Tequila628]

Sup, mate! Great video, I'm also 186cm tall and a reach of 495-500 feels like a sweet spot for me. Will you test a Meta V5 mullet or a Propain Tyee? I'm looking at these two to choose my new bike from and I'm very interested in your opinions.

[@MTBJonnie]

Howdy! You know I'm actually located right next to the US headquarters for Commencal so I was thinking of doing a Meta V5 review. It probably wouldn't be for another month or two though.

[@Tequila628]

Sick! Can't wait!@@MTBJonnie

[@MTBJonnie]

Quick update, @tequila628, I spoke with Commencal and am meeting them about taking out the new Meta V5 next week.

[@Tequila628]

Bro, that's absolutely huge! You'll be the first on youtube with the review just like you was with the TEMPO. Take an XL for a spin and weight it if you can. Much appreciated! Will you specifically take a mullet?@@MTBJonnie

[@MTBJonnie]

@@Tequila628 I'm meeting with their team at 10am today. I'm requesting an XL mullet so if they have one available yes. Will weigh it for ya ;)

[@NB-ski]

Which bike has a more plush feel the megatower or the nukeproof mega? Pink Bike sort of beat up the Megatower for being harsh, but that is not what all reviews have said. I can't get a demo out here other than parking lot test, so hard to know first hand.

[@MTBJonnie]

I wouldn’t say the megatower is harsh at all. In certain situations it does tend to deflect a bit as it’s a stiff frame, especially my XL. Nukeproof mega is way more “plush” but also a whole lot less fun imo. Just depends what you’re after.

[@MiciahChamberlain]

I’m debating on the high tower v3 and the mega tower

[@MTBJonnie]

Where do you live. What do you ride?

[@MiciahChamberlain]

@@MTBJonnie Missouri and I have a Santa Cruz carbon chameleon as of now