V2 Santa Cruz Hightower LONG-TERM REVIEW | Megatower Comparison

[@scotthinkson8725]

Just watched all your videos on the V2 hightower and the suspension mods - youre helping me make my mind up dude! Thanks for such a well played, and enthusiastic review.

[@DrJMTB]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@JP-mp5st]

I still have my v1 Hightower. Put a dpx2 shock on it and it changed everything. It’s so good I haven’t been able to part ways with it

[@ryanbrandt6589]

I love my Hightower V2 C S! Your review articulates the riding experience of this bike very well! Thanks for the input on the rear suspension!

[@DrJMTB]

Glad to hear from others with the same take on it! Happy trails 👊🏼

[@ryanbrandt6589]

@@DrJMTB What grips are you running? I have extremely giant hands and even Kyle Strait's meaty paws aren't big enough. Looks like those are pretty large!

[@waynee.2856]

I bought my Hightower in May and I absolutely love it. I had a Scott Spark and it was nowhere near as good of a bike as my Hightower. My to negatives are the weight and low BB which causes a lot more pedal strikes. This bike has helped my climbing and overall handling of my bike. It's more stable than my Scott was and not as twitchy. The ride comfort on this bike is outstanding. That is where the weight helps. She loves the chunky stuff and really helps boost my confidence as I tackle more difficult trails. Great review and thanks for sharing.

[@DrJMTB]

Glad you're loving yours!

[@Sportylx2488]

Spark vs Hightower are apples and oranges. I too have both a 2021 Scott spark and a 2020 Hightower v2. Love them both. They are great at different things. Spark is super fast and light weight.

[@Planetone.]

Are you on the lower or high setting getting pedal strike?

[@waynee.2856]

@@Planetone. high setting

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Loved those trails in Knoxville, used to do trail work on them at Bakers. There is so much to ride there in Knoxville in the connectors outside the Baker's preserve. Brevard is so fantastic too. Miss riding there but here in Colorado, it's pretty nice too.

[@DrJMTB]

Yep. Knoxville and Brevard are very solid MTB spots. Colorado is tough to beat as well. I really enjoy Fruita and Crested Butte. I had planned to hit Trestle this year, but put it off until next year.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@DrJMTB Crested Butte is one of my favorite places, right now temps are cooling off and all snow is melting. If some of the smoke would go away it would be nice to ride. Forrest fire season and dry.

[@marklopez5267]

Just ordered the 2021 Hightower this week. This will be my first full suspension MTB so I'm super excited to get on this bike and hopefully take my skills to the next level 🤙🏽great review!

[@DrJMTB]

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! Congrats!

[@marklopez5267]

@@DrJMTB thanks man! Your review definitely made me feel better about my purchase. Never thought I'd drop that kind of $ on a bike without a motor haha but hey, gotta invest in your passions!

[@nickzahner3352]

Nice review! Can‘t wait to receive my hightower CC

[@DrJMTB]

🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@ashevillescarborough]

Nice review, spot on on the SBG geo. I have a v1 sentinel and couldn’t agree more...

[@DrJMTB]

Yeah I’ve ridden the V1 Sentinel. It was way ahead of its time IMO.

[@ashevillescarborough]

Dr. J MTB and still is.. :) I know the V2 is out, but it’s still great.. and you can get a cascade link for the v1 as well...

[@Waymonpeetpb]

How you compare the Hightower versus the Tallboy for owning one do it all bike? I ride mostly flatter pedally stuff with roots and rocks with quick ups and downs. I occasionally ride some gnarly stuff too.

[@DrJMTB]

I'd imagine for what you're describing the Tallboy would be a great option as well. A lot of it would come down to how much you prioritize efficiency vs capability. If you want to err on the side of capability but still have a relatively efficient bike, go Hightower. If you want to edge toward efficiency but still have a rather capable bike, go Tallboy.

[@sebstokhofdejong418]

Thanks for this awesome video ! I wonder about the long reach for pop, can it be adjusted ?

[@Shredding-q1f]

Hello sir! Great review on your review of the bike. I currently have the exact same bike as you do just mine is the blue one lol 😂. I did see your video on the cascade link and I’m really considering it. My issue that I’m having with my bike is the head angle isn’t slack enough for the riding I’m doing. When I bought the bike, I wasn’t really sure what style of riding I was going to like the best and now I’m really loving the downhill stuff. I did increase my front travel to 160mm which puts my head angle at about 64.7 degrees. I just recently found out that 9Point8 makes slack head angle kits for intergrated headsets. Just wondered if you ever tried one on your HT or not? I’m willing to try to see how it feels but I wasn’t sure if you ever tried it or even heard of them before. Thanks the great review again. 👍😁

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks! I have considered the 9.8… it’s super sleek having the integrated headset on the Santa Cruz, but aggravating when you want to experiment. I’m sure they’re solid, but I haven’t tried one. Let me know if you do!

[@Shredding-q1f]

@@DrJMTB oh I will for sure! I’m curious to see if it’s more capable downhill. I figured the headset I need as to what they recommend me to get is a 1.6 degree slacker kit! So that should put my HA at 63.1 degrees which sounds crazy lol 😂 but that’s unsagged. I’m a heavy guy so should be around 65 degrees when sitting on it. It will be interesting for sure lol. I will definitely let you know how it is when I’m able to ride again in the spring as it’s pretty snowy and cold up here in Canada right now lol.

[@nomadnoiz]

Excellent review and awesome skills 👍

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks!

[@dandantillthen588]

Hi!! Great vid! What is your height and e frame size you choose? Thank you☺️

[@raulsanche1]

I have the same bike and absolutely love it. I have done the megneg upgrade and its great. Looking into the cascade component. But since I like to run in high on the flip chip, hoing to cascade will lower the BB by 6mm that is a lot! I remember when I had the flipchip on low how many pedal strikes I was getting. So after seeing this. I think it might not work for me. Any thoughts? Thanks!!

[@DrJMTB]

I'd agree. If you're set on running the high setting, I'd get the MegNeg dialed and just roll with that. You will definitely be feeling those pedal strikes after if it were an issue before. You can get a lot of extra progression from MegNeg.

[@kangsterizer]

i much agree that i immediately feel well centered on the HT2 - i did not expect it when i got it, but it's really nice. I feel like I can slide the front and the rear wheel at the same time easily on it, usually i'd slide the rear first or feel super scared with the front.

[@DrJMTB]

I hear you!

[@kangsterizer]

@@DrJMTB I ended up putting a 210mm oneup in a L frame, it does fit with a small cable modification, basically cutting the hose end stop in half, that gives the extra mm of clearance needed. thought you might find that interesting, i randomly got recommended your video again lol

[@DrJMTB]

@@kangsterizer thanks for sharing your experience with the dropper. I’m sure that will help someone else having the same question!

[@GersonNstuff]

why can't i find that color anywhere?

[@ioannisginis147]

Thanks for the great review...what is your height and what size do you ride?

[@danielmcallister]

Great coverage! Considering my first mountain bike since I was a kid. Pretty sold on a Hightower if I go full suspension, but also considering budget. Should I get a nicer hard tail to start and save up for a FS as my next? I’m in Alabama. Hightower AL D or Chameleon Carbon S? Hard to find much else in stock right now...

[@DrJMTB]

I'd personally lean toward the Hightower and upgrade parts as you're able if those are the 2 choices. Here's another hardtail to consider as more of a do-it-all hardtail... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_JcnaDn9t0eMU

[@charlie112359]

Just bought a 2022 HT. Didn't see this video before I bought it, but I notice on the 2022 they've increased the rear travel to 145mm. Do you think that was done to address the rear shock progressivity issue you discuss in the 2020?

[@DrJMTB]

Good question. I don't believe the suspension kinematics changed. There was an unnecessary travel reducer in the shock that was removed. The Cascade link would still be a very solid upgrade if you feel like there is still a lack of progression or difficulty achieving small bump sensitivity with enough progression to resist harsh bottom outs.

[@charlie112359]

@@DrJMTB Thanks Doctor - much appreciated. Should have the HT (carbon S build) in a week or so - I'll see how it rides. Great reviews btw!

[@DrJMTB]

@@charlie112359 They're awesome bikes! Enjoy!

[@milostark9679]

I noticed you put some custom down tube stickers over the existing logos... but they seem to be a different size. May I ask what brand decals you got? Invis or SlikGraphics?

[@DrJMTB]

My mother-in-law made me some homemade decals 👍🏻.

[@g0me2z]

Nice review. I am inty buing this badboy. Have you try to ride it in 27.5 setup or mullet ? I wonder how it would ride that way and how the performance would change. Thx

[@logan4998]

You cannot but the hightower into 27.5 wheels, you can do 27.5 plus tires though. Mullet setup is also not recommended. If you want 27.5 the bronson is pretty similar and is a awesome bike.

[@g0me2z]

@@logan4998 I am riding 160mm travel bike and switching to 150mm is not such a big difference. I want some poppy, playfull and quick in turns but those big wheels kinde make less sense for me in style of riding i am heading.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Great review, can you weight your bike? Im between sb130LR, revel rascal or ripmo v2 and hightower, tough decission! Thx

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks! It's right at 30 pounds.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

I did a review on the Hightower vs the Ripmo v2 on my channel if you're interested. Also did a review on Rascal as well and the SB 130. Simply, the Hightower and Ripmo v2 will be the most capable feel most stable. Keep in mind the Ripmo v2 is 147mm of rear travel. It is also the best climbing bike out of the ones you are interested in. But, its the hardest bike to obtain right now because the demand is so high. Hope this helps.

[@rafaeljuarezcardenas9077]

Great review. I watched all your Hightower V2 videos and just ordered mine last month. I was looking for Transition bikes but as soon as I saw this video I knew the Hightower was the bike for me, so I ordered. Still waiting to arrive, hopefully by December. Mine is 2021 so 145mm rear travel and I still don’t know if I will go for the Cascade Components link since this will push the rear travel to 160, but for sure I will try the megneg first. Now, one question, I also like to have a big dropper post all the way down into the seat tube, so I am planning to buy the OneUp 180mm dropper, like you. I am 5’7”, bike size M, so I am sure I will need to slam it all way down. Do you know if your dropper can be pushed all way down? Do you know if it will fit? Thanks. And again, great reviews.

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks a bunch. And you should be able slam it or almost slam it. I couldn’t run it that way with the 180 because at my height, it wouldn’t come up high enough for seated pedalling. You might actually have to run it a centimeter or 2 up from slammed even at your height.

[@rafaeljuarezcardenas9077]

@@DrJMTB Thanks. The good thing about the OneUp dropper is that it can be adjusted to 160 or 170, so either way it will fit the frame.

[@DrJMTB]

@@rafaeljuarezcardenas9077 Yes it can and that is nice. I just don't think you'll have to at your height on a size medium 👍🏻

[@EDCFitnessLoop]

I have a 2020 HT as well and agree with everything in your review, including the lack of rear shock progression. Will explore the megneg and cascade lower link upgrades. Before you added the megneg, were you using any volume spacers?

[@DrJMTB]

I was running 3 prior to MegNeg.

[@EDCFitnessLoop]

Dr. J MTB Thanks! Should also add, I don’t love the paint on my HT because it scratches so easily! But I fixed that with Ride Wrap.

[@DrJMTB]

Andrew B I actually covered mine in 3M clear protectant and haven’t regretted it

[@SNS1212]

I had the '17 HT and loved it but I wanted more... So I got the Megatower and a 5010!

[@DrJMTB]

Nice combo!

[@j_barrett82]

Thanks for the video, this helped a lot making my decision. I am thinking about getting a 2021 HT but I was wondering what would be your dream build? And which version do you think is best value for money? I already watched your video about the MegNeg and cascades but I wonder what else could be improved. Thanks

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks for watching! As far as a dream build, I've got mine set up way nicer than I deserve. Especially now that I have the Reserve 30 wheels. I suppose if I were being picky I'd like to have the Guide Ultimate brakes with 200mm rotors. Aside from that, I'm really pleased with my setup. As far as best bang for your buck, the carbon S build has got to be the best value for what you get. Aside from the Cascade link (I'd pick it over the MegNeg if both isn't an option), the S kit really needs nothing to be shred-ready.

[@vivek_v]

As mentioned previously, the S build in either Carbon or Aluminum shouldn't be your baseline. I wouldn't recommend the R build because if that's your budget, you would be better off looking at some direct to consumer bikes such as the TY Jeffsey which will fit your price point better. But if you have the budget, the S build will be good enough for many years. There really isn't any need to get anything better than the S build.

[@alexanderhill9347]

I’m trying to decide between a transition sentinel and the Hightower, what do you think? I enjoyed your explanation in the video of your experience on both!

[@DrJMTB]

If you can hold off until this evening or tomorrow, I’ll have a direct comparison and review of the V2 Sentinel up. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

I'll chime in on this. The VPP suspension is so much more better than the horst link that Transition utilizes. When climbing you will most definitely need to use the climb switch to minimize the bob they have. The new lower link VPP has good anti squat capability that leans toward the linear side which makes it great for climbing up hills with out zapping your energy. Horst links tend to bob alot making climbing a chore and it will for sure wear you out.

[@DrJMTB]

@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 You spent time on the V2 Sentinel then?

[@brbobo4]

What kind of grips are those if you don’t mind me asking?

[@DrJMTB]

www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/mega-fat-paw-grips#loaded

[@DrJMTB]

Wolf tooth Mega Fat Paws. They’re legit!

[@brbobo4]

Thanks man, I’m always having hand pain and part of the reason is I have big hands that don’t work with most grips. Those ones look meaty!

[@DrJMTB]

Bryan Bobo To my knowledge, they’re the thickest you can get. Give them a try

[@FoVision]

Can you do another video on mountain bike fit ergonomics to prevent rounding? I feel like there are limited quality information like this available. Also is your hip pain video coming soon?

[@DrJMTB]

Hip pain video dropping within the next few days. Sorry I'm behind on it. As far as a bike fit video, I'll try to put that in the lineup soon. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@DrJMTB]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5-rlaFpZ6ySrdk

[@FoVision]

@@DrJMTB thank you

[@baksi07]

Buddy if you are on 180 one up dropper post. How tall are you and inseam leg size? Planning to build a Medium frame aluminum. Im 5'8" and 31" inseam. just like you i like my dropper slammed. Looking into 175mm Fox. Thanks.

[@DrJMTB]

I'm 1/4" shy of 5'10" with a 32" inseam. The OneUp 180 should work perfectly for you and would be cheaper.

[@baksi07]

@@DrJMTB Thanks for reply. Your videos really helps a lot with my future HT build. New subscriber here. ✌️

[@DrJMTB]

Philip Samonte 👊🏼👊🏼

[@baksi07]

@@DrJMTB On your height You went in a Medium frame right? I'm considering a Large frame for me being a 5'8" not a playful rider and do not do jumps&drops. I just like more traction on climbs and confidence of longer wheelbase for the descent. What are your thoughts? Will appreciate a reply. Thanks.

[@Lyds_rose988]

@@baksi07 I'm 5,8 on a medium feels bang on although could have gone large 2

[@summerlinpublic5673]

How tall are you and what size HT do you have?

[@unkle037]

Great review. Do you think the 5010 is a more efficient/climber than the Hightower?

[@mr.wiggins1474]

I think it is it’s lighter less and less travel. The mega tower is a enduro and the 5010 is more of a trail bike

[@BHShaman]

I have a 5010. At 215 kitted I run it on mid. It is designed to be like a BMXr. Think about riding a BMX up trails and you get the idea. Very upright and short reach. If you like 27.5, and you do the same terrain the OP does get the Bronson. The 27.5 and 29r feel different. The V4 Tallboy is the 29r for optimal climbing efficiency while not being full XC

[@timc4258]

nice manuals! Nice review too.

[@DrJMTB]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@gilbertblas3162]

awesome Review I weigh 280lb will the suspension hold my weight?

[@DrJMTB]

I'd say you'll be good. Nice thing about air suspension is the ability to accommodate all sorts of riders! I've heard the Rockshox Ultimate seems to perform better for heavier riders anyway.

[@bobbynorwood8937]

Gilbert-im 260 with gear. While i dont really jump, i ride aggressively and it holds up fine with some travel to spare.

[@mtbhabits4784]

Do you know if the Cascade Link affect the frame warranty?

[@DrJMTB]

I've heard both ways, but from I gather for it to void the warranty, SC would have to be able to prove that the link caused the failure.

[@junglejim36]

Have my new 2021 HT CC frame on the way. Looking at going 160 fork. Any feedback from that?

[@DrJMTB]

I'm planning to do a video on it soon. Stay tuned!

[@ryanbrandt6589]

@@DrJMTB Awesome, I'm thinking about boosting to 160mm as well. I'm looking forward to this!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Not sure what Dr. J will say, but in my opinion, a 160mm fork will be more of a benefit than loss. You'll raise the BB, minimizing pedal strikes, you will slacken the STA but slam your seat forward too mitigate that and really you won't notice it at all. I would suggest going with a Lyrik too at 160mm because of the weight savings over the Fox 36. You want to keep the HT as light as possible to keep that bmx agile feeling it has.

[@ryanbrandt6589]

@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 I think I'll be boosting my lyric to 160mm. The STA is my only worry but you're probably right that I won't notice it!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@ryanbrandt6589 My hightower was at 150mm on a Pike so I couldn't add another air shaft because that is the max for the Pike. The Lyrik though can. I have a 170mm Lyrik on my Ripmo v2 and its so buttery smooth. I think the Hightower at 160 will be nice.

[@waynepriest7099]

Love my 21 Hightower!

[@bradwilliams1869]

Its by far the best mountain bike iv ever owned by far. It does it all!

[@kleinkurti]

What bikes did you own before?

[@bradwilliams1869]

@@kleinkurti giant anthem,two specialized stump jumpers and two specialized enduros

[@quantumcreator8888]

Brother I love ❤️ ur reviews …

[@MidwinterEclipse]

Hightower or ibis ripmo v2? Anyone have a opinion?

[@DrJMTB]

I've never ridden an Ibis. I am soon to have a comparison / review of the V2 Sentinel for anyone interested. Stay tuned!

[@dominikplotz6387]

Hey Dude. Your Decals looks great. Can you tell me please where i getting that? thx ride on

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks! Those were actually custom-printed for me by a family member.

[@dominikplotz6387]

Dr. J MTB oh nice. Is That possibly to get one set and shipping to Germany please? 😬😁

[@DrJMTB]

Hear about going with a 160mm fork here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqXVmGyse7R7iJI

[@frohrers281]

I have both CC X01 reserve HT and megatower tower C S build. Bikes are too close together. They ride almost the same. I Agree the HT is more well rounded and climbs better. Tall boy and megatower would have been a better combination of bikes.

[@DrJMTB]

I'd have to agree. If I had a Mega, I'd be slapping one of the Fox 38 or RS Zebs in a 170 or 180mm if I had it and a HT along with it.

[@lullowitch]

That’s a great manual 👍

[@DrJMTB]

👊🏼

[@toyyib9189]

Wow 👍👍👍

[@duffyrides]

Great video. I own the Megatower and also have a long term review of mine if you want to check that out on my channel. Enjoy the Hightower 🤘

[@arjusultanatty5133]

Hi present

[@karunyavlogKB1432]

Please give me one mountain bike gift bro

[@dmhutchison69]

*Great frame and lightweight. **Latest.Bike** components were well adjusted out of the box. Great entry level bike for light off road use.*