Yeti SB160 vs Santa Cruz Megatower: Head to Head

[@thedoodindahood]

Awesome video! I really appreciate your cinematic approach and I think that's what makes your content so one of a kind. No one else does bike reviews as tasteful as you guys.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate it.

[@tttass]

Based on the latest ESW results (yeti in men’s P1, P2, and women’s P1) have to agree with your take that Yeti = thoroughbred race machine, and SC = plush and poppy. Can’t go wrong either way. Just need to know what you want.

[@bikersedge]

Presactly!

[@jaredlively8400]

Very informative video, you're the best. Hope you do the Hightower vs SB140 29er soon, those are the bikes I'm stuck on.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Thats one we can put on the list!

[@ambushell5778]

I've got a Megatower V2 with a DHX2 coil shock- there is some serious magic baked into that linkage and it really comes alive at speed with the coil. Climbing traction is insanely good too, not the most efficient bike but it puts power down in climbs incredibly well. Also, I'm trying out a 50mm stem on it and it seems great for both extending the reach and getting weight over the front wheel for cornering. What an awesome bike!

[@jerzyhorski2376]

Please try öhlins coil shock. You will by much faster...

[@montechie]

@@jerzyhorski2376 I had one of the early Ohlins coils for bikes (2014) on my Enduro and it was an outstanding shock. Still my favorite rear shock and needed WAY less maintenance than my Fox shocks.

[@brianleal5966]

You all are getting way too good at these vids! Nice work! Previously owned the sb150 and now on the nomad v6. Completely different bikes but having a lot of fun on the mullet setup here in AZ.

[@vzhickok]

I'm considering the Nomad v6, looks sweet!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it!

[@ramirozambosco]

Hi mate I'm between buying a megatower v2 or a nomad v6. What do you think about the nomad?

[@jpmullowney]

@brianleal5966 would be curious to know how they compare? Currently on the 150 but leaning towards the nomad v6 next.

[@brianleal5966]

​@jpmullowney I miss the straightline speed of the sb150 but I feel way more comfortable in the steeps and tech sections on the nomad. All depends on your terrain.

[@andremtb480]

After owning a Mega V2 last season and now switching to the SB160 I can't agree more with this review. Excellent job articulating the differences. Although I actually think the Yeti manages to have slightly better traction off the top and better efficiency... not sure how it's possible but that's my feeling. Mega is more comfortable for smashing bike park laps but the Yeti is going to be a better race bike.

[@bikersedge]

You’ve picked the cream of the crop for the last two seasons!

[@Clambelly]

Excellent video and discussion. YETI and Santa Cruz both have been at the forefront of MTB design, charting different paths to solve the same ride equation. How 'bout a 4-way shoot-out: Pivot / Ibis HD6 / Yeti / Santa Cruz ?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. We recently did a broader enduro showdown but we could look into another one this summer if there are enough new bikes to justify it.

[@josechavez2148]

Thanks for your content! I went from a Hightower as first bike to a Megatower as second bike (based on your review and it having a glovebox lol). I love it and I agree it pedals well, I just feel the weight of the bike compared to HT. I also just bought a close out sb115 for local xc trails(your review helped also) and it makes me appreciate all the different discipline of bikes even more. Also, makes me really appreciate what the Hightower can handle in one trails here in Pa/northeast

[@bikersedge]

Nice. The mega is so solid!

[@montechie]

Excellent review! Awesome to see enduro reviews on actual rough trails instead of buffed out hardpack.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. It’s always fun to test bikes in their natural habitat.

[@MoreToysMoreNoise]

Haven't ridden the SB 160 but i own this megatower thanks to your previous review on it and have no regrets, i absolutely love it !!

[@bikersedge]

Awesome to hear. The Mega is amazing.

[@METEORA_47]

I can't afford to own both bikes

[@ArcticTechnology]

Specialized left the chat

[@ErichVonCartmann]

Another awesome video. Nice "Lab" work, and great video documenting it all. I purchaes my MegatowerV2 based on your MT2 review and do not regret the MT2 purchase one bit. That SB160 is definately the bike to be on for the Racers. 4% faster is a huge advantage. I have seen even Amatuer Enduro Cat-1 races where the time gap was only 4% difference between 1st and 10th (for all sections). Imagine being able to get 1st instead of 10th by just swapping bikes! Haha. 4% wont matter to me though as I am 30% slower than those guys. Will say I love my MT2 and despite it being "slower", it just smashes it at the bike park, and even makes a decent (but overweight) trail bike as it climbs pretty good. As for as long term goes, SC is the way to go as the VPP design is much simpler than the Switch Infinity of the Yeti, and be less likely to break. Even if the SC does break, SC's parts availability is king. We still can get parts directly from SC for a 20 year old bike. If something goes wrong with that Switch Indinity of the Yeti, you better belive it will be expensive to fix. SC also has that kickass lifetime warranty! Basically my consclusion is Yeti SB160 for the Serious Racers, and MegatowerV2 for everyone else.

[@bikersedge]

Personally I’m a huge fan of the Mega’s ride quality. It suits me better as I’m not really a fast guy. I can really get behind the sharp handling on the 160 though.

[@Spoilll1]

Great review. Quality's just insane. We need more comparisons like this.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words!

[@ssjj9584]

Also curious about this test on a longer track. You said it was like a minute or so track which is very short. Longer tracks tracks 3-4-5min when fatigue really starts to take its toll if a bike is too harsh feeling you will start to slow down unless you’re a high level rider. More plush feeling Bike easier to keep the pace up and consistent the whole time.

[@bikersedge]

The Yeti isn’t harsh by any means. Just not as plush and deep as the Santa Cruz. I think the time gap only gets bigger on a longer track.

[@jonathanangieri153]

what were the braking characteristics while descending?? This is something i will be taking into account for my next bike purchase. Ive noticed that with my Hightower V2 which has an average anti-rise of 78% it still stiffens up under braking which causes the back wheel to just ping around on chunky terrain at speed. Definitely not confidence inspiring... Did you notice the Mega doing any of that?

[@bikersedge]

I didn’t notice much brake jack on the mega. It’s pretty calm under braking. I think all bikes are going to feel a bit worse while you’re on the brakes. I’ve had some that feel soooo chattery.

[@vzhickok]

Hey I would love to see a video on which Enduro bike is most reliable? Best bearings, hardware, dust seals, toughness, warranty, etc.

[@bikersedge]

Kinda tough to do any sort of real world, long term test on that. I think there would be too many variables.

[@miketke4226]

nice video! i have a yeti sb160 i would love to purchase a frame bag also. may i ask what size i yours small or medium thank you!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! It's the small.

[@bch1309]

The quality of the video has gone waaaay up! And the review is as usual - fantastic.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it.

[@ericfroehlich976]

Love your content. Been a follower for a while. Im in the market and stuck between the spectral 29 cf, Jeffsey, and ripley af

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Unfortunately I can’t help with all of those. Have only ridden the Ripley.

[@jameshall9053]

Great stuff! I just picked up the SB160 last week and am excited to get used to it. Is that frame bag the EVOC by chance? How is it?

[@bikersedge]

Yeah it’s the Evoc bag. Nothing special about it other than it fitting like a glove

[@TheMirrorVision]

Great video as always! Also love the fleece you are wearing. Who makes it, and do you sell it in the shop?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. It’s an old hoody. I think from Freedom Industries?

[@alexandrucovaliov8989]

Great review. I have a SB130 and I love it. BTW, what is the bag name/brand attached to the SB160?

[@bikersedge]

@@alexandrucovaliov8989 hey thanks! evoc frame bag.

[@roryveronda9933]

In 2023 it’s ok to have a bike purse 👜 😅

[@bikersedge]

So utilitarian

[@nicholashines7686]

I could’ve guessed those results before I ever even watched the video but that being said, I love your videos and enjoyed the nuances in your review. They both look crazy sick.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! They’re both great bikes. Don’t think you can go wrong with either.

[@DandyHippo]

Yeti ftw!

[@bikersedge]

It’s pretty fast.

[@chriscalomino5229]

Great video been wanting to see this one. I own a MT V2 and love it to death. At first I was disappointed it was x2 vs x2 but having owned a yeti sb130LR I understand and agree with your fi al assessment. The yeti has this quality in baby heads or med chunk where it's a skips on the top of the rocks and generates speed with more trail feedback. MT is more forgiving and softer feeling but vpp gets hung up/slowed with squar edge repeated hits. Low setting helps but it's still their. You can't go wrong with either bike. I would say with all the sales going it's hard to pay a few more grand for a few seconds on certain tracks for the yeti over MT. But if your the die hard racer that's another thing

[@bikersedge]

For sure they’re both awesome bikes. I love the Megatower for my riding style because I’m definitely not race guy. The sharp handling on the Yeti is something I could get used to though.

[@chriscalomino5229]

@Bikers Edge agree MT is more my jam and fun factor. But on a long technical awkward decent like in the vid I want momentum and agility. Gotta love bike suspension kinematics and small incremental geo changes that make similar bikes very different and how those small things can make your local trails more fun and engaging.

[@ragethomas]

Literally just bought a megatower....let us pray 🙏🙏

[@bikersedge]

You didn't screw up. Good choice.

[@_Vicarious]

"Hottest and coolest"?.. These are bikes for posers.

[@bikersedge]

You calling me a poser?

[@_Vicarious]

@@bikersedge Yes

[@bikersedge]

@@_Vicarious 🤣

[@mhowell13]

Love to see the Smuggler and SB120 reviewed and maybe a head 2 head.

[@bikersedge]

Good idea. Although I’d have to think the smuggler rides more like a 140 than a 120. I should be able to get on one soon to do some riding.

[@mhowell13]

@Bikers Edge I was just kind of curious of a comparison because of how Yeti keeps pushing the line from 100 to 115 to now 120 as more of a traditional trail bike vs. "Down country" or XC. Yetis also seem to have a way of punching above their rear travel give or take 10mm. With the Smuggler being Transitions middle child, I wanted to see if the Yeti kept up or was closer to a Spur or Ripley.

[@bikersedge]

@@mhowell13 I’ve yet to ride the 120 but based off experiences from the 100/115 it’s going to fall more in line with the Ripley/Spur crowd.

[@thomasstepat2642]

Great comparison of the two!!!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@trailculturemtb]

Para mi calidad precio la mejor cubierta delante es la Magic Mary ultra soft Pero para detras lastra un pelin 🤙🏽

[@dizzlef3760]

Was the megatower run your warm up? :P

[@bikersedge]

In reality I did three runs. Did a warmup and then the two race runs.

[@dizzlef3760]

@@bikersedge Ok makes sense!

[@EarlGr3yHot]

Megatower all day

[@bikersedge]

Personally I’m a big fan.

[@ees7815]

Thanks for the Video and comparison, can I ask, what felt more stable at speed? and in the air? I have the mega, but i went a large (great thing - looking for more stability!) as it feels slightly too short for me, so i'm considering the swap to an XL or going to a Yeti SB160... thanks mate.

[@bikersedge]

The mega is more stable on the ground. For me stability in the air doesn’t have much to do with the bike. I think that’s more of a technique thing.

[@sk8ingrocks10]

How is the sb160 for occasionally jump days?

[@bikersedge]

@@sk8ingrocks10 does great!

[@sk8ingrocks10]

@@bikersedgeyou find it easy enough to pop off roots and stuff like that? I’m not trying to launch into the air but I do like side hits, I can get a super good deal on yetis that’s why I’m leaning towards the 160 tbh lol

[@bikersedge]

@@sk8ingrocks10 it’s not the most playful or jibby bike. It does fine but it wouldn’t be my first pick for a bike to goof around on.

[@sk8ingrocks10]

@@bikersedgesweet thanks for all the info! Not a lot of people around here ride big enduro bikes so it’s tough finding someone who’s ridden one before

[@chrispodkowka4374]

How do these bikes compare to the Revel Rail 29? Thinking of pairing the Rail, SB160, or Megatower with a Revel Ranger that I'm on. Was previously riding an SB130LR, but moving to a short and long travel bike combo. Loved the 130LR, but wanted some more travel for some of the gnarlier trails and Enduro racing.

[@bikersedge]

Go check out our enduro bike showdown. That compares the Mega to the Rail. I think of the Rail as more of an all-mountain bike.

[@Frank-gp6qr]

Great video... as a megatower owner, it'll out smash thru anything!.. pretty close to its big brother the v-10... but, I find it's best climbing, is when it climbs onto a CHAIRLIFT!! LOLWTF....

[@bikersedge]

Haha. Mine sees a ton of time on chairlifts too.

[@justinknapp5741]

on size medium they have almost identical stack heights 620 yeti vs 625 for the megatower. curious how that changes things

[@bikersedge]

It's tough for me to comment on that one. As a tall guy I can't really speak to that. I'd imagine the fit gets a little more similar, though.

[@ondrejjanoska660]

Anytime soon transition smuggler? 😅…waiting for It 😊…comparison to Tallboy would be also mega ….😅 …thank youuuuu

[@bikersedge]

Very soon! We have one that should be built up by next week. Now if the weather would just play nice.

[@koreanmtnbiker2931]

Isnt the new Yeti 160 an enduro bike? If so, Why did you not compare it with SC Nomad. Also an enduro bike.

[@bikersedge]

Because the Megatower is also an enduro bike and like the 160, it has 29” wheels

[@scottmtb122]

Loved this review great job, quick question was you riding stock carbon bar and stem? With the yeti bars having 20mm rise did you feel like you were over the front on steep descents/drops?

[@bikersedge]

Yes the yetis front felt much lower. I’ve since swapped to a 40mm rise bar and it’s helped quite a bit.

[@briangong007]

Another quality video...do you think Rockshock vs Fox have anything to do with your assessment?

[@bikersedge]

If you noticed (and have been following along for a bit) I actually swapped the fork from the mega to the yeti so I could get a feel for both forks on both bikes.

[@urbanaacademy848]

Please compare the firebird there is mix reviews up there. Also it has amazing results on UCI world c .

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry pivot. Won’t be able to make it happen unfortunately.

[@ernestobouvet]

Why don’t you review Pivot Bicycles? You should compare these bikes with the Firebird.

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry pivot at the shop. Unfortunately we wont be able to do a Firebird video.

[@G_F1]

Great content as usual! One question: What is the orange top you're wearing in the video with the waffle knit pattern?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! It's an old hoody. From. Freedom Industries I think.

[@teamgravitydown3757]

Seems like there are more factors here than just bike v bike. For a true test I would like to see the same suspension and tires across both platforms.

[@bikersedge]

Obviously, it's not a perfect test (that's why I called it pseudoscience), but it's a pretty solid summary of my experiences on these two bikes. I've been riding them both for a long time now, and the qualities I mentioned aren't just from the one day out filming. If you've followed along for any time and paid close attention, you'll see I swapped the suspension between these two bikes to get a feel for both.

[@darkbird1651]

Awesome review. Can you tell me what kind of frame bag is on your Yeti?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. It’s the evoc frame bag

[@erinb4919]

Great video... Those trails look sweet. How do they compare to Moab trails?

[@bikersedge]

9/10 times I’ll go to St. George.

[@FatboyAussie]

Yeti build bikes to go fast. Hence the the name SB (Super Bike)

[@bikersedge]

They to tend to be pretty quick.

[@jymtb]

Patrol vs. Bronson/Nomad MX Wheel Showdown

[@bikersedge]

Solid! I'll do my best to make it happen.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Great review battle!! What of these you will say its better for long days in the saddle? I usually mix some bikepark or shuttles days with routes with 3-4 climbs/descents with 1400m+ What will be more fun, i like go jumping here and there, drift in the corners, etc Finally for jumps what will you say its more "easy" or balancel, like help you to jump better or give you imput and confiance to try it? Thanks a lot and hopefully you will do a long term review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. Pretty much all of those questions are answered in the video. The Mega in general is a bit more fun while the SB160 is more balanced.

[@gabrielmarias972]

@@bikersedge yes. Thanks, i watch the video many times,:) but always looking for more feedback, adding info about my rides/preferences i suppose its easier to have an opinion. Maybe will need a bike be a Mega-SB mix

[@clerictdesign7585]

I hope you can do a review of Prime bikes soon

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry those at the shop. Won’t be able to make it happen unfortunately.

[@derekmann4317]

Great video. Your review of the Mega helped me purchase, and it's been the best bike I've owned to date. Thanks for putting out great content.

[@bikersedge]

Awesome to hear. It’s such a good bike.

[@miles_bell]

Yea, i tottaly see what your saying: the mega is like you said more forgiving kinda like the Spire. But on other spectrum the sb160 is also a race bike so that is why its maybe more active better handling and maybe a little more "race" tuned. Out of curiosity what is your pick?

[@bikersedge]

The mega suits my style of riding very well. That said I’m excited to get more time on the 160 currently hanging up in my garage.

[@miles_bell]

@@bikersedge Haha lucky! Hoping to get one of the 160's in my meager sized arsenal soon as well.

[@minso1449]

Hi, another great review! Curious if that frame bag would fit a medium sb 150?

[@bikersedge]

Not sure. It’s a pretty tight squeeze even on my XL frame.

[@samd6405]

I’d love to see an new Yeti SB140 vs old SB130LR. How much improvement are the new bikes…

[@bikersedge]

I covered that briefly in our 140 review. Don’t have access to an old 130 to do a deep dive on that unfortunately.

[@frienduro24]

The 140 is much easier to ride

[@samd6405]

@@frienduro24 in what way specifically?

[@samd6405]

@@bikersedge I’ll have to go back and re-watch the video. On paper the geometry changes are subtle, plus size dependent chain-stay lengths. Some nice frame improvements, threaded BB, improved cable routing…just not sure how that all adds up to the final product/ride performance.

[@bikersedge]

@@samd6405 geo changes are very subtle, but the biggest difference to me is in the suspension design.

[@Snakesoftheflame]

Firebied vs wreckoning , please!

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry either of those brands. Unfortunately won’t be able to make it happen.

[@9blunted]

What they bike purse you’re using?

[@bikersedge]

Evoc

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

That 1 min decent looks taxing.

[@bikersedge]

It’s pretty stout.

[@DustinBradley-bu1lb]

I live in Utah, and I must know what trail this is?

[@bikersedge]

Grafton

[@marvinwosinski7704]

i would love to see a review on the Santa Cruz Nomad 6

[@bikersedge]

If I can get one I’ll make it happen.

[@dachuckster2]

How close is the Rallon and the 160?

[@bikersedge]

I still think this rides bigger and burlier than a Rallon.

[@jabariberryman1588]

Very very on point. A Big Thank you. 😊

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@motoxrdr4]

I notice on the yeti you’re running the Kryptotal Rear in front the the Kryptotal Front in rear. Is that your preferred combo? Really like the KRF up front but curious about the KRR up front as well

[@bikersedge]

I’m running an Argotal in the front and a Kryptotal FR in the rear - because it’s what’s I had. I love the combo. First alternative to Maxxis that I’ve really been stoked on.

[@motoxrdr4]

@@bikersedge how does the argotal do on hardpack? Seems similar to a magic mary and those seem to get squirmy on harder stuff like southern Utah

[@bikersedge]

It’s very close to the Assegai. I think the Magic Mary has taller spikes. Southern Utah can be interesting for tires but I’ve found almost anything will stick to dry sandstone. It’s the patches of loose sand and kitty litter between the rocks you need to look out for. An aggressive tire does well with those.

[@shopcomfycove]

please review the nomad 6!

[@bikersedge]

Still trying to get one.

[@brassmnky33]

I don’t normally look at the stack height on bikes but that Megatower would be borderline unreliable to me considering my Nukeproof giga is quite a bit shorter stack and I have to run the stem slammed to get enough weight on the front wheel with how slack these bikes are.

[@bikersedge]

It’s something I’ve started paying more attention to lately. It can have a big impact on how the bike rides.

[@jordanmackay3568]

Curious to what size giga you got and your height. I'm 6ft 2 and ran a 35mm stem on my XL giga and it felt perfect. Had a 40mm stem for longer fast bike park days

[@brassmnky33]

@@jordanmackay3568 6’1 XL 35 mm stem

[@brandonwheeler8075]

I just built an SB160. What frame bag do you have on this one? Also Kryptotol or Assegai?

[@bikersedge]

This is the Evoc frame bag. Lately I've been a huge fan of the Conti tires. I'm running the Argotal (F)/Kryptotal (R) combo which is very similar to an Assegai/Minion. I think the rubber on the new Conti stuff is amazing and their DH casings ride really nice.

[@shivermetimbers5203]

What size evoc bag?

[@bikersedge]

The smaller of the two.

[@dionisioparillasr.9228]

Where can I find that cap?nice

[@bikersedge]

It’s an oldie from sendero provisions.

[@daniloperini4696]

Best mtb Channel ever!

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@SpokesmanMTB]

Wow - I wanna ride Grafton now!

[@bikersedge]

It's one of the best.

[@federicomarmolejo1952]

Great review!! that trail is Gnarly :)

[@bikersedge]

It’s easily in my top 3 favorites. Rough and rugged top to bottom.

[@Connor_WK]

How does the SB160 compare to the Transition Sentinel?

[@bikersedge]

It’s a much bigger riding bike.

[@Connor_WK]

@@bikersedge Like it's not as nimble?

[@bikersedge]

@@Connor_WK It rides deeper, it's less playful, it's heavier. Think of the Sentinel as a burly all-mountain bike. The SB160 falls squarely in the enduro category.

[@ssjj9584]

Specialized Enduro vs SB 160

[@DavidFoundCo]

For racing sb160, for bike park the enduro

[@323johnnybravo]

When the new enduro drops this year do that review !!

[@bikersedge]

We don’t carry specialized at the shop. Won’t be able to make it happen unfortunately.

[@rodrigopages1054]

where did you get those frame bags???

[@bikersedge]

Evoc frame bag

[@rodrigopages1054]

@@bikersedge awesome thanks!!

[@MikeesTexas]

SICK!!!!!

[@bikersedge]

🤘🤘

[@Chance.B]

Love these videos!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like them!

[@petedog9581]

The Yeti looked more composed in the chunk... like it skipped across the top of the rocks. Maybe it felt more harsh on the ride, but the camera was much more stable than on the Mega... more of a po-go effect. I like a firm peddling platform and usually put volume spacers front and rear.

[@bikersedge]

Very well could have been the reason it was a bit faster.

[@taylorklein2378]

Yeti was doing a surprise free demo yesterday in Grand Junction at our local spot so I jumped on a T2 SB160. I couldn't agree more with the review here. The 160 feels like it has a sense of urgency going up and down. Can be good or bad depending on your preference! For reference I normally ride a 2020 Enduro.

[@bikersedge]

It’s so solid!

[@cellphonenut]

Really enjoy these guys analysis and video footage. Top drawer in my book 💪💯💵

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!