[Closed] Megatower, what’s it like

Was looking at a new SC, probably a hightower, but didn’t get round to testing one.

I’m unsure about the shock location, you need to stop to change shock settings and with dirt getting onto it in the winter?

Maybe someone who has one will be able to comment better?

I like the look of Intense, except they are very multicoloured frames!

Better than the Supertower.

Not quite as good as the Hypertower.

I'm here all day..... :o)

I have the 2020 XTR coil version and think it's ace. I went form a 2018 Enduro to the megatower and the difference is noticeable in how well it carries speed over any rough terrain. Climbing is better as well. As for the harshness I think most of the reviews online where using the air shock which will give different results to the coil. Once you dial in the suspension any harshness will disappear IMO. For me the weight of the bike isn't a real factor as it's comparable to other bikes in it's price range.

Before buying the megatower, I was looking at the S-works and the SB150 but I couldn't get any demo bikes near me so I went with the SC.

Honestly you will not regret getting the megatower.

The shock is covered by a 'mud guard' fender type thing which prevents debris from getting near the shock etc.

The flip chip is located at the chainstay area and is straight forward to change from hi/lo etc.

I'm still not really sure what the Megatower is for? It didn't ever really sit in the enduro category, it's pretty much got the same geometry as the Hightower (and almost the Tallboy!), just a little bit more travel.

Maybe it's just a good all round longer travel bike. Don't know - I think if I wanted something big, I wouldn't be looking at a MT.

Are you racing/ ews at a national level?

Given the reviews, I think you'd be nuts to buy one without a demo.

And I agree the geometry seems a bit half-hearted.

The new Enduro seems to have stolen its thunder in terms of being the long-travel 29er to have now.

And there are plenty of cheaper comparable alternatives.

Bronson owner here to comment on shock location.

Not had an issue with excessive mud build up in that area, mini fender seems to do its job.

In terms of adjusting the shock on the fly, why would you be doing that? can only think of flipping a climb switch, but don’t feel the need to as my bike climbs without fuss anyway (and flipping the switch if no more than like reaching for a water bottle.

I might be able to get a good deal on the base model and get a charger damper for the yari. Just want to make sure it’s not as bad as the reviews make out

I had an XL one, have recently sold it. Got frame under warranty as found a crack on my HT LT frame.

Rode well, but it is big bike. I had the coil shock which seemed very plush and smooth to me. Bike weight comparable to other bikes in its class, mine was custom build around 33-34lbs with Lyriks, GX Eagle, Hope/Dt wheels etc.

Im 6ft 1 and rode it in High and Long setting. High to reduce pedal strikes and Long to help weight balance. If your tall then it does have slack STA which was one of my issues with a saddle height of around 830mm from BB. Never made it to a bike park due to Coronavirus but I'm sure it would be ace in that environment.

Gone for a Starling Murmur instead, which is due when Corona lockdown is relaxed.

one of my pals took a megatower to BC for our 2019 road trip ( North shore, VC island, Squamish, Whistler bp) it climbed like a goat and hauled serious ass downhill, i couldn't keep up on my high-tower. I think if your furloughing the rough stuff regularly that extra bit of travel really helps.

the geometry looks conservative for a bike with these intentions. i'd be looking elsewhere.

EDIT - i don't have one, never have, never will, but i do have a longer, slacker LT 29er.

I don't get the 'conservative geometry' accusations.  Granted it's not at the forefront of LLS, but in comparison to enduro race bikes (which I believe is its intended market segment) like the Mega 290, SB150, Rallon, Reign etc it seems to be pretty similar (maybe 5-10mm reach, and .5 degree on the angles here or there as long as you look at the nuances on manufacturers sizes x rider height), and not everyone wants to ride the longest and slackest bike (if you did you wouldn't buy a Santa Cruz, as their geometry tends to be pretty modern but middle ground).

To emphasise, I don't own a MT and wouldn't buy one as it's too much bike for my needs.

Just looking at the chart and although the Megatower isn’t super slack or super long, all those numbers are quoted with a 160mm fork and it’ll take up to 180mm, and the seat tubes are reasonably short so you can size up (unless you already need an XXL).

I demoed a Mega last year with North west cycles around Roman lakes, tbh I was a little miffed as I had my heart set on on demoing the Bronson which should have been there so when I turned up and was met with cc ox build reserve build as a demo I had to try it.
Long and short I ended up buying the C version (4.5k) as most of the kit was being transferred from my previous build, brakes stem bars ect.
I will say its not all been plain sailing the bike was collected and the first week of its life it lived in Morzine and was totally alive there, its a big bike for an xl I mean long. But returning to the UK I found it a little cumbersome and Heavy and its only the last 7 days I have realized why. When I returned I changed the wheels to Fortus 30s at that to the dd maxxis tyres and nx group set and its no wonder it was sluggish.
The bike is an Ok climber and really comes alive when pointed down,before the lockdown I managed a weekend in the Lakes where the true reality of the Mega came to pass, when the trail gets stupid steep and techy the mega wakes up.
I will add Jungle have sent the updated rear chainstay chip as the original one was 1/2mm to wide. Sunday (Easter Sunday) I emailed for a set of warranty bearing that Turned up day not bad when only 5 of the 42 staff are working, twice they Santa have been very quick with warranty stuff.

Im 6-3 and went for the xl high chip short chainstay ... the Bronson 29er

It’s a good bike. If you’re considering an Enduro bike that can probably cope with anything in the UK then it’s ticking most of the boxes without being the longest/slackest/lightest/heaviest...

Plus the actual quality of frame, finish and support are great.

I’ve got one. Size large in black. It’s better for me than my last bike (Hightower LT the last shape) as it’s a better fit and suspension works better but it is very heavy and not as easy to hop etc... if I was buying again I’d probably look at the latest Hightower as the Megatower is a lot of bike for riding around Matlock and stuff which is my normal riding.
All the positive comments about the Frame finish quality and backup from jungle are true as they are for every SC product. I consider it more a 29er nomad than a 29er bronson though

OP would it be your only bike?

My friend who has one raves about the cascade components linkage he has fitted to it. From a quick glance at their website it sounds to alleviate some of the issues with compliance.

That said spending another £200+ on a £3k frame is ridiculous.

For me I really had to mess about to get mine feeling like I wanted, I really think now I could do a 30-40 miler in the peaks one day then chuck it on a lift in the alps the next. It really is starting to bring a massive grin to my face every time i ride it, And if I want to jump and pop a bike about the hardtail will get an outing.

@stevedoc

For me I really had to mess about to get mine feeling like I wanted

Was this changing the wheels, tyres and groupset or did you do anything else?