How did Santa Cruz improve on their flagship, long-travel Megatower that already had the strongest muscles in their pack? Bit by bit, they added refinements to the already accomplished enduro race bike. That meant tweaking the kinematics, modifying angles, and cutting a hole in the downtube for in-frame storage. And no, that wasn't done with
Mike Levy's DIY kit.
From a distance, the paint might be the only hint this is a 2022 frame because the silhouette continues with a lower-link driven shock, but the new Megatower has an even more pronounced, brutish character.
Megatower 2 Details • Wheel size: 29"
• Travel: 165 mm, 170 mm fork
• Carbon frame (size large, low setting)
• 63.5º head angle
• 77.5º seat tube angle
• 441mm chainstays
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Weight: 15.05 kg / 33.18 lb
• Price: $5,649 - $13,999 USD
•
santacruzbicycles.com To achieve this, Megatower 2 now touts a 170 mm fork and 165 mm of rear wheel travel, not to mention the geometry stretches towards downhill bike territory with a head angle overlapping the V10 at 63.5º in the slacker setting. Those suspension numbers are up from 160 at both ends of the first gen and the frame now uses a longer stroke shock to lower the leverage ratio.
Further refinements see the removal of the chainstay adjustment in favor of size-specific rear triangles, mimicking the balancing act that the shorter travel Bronson also underwent last year. That's not all, though; tall riders will be enthused to see the seat tube angles increased as they lengthen to keep wheelies to a minimum at full seat post extension, and there are still five frame sizes.
Blowing the top off of non-eMTB retail prices, the carbon-only Megatower comes in eleven build kits, topping out at an eye-watering $13,999 USD for the RockShox Flight Attendant equipped bike. Four of those models are essentially the same, but give the customer the option of a coil or air rear shock. On the upper level builds, you'll find the higher grade "CC" carbon constructed frames, more expensive carbon fiber components, and less cables due to electronically controlled gizmos. If you're looking for something less bank account draining, the base model starts at $5,649 with alloy components and the standard "C" frame, but includes the Glovebox feature.
Frame DetailsWithout a doubt, the most eye-catching feature on the Megatower 2 is the compartment under the water bottle cage. This is Santa Cruz's first take on the Glovebox system and they have done their homework here. A spring-loaded machined aluminum latch keeps things securely fastened and silent. Inside you'll find two neoprene sleeves to cancel out any undesired noise that could be caused by rattling accessories. Towards the bottom of the large GloveBox door, you'll find a small rubber pad to further aid vibration damping. For example, I was able to just squeeze a OneUp 100cc pump wrapped in the tool roll, head first, down into the storage area. With room to spare in the upper section of the downtube, I stuffed a spare tube in there as well.
From the inside view of the frame, the full guided cable routing has become standard on Santa Cruz models, just like the latest round of chain slap protection, a tiny shock fender that covers the bearing eyelet on the lower end of the shock. That alleviates any stiction through the suspension action that could be caused by the constant articulation of the shock mount on the lower link. There's also grease ports to quickly freshen up the bearings, which are replaceable at no cost for the original owner. Santa Cruz's warranty covers both the bearings, Reserve carbon rims, and all their frame against manufacturer's defects for its lifetime under the original owner.
By increasing the shock stroke to 62.5 mm, Santa Cruz was able to lower the leverage ratio and increase the rear wheel travel by 5mm, all while keeping the leverage curve approximately the same shape. One minor tweak that they did make was a deviation to the progression at the end of the stroke. The curve is straighter towards the end of the travel and it's now possible to run a shock with a 65mm stroke, which will bump the travel up to 170mm.
The increase to more travel with a lower leverage wasn't a huge surprise, since I often saw riders alter the shock stroke or add an aftermarket link to the first generation frame. What did catch me off guard was not the disappearance of the chainstay length adjustment, but the lack of a chip to correct the geometry for a 27.5" rear wheel. The Megatower 2 is a dedicated full 29er.
A few other specifications that align the Megatower with its hunger for the gnarliest trails are a 200mm post brake mount and full chain guide; that includes a skid plate mounted to burly ISCG tabs. A threaded BB and universal derailleur hanger round out the list of frame features.
GeometryThe first gen Megatower hadn't quite figured out its place in the lineup amongst the 27.5" Nomad freeride rig or the trail savvy Hightower. Up until that point, Santa Cruz reserved big wheels for shorter travel bikes, excluding the V10. In round two though, they weren't afraid to go aggro with the latest Megatower.
In the low setting, the fork is raked out to a DH-worthy 63.5-degrees, and the seat tube is also plenty steep to make it capable of climbing too, resting at 77.5-degrees.
Although there is no longer any rear center adjustment, the front to rear balance is well thought out and changes with each size. The size large sits at a 472 mm reach and is paired with a 441 mm chainstay. To achieve this tailored fit with a steeper seat angle as the sizes grow in length, the front triangle molds use different lower pivot locations, allowing Santa Cruz to kill two birds with one stone.
There's a flip-chip on the lower link too, but it barely tweaks the angles or BB height; 3 mm and 0.3-degrees is less than a gnat's whisker in terms of change on paper. There is a subtle difference between the two on the trail when you're looking for it and the suspension kinematics remain very close as well.
Models & PricingThe model structure has worked well throughout the Santa Cruz line for some time with nomenclature that determines the frame finish, build kit, wheel option, and finally the shock description. It seems like a lot to break down amongst the 11 different price points, but basically you have five parts kits.
All of the build kits use SRAM drivetrainsThe entry level R and S kits are used on the C frames. As you move up the ladder to CC frames, wireless shifting is introduced with GX AXS, XO1, XO1 AXS kits, there are options to choose a coil or and shock and then the ability to add carbon wheels (excluding the XO1). Finally, there is the XX1 AXS groupset on the top dollar $13,999 Flight Attendant Megatower, completed with Reserve 30|HD wheels.
Ride ImpressionsExpectations were high for the revamp of such a sought after bike, especially in my part of the world where notoriously demanding trails are ridden on a daily basis. I jumped on the bike without knowing any of the geometry or travel numbers, but knew that they were for serious downhill capabilities. No longer is it on the lower cusp of an enduro bike - the Megatower 2 lies firmly in big rig territory.
Right off of the bat, I felt secure with the front axle way out in front of my hands giving me a sense of a shrunken downhill bike. You feel a touch closer to the ground than a pure downhill bike because of the shorter fork. The stance is aggressive and rewards a choice of steep and fast tracks. Even in tight switchbacks, though, I got on well with the front to rear weight distribution as the reach honed in close to my preferred number of 470 mm, or there about. 472 in the slack setting is slightly shorter than most size large frames these days, many of which sit at 480 mm.
With the supple Float X2 shock the bike had gobs of traction in the rain soaked roots and rocks of the Cypress trails. Like other Santa Cruz bikes I've ridden, namely
the Bronson I reviewed last summer, the sag number rides a fine line between ground-hugging and too much feedback
. Sitting on the softer side around 32% sag promotes a gentler ride for ultimate traction under slower speeds on techy terrain, but you need to pair that with an equal fork. My sweet spot on the fork was 102 PSI, so 210 PSI balanced out the ride to land on 30% sag in the rear shock. Going up in pressure required a lot more effort to hang on through roots and chattery pieces of trail.
Is it just a bigger Bronson? Certainly not. The stance that the Megatower empowers is wildly more aggressive, less twitchy, but will take more effort to move about than the Bronson for obvious reasons; more travel, a longer wheelbase, and that larger rear wheel. Mind you, the chainstays and BB drop are very similar. That larger wheelbase, slack head angle, and large wheel behind you give you a more centered feeling. And is it still "poppy"? That's more of a setup choice dependent on sag percentage and rebound control.
Does it still pedal with a slack head angle? Yes, quite well in fact. I'd chalk that up to the steeper seat tube angle, lighter casing tires, and one of the most important things; anti-squat. That number and the geometry has a more telling role for me than the overall weight. When you stand on the pedals, even without the climb switch, the BB doesn't fall and your center of gravity doesn't pitch front to back. That seated position is very comfortable and keeps plenty of weight on the front wheel to manage the slacker head angle while climbing.
Most of the equipment is standard for high-end builds, but there were a couple of things to point out. The bike is built with a chainguide and skid plate from the factory. Your chain will appreciate it and stay on in the roughest bike park laps. Although I can get along with the EXO+ plus casing tires in the winter when you need more suppleness in the cold, slow conditions, I would like to see the bike spec'd with burlier Double Down casings. I ended up adding an insert to the rear wheel for some peace of mind as I became willing to push the bike harder.
I wouldn't say it's a ground hugging bike by any means, however it does sit lower and slacker than most and that requires more strength and skill to move the bike around when you don't have the added boost from trail features. Finding a bike that can strike a balance between plowing through rough trails and dancing along groomed surfaces is no easy feat. Santa Cruz have made some impressive gains with the Megatower 2. It will bode well for those seeking out a long-travel, go anywhere bike, if you're onboard the full 29er train that is.
Stay tuned for a full breakdown on the Megatower 2 later in the spring as it will be going toe to toe with other enduro bikes in an upcoming Pinkbike Field Test.
#commentgold
But on a serious note there are trails in Surrey that do warrant one.
You are correct about the people who ride expensive bikes, it's typically people who take the sport very seriously and are decent riders. When I go to a more beginner riding area near me I typically see people on old 26" bikes and hardtails. When I go to the steep DH expert riding area I see NONE of those cheap bikes. But I guess pretending that beginners ride expensive bikes makes people feel more real?
1. older than them
2. more affluent than them
3. like to buy nice bikes with the money they likely worked hard for
4. ride those bikes on trails that are fun for them
...that I am mystified at the hate. What should these people do? Not get old? Spend their money on a trophy wife? Clog up the double blacks and ruin your Strava time? The only thing I can conclude is that it comes from some deep sense of inadequacy and fear. Fear that you'll get old. Fear that you'll always be a failure and not be able to have nice things. Believe me, I worked and waited a long time to have my first brand new bike. Having something that isn't new and wasn't expensive is fine, but doesn't make you cool in and of itself. Grow up and do your own ride.
Oh and I’m not a dentist, though I know a few, but they don’t mountain bike.
I know many riders far better than me on cheaper bikes and guess what. I also know many riders better than me on even more expensive bikes.
Who gives a flying f*ck how expensive or cheap a bike anyone else rides? I started on a 2nd hand Walmart bike. 30 years later, I’m on a Dream machine and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Just making an observation. I'm an old guy with no dependent, not wealthy but have enough disposable income to afford a top-of-the-line SC bike if I wanted to (I don't). So not jealous or hating, though I am irritated and salty because I have hard time getting parts I want for my new bike...
SC is one of the worst value for buck bike brands in the market,even compared with S and Trek
But since June 2020 till now,just only with 10-15% inflation and many other things had change, you cannot compare any more with new bikes.
I bet they are not very far away,maybe SC had better value now than years ago,but still on top of the worst bike/buck ratio.
What's the point of all that $carbon$ when it weighs the same as a high quality steel bike like Coitic or Starling
instagram.com/zoceli_bikes?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
DVO and NX for less than the frame-only Megatower price
- A current Megatower owner
www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-7/p/35050
The reach is a little short.
The fact you have to spend 9k usd to get Fox suspension is a joke.
4/10 quite disappointing
specialized enduro comp has GX, same fork/shock as the megatower, for only $5300.
Two comparable bikes, both better value for the money.
Everyone here is always looking to buy a new bike, so don't think you've got some fresh info lol
Trek is great value for money. Find me a non-direct sales bike which comes close to the value of a Slash 8.
Things like after sales support, past experiences with brands, image and even aesthetics, to name just a few, will affect the perceived value of a product to any given indivual.
I chose my last bike purchase based mainly on what I had available around me to test ride. While there were a few that I considered, including the Spire and Enduro you mentioned. I could only get a test ride on a couple as suppliers don't really do demos here, so I handed my money over on a sure thing rather than a gamble.
Nobody is forcing you to buy anything. Stop whinging and just buy the bike that makes you happy. This is the great thing about having options
I can make bmx bike look heavy and slow, just as some can throw a 250 pound motorcycle around. It's bullshit!
That means that Santa Cruz is effectively charging you $4,500.00 for just the frame WITHOUT a rear shock. Then they are charging you full MSRP on every component to build the frame.
This madness will stop when people stop paying for these ridiculous builds from bike manufacturers.
Guerilla Gravity (for example) hand manufactures their carbon frames in Colorado, and you can buy a full Gnarvana with premium kit for $6k. As compared to other big brands, Specialized has one of the best-reviewed enduro bikes on the market, and you can purchase their S-Work Enduro frameset with Fox X2 for $2,900. Hell, you can buy a better spec'd S-Works Enduro full build for $10,500 MSRP.
Santa Cruz is out to lunch. They've clearly taken the "sell way less bikes at rip-off margins" approach to make their profitability targets. They'll keep doing so until people stop purchasing these absurdly priced bikes.
Gone are the days when one could expect a marginal discount on parts by purchasing a complete bike - instead you pay full, aftermarket MSRP on every component on the bike when purchasing complete. That is really unfortunate.
The point I am making is that companies like Santa Cruz, Specialized, etc. USED to provide a degree of discounting when you purchased a fully built bike (as compared to buying a frame and paying MSRP for all of the components). Now, not only is there zero discounting for purchasing full build kits, there is actually a marginal premium above the actual market value for all the parts on the bike AND the frames themselves have seemingly increased in price by 40-100% over the past 8ish years.
Case in point, my current ride is a 2021 Specialized Enduro that I was able to build from the frame up. I managed to spec it with the equivalent of S-Works (full Fox Factory suspension, Sram AXS derailleur, etc.) minus carbon rims (I opted for Industry-9 instead) and the AXS dropper post. After reasonable discounting with my local shop, I was out the door for around $7k - on a bike that Specialized would sell to me for $9.5k (I am subtracting price to account for the carbon rims and AXS dropper). That is crazy. It's insane to me that my shop can somehow afford to give me 20% off all parts for buying a bike with them, but enormous companies like Specialized and Santa Cruz provide zero discounting on full builds.
Let's say you want to build a blinging Santa Cruz. You'd be wise to buy the frame, then buy a COMPLETE bike from companies like GG, Commencal, etc. and swap the parts. You'd probably spend a little less and you'd have an entire frame + shock on your hands to sell.
You might want to go back and do some editing.
I think a big part of what makes that possible is the relatively "steep" head angle on the V1. I'm better the latest model is a little less versatile in that regard.
Makes sense for this to be the Enduro/race bike and the Hightower be beefed up to fill that role, though.
Very similar geo to the V1, but heavier, with less CS adjustability, less progressive shock curve
However, it does have a box to store stuff, which is the most prominent feature in all the marketing…
No mullet chip. Chainstays a touch too short for intended use (and not adjustable). Seat tubes slightly too high.
I have built my last 4 bikes, and each time time saved thousands over new equivalent complete bikes. Usually the higher end your bike/build the greater the savings over retail complete.
Went over to Santa Cruz's site and its 33.18lbs for the $11,199 bike.
Here's the list of details for everyone though:
R/Carbon C 34.32lbs $5649
S/Carbon C 33.97lbs $6799
GX AXS / Carbon C 34.11lbs $8499
GX AXS Coil / Carbon C 35.94lbs $8499
GX AXS RSV / Carbon C 33.79lbs $9799
GX AXS RSV Coil / Carbon C 35.94lbs $9799
X01 / Carbon CC 33.07lbs $9299
X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC 33.18lbs $11,199
X01 AXS RSV / Carbon CC 35.04 $11,199
And key words for people using ctrl+f
Weight, weighs, kg, lbs, grams, stones, #whyisstonesathingstill, gigatonne
In 2 of the bikes, had to change shock, reshim, and fit a different link to have the feeling I was looking for.
The "tuned bikes", are still in the shed, but the other 2, I didn't bother and just sold then, and never came back to SC - sorry!
I'm the same. Many SC bikes. Love their company but them and a few others getting a bit pricey. And it isn't pricey like "I can't afford it." More like pricey "not worth that amount to me." That's why I starting trying some other brands like Nukeproof, Transition (alloy), and Fezzari. And the cool thing is I found out I love 4 bar suspension design much better than VPP. The market sorts these things out. I was a bit disappointed to see chain reaction cycles starting to charge premium prices for NP bikes. But you look at a Fezzari, excellent quality, carbon frames the same price as other's alloy frames. I think we'll see premium companies lose some sales to brands that aren't skyrocketing their prices.
I like how VPP pedal.
I like how FSR works on the rough stuff and braking.
I like how single pivot pedal on easy trails.
Also always liked the feeling and assurance that Specialized has/had.
swat box @korev:
A touch more travel, a bit more wheelbase, a bit steeper STA, a touch more slack, slightly longer shock stroke, new lower link/front triangle for revised kinematics and chain stay lengths change with size, pretty much brings you to a 150/160 29er with around 64.5-65 hta and a 475mm reach in a size large with a high 43x mm rear center.
It's just too close in spec to the Bronson with the main feature difference being a 29er ass end. Seems like it's become too much a redundancy in their lineup unless they were to kill something off next time around?
What sucks about SC is their “mid-level” builds come with a lot of crap parts at the same price.
I weigh about 185 lbs without gear, and running 92-93 PSI in my Fox 38 makes it feel reasonably harsh over small and medium rocky sections. Then again, I may have an issue because I have not been impressed with my Fox 38 at all.
My YT from 4 years ago for 5000€ will still work for another 4 years perfectly.... and then I gonna buy a 4 year old one again.
It’s so nice, we came to a level, where all bikes from most brands are great and the times where price only matters will soon come again due to competition. Anyone who buys an expensive brand is free to do so of course. Not me.
Most cheap bikes these days could be ridden on a worldcup, if someone has the skills.
That was very different in the 90s, when I started, cash mattered.
Would I want one as a daily driver? No. If I “seriously” raced enduros this would be the bike I’d want for dropping into steep, technical, consequential I don’t know at race speed.
That said, if any privateers are going to be able to afford these, Santa Cruz needs to do something about their pricing. They are the worst value of any bike on the market these days.
It's a cool bike but pricing is currently alienating me. Not just a SC thing I know but there's a point for everyone where opportunity cost theory makes new bikes a hard pass.
I'll keep my '21 Stumpy Evo and take a couple riding vacations me thinks.
More modern Enduro geo.. yay. People have been doing this with the cascade link and I typically see v1s built around a 170 fork (slackening it out a bit).
I don't get the hate on some of this, or the call outs on ONE measurement, it's how they all interact, so, taking those things out of context doesn't mean too much.
How long until a compartment count less than three gets a bullet in the "cons" list?
Yes, you can buy a top of the range Carbon Spire XO1 AND Spur XO1 for less than cost of the range topping model of the Megatower 2.
I've owned 3 Santa Cruz bikes over the years. 5010 V2, TB V3, and TB V4 - they're very good bikes and their warranty department is second to none. Having said all this, I doubt I'll ever own one again... at least not without an industry deal (and even then I'd probably just buy a frame and build it up)
It's been a solid performer (after swapping out the shitty roller bearings on the shock) and I've been quite happy with it. Wouldn't mind trying to the frame to an MT as I've never owned a big bike, but their frame pricing has gone thru the roof. 4250$ (so 4300€ at least) for one, oof!
Still, looks nice. I really appreciate the geometry SC has gone for, pretty much exactly my sweet spot atleast. Not super-long, but with a really slack HT.
The other brands will follow suit on the pricing before long. Inflation is real. And it's not like if it was $8500 you'd be buying extras for your friends
m.pinkbike.com/news/polygons-new-6-bar-enduro-bike-sea-otter-2022.html
No wonder most bike parks look like autobahns…
It doesn’t. But you look at the mega tower compared to the old one side by side and you’ll notice a big difference.
It could be steeper still, mind, I still would be unlikely to buy one.
But still ..that Greggs tube for Uk owners
Like a homeowner with 'rate lock'....
1. Your V2 Sentinel DIDNT COME WITH A 38, it came with a 36 . IT ALSO CAME WITH A 160, not 170 . so to match the v2 MT you have to buy a new fork to make them the same. add that to the price you paid... (i don't say it NEEDS a 38 or 170..im saying if you compare the 2 bikes then you should consider this)
for example - this is why no-one buys used 2021 altitudes as they came with a 36 and new come with 38 - why by 2021 for 5500 and add 1100 to upgrade to a 38 when you can buy 2022 WITH a 38 for same price and ride a new bike !
2. Once you added 10mm to for travel (to match bikes) you have now slackened the ST angle so now you are sub 77...76.5 ish. not the same as 78.
3. MT frame looks way burlier. look at downtube on this thing.
4. same ol' 4bar vs vpp.... ( of course whatever anyone has is the best but its not the same)
5. Add bearing sets (free on SC bikes not on transition) and Cast link and price gap (which isn't that big ) keeps shrinking ... (remember you bought bike pre covid).
6. if your bike was as good as a burly 170/170 bike they wouldn't bring out the spire....clearly not as burly built frame.
you're welcome,
1) Yes your right my V2 sentinel didn't come with a 38 because it was a frameset. I built it with most of my own parts from my previous bike, I already had a 38 to put on it. But there's a reason why they spec a 36 on it which Ill talk about below
2) Yes, the extra 10mm of front travel does slacken the ST angle out from the stock angle but barely even so, plus, having a super steep STA is not the only factor as to why the Sentinel climbs great. Hint hint maybe anti squat/ suspension performance also plays a huge role. Just because it has a steeper STA than the Sentinel doesn't make it a better climber.
3) If you understood design a little bit you would understand that the downtube has to be large to reasonably accommodate whatever sock or stuff that they had in mind that you would put in it. Also keep in mind with tubes and carbon specifically, with a larger diameter tube you can go thinner on the actual wall of the carbon, so even though it appears bigger, I doubt that the Megatower frame is really that much burlier than the Sentinel. You should see the tubes on my Sentinel compared to my specialized enduro 2020.
4) One of the reasons why I choose not to run Santa Cruz is because of that, with the VPP design on all the Santa Cruz's it makes their rear wheel path the shape of an S, not really optimal.
5) I agree that the lifetime bearing sets is very nice but rarely have I ever had to change my bearings out, maintain your pivots and keep them clean and maybe you won't need that. Never had to replace a single bearing on my Enduro 2020 for the almost 2 years I had it. Also I didn't buy my frame pre-covid lol, I built mine up earlier this year, and tax was as expensive as ever where I bought it.
6) Even if the Mega frame isn't as burly as my Sentinel your also forgetting that these two bike are in two separate categories. I'm not sure where you missed it but largely the Sentinel has been acclaimed to be a great all around "all mountain bike". Hence why it has a 36 and only 150 in the rear. But even then with a few changes it can be a enduro weapon like I have it now. I don't get where that's fair comparing a 150 rear travel bike to a bike that previously had 160 and then bumped to 165, and is supposed to be a "big bike". My bike was designed with a totally different style of riding in mind. Although With the 62.5mm stroke shock on the Sentinel I would say it's one of the highest specs stroke shock for the travel. Even though it only has 150mm in the rear the use of a longer end stroke shock really changes how the rear end "feels" like it has a certain amount of travel. I needed more out of my sentinel but I loved the geo and the design of the frame so when I paired the 170 38 to the front It made it a perfect machine for what I'm doing.
And there was a specific reason why I didn't choose the spire, but I'm 99% sure both frames are similar just the Spire is a bit heavier and passes a downhill rating/ can have a dual crown and the rocker link is lengthen in according to the seat stay to provide 20mm more travel. I didn't like the sizing on the Spire so that is why I went with the sentinel. or else I would have definitely opted for 170mm available out of the rear, but coming off a 2020 specialized enduro, I don't even noticed the loss of travel from 170 to 150, even when the enduros's rear end OVER delivers to 176mm. The sentinel actually has a longer stroke shock than the enduro 60mm vs 62.5mm.
7) I don't get what any of your points are here, I wasn't arguing how my bike was the best, I was mainly talking about price. One last note is that Santa Cruz's geometry hasn't been on the bar In my option for a handful of years. You talk about the STA but santa cruz's seat tube angles have probably been some of the most off the back ever, especially for taller riders. Transition with their SBG I think was a foundation of a new era of geo for other companies to follow behind/ drive the industry forward. In 2018 the V1 sentinel had better angles already than the V1 megatower when it came out. But hey anyways, that's just my opinion.
New Giga 290 xl has 495 and 648 . no-one said a word.
....but I get it , finding negative stuff to say about bikes you can't afford and never even ridden ...thats cool.
XL wreckoning/yeti/meta all have 435 CS length.... the mega got killed for it , wreckoning was "playful and great" yeti was not...
Rocky mountain altitude has worst build value and noone bitch about the price at their launch....
so you see - it depends on what brand it is .
the "fancy" boutique bikes that everyone wants but can't get are being smashed and others are being let go. (even by people who never even rode the bikes)
its like kindergarten you see - you shove a girl that you deep inside like very much... you say ferrari drivers have small dicks.... you know ...
just look down at hightower reply you got ..xl .hightower stack is 637... not high at all and OMG he's in trouble. lol
and reply after ... guy has a fat bike , he got a large (475 reach) and the jeffsy he got was xl (490 reach) ... he just forgot to add those measurements to the comparison... oops.
to sum it all. don't trash talk bikes just cuz you can't afford to buy them - its getting OLD!
The majority of people I've met on expensive bikes send it hard. They recognize how a high quality bike can support progression and athletic expression, which is fun. It is fun to ride mountain bikes to your maximum capacity and then some.
santa cruz lower prices to 2000 ... PB commenters at store having fist fights ,pulling each other hair waiting outside with their posse to steal another dudes bike and posting online how THEY own THE BEST bike EVER !!!!!
pls PB children - go get a job and stop the H8 already !!!
Debatable.
The reach is a little short.
The fact you have to spend 9k usd to get Fox suspension is a joke.
4/10 quite disappointing
No government help or hindering at all. Join a traveling engineering firm and go see the world and bring your bike!! After about five years of saving with the salary range of $100,000-$250,000 a year You can afford any brand of bike you want along with a house.