2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 Inventory

A big bike that fulfills big expectations.

The Santa Cruz Megatower is back again as the dream enduro bike. It's even longer, with a 170mm fork and 165 rear travel, up from 160mm on both ends of the last model. The geometry is revised, too, putting you in a more comfortable position for the steepest descents.

The 2023 Megatower is a dedicated 29er. It comes in ten build kits and five sizes, from small to extra-extra-large. C and CC carbon frames can handle hours of abuse and come out stronger than ever.

Everything comes together in a fast and efficient package, adaptable to any trail you want to conquer. The Megatower has made such a lasting impact on the MTB industry, it's hard to believe it's only been around for two generations.

Key Details

  • Available In

    Carbon C & Carbon CC

  • Front Travel

    170mm

  • Rear Travel

    165mm

  • Wheel Size

    29"

  • 2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 in Gloss Carbon
  • 2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 in Gloss Purple
  • 2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 in Translucent Blue
  • 2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 in Matte Nickel

Specifications

2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3

Build R S GX AXS GX AXS RSV GX AXS Coil GX AXS RSV Coil X0 AXS X0 AXS RSV X0 AXS RSV Coil XX AXS RSV Frame
Price $4,999 $5,899 $6,999 $7,999 $6,999 $7,999 $8,399 $9,399 $9,399 $11,199 $4,049
Material Carbon C Carbon C Carbon C Carbon C Carbon C Carbon C Carbon CC Carbon CC Carbon CC Carbon CC Carbon CC
Travel 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm 165mm
Wheel Size 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ Coil, 230x62.5 FOX Float X2 Factory, 230x62.5 FOX Float X2 Factory, 230x62.5 RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil, 230x62.5 -or- FOX DHX2 Factory FOX Float X2 Factory, 230x62.5 -
Fork RockShox Zeb Base, 170mm FOX 38 Float Performance, 170mm RockShox Zeb Select+, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Performance Elite RockShox Zeb Select+, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Performance Elite RockShox Zeb Select+, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Performance Elite RockShox Zeb Select+, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Performance Elite RockShox Zeb Ultimate, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Float Factory RockShox Zeb Ultimate, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Float Factory RockShox Zeb Ultimate, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Float Factory RockShox Zeb Ultimate, 170mm -or- Fox 38 Float Factory -
Rear Derailleur SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd SRAM XX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12spd -
Right Shifter SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Bridge SRAM AXS Pod Ultimate Bridge -
Cassette SRAM PG1230, 12spd, 11-50t SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, 10-52t SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, 10-52t -
Chain SRAM NX Eagle, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd SRAM XX Eagle T-Type, Flattop, 12spd -
Chainguide E.13 TRS Race SL, ISCG05 OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide OneUp Bash Guide -
Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB SRAM DUB 73mm MTB Wide BB -
Headset FSA IS-2/47/42 ACB or Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset Chris King DropSet 3 Integrated Headset -
Rear Tire Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4", 3C MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Minion DHR II 29"x2.4"WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+ -
Front Tire Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, Double Down Maxxis Assegai 29"x2.5", 3C, MaxxGrip, EXO+ -
Front Hub SRAM MTH 716, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt 32h DT Swiss 370, 15x110, 6-Bolt, 28h DT Swiss 370, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h DT Swiss 370, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h DT Swiss 370, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h DT Swiss 370, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine Hydra, 15x110, Torque Cap, 6-Bolt, 28h -
Front Rim RaceFace AR Offset 30, 29" RaceFace AR Offset 30, 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29"
,Reserve 30|HD 29""" Reserve 30|HD 29" -
Rear Hub SRAM MTH 746, 12x148, HG, 6-Bolt, 32h DT Swis 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h DT Swis 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h DT Swis 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h DT Swis 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h DT Swis 370, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 36t, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h Industry Nine Hydra, 12x148, XD, 6-Bolt, 28h -
Rear Rim RaceFace AR Offset 30, 29" RaceFace AR Offset 30, 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" Reserve 30|HD 29" -
Front Rotor Avid Centerline, 200mm Avid Centerline, 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm -
Rear Rotor Avid Centerline, 200mm Avid Centerline, 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm SRAM HS2 200mm -
Brakes SRAM G2 RE SRAM Code R SRAM Code Bronze Stealth SRAM Code Bronze Stealth SRAM Code Bronze Stealth SRAM Code Bronze Stealth SRAM Code Silver Stealth SRAM Code Silver Stealth SRAM Code Silver Stealth Code Ultimate Stealth -
Crankset SRAM Descendant Eagle 148 DUB 32t SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB 32t SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM GX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM X0 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM X0 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM X0 Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t SRAM XX Eagle DUB T-Type Crankset, 32t -
Handlebars e13 TRS Base Burgtec RideWide Alloy Santa Cruz Carbon Santa Cruz Carbon Santa Cruz Carbon Santa Cruz Carbon Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm Santa Cruz 35 Carbon Bar, 800mm -
Stem e.13 Base Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm Industry Nine A35, 40mm -
Saddle WTB Silverado, CroMo WTB Silverado, CroMo WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo WTB Silverado Medium, CroMo WTB Silverado Medium, Ti WTB Silverado Medium, Ti WTB Silverado Medium, Ti WTB Silverado Medium, Ti -
Seatpost SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6 OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 or RockShox Reverb, 31.6 OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- RockShox Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- RockShox Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- RockShox Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer OneUp V2 Dropper Post, 31.6 -or- RockShox Reverb Stealth -or- Fox Transfer -
Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips Santa Cruz Bicycles House Grips -
Battery Charger - - SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery SRAM eTap Powerpack 1 Battery -

Details

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Glovebox in Downtube

The glovebox comes with a fitted tool wallet and tube purse. Easy to grab your tools and other essentials when you need them.

Geometry

2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3

Size S M L XL XXL
Reach | hi/lo 430/427 455/452 475/472 495/492 520/517
Stack | hi/lo 616/618 625/627 638/640 656/658 670/672
Head Tube Angle | hi/lo 63.8°/63.5° 63.8°/63.5° 63.8°/63.5° 63.8°/63.5° 63.8°/63.5°
Seat Tube Length | hi/lo 380 405 430 460 500
Front Center | hi/lo 770 799 826 855 886
BB Height | hi/lo 346/342.5 346/342.5 346/342.5 346/342.5 346/342.5
BB Drop | hi/lo 26.5/30 26.5/30 26.5/30 26.5/30 26.5/30
Wheelbase | hi/lo 1206 1236/1237 1266 1298 1333/1334
Rear Center | hi/lo 436/437 437/438 440/441 443/444 447/448
Head Tube Length | hi/lo 90 100 115 135 150
Top Tube Length | hi/lo 570 594/595 613 637/638 666/667
Seat Tube Angle | hi/lo 77.24°/77.0° 77.42°/77.2° 77.8°/77.5° 77.8°/77.5° 77.8°/77.5°
Standover Height | hi/lo 709/705 716/712 723/718 722/717 724/720
Bike Geometry Chart
2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3 Inventory

Frequently Asked Questions

2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3

  • Can I convert this bike to 27.5" or MX wheels?

    No, it's made exclusively for 29" front and rear wheels and tires. The geometry is not setup for 27.5" conversions.

  • Can I fit a chainguide on this bike?

    Yes, it has ISCG-05 tabs for easy chainguide mounting. Most guides or bash guards made for this standard should work.

  • What happened to the chainstay length adjuster?

    The Megatower 1 had an adjustable chainstay length. But the MEgatower 2 has size-specific chainstay lengths to optimize geometry across frame sizes.

  • Can I run a dual-crown fork?

    No, this bike is not compatible.

  • What's the recommended fork?

    The geometry is based on a 170mm fork with a 42mm or 44mm offset. You shouldn't have less travel because the BB will get too low. But you can go up to 180mm fork.

  • Can I make the frame have more travel?

    If you change the rear shock to 65mm stroke length, you get 170mm travel. The brand does recommend 165mm for proper balance.

  • Are there any limitations for the rear shock?

    This bike is compatible with all coil and air shocks. The correct size is 230x65 with 8x30mm hardware front and rear.

  • Should I get the coil shock or the air shock?

    There's a difference in feel between the two, but neither is better than the other. The air shock is more progressive than the coil. It allows for a slightly softer setup without worrying about bottoming out. You have a smoother ride, but you can still be aggressive and not struggle. This shock will also try to get you out of the deep part of the travel. Resulting in a "poppier" and more playful suspension feel. The coil has a slightly more linear feel and less bottom-out resistance, which encourages a firmer overall setup. You get maximum mid-stroke support for berms, park riding, and pushing into turns. So if you prefer a former feel, go with coil. If you set up the air to offer a similar feel in the mid-stroke, you might struggle to achieve full travel. Obviously air is lighter and easier to tune, so it's the most popular.

  • What kind of headset does this bike use?

    41mm upper and 52mm lower integrated headset cups.

  • Should I ride in the high or low flip chip setting?

    You should try both. Start in high to make the bike more agile and easy to get used to. If the terrain is steep, switch to low. That will lower the BB and slacken the head angle. The leverage curve of the suspension is also more progressive. All of those changes will make you feel like you're seated further down. It's all easy to change whenever you need.

  • Does this bike use the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)?

    The frame is UDH-compatible, but it comes with a Santa Cruz machined aluminum hanger. You can replace it with one of the brand's other hangers or a SRAM UDH.

  • What's the maximum tire size?

    29"x2.5".

  • What can I keep in the glovebox?

    It comes with a tube purse and a tool wallet. You can fit a superlight tube, small pump, tire lever, and misc odds and ends in these bags.