2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3
Feel right at home on any terrain.
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.
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Available Colors
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
| 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 | $4999 | $5899 | $6999 | $7999 | $6999 | $7999 | $8399 | $9399 | $9399 | $11199 | $4049 |
| 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 | - |
Highlighted Features of the 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
2023 Santa Cruz Megatower 3
41mm upper and 52mm lower integrated headset cups.
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.
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.
This bike is compatible with all coil and air shocks. The correct size is 230x65 with 8x30mm hardware front and rear.
29"x2.5".
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.
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.
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.
If you change the rear shock to 65mm stroke length, you get 170mm travel. The brand does recommend 165mm for proper balance.
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