Santa Cruz Hightower vs Santa Cruz Megatower
Choosing between the Santa Cruz Hightower and the Santa Cruz Megatower? This compares the 2024 Santa Cruz Hightower C S with the 2025 Santa Cruz Megatower, size by size, from the geometry Santa Cruz publishes. Pick any size to compare it in the full tool.
The L is the Santa Cruz Megatower size closest to your L Santa Cruz Hightower C S. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Santa Cruz Megatower
Compared with the Santa Cruz Hightower C S in L, the Santa Cruz Megatower in L places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 3 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 21 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +2 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- +3 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +21 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.7°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
Which Santa Cruz Megatower size matches your Santa Cruz Hightower C S
For each Santa Cruz Hightower C S size, the Santa Cruz Megatower size with the closest frame stack and reach. Stack and reach show how far off it is: the Santa Cruz Megatower minus the Santa Cruz Hightower C S. A geometry match, not a fit recommendation.
| Santa Cruz Hightower C S size | Closest size | Stack | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | +3 mm | +3 mm |
| M | M | −2 mm | +3 mm |
| L | L | +2 mm | +3 mm |
| XL | XL | +2 mm | +3 mm |
| XXL | XXL | +2 mm | +3 mm |
The two frames
Santa Cruz Hightower C S, LSanta Cruz Megatower, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Hightower C S L | Santa Cruz Megatower L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 472 | 475 | +3 mm |
| Stack | 636 | 638 | +2 mm |
| Head tube angle | 64.5 | 63.8 | −0.7° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.4 | 77.8 | +1.4° |
| Effective top tube | 627 | 613 | −14 mm |
| Chainstay length | 437 | 440 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1245 | 1266 | +21 mm |
| BB drop | 34 | 26.5 | −8 mm |
| BB height | 338 | 346 | +8 mm |
| Standover | 706 | 723 | +17 mm |
| Seat tube length | not listed | 430 | |
| Head tube length | 125 | 115 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Megatower minus the Santa Cruz Hightower C S. Full charts: 2024 Santa Cruz Hightower C S, 2025 Santa Cruz Megatower.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz Hightower C SSanta Cruz Megatower
Each bike is ranked against its own type on Quiver (trail and enduro), on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Santa Cruz Hightower C SC S | Santa Cruz MegatowerGX AXS |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Santa Cruz Hightower | Santa Cruz Megatower |
| Fork | Fox 36 Float Performance | Fox 38 Performance Elite |
| Rear shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ | Fox Float X Performance Elite |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM Pod Controller |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chainring | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | SRAM DUB |
| Tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II | Maxxis Assegai, Maxxis Minion DHR II |
| Hub | DT Swiss 370 | DT Swiss 370 |
| Rim | Race Face AR Offset 30 | Reserve 30|SL AL 6069, Reserve 30|HD |
| Brake | SRAM Code R | SRAM Maven Bronze |
| Rotor | Avid Centerline | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Burgtec Ride Wide Alloy | Santa Cruz 35 |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3 | Burgtec Enduro MK3 |
| Grips | Santa Cruz House | Santa Cruz House |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | Cane Creek 40 |
| Dropper post | OneUp Components V2 Dropper Post | OneUp Components V2 Dropper Post |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado | SDG Bel Air V3 |