Megatower vs SB150 - Ultimate Enduro Bike?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2024
- Head to head look at the Santa Cruz Megatower and the Yeti SB150. Which is the best Enduro race bike?
[Links]
Rock City Cycles: rockcitycycles.ca
Cowichan Cycles: www.cowichancycles.com
[Socialize]
Instagram: / island.bike.life - กีฬา
This is the best, no shit, just the facts, zero fanboy explanation of what makes each bike shine. Great job!
Thanks for watching and the feedback. I always try to look at each bike with fresh eyes and no bias.
Pretty happy with my Megatower! I have always gone with Santa Cruz because they have always honored their warranty for me with no questions asked.
Yeah the MT is a great bike and I can’t say anything negative about my own experience with SC either.
I love your "vs" videos. Very clear and informative. 👍
Thanks for the support, I appreciate it!
Hey man nice video! I have always enjoyed your channel. I like how clear you were in this video
Cheers and thanks for watching
A well thought out video. Interesting though how you define them as not being particularly good for all day riding, which I guess is probably indicative of where the market's fitness levels are. I don't think we do any rides under three hours, more like 5+, 50km & 1500+ metres of ascent but because of the trails we wouldn't do it on anything less than this sort of bike. As an example my current trail bike is a 2015 Mega with a shortened coil shock to get a 63.5deg HA, DVO Diamond forks, Michelin DH22 tyres and 200mm DH Hope brakes. All in weight is 38.5lb! Even with the stock spec of these bikes I'd be looking to make some component upgrades such as DH tyres, better brakes etc...
Great video... been waiting for a head to head 👍
Thanks for watching
Enjoying your honest reviews...my Megatower should be shipping next week!
Thanks for watching and enjoy your MT, great bike!
@@IslandBikeLife thanks, looking forward to it! It's my first full suspension bike and I'll be keeping my Kona Big Honzo hardtail. I wanted more (a lot more) bike for the steep and very rocky trails right in my hometown in eastern PA! Grabbed the large S model 👌
Good video, good job making a case for both bikes, even though I'm partial to Yeti !!
Thanks for watching!
This is a great comparison! Thanks a lot!
No problem thanks for watching
i agree with your review regarding the sc vpp suspension, very good in balance and stable, the way i love my nomad...
Thanks for watching!
*really well detailed video, good job*
Thanks for watching
I have both and agree with your assessment!
Nice! I would love to have both as well.
Subbed...Great reviews man...North Island here...Getting ready to purchase a new ride....I will have to keep you in mind.
Cheers thanks for watching
Great review!! I'm pretty much set on a Yeti for my next bike and recently demoed the SB130. So far, it's the best bike I've ever ridden, PERIOD. Now, I have to decide between the 130 and 150, and the possibility of upgrading the rear shock to a Push ElevenSix no matter which bike I choose.
Check out the head to head between those exact bikes, it’s also on the channel. Thanks for watching.
Curious, have you ridden any of the longer travel *Pivots* - from the Switchblade on up?
I’m currently in the same situation as you were. I’m between the SB130 and SB150. What bike did you end up buying. Why and are there any regrets?
MTB_87 I didn’t make a move yet... keeping my current bike (Transition Scout) for now. Still love the Yetis but seeing the new bikes coming out is exciting. Evil’s new Following, Transition’s new Sentinel are both bikes I’m gonna need to demo before I make the move.
John Rieth I hear you. There are days when I want a smaller travel bike and days I want a longer bike. The new following looks like a fun bike as well. Thanks and take care
Great comparison! It would be great if you could do something similar with the new Devinci Spartan 29. I’m particularly interested in a Spartan 29 vs Megatower comparison. Thanks!
I am planning on taking out a Spartan 29 so stay tuned for that one. Thanks for watching.
very helpful for me to choose as in my country the service of SC is far more sought for. you also note that this two is not a jewel for long 3 to 5 hr trail riding. so i have to change maybe my riding pattern if I get SC or either this 2. I would try maybe Capra for Long trail riding. unless somewhere out there would give me a dodge not to get capra at all. coz Im a partly built dudes for port to port or those kind of epic ride. thanks dude for a intelligent inputs and feedback.
The Capra will probably in the same situation on longer rides. Maybe look at the new SC Hightower, that will pedal longer distances better and give up very little descending.
Awesome awsome review gonna help c deciding...and again awsome
Thanks for watching, glad you found it helpful
I'd like to see a comparison of the megatower, SB150 and the Enduro
Awesome comparison!
Thanks for watching!
Hi ! Excellent review as always! I ride an Instinct BC Edition 2018. Does the Megatower climb as well or better? What would be your comment comparing the two bikes?
Thanks for watching. The RM climbs better for sure and I would say in general trail riding it also wins out. The MT descends far better and is a better built bike overall. Don’t get me wrong, I like RM, but Santa Cruz build quality and overall fit and finish is hard to beat. RM is cheaper overall but you already own that one.
another great video
Thanks for watching
Nice video, both dream bikes for me, I think I would choose the Megatower tho 🤷♂️
Can’t go wrong with either!
Should do one of these for yeti sb130 and normal Hightower
I plan on that later this year when the new HT is released. Thanks for watching!
You have more info on the new hightower😏
Honestly I think the 130 would compare more to the mega tower. It was more than capable at Northstar bike park last year. I would not take the Hightower if I had other options.
Awesome review! I’m currently looking at a megatower but I’m in between their suggested sizes in their size chairs. I’m also 6’1 with a 33” inseam and just under a 6’4 wingspan. That being said, would you suggest me riding the xl megatower?
Try and demo both if you can. I would upsize in your situation but always best to throw a leg over to confirm if possible.
Another good review! SC ftw!
Cheers thanks for watching
Great video, cheers
Thanks for watching
How would you say the Ibis Ripmo compared against these two in the 3 disciplines (climb, flat and downhill) that you tested. I am guessing will be quite similar? Thanks
I consider the Ripmo to be in a different class. While it is a bike that can be used for Enduro which is clear, these bikes are designed solely around Enduro. The Ripmo is more inline with say the Hightower or SB130, comparing brand to brand. But between these two specific bikes the Ripmo to me would score better on climbing and trail riding but doesn’t compete in the downhill area.
it will be an interesting comparison if you're able to demo/test the new Slayer. the few reviews out there give it a much bigger sweet spot than it might seem, and has a steep setting that is less extreme geo wise than either of these bikes, then goes well the other way as desired.
I would like too. It is a really big bike for around here. My local dealer is unlikely to have one on demo. Trying to get my hands on one from another dealer on the island here.
having ridden both bike at whistler bike park they are both very capable and can handle anything you throw at it. However the yeti definitely allows the rider to accelerate out of corners and on the flats whereas the megatower felt a bit more sluggish.
Thanks for watching and the additional feedback.
I appreciate this comparison, as these are two of the 3 bikes I'm considering. Thanks for providing your honest opinions! However, I do wonder about how the different build kit levels may have affected your impressions, especially regarding climbing. The SB150 (which is your personal bike, if I'm not mistaken) is a very high-level build with the Turq series frame, carbon handlebar, Fox Factory-level suspension, and carbon wheels. The Megatower is a lower-level build with their 'C' carbon, entry-level Fox Performance fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Select + shock, aluminum wheels and bar, etc. These differences amount to several thousand dollars difference. Do you think the vastly different quality of components (not to mention the associated weight difference) could have influenced your impressions? This is something I struggle with when watching review videos in general - and it's even a problem when demoing from shops. You can't always demo the version of the bike you would be buying, so it can be hard to know for sure what you'll be getting! Anyway, thanks again for the review. \m/
I do t think it will effect it to a great deal. Yes certain parts are lighter, or have more adjustability, however I know that going in and so I try and look at it from a more full package point of view. Meaning what is the whole bike feeling like. So in this instance I can confidently say the X2 shock I have doesn’t do the SB150 any favours in climbing and that comes down to the SI link and how it works. And both of these bikes were and absolute blast to ride.
@@IslandBikeLife Fair enough. I'm excited to ride them both and see how they do on my super techy trails in Colorado. Thanks again for the review!
Carbon wheels take you from Earth to Alpha Centauri
I just bought the SB150 XX1 and was able to take it to Sea Otter Classic. I like your reviews 👍🏻👍🏻 I have the Santa Cruz Hightower. I don’t like SC changing colors every year, plus the internal cable routing of the Yeti is a lot cleaner than SC
Awesome and thanks for watching
Thats one thing that got me with santa cruz, ever since they where sold out they are throwing bikes out at an insane rate.
Hello how will you rank this bike in front of the scott ransom ??
Thaaanks
A lot of riders I've read have posted that Scott bikes tend to be a little flexxy compared to Yeti or Santa Cruz.
What do you mean by engaging ride by the Megatower? Does it means it got more of a playfull style (poppy) and the SB150 is more stable in big rocks? And for chairlift days, what would you pick for some techlines mixed with some jumps?
Yes exactly that. I found the MT felt more connected to the trail in that I had to do more on my ride vs the 150 that just crushed over everything. For lift days I guess it depends what ride you want, both would be very good.
Very nice review...
Cheers, thanks for watching
What's the brand of hardtail teal one behind you? 2nd one from left?
That was a Chromag Monk
good review
Thanks for watching
I love in Santa Cruz and the YETI IS THE DRUG OF CHOICE. SO MUCH MORE NIMBLE AND IT CLIMBS INSANELY AWESOME!!!!
NOT TO MENTION ALL I EVER SEE IS SANTA CRUZ AND MAXXIS. THAT MAY SAY SOMETHING BUT I LIKE THE FACT THAT YOU REALLY DONT SEE TOO MANY YETI'S AND THAT MAKES ALL THE MORE SPECIAL. VITTORIA TIRES ROCK TOO!!!!
AGARRO AND BARZO.
SO.... MY YETI IS RATHER SPECIAL!!!!! NOT MAINSTREAM.
I LOVE THAT!!!!
Im getting a mega tower next week, what frame size can you suggest? My height is 5’9
I would likely go with a Large.
what about a Devinci Spartan 29 review in the future?
I am working on setting that up!
how do the 2 bikes corner and which one is better ?
They both corner very well, it comes down to the rider. Can’t go wrong either way.
What size stem you run on your sb150?
It is a 40mm stem
Where did these prices come from? Right on the SC site, XX1 AXS CC build, is showing $10,499
Switch to Canadian pricing.
@@IslandBikeLife Ah. Wow, I didn't realize the exchange rate was that bad.
Yeah buddy it is insane.
@@IslandBikeLife That was my fault for just assuming the price was USD, so, all on me!
Lovely bikes, they have their place. I’ll take a YT and spend the change on another great bike 😬
I would really like to check out a YT. They have great value that’s for sure!
As a bike mechanic I will never own a yeti they are a pain to work on and the location of the switch infinity link is prime for a lot of dirt and mud build up with very little access for cleaning and maintenance.
The older frames were very easy to get into and clean up. The new frames require you to take out the main pivot which is a bit of a pain. However, I just did my wife’s SB5 that is 2.5 years old and the SI link is like new. Bearings are smooth and zero wear on the stanchions through the PNW weather so I don’t agree with the whole maintenance concern people have. Yeah it is marginally more than other bikes but not by much.
Yeah, but don't you *love* their press fit bottom bracket?
The same can be said about the megatower lower suspension setup, it is a mud magnet, and hard to see the amount of sag when setting up !!
@@TheAllEngineering This is true but it's a far less complex and more robust system, I have worked on a fair amount of both and the Yeti is far more work to keep running smooth, I've see broken Switch infinity mounts to rear triangle play leading to poor shifting and excessive cassette wear. They ride really nice but it's like dating a supermodel or owning a ferrari, be prepared to spend a lot of time taking care of it and it's going to be in the shop a fair amount.
@@paradox963 That's why I ride a long travel slack hardtail with + tires, its like a UFC fighter it can take a hammering and keep going and its up for a brawl !!
DW link 170/170mm *Pivot Firebird* against Switch Infinity 165/180mm *Yeti SB165* comparison ride?
I have access to the Pivot however the new SB165 is a bit of a hard sell around here. I am looking into a demo for it and it is on the planned list if I can make it happen.
@@IslandBikeLife I'm a thin millimeter away from buying one, a frame, then building it. I'll go 180mm front - like the Yeti
I think if the megatower had a fox x2 shock like the yeti they may be closer as far as the bump eating capabilities as the negative air volume on the x2 is quite a bit higher than the super deluxe. Just something I’ve experienced on a few bikes. The air spring does make a massive difference to how a bike feels and reacts. Anyone that’s upgraded their super deluxe with a meg neg air can will know exactly what I mean. Great review otherwise!
Good point for sure
how does the firebird 29 stack up having rode all 3?
Oh that’s a tough one. I would put it as a bigger more rugged bike compared to these. It is just. A beast of a bike. Both of those pedal m better I found. Descending are all pretty close, Firebird 29 is pretty much a smasher, just point and go. The same can be said for these but To a lesser degree.
@@IslandBikeLife im heading to nanaimo tomorrow for a job interview, where would you recommend should i ride? I'm not intimidated by much, intermediate/advanced
South Benson area for sure. Pick any line, they are all awesome. If you want the more advanced stuff stay off Gatekeeper, great trail but not as high speed etc.
How tall are you? Just want to know for sizing
6’1” approximately.
He didnt mention yeti using a pressfit BB and the switch infinity which needs service from time 2 time
Yup. And neither are a major deal breaker. The SI service takes about the same amount of time as it takes to service the VPP links. And who cares about PF BB, if installed correctly they last a very long time.
@@IslandBikeLife some prefer threaded BB though and it sometimes is even a buy or non-buy decision!
Then those people are ridiculous.
PF is excellent when manufactured properly. I have three PF mountain bikes, all great - Pivot, Santa Cruz, and generic chinese.
Santa cruz the best bike 😍 the warranty is unique...
Thanks for watching!
Love my 150. It was f****** expensive, but I use it for Enduro racing and trail riding. Super adjustable if you go for the x2 and factory 36. Climbs incredibly well for a 31.5lb bike. Descends like a bat out of hell. Stable and poppy for suck a planted bike. Haven’t tried the megatower it’s probably sick.
Stupid expensive. Felt a little bit sick when I got mine, so much money. But worth it in the end, such a fun bike!
Island Bike Life I Actually felt a little sick also. I have set a ton of PRs on the dh though. At least we can ride as good as Richie Rude now!
Sb 150 it can be better the megatower. 150 claiming is better then megatower. Downhill megatower is better. If sb150 want to be better then megatower I know what they have to do but Im not going to said what Sb 150 they need to do. I have a megatower and for me megatower is better for jumping down hill. Before I tested sb 150 and megatower. And I saw want it can be better to be sb 150 and makeit better then megatower. So far megatower is best 👌
I tried the Sb on Saturday, urrrgghhh what a horrible bike , the climb with the switch technology but the Bike is painfully slow on all terrain, it’s so slow sluggish, the Megatower is MUCH MUCH BETTER,
Glad you found one you like!
How much???? That’s a lot of bread , yeh i know there top end stuff but f me that’s a lot
@Bad Larry That's the way it is with these super bikes.. Buy once cry once!
Yeti
Neither
US bikes are expensive, German carbon bikes are only 4-5k with the same groupset
YETI!!!
It is a pretty damn good bike! Thanks for watching
I'll take my s-works enduro 29.
Sick bike! Enjoy!
Me too
Funny how people talk about fancy patented suspensions when the Enduro is just Horst and is a great bike.
@@justinwbohner I can't fault it so far haha
SB150 is an ENDURO bike? Then what is my NOMAD?
Same thing.
A 27.5” enduro bike (?)
So, things you might want to consider in this video. When you say the VPP on this takes "tinkering" to dial in, its not the vpp, its the lousy RS shock they keep spec-ing the bike with. That RS rear shock is egregious. Those who have switched out that rear shock with a FOX X2 says it makes the bike totally different. I have not tried it to verify. The large Megatower is so much closer in geometry than the XL. Frame on the Megatower is going to be MSRP $3,299 and the SB150 is $3,800.
I would have to disagree with you on climbing, the Ripmo climbs better than the SB150 in this category and they are pretty close in geo. But I suspect, it was obvious, you are one of those Yeti "tribalists" with presuppositions they are the best. I'm not either way on either brand. I would agree SB150 climbs better but I think the Mega does better down hill. The mega seems to be built so much better and might be why its heavier than the sb150.
Megat can accept up-to 2.6 tires where as the SB150 cannot. Many are complaining of the flexy rear triangles on the SB150 running 2.35 or 2.4 tires and bad tire rub in the rear triangle. The questionable QC has not been fixed as many are still complaining about cracked frames. SC does have a reputation of brick shithouse frames that have a lifetime warranty with at 24-48 turnaround. "Perceived goodness" to warranty, is not perceived. I have friends that have dealt with SC and they quickly took care of them.
It's not perceived. However, I have friends who have had 1-3 month turnarounds with Yeti, attempting to get Yeti to stand behind their product. Best warranty and turnaround is Santa Cruz, Ibis and Pivot. These have a good reputation and Yeti has developed a bad reputation. The quiver killer for Yeti is the SB130, sick, sick bike!!! But the quality is atrocious!
Thanks for your very lengthy reply. Very good point on the rear shock setup and you are correct in that every time I have had an issue with it being difficult to get correct it has always been with the OEM spec'd RS shock, so it very well could be exactly that, I haven't tried personally myself either so can't comment definitively. My pricing is based of CAD which can very and is not set the same between SC and Yeti as SC had fixed CAD pricing where as Yeti fluctuates to a degree.
The Ripmo does climb better than the SB150, I don't think I said it does not anywhere. I am not comparing it to the Ripmo so I am not sure of the point here, agains the MT the SB150 climbs better. I am not a tribalist, in fact I find the whole Yeti tribe thing foolish. I like the way the bike feels its that simple and have not problem telling people the things I like and dislike about it and recognize clearly other brands that surpass Yeti in certain areas. The thing I like most about Yeti is the pedal platform of the SI Link.
MT can except plus size tires, so plus one there I suppose, I run a WT DHR2 in the rear of my SB150 and have had zero rub on the drive side so I don't know what to tell you. Some people have, just like some people have had frame issues. I can only speak from personal experience and not internet rumours or message board rantings and I can say out of all the bikes sold between two local dealers only one, an SB130, has had an issues, and that specific issue has been incorrect bushings in the shock.
I made it clear of my opinion on the SC warranty and state clearly it is likely the best in the business. I have had warranty issues with both SC and Yeti in the past 2 years and can say from personal experience they both treated me extremely well and both in a very timely fashion.
I suspect based purely on your responses here that you are on the mtbr forums and who you are over there. Either way, I appreciate your feedback even though I do not personally agree with all your positions or views on Yeti as a brand, as a whole. But thank you for watching anyways, cheers.
@@IslandBikeLife Sorry for the "lengthy reply." As for the prices, I did not know frame options in Canada were the prices you listed. I don't remember you indicating that was canadian prices. In America, the MegaT is $3,200 and Yeti $3,800.
Also, you admit the Ripmo climbs better in your response but in your video you said at 4:36 "the SB150 can't be matched in this enduro bike category." That statement includes ALL bikes in that category, so yes you said it. You said the SB150 "it works better than any other bike that I've pedaled to date, I can say that without question." So you either contradicted yourself because you responded "The Ripmo does climb bertter than the SB150...," or you have never ridden the Ripmo based on your video.
Further, your suspicions are incorrect about who I am or the mtbr forums. Not sure what led you to conclude these assumptions. Anyhow, my responses were pointing out what I saw was wrong in your video. You can't make blanket statements that the sb150 is the best pedaling bike in that category when it is not, the Ripmo is.
Also, friends I know here in the south where I live have cracked their Yeti's and have had terrible interaction with warranty. From a month to 3 months times. That is terrible because here in Brevard (dupont), we can pretty much ride year round and to be out of a ride for weeks gets old fast. Here in Brevard or going to Knoxville a typical bike rental is easily $90 bucks!
You might be running a WT DHR in your SB150, but what size (2.5 or 2.4)? Be honest now. My friend got a new rear triangle from Yeti and he put at 2.4 Agressor in back and clearance is so tight that if he rides in mud forget it. His new triangle is not rubbing but the tire clearance is still not very good.
One last thing, re: SC warranty, you never "state clearly it is likely the best in the business." at 11:50, all you said about Santa Cruz is "their perceived goodness when it comes to their warranty." That is highly suspect flirting with the idea that their warranty is perceived but not really the reality.
I did not consider the Ripmo to be in the same category as a purpose built race bike. I consider it (RipMo) to be more inline with the SB130. As for the warranty I think I state that clearly in the stand alone video for the MT. Feel free to check that out also if you are interested. That’s unfortunate for your friends with their cracked frames and turn around time, clearly you have some experiences that differ just like with all brands. Anyway, thanks again for your comments.
Can vouch - the X2 turned my Nomad 4 into an entirely different bike over the RSSD. Best upgrade you can make to a lower link VPP.
@ZR1KOH Think you are reading into it a bit to much.. Ya there have been a few rub issues but it is over blown.. I'm also rocking a 2.4 on the rear of my 130 and I have also had zero rub.. Quality is top notch.. Hands down best bike I've ridden and I've ridden many!
Pricing is wrong the megatower frame only is 3299$ usd
Yes, and Yeti is $3,800 frame option. Both frame prices were wrong on his video.
Canadian dollar pricing not USD.
Yeti 100%
Thanks for watching!
SB150 is an ENDURO bike? Then what is my NOMAD?