It's been said that evolution improves the breed and when it comes to big hit 29-inch bikes, the all-new Megatower Carbon CC X01 Eagle Air Reserve Complete Bike from Santa Cruz might have hit the genetic jackpot. While the brand is quick to point out that it's not a complete replacement for the Hightower LT, it does represent a project that's built solely for stopping enduro clocks a tad faster and providing the most aggressive riders with and brawler of a big wheel bike. If you prefer a nimbler bike or ride tamer tails, we'd suggest still looking at the LT. Enduro racers or those wanting the most modern, up-to-date geometry and have the speed to exploit it, your new bike has arrived. Our portfolio of bikes reveals so many great mountain bikes from various brands and pretty much all of them have a heavy-hitting 29er in their arsenal and for good reason. Wagon wheels simply carry more speed in almost every riding situation and with modern geometry, these bikes are free to exploit their high-speed stability through the chunder, while remaining agile and nimble, comfortable in the air, while still climbing with authority. If that sounds like a good recipe for an enduro race bike, you'd be exactly right and that's exactly where the Megatower positions itself. With some of the longest reach numbers, steepest seat tube angles, and longer wheelbases we've seen come out of the firm's headquarters, this is one progressive 29er and one that likes to get rowdy. While the LT might have been a quick fix to get its sponsored riders competitive in enduro races, the Megatower started life as an enduro weapon built from the get-go as a purpose-built machine to address the needs of the modern enduro racer and big hit trail rider. Part of this has to do with its transition to a lower-link driven VPP design like the one found on the Nomad, Bronson, and V10. Besides it generous 160mm of rear travel, the lower-link VPP allows for a more linear suspension curve for increased sensitiv...