You can finally get the enduro bike that Sam Hill rides
The fourth generation 2018 Nukeproof Mega range sees the enduro bike transform into something even more refined and race-ready than ever.
>>> Nukeproof Mega 275 team (2016) review
2018 Nukeproof Mega 275 RS Carbon
2018 Nukeproof Mega models
- Mega 275 RS Carbon £4,599.99
- Mega 275 Factory Carbon £4,199.99
- Mega 275 Pro Alloy £3,349.99
- Mega 275 Comp £2,399.99
- Mega 290 Factory Alloy £3,799.99
- Mega 290 Pro Alloy £3,349.99
- Mega 290 Comp £2,399.99
C = carbon
The headline news is the new carbon Mega 275.
Available in two builds and as a frameset (£2,199.99). The Nukeproof carbon crew have taken what they’ve learned from their Warhead carbon handlebars and run with it.
“Significantly lighter” than the alloy Megas (320g is the claimed weight saving) with no strength or stiffness qualms.
Longer reach
What’s changed about the Mega range in general? There have been no huge wholesale changes to the geometry*, the Mega has been pretty dialled on that front for years, but there have been a lot of significant changes to how its all put together.
(*except that the reach has grown 10-35mm)
5mm longer head tube to bring up the cockpit height without having to resort to high rise bars. In a related move, the fork travel has been bumped up a bit (170mm on 275 Megas and 160mm on the 290 Megas) and the rear travel on the Mega 275 is now 165mm.
1x specific. This move has enabled the designers to beef up the main pivot and pivot area.
There shock now attaches via a bearing in rocker linkage (as opposed to a bushing). The result is increased sensitivity and less wear and tear.
The rear shocks are also now Metric. And all the shocks are a bit higher spec than on previous Megas and all are custom tuned to Nukeproof. The suspension layout will work equally fine with air shocks or coil shocks.
Boost spacing. Threaded BB. Stealth dropper routing all round. Internal cable/hose routing on the carbon Mega.
Wider bars. Taller head tube.
Spec-wise: wider bars as standard, longer drop posts, better quality paint/finish, less garish graphics and a focus on proper decent tyres.
2018 Nukeproof Mega 275 geometry
2018 Nukeproof Mega 290 geometry
2018 Nukeproof Mega 275 specs
2018 Nukeproof Mega 290 specs
Some pics of Sam Hill because he is a legend
This year’s EWS champ?
2017 Cairns DH World Champs
One of Sam’s early prototypes
All in all it looks like an impressive move of consolidation and refinement. A bike worthy of a legend and capable of winning any enduro out there.
We’re looking forward to slinging our collective leg over them.