The 2018 Nukeproof Mega 290 is the most recent adaptation to the 29” segment of their range. with the previous bike being a two year Dirt 100 pick there is no doubting this bike’s credentials.
Nukeproof have had some serious success with the 650b Mega in the hands of Sam Hill after he won the 2017 overall EWS title. The brand is on the up and, with a new revision of the Mega 290, it’s all to play for.
Some of the key changes for the new bike come from the chassis, with the addition of ‘single ring only’ upfront (1x transmission) across all models. This allows Nukeproof to utilise the space required for a front derailleur to increase the width of the main pivot bearing placement ensuring greater stiffness.
Fox dampers as an original equipment specification have also been a major part of the 2018 range, with the top models having a 36 Factory fork and X2 float unit at the rear. This will expand the market to the customers that are loyal to these brands having the choice of either Fox or RockShox on the suspension platform.
With four frame sizes on offer from small to extra large all of the bases have really been covered. The extra large we rode is suited for riders well over the the 6 foot mark with some serious reach numbers of 515mm.
Nukeproof also offer three build kits for the 2018 Mega 290 from the £3799 Factory build with all the bells and whistles and really is a bargain down to the affordable RockShox equipped Comp coming in at £2399. Our test bike for the Dirty Dozen review was the Factory Mega 290 with the specification below.
