What is the LLS treatment? Long, Low, and Slack had to be abbreviated at some point, since it’s as compulsory on new frame designs as a BB and HTA measurement. The newly redesigned Nukeproof Mega receives all of those adjectives, in five frame sizes, made of carbon or aluminum, with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. That’s a load of options, and each of them can be purchased as a frame or with a number of distinct component builds. All of the updated bikes have a 160mm rear axle path and 170mm of travel up front, regardless of wheel size.
This fourth iteration of the Nukeproof Mega 275 kicks back with a 64° headtube angle and a long, 460mm reach on the size medium, while the stubby 435mm chain stays spread that medium frame into a 1224mm wheelbase. The steep 77.5° seat tube angle on sizes small to medium clicks up to 78° on the large to XXL bikes. Nukeproof maximized dropper post insertion to allow riders to choose their frame size based on reach rather than seat tube length. Maximum post insertion on a medium alloy frame is 245mm, while the size medium carbon 27.5″ bike drops to 250mm.
The reach measurements on the V4 Mega 290 are slightly shorter, at 455mm, and the BB is 5mm lower. Seat tube insertion, seat tube angle, and head tube angles are identical between the wheel sizes, and the 29er has longer 440mm chainstays to span a 1222mm wheelbase with a 42mm fork offset. These numbers might hint to an identical front triangle between the Mega 290 and 275, but Nukeproof says that the two wheel sizes use completely different molds to forego any compromises.
The Mega 275 and 290 carbon frames have cable and hose guides to ease maintenance, while alloy frame owners still get to hunt for the cable ends with flashlights and dental instruments. Each of the Mega frames also uses a 73mm external bottom bracket to keep maintenance at home. All of the bikes have chain stay and down tube protection to silence the ride, and carbon frames come stock with a full wrap of clear paint protection to maintain that shiny complexion. For folks who like to hydrate without a sweaty backpack, even the smallest Mega can now fit a water bottle.
The suspension progression on the V4 Mega models is decreased to 17% from the previous 22%, so riders who like coil shocks might want to search for the 2019 bike. Nukeproof says that lower progressivity makes the bike’s suspension more tunable, with a less regressive initial curve to improve small bump compliance. The new bikes also have higher anti-squat; Nukeproof says “low anti-squat but good mid-stroke support is a winning combo for climbing traction. However, we believe that anti-squat should never prevent the suspension from working well over rough terrain.”
To achieve this, the engineers designed a linkage that allows the anti-squat to drop off further in the travel, maintaining small bump sensitivity throughout the stroke. Finally, the V4 bikes have lower anti-rise values that the brand says will make the rear of the bike more active under heavy braking. “We wanted a balanced amount of anti-rise that tails off for bigger hits. This allows some squat when braking hard into a corner to maintain rider position whilst still offering a good amount of pressure through the tire, into the ground ensuring traction under hard braking.”
Mega 290 and 275 alloy frames sell for $1,799.99 (€2,099) while carbon triangles go for $2,499.99 (€2,999.99). There are two alloy build options and three complete carbon bikes. The base alloy Mega Comp build retails for $2699.99 (€3149.99) with a RockShox Yari fork and Super Deluxe select R shock, Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and four-piston brakes, and a proper set of Michelin Wild Enduro tires. The alloy Mega Pro build swaps the Yari for a Lyric fork and Super Deluxe RT shock, a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, Guide RE brakes, and the same Sam Hill signature finishing kit and Brand X dropper as the Comp build. The Pro alloy build comes in at $3,399 (€3,999.99).
The carbon bikes are separated by their drivetrains and suspension as well, with the RS model covered in a SRAM X01 drivetrain and Code RSC brakes with a Zeb Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock for $5,499.99 (€6399.99). The Factory build swaps in a Fox 38 fork and X2 shock, with Shimano XT brakes and drivetrain for 4,999.99 (€5,699.99). Finally, the base carbon Elite build comes with the same Fox suspension from their black-coated Performance line and a Shimano SLX drivetrain and brake set for $3,999.99 (€4,699.99). Many build options are available for purchase online at Chain Reaction.
Head over to the Nukeproof site for additional details or check Chain Reaction for pricing.
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