2018 Nukeproof Mega 275 Carbon Factory Bike

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Fun fact: The original Nukeproof Mega was developed in 2009 to tackle the truly demanding Megavalanche race, and every new version since has been proven on the same world-famous glacier starts while bashing bars alongside hundreds of riders for miles on end.

Nukeproof kicked things up a notch with their new fourth generation design, the company's first carbon bike, when Sam Hill decided he was going to race the Enduro World Series. Considering Sam recently rode his new Mega Carbon to a 6th place finish at the UCI Downhill World Championship, crushed the entire EWS field by 17 seconds on the Top of the World to Ride Don't Slide stage at Crankworx Whistler, and is currently leading the EWS coming into the final round, it's safe to say this fresh ride is capable of absolutely hauling.

Riding an aluminum prototype, Sam secured a 4th place finish at the Rotorua EWS, a 3rd in Tasmania, and a solid 5th in Madeira. For a time it seemed like getting him over his hesitations about carbon would be a big task, but the new bike spoke for itself during an early test session. By choice, he's been on the bike since May.

Listen in as we explore how it came to be in this Vital MTB video:

Mega 275c Highlights

• 27.5-inch wheels
• 165mm (6.5-inches) rear travel // 170mm (6.7-inches) front travel
• Monocoque carbon fiber chassis
• Aluminum stays
• Updated geometry
• Custom tuned Metric rear shock
• Air and coil shock compatible
• Internal cable routing
• Threaded bottom bracket
• Boost 12x148mm rear axle spacing
• Dedicated 1X drivetrain design
• 3D contoured frame protection
• Available now

We were told the Mega Carbon has been in development for four years, and, aside from the obvious change in materials, the number of small improvements the frame features is impressive. It's Nukeproof's strongest Mega frame yet, and it's also the lightest after losing 320 grams (0.7-pounds) over its aluminum counterpart.

The goal wasn’t to make just another carbon bike. It was to engineer the fastest machine possible, capable of carrying Sam Hill to EWS glory and a bike true to our DNA, attitude, and fit for the Nukeproof customer.

They've made big stiffness gains by moving to the new Boost 12x148mm axle standard and deciding to make it a dedicated 1X drivetrain design, both of which allowed them to widen the main pivot considerably. "This additional stiffness," they say, "prevents torsional flex under pedaling and helps the chassis track through high speed, rough terrain without compromise." Nukeproof is now also able to spec stiffer and stronger wheels both front and rear.

Suspension duties are now handled by shocks adhering to the new Metric sizing, and builds with the RockShox Super Deluxe rear shock take advantage of the bearing mount system for added terrain sensitivity.

The bike's smooth lines are complemented by cleanly routed internal cables, and a removable window insert helps make the routing process easier.

The aluminum bike receives all the updates the carbon version has, and the results speak for themselves. The new Mega is podium proven in both aluminum and carbon.

Geometry

On the geometry side of things, Nukeproof bumped up head tube lengths to "help tailor the cockpit feel to increase rider confidence, and a lengthened front center on large and XL frames should help even the tallest of riders feel at home on the new Mega. All frames have had their geometry altered to take advantage of 170mm forks with longer rear travel (up from 160mm) to make the new Mega even harder hitting."

Interestingly, the size medium bike saw no size modifications as they didn't want to change things on Sam, who was already confident with the way the bike rode.

Initial Impressions

So how does a bike developed with one of the fastest men in history ride? We had a brief opportunity to throw a leg over the new Mega during Crankworx Whistler to find out.

In short, Nukeproof’s new Mega Carbon is a very well put together machine, and we found it remarkably easy to hop on and rally. Underneath you nothing feels odd at all ‑ even in some truly chattery conditions you never get any weird stepping out sensations, you never feel as though anything is loose, and it all feels like a nice, refined, secure machine.

We particularly liked the suspension action through rough stuff. It did quite well at keeping composed and controlled while at the same time having plenty of bottom-out support and allowing the rear wheel to get up and out of the way without much fuss. Paired with a 170mm travel fork up front, rarely did we feel in over our heads on a variety of Whistler trails from big jump lines to some of the rowdier natural trails in the park.

It has a bit of that DH influence in it, albeit with a little less in reserve and a lot less weight. Though it jumped decently well, it’s not the poppiest machine out there. It felt as though its focus is carrying speed through the rough, which was a definite takeaway. It maintained its composure well at all times.

Pricing & Build Kits

The Mega 275c is offered as two complete bikes or a frame/shock kit for £2,200 // $2,450 US // €2,100.

What's The Bottom Line?

Chatting with Nukeproof's Global Marketing Manager, Rob Sherratt, he said, "we make bikes that we want to ride." Not only is it race-proven under one of the world's best, but it's also a very fun and shred-worthy ride for those that don't have Sam Hill's super powers.

Considering the improved ride qualities, weight loss, numerous feature additions, matured design, and attention to detail, we can confidently say the new Mega Carbon is an excellent improvement over the previous design and a serious contender among longer travel enduro bikes. Add in the fact that Nukeproof is able to offer competitive pricing and you've got a very appealing package.

The Mega Carbon is available now. Visit www.nukeproof.com for more details.

About The Tester

Brandon Turman - Age: 31 // Years Riding MTB: 16 // Height: 5'10" (1.78m) // Weight: 175-pounds (79.4kg)

"I like to have fun, pop off the bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when I feel in tune with a bike, and really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill." Formerly a Mechanical Engineer and Pro downhill racer, Brandon brings a unique perspective to the testing game as Vital MTB's resident product guy. He has on-trail familiarity with nearly every new innovation in our sport from the past several years and a really good feel for what’s what.

Video by Vince Smith // Photos by Ali Beckett, Kelan Grant, and Fraser Britton