Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame

The Mega 290 Carbon Frame from Nukeproof has been redesigned for 2021 to offer improved suspension kinematics and optimised sizing/fit on a brand new full-carbon chassis. For nearly a decade, the Mega has been Nukeproof bestselling model and is has been racking up awards on Enduro stages and in the press around the world. This latest evolution rolls upon 29” wheels and features a high-quality carbon construction with ISCG05 chain guide tabs, internal cable routing, a Fox Float X2 Factory Kashima coated rear shock and Boost 148mm rear dropout spacing.

The Nukeproof Mega: an “enduro bike” that was ahead of its time. Originally developed and later named after the race it was designed for on the infamous trails of Alp D’Huez - the Megavalanche.

Multiple Enduro World Series (EWS) Victories

To date the Mega platform is one of the most highly decorated race bikes on the market: with 2017, 2018 (x2) and 2019 Enduro World Series Titles; a Downhill World Championship top 10 and a Silver Medal at the 4x World Championship to its name. (As well as a host of other national and international victories and titles!)

Refined and Optimised for World-Class Performance

Since 2009 the Nukeproof Mega has been a constant path of development to meet the evolving demands of Nukeproof's riders and customers alike. Their team are relentlessly striving for improvements and with each generation, the Mega has been chiselled and shaped into today’s thoroughbred Enduro race bike. With the launch of the 2020 Carbon Mega 290c, you could forgive Nukeproof designers for resting on their laurels. However, as Nukeproof products are developed between the tapes, there is a constant desire to hone and refine in order to give their athletes and riders the best possible chance of standing on top of the podium.

High-Quality Carbon Construction:

To optimise the weight, strength and stiffness, the new Mega Carbon frame features a T700/800 UD woven carbon fibre frameset (Front and rear Triangle). The new carbon swingarms help reduce the unsprung weight on the rear of the bike. It is available for 27.5” or 29” wheel sizes. These are two totally different, compromise-free frames that were designed and developed at the same time. Each frame is simply tailored around each wheel size so that you can get the most out of every ride.

Updated Sizing/Geometry:

Whilst humans may not have changed size much in recent years; the bikes they choose to ride most certainly have. To ensure a perfectly dialled fit, Nukeproof now offers 5 frames sizes: Small through to XX-Large with evenly spaced jumps between each.

Lower, longer, steeper and slacker! Nukeproof's new geometry is now designed around the saddle offset for each size to optimise seated weight distribution. This results in steeper seat angles across the board but especially on larger sizes for taller riders. This in turn results in longer reach figures to ensure a comfortable cockpit on each size. To further aid the perfect fit they have also used shorter seat tubes which are designed to maximise seat post insertion depths. Finally, all new Mega bikes are now designed to use short offset forks to further improve both climbing and descending capabilities.

Suspension Design:

To step-change the Mega’s suspension design, Nukeproof went back to the drawing board and started afresh. They redesigned the Mega 4 bar horst linkage to be super supple over small bumps, progressive and supportive throughout the mid stoke for support when pedalling, cornering and pumping, with increased end stroke leverage to allow more tuning options with volume spacers. The new kinematic is designed to have higher levels of anti-squat for climbing gears but this reduces as you drop down the cassette. The result is a bike that is more confidence-inspiring everywhere on the hill. It behaves itself on the climbs; yet can still be thrashed through the roughest and most technical terrain on the way back down.

Features:

Frame: Nukeproof Mega V4 290 Carbon, 160mm Travel, ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre frame
internally piped cable routing
ISCG05 mount
Enduro Bearings
Threaded 73mm BB
Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
3D contoured Rubber frame protection
Factory fitted clear paint protection kit covering TT/DT/CS/SS
Shock: Fox Float X2, Factory Series, Kashima, EVOL, 2 Position lever, Custom CL, RM, Rezi CM tune, 230x65mm, Bearing End, 2x 0.3 spacer fitted. (SHORT ID: D7JJ)
Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS

Key Specification:

Material: Ultra Strong T700/800 Monocoque Carbon Fibre
Fork Travel: 170mm
Axle to Crown: 582mm
Fork Offset: 42mm
Rear Travel: 160mm
Wheels Size: 29"
Max Tyre Size: 2.6"
Recommended Shock Sag (Measured seated): 30%
Shock Size: 230x62.5mm
Shock Hardware F: 25x8mm
Shock Hardware R: 30x8mm
Sizing: S/M/L/XL/XXL
Headtube: 44-56mm Tapered Semi-Integrated
Headset: ZS44-28.6 - T2 / ZS56/40 - B8
Bearings Required: 4x F6802 LLU MAX, 4x 6902 LLU MAX, 2x F6902 LLU MAX-EA
Seatpost: 31.6mm (Internal Routing for Dropper Seatpost)
Seat Clamp: 36.4mm
BB: Threaded 73mm BSA
Rear Hub: Boost 148x12mm
Rear Axle: SRAM UDH Maxle Stealth M12x1.0 180mm (Thread Length 13mm)
Chain Guide: ISCG05
Brake Mount: 180mm Direct Post
Protection: 3D Contoured Rubber Frame Protection for DT/SS/CS