Issue #034, Review - July 27, 2018

Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory Review

The Nukeproof Mega comes with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. So far, Sam Hill has been relying exclusively on the smaller wheels. After reviewing the Mega 290 Factory, we have to ask ourselves: why?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Love at first sight – 8 enduro bikes under € 4,500 in Review

**Nukeproof** Mega 290 Factory | 14.80 kg | € 3,800

One reason for Sam Hill’s decision could be that Nukeproof currently offers the Mega 290 in aluminium only. The frame is remarkably slim, almost exuding the slender flair of a steel frame – especially in the area around the top tube. Everything on the Mega 290 looks practical. The cables are routed on the outside, and the bottom bracket is threaded. In speccing the € 3,800 bike, Nukeproof opted for FOX Factory suspension and high-quality DT Swiss E1700 SPLINE wheels. We particularly like the RockShox Reverb with a full 170 mm adjustment range!

The Shimano XT brakes offer sufficient braking power, and the XT drivetrain is robust and reliable. We weren’t quite as happy with the cassette: the 11-42T option doesn’t provide a wide enough gear range. However, Nukeproof has already announced that they plan on sorting this out. The MAXXIS High Roller II convinces with good grip on dry forest trails, but in wet conditions and on loamy ground they lose grip very suddenly – albeit consistently.

The Mega 290 is extremely fast and super fun at the same time – it’s a mystery to us why Sam doesn’t ride it in the EWS.

**Helmet** POC Tectal Race | **Glasses** Oakley Jawbreaker | **Shirt** Mons Royale Icon T-Shirt | **Shorts** iXS ASPER SHORTS

The Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory in detail

Fork Fox 36 Float Factory 160 mm
Shock Fox X2 Float Factory 155 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost RockShock Reverb 170 mm
Stem Nukeproof Neutron 50 mm
Lenker Nukeproof Horizon AL 800 mm
Handlebar Maxxis Highroller II 2,3″
Wheels DT Swiss E 1700 Spline
Weight 14.80 kg
Price € 3,800

**Oldschool**
The slim tubing reminds us of a steel frame and gives the bike a unique look

**Suboptimal**
Unfortunately, a bottle cage can only be mounted on the underside of the downtube, where it is constantly exposed to mud and grime

**Sensitive**
The FOX Factory chassis is super sensitive and very defined. Excellent!

**Brilliant**
The RockShox Reverb uses the old remote lever, but it offers a full 170 mm of adjustment and can be completely inserted into the frame

**Low**
The 11-42 cassette in combination with the 32-tooth chainring in the front turns long, steep climbs into a fest of pain. Upgrading is recommended.

The geometry of the Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	570 mm	595 mm	632 mm	678 mm
Seat tube	381 mm	420 mm	458 mm	508 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	105 mm	110 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	30 mm	30 mm mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1172 mm	1197 mm	1236 mm	1283 mm
Reach	410 mm	435 mm	470 mm	515 mm

The seating position on the Nukeproof Mega 290 is spot on. Your weight is placed very centrally, and even on steep climbs you never feel like you’ve got too much weight over the back wheel. On top of that, the rear linkage remains unaffected by pedalling. The only thing holding you back on the climbs is the gearing of the 32/42 setup. If you think the Mega 290 rides like a bus because of the 450 mm long chainstays, you’re wrong. On the contrary: the balance between the wheels is perfect, giving you loads of grip through corners as well as predictable handling. Adding to the bikes agile feeling is the support offered by the rear end. It makes the bike feel dynamic and lively, and you can generate a lot of speed by pumping it through rollers and berms, yet it remains sensitive to small bumps. The only point of criticism is that it stiffens noticeably when braking. The low bottom bracket ensures that your centre of gravity is low on the bike. However, when pedalling in technical terrain, you’ve got to be careful not to snag the pedals. The long front triangle gives you a lot of room to throw your weight around, which supercharges confidence in steep, high-speed terrain. In combination with the potent rear end, the bike feels very composed and stable, and even the toughest tracks start to look effortless.

Tuningtips:
– Install Shimano 11-46 cassette
– Replace front tyre with Minion DHR II

Conclusion

The Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory convinced all of our test riders. Its long geometry ensures calm, predictable handling. It provides a perfect mix of agility and stability and scores with its excellent suspension and a sensible choice of components. Despite a small issue with the drivetrain, the Mega 290 secures our Best Value tip! If you’re shopping for a bike with a unique look as well as outstanding handling at a fair price, this is it!