Nukeproof Mega 290 RS 2021 in review – developed on the race track

The Nukeproof Mega 290 RS 2021 is the latest incarnation of one of the most highly decorated enduro bikes the sport has ever seen – the previous model has three elite EWS titles under its belt… It’s safe to say the new Mega 290 has a lot to live up to! Read on for everything you need to know about this exciting bike!

The Nukeproof Mega platform has been synonymous with bombproof performance since its launch in 2011. Over the years, it has become a household name in the world of enduro racing, emerging more refined with each update. Last year, the carbon Mega 290c was launched, however, its successful career was relatively short-lived as Nukeproof have now released the all-new Mega with an updated frame, suspension kinematic and geometry.

The new 2021 Nukeproof Mega in detail

The new 2021 Nukeproof Mega is available in more configurations and sizes than ever before. Both 29” and 27.5” models are available in aluminium and carbon and come in five sizes, from S to XXL, catering for riders from 159-201 cm. Both wheel sizes are specced with a 170 mm fork up front, but their rear travel varies by 5 mm, with the bigger-wheeled Mega 290 boasting 160 mm rear travel, and the 27.5” option packing 165 mm. Five builds are available per wheel size, costing from € 3149.99 to € 6399.99.

Optically, the new Mega looks like a fusion between the pleasing lines of the previous model and the aggressive silhouette of the original Mega. In our opinion, this is the best looking Mega yet! And yes, for 2021, the Mega finally has space for a bottle cage inside its front triangle. Starting with a totally new frame design not only gave Nukeproof the opportunity to create space for a bottle cage but also allowed updates to the geometry and suspension kinematics of the Mega. Nukeproof claim to have improved both aspects for their racers and customers alike, but more on that later!

Key features of the new 2021 Nukeproof Mega at a glance

• New sizing structure: both 29” and 27.5” models are available in five sizes (S-XXL)
• Carbon and aluminium options available
• Bottle cage compatible: a full-size water bottle now fits in the front triangle
• Updated geometry and suspension kinematics
• SRAM UDH derailleur hanger: makes for easy replacement
• Enduro MAX bearings: for improved durability
• Carbon frames come with clear frame protection kit
• Pricing from € 3149.99 to € 6399.99

Nukeproof take pride in developing their products between the tape. In short, their product design is heavily influenced by their international race team. The new Mega is no exception, with many elements being directly influenced by the likes on Sam Hill, Kelan Grant and Elliot Heap. A quick glance at the spec table confirms this, as the Mega 290c RS we tested left very little to be desired in terms of race-ready spec. Fast bikes are quiet bikes and we were happy to find a substantial and effective chainstay protector included as standard on the bike. Another nice touch is the addition of a clear frame protector for all carbon builds, as well as the threaded bottom bracket and chain guide featured on all models!

The geometry of the new 2021 Nukeproof Mega

Influenced by their EWS race team, Nukeproof made the bike 0.5° slacker than the previous Mega 290, taking the head angle to 64°. The bottom bracket height of the new Mega 290 sits at 345 mm, with a 30 mm drop. The reach has grown by 5 mm, to 475 mm in size large. At the same time, the long chainstays which made its predecessor so balanced have been shrunk by 10 mm, to 440 mm across all five sizes. Nukeproof claim that the changes were made due to direct feedback from their racers, in an attempt to make the bike more agile in tight sections without compromising its overall balance and high-speed prowess. In order to compromise for the increased saddle extension of taller riders, Nukeproof steepen the seat-tube angle to 78° on sizes L to XXL, 0.5° steeper than the 77.5° angle on S and M frame sizes, thus ensuring long-legged riders have a central seating position while climbing. Nukeproof also gave the new Mega a short seat tube with enough insertion depth for long-travel dropper posts, giving riders the choice between at least two frame sizes.

The geometry of the 2021 Mega 290

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	380 mm	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Top tube	548 mm	593 mm	611 mm	633 mm	655 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	78°	78°	78°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Height	345 mm	345 mm	345 mm	345 mm	345 mm
Wheelbase	1197 mm	1222 mm	1251 mm	1275 mm	1300 mm
Reach	430 mm	455 mm	475 mm	495 mm	515 mm
Stack	621 mm	621 mm	639 mm	648 mm	657 mm

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The geometry of the 2021 Mega 275

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	380 mm	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Top tube	566 mm	593 mm	611 mm	633 mm	655 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm	150 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	78°	78°	78°
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB Height	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm
Wheelbase	1195 mm	1224 mm	1253 mm	1277 mm	1302 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	480 mm	500 mm	520 mm
Stack	591 mm	600 mm	618 mm	627 mm	636 mm

The spec of the 2021 Nukeproof Mega

For the first time, both 29” and 27.5” versions of the Mega are available in five sizes, with five models available per wheel size. Pricing starts at € 3149.99 for the aluminium Mega Comp and tops out at € 6399.99 for the flagship carbon Mega RS that we tested here. Our RS-build test bike came as standard, backing up Nukeproof “designed between the tapes” moto… This bike is ready to race out of the box! From the brilliant MICHELIN Wild Enduro tires to the top-notch RockShox suspension, strong Mavic DEEMAX Pro wheels and Sam Hill signature components, this build leaves little to be desired even for a world-class racer. The only change we would make would be to upsize the small 180 mm rear brake rotor – a bike capable of such high speeds needs maximal braking power!

All 2021 Mega models at a glance

The 2021 Mega range starts with the entry-level Comp build, retailing for €3149.99. While the RockShox Yari fork and Shimano Deore groupset aren’t worth writing home about at this price point, even the most affordable Mega benefits from MICHELIN’s excellent Wild Enduro rubber. However, we think the Mega Pro model, priced at €3999.99, is the better deal with its RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork, powerful SRAM Guide RE brakes and Nukeproof wheelset. For € 4699.99, you get the Mega Elite. Kitted out with FOX’s 36 Performance Elite fork and X2 Performance shock, as well as DT Swiss E1700 wheels and a Shimano SLX groupset, this model is a solid contender if you are after great performance at a fair price. Topping the range are the Mega Factory (€ 5699.99) and Mega RS (€ 6399.99). As its name suggests, the Factory build gets specced with FOX’s flagship suspension, the 38 Factory fork and X2 Factory shock. A Shimano XT groupset takes care of shifting and braking, and the bike rolls on a DT Swiss E1700 wheelset. As mentioned above, the RS build is comprised of an exceptional choice of components. The RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, combined with Sam Hill’s signature Mavic DEEMAX Pro wheels and MICHELIN rubber give the Mega RS traction on any terrain. The Nukeproof finishing kit looks the part and is high quality, and the SRAM Code RSC brakes and X01 drivetrain offer amazing performance, matching the bikes’ intentions perfectly.

Fork: RockShox Yari RC 170 mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select R
Brakes: Shimano Deore 4-piston
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
Seatpost: BRAND X Ascend Dropper
Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM 45 mm
Bars: Nukeproof Neutron V2
Wheels: Sun Ringle Duroc
Tires: MICHELIN Wild Enduro

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Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+ 170 mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT
Brakes: SRAM Guide RE
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
Seatpost: BRAND X Ascend Dropper
Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM 45 mm
Bars: Nukeproof Horizon V2
Wheels: Nukeproof Neutron V2
Tires: MICHELIN Wild Enduro

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Fork: FOX 36 Performance Elite 170 mm
Shock: FOX Float X2 Performance
Brakes: Shimano SLX 4-piston
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed
Seatpost: BRAND X Ascend Dropper
Stem: Nukeproof Horizon 50 mm
Bars: Nukeproof Horizon V2
Wheels: DT Swiss E1700
Tires: MICHELIN Wild Enduro

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Fork: FOX 38 Factory 170 mm
Shock: FOX Float X2 Factory
Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 12-speed
Seatpost: BikeYoke
Stem: Nukeproof Horizon 50 mm
Bars: Nukeproof Horizon V2
Wheels: DT Swiss E1700 30
Tires: MICHELIN Wild Enduro

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Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate 170 mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth w/ 1x remote
Stem: Nukeproof Horizon 50 mm
Bars: Nukeproof Horizon Carbon
Wheels: Mavic DEEMAX Pro Sam Hill
Tires: MICHELIN Wild Enduro

The 2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 RS on the trail

After the success of the previous Mega 290, we couldn’t wait to get out on the trails with the all-new version. We were sent a size M (recommended for riders up to 177 cm), which unfortunately proved a little small for our 180-185 cm tall test riders. However, we still have some detailed findings to report to you!

The Mega has always been a solid climber. While it’s no XC whippet and climbing on an enduro bike is definitely still a means to an end, the Mega makes it comfortable and painless. The steep seat angle ensures you are sat centrally between the wheels on climbs, spinning away without feeling like you’re sat over the rear wheel. The Mega climbs without at fuss, with no annoying pedal-bob while seated. When out the saddle, it accelerates nicely without feeling too sluggish. In short, the new Mega manages to build on already solid climbing ability.

While climbing on an enduro bike is a means to an end, the new Mega makes it comfortable and painless!

Despite being on a bike that was too small for us, we were still able to charge on the descents and push the bike hard on the rough trails at Bike Park Kronplatz in South Tyrol – the perfect place to test this new enduro machine! The new Mega’s suspension performs flawlessly, effortlessly pattering over small bumps and feeling unbelievably plush over smaller rocks, roots and holes. Thanks to its revised kinematics and excellent tires the grip level is high and predictable, even on wet roots. Going against the trend for ever-increasing progression, the new Mega is actually slightly less progressive than its predecessor, with 17% progression compared to 22%. This means that it uses its travel more smoothly and consistently while still allowing fast and aggressive riders to dial in more progression with volume-spacers or a MegNeg shock-upgrade. Still, the Mega offers plenty of feedback from the trail and has enough support to pop it into the air wherever you like.

The new Mega’s suspension performs flawlessly, effortlessly pattering over small bumps while still dealing with big impacts, holes and landings with ease!

Through the rough, the Mega had plenty of reserves despite its supple suspension. We always had good grip through the corners and were never scared to plough into rock gardens and rooty drops despite the bike being a size too small. While the medium size we tested did feel balanced and composed, we would have liked to have tested the 2021 Mega in the correct size (Large, according to Nukeproof’s guidelines).

Tuning tip: upsize the rear rotor to 200 mm and let it rip!

Our final thoughts on the 2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 RS

The new Nukeproof Mega is an exciting bike! Despite receiving a bike that was one size too small for us, we found the 2021 Mega 290 RS to be fast, promising and capable. It climbs even better than its predecessor, and its suspension has been taken to a whole new level! We love the uncompromising spec across the range, especially at Nukeproof’s attractive prices. While we can’t make a final comment on the effects of the revised geometry (it’s unfair to compare the new Medium to the Size Large we have ridden previously), we can say the 2021 Nukeproof Mega is worth getting excited about! We have a size Large on the way and we can’t wait!

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For more info check out nukeproof.com