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2021 Nukeproof

Mega 290 Carbon Factory

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

£5,399($7,241)
Weight32.6 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 160 / 170mm
ForkFox Factory Float 38
ShockFox Float X2 Factory
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Mega 290 Carbon Factory
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

28 mph

Mega 290 Carbon Factory

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Nukeproof Mega is a highly capable enduro bike, praised for its aggressive yet efficient design, excellent suspension performance, and versatility across various terrains. It offers a balanced ride, with a focus on precision and control, making it a favorite among aggressive riders. The bike's geometry and suspension setup are well-thought-out, providing a comfortable and efficient climbing experience while excelling in downhill performance.

Pros
  • Aggressive yet efficient design

  • Excellent suspension performance

  • Versatile across various terrains

  • Comfortable and efficient climbing

  • Precision and control in downhill

Cons
  • Can be hard to get in some countries

  • Dropper length could be increased for each size

  • Rear suspension tuning could be lighter

  • Some component weaknesses

Key Quotes
Nukeproof has a reputation for serving aggressive riders, so they tend to make deliberate choices about ride quality.
Beta logoBeta
The latest Mega is a different beast to its predecessor.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
This bike is so damn fast that trees and rocks will fly past with so much more speed than you’re used to.
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine

Feedback?

View all reviews

Beta
Tested: Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon Factory

Mar 2021 · Travis Engel

The Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon serves up a lot of mini-dh-bike performance, but with none of the too-deep, too-vague suspension.

Highs
  • Burly frame feel

  • Highly precise for a long-travel 29er

  • Excellent, well thought out climbing geometry

  • Works well at high and low speeds

  • Decent value

Lows
  • Can be hard to get in some countries

Read Review

BikeRadar
Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon RS review

Mar 2021 · Robin Weaver

Well-considered changes have made the new Mega feel more dynamic, fun and exciting to ride

Highs
  • Suspension is easy to set up and feels balanced

  • Geometry works great, with plenty of sizes to choose from

  • Climbs well even with all of this travel

  • Solid spec

Lows
  • Michelin tyres don’t always give the confidence to really push it on hardpack

  • Uncomfortable saddle

Read Review

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
2021 Nukeproof Giga 290 Factory in review – Is Giga really better than Mega?

Jan 2021 · Peter Walker

What’s the step up from Mega? Giga of course! Nukeproof present their newly developed 2021 Nukeproof Giga, slotting in as the big brother of the Mega, offering more travel and a more extreme geometry. Will this be Sam Hill’s weapon of choice? We already had the chance to put the flagship 2021 Nukeproof Giga 290 […]

Highs
  • Plush and confidence-inspiring suspension

  • Beautiful looking and covered with protective tape from the factory

  • Progression of the rear suspension is easily adjustable

  • Cool features on the frame

Lows
  • Cable ports and cable routing at the cockpit

  • Bolts at the pivot points came loose (we recommend some LOCTITE)

Read Review

off.road.cc
2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 Alloy Comp review

Dec 2020

The 2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 Alloy is a hard hitting all-mountain 29er ready to tame your local tech. It's not light but pedals supremely well, while the progressive geometry makes it a great all-rounder as well as an enduro shredder. Five things that weren't cool - until enduro happened Nine cheapskate alternatives to proper cycling products Five ways to survive winter riding if you hate mud The Mega 290 Alloy Comp is the base model of the two aluminum bikes in the lineup, and comes in at a penny under £2,700.

Read Review

MBR
Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory (2021): first ride review - MBR

Oct 2020 · Alan Muldoon

Nukeproof updates its sucessful Mega race bike - revised geometry and extra sizes all with space for a bottle, but is the new Nukeproof Mega 290 better?

Highs
  • Great geometry, fit, standover and size options, with all riders benefitting from longer dropper posts. Pedals like stink, even with the draggy Michelin tyres. Killer value for a shop-bought enduro bike.

Lows
  • Rear suspension would benefit from a lighter damping tune on the Fox Float X2 shock. Brake pad rattle will drive you nuts.

Read Review

Singletrack World
2021 Nukeproof Mega 275 Factory - First Ride Review

Oct 2020 · Ross Demain

It's next step in the evolution of the Nukeproof Mega with the launch of the Mega V4. We got our hands on one and put it through its paces.

Read Review

Vital MTB
2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 RS Bike

Oct 2020 · BHowell

Reviews, ratings, specifications, weight, price and more for the 2021 Nukeproof Mega 290 RS Bike

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: Nukeproof Mega 290c Factory

Jul 2020 · Dan Roberts

There was no need to really shunt the seat forwards to achieve a good position or adopt an obscure setup quirk to make the bike feel right..

Highs
  • A fast, stable and predictable bike

  • Solid and dependable spec for the price

  • Racing pedigree, if you’re into that

Lows
  • Needs to be up to speed to bring it alive

  • Water bottle in the firing line if you choose to run one

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Nukeproof Mega V4 290 Carbon, 160mm Travel, ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre frame, internally piped cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro Bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured Rubber frame protection and Factory fitted clear paint protection kit covering TT/DT/CS/SS.

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Hanger StandardUDH

ColorArtichoke Green

Fork

Fox 38 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 170mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black (SHORT ID: D33L)

Travel170mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float X2, Factory Series, Kashima, EVOL, 2 Position lever, Custom CL, RM, Rezi CM tune, 230x62.5mm, Bearing End, 2x 0.3 spacer fitted. (SHORT ID: D7JJ)

Travel160mm

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 73mm, threaded

Headset

Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS

Stem

Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black

Handlebar

Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width - S780mm, M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm, XXL800mm)

Saddle

Nukeproof Horizon Enduro, Black

Seatpost

Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, S:125mm Drop; M/L:160mm drop; XL/XXL:185mm drop

TypeDropper

Grips

Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT M8100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus

Crank

Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 32T, 52mm Chainline

Shifters

Shimano XT M8100-R, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV

Cassette

Shimano Deore M6100 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T

Chain

Shimano XT M8100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink

Chain Guide

Nukeproof Guide with Bash, 28-36T, ISCG-05, black

Brakes

Shimano XT M8120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads with Fins

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT Swiss EX1700 SPLINE 30,29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm, Rear: DT Swiss EX1700 SPLINE 30, 29", 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm

Tires

Front: Michelin Wild Enduro 29" x 2.4, GUM-X TS TLR, Rear: Michelin Wild Enduro 29" x 2.4, GUM-X TS TLR

Rider Notes
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First added March 2

Last updated December 7

Not listed for 1,634 days