2023 Nukeproof

Megawatt 297 Factory

Nukeproof launch the Megawatt carbon with SRAM Powertrain motor; available in two models both enhanced in capability with SRAM Transmission

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The new Megawatt has 170mm of travel, a carbon frame, and SRAM's new motor.

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Nukeproof doesn’t offer a comprehensive range of e-mtbs. Instead, the Megawatt is its one-stop-shop. With 170mm travel the Megawatt 297 Factory comes with flagship Fox Factory suspension, DT Swiss MX wheels and a Shimano XT drivetrain. Basically kit you’d find on bikes costing double the money. And it isn’t even the top-end model. So how does it perform and is it one of the best electric bikes on offer? Need to know: Shimano Steps EP8 motor and 630Wh Shimano battery Alloy frame comes in five sizes: Small to XXL MX wheel size: 29in up front with 27.5in out back for a shorter chainstay length Long, low and fast, the 170mm travel Megawatt is designed to shred The alloy frame definitely makes the pricing more competitive, but the 630Wh Shimano battery that powers the EP8 motor also reduces cost, weight and ultimately, ride time. And while that’s not optimal for a big Sunday epic with your mates, we need to remember what the Megawatt is modelled on… Nukeproof’s analog enduro race bike. So you could argue that having a smaller battery and making multiple battery swaps is a better approach for stage racing than designing the bike around one massive battery. This also explains Nukeproof’s choice of reinforced Maxxis Double Down casing tyres front and rear. By simply swapping to the lighter EXO+ casings that most brands fit, Nukeproof you could instantly drop half a kilo in rotational weight. The trade off being that you’re more likely to puncture. And what Nukeproof lacks in depth of models, it makes up for with breadth in sizes, five in total, ranging from S to XL. Each size sports a size-specific seat tube angle to help keep rider weight forward as the saddle height increases, but given the amount of travel and short 442mm chainstays, the Megawatt isn’t the most adept on the climbs.   Suspension The climb switch on the Fox Float X2 is really useful then, as it helps prop up the rear end, providing a better riding position and pedal clearance for techy climbing. With the most travel and the lowest BB height in test, getting the sag set correctly on the X2 shock is critical, as pedal dragging is the norm here. The plus side is obvious. Point the Megawatt down anything steep you feel supremely confident. Parf of that confidence comes from the extra support in the four-way adjustable Grip 2 damper inside the 170mm Fox 38 fork. And it is not just the support, the 38 Factory fork gets out of the way of big hits faster and rebonds with much more control than the basic Fox Performance and Rhythm forks on some of the other bikes. Components Absolutely nothing needs upgrading on the Factory level Megawatt. The DT Swiss H1700 wheels are solid performers. The full Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain is great too, even if the chain noise sounds horrendous when it gets gritty and wet.   Even the Bike Yoke Divine 185mm dropper feels like a custom upgrade. …Continue reading »

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