Today sees the launch of an all new Nukeproof Mega V4. Like the bikes before it, there are still 29in and 27.5in wheeled versions and the travel is an enduro-winning 165mm or 160mm (depending on wheel size) out back with both models runnign 170mm forks.
For for an in-depth first look and first ride review of the new Nukeproof Mega V4, head here, but read on to find out what Nukeproof have to say about it:
2017, 2018 (x2) & 2019 World EnduroChampion under the control of Sam Hill and Elliott Heap (u21 World Champion 2018), a top 10 at Downhill World Championships and a 4x World Championship Silver Medal make for an impressive C.V. These titles, along with a host of national titles, race wins media awards and accolades make any changes to this design a difficult act to follow. As a thoroughbred, the Nukeproof Mega has been subject to constant evolution as it is tweaked again and again to search for those marginal gains for ultimate performance.
However, after several years of this process, the ultimate performance of the V3 Mega platform was starting to reach its limitations. In order to go to the next level and implement some new theory, a fresh start was needed, please welcome the all new Nukeproof Mega V4.
Nukeproof frames always started from the basis of the kinematic design.The R&D teamwork with key athletes and their own experience to decide on the key ride characteristics. From there, pivot points are plotted onto a framework and handed to the product designer to apply the aesthetics. Enrique Repolles has been with Nukeproof since the reincarnation of the brand. He has penned almost all the bikes and components you have seen from us and the Mega V4 was no exception. When the V4 project started there were a number of design ideas that went into the melting pot. However, there were only two things that the whole team could agree on:
It had to look like a Mega
It had to fit a water bottle, with no compromise to performance
In order to do this,the Nukeproof team went back to look at each iteration over the ten-year history of the Mega, taking inspiration from the best features whilst adding a modern twist. The Mk. 4 result is a frame that looks and rides like the next generation Mega should,but now fits a whopping 750ml water bottle in all sizes
Applying the same principles as the Nukeproof Reactor (trail bike), where low anti-squat, but good mid-stroke support is the winning combo for climbing traction. However, anti-squat should never prevent suspension from working well over rough terrain. This is why it is designed with higher levels of anti-squat in climbing gears (However still relatively low) that drops off in descending gears to give you a bike that behaves itself on the climbs yet provides ultimate suspension performance on the way back down.
Other notable geometry changes include slacker head angles and the use of shorter offset forks. TheMega 290 also has 10mm shorter chainstays than the Mk3. This is something that Sam Hill had wanted since switching to the 290 bike.The overall result is a bike that improves on what was already a triple championship winning design
A slightly revised line up of models is offered with RS, Factory and Elite in Carbon models and Pro and comp as Alloy models:
The new Mega V4 is also available as a frame only option with a Fox X2 Factory shock for £2,499 for the full carbon frame, or £1,799 for the alloy version. For full specs and additional info head over to the Nukeproof website and for a taste of what it can do, watch the video, or read Ross’ review.
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Santa Cruz just phoned. They’d like their V1 hightower back now please
What’s so important about having space for a water bottle? ( or is this an in-joke?)