Nukeproof Mega 275 Pro
The Mega has gone through some serious changes for 2018 and now comes with a metric shock, widened Boost rear end and 170mm fork. Sizing has changed dramatically on the large and XL bikes too, though the small and medium stay roughly the same. We tested the medium and – while the reach isn’t the shortest on test, at 435mm, and our 5ft 8in main tester felt comfy enough – the general consensus was that it could do with being a touch roomier. The seat angle is quite steep, at 75.5 degrees. Combined with the 585mm effective top tube length, it sits you quite upright when climbing, so we wouldn’t want to run a shorter stem than the stock 50mm unit.
Get out on track and those sizing concerns feel less important, thanks to just how playful and fun the Mega feels. It’s eager to pop from obstacle to obstacle, or change direction with a split second’s notice. While the ride is a little livelier than that of some of the longer bikes here, the well-controlled, balanced suspension keeps your tyres stuck to the dirt and prevents too much clatter being transmitted through your hands and feet. That means you can ride fast, run after run, without fatigue slowing you down.
Get on the gas and the light Mavic wheels spin up to speed rapidly, while power delivery through the frame feels direct and responsive. The slack 63.9-degree head angle boosts confidence as the trail steepens, and the support and composure of the Lyrik fork up front means it’ll keep your front wheel tracking the terrain without diving through its travel. At the rear, there’s a decent amount of support for pumping undulations or carving turns and, with a single volume spacer added, enough progression to take the edge off harsh bottom-outs.
We’re massive fans of the SRAM Guide RE brakes, which deliver oodles of easy-to-control power. And high-fives to Nukeproof for using Maxxis tyres with reinforced ‘Double Down’ casings, which let you run lower pressures with less chance of puncturing. The wheels do feel quite flexy when pushing hard, though, and, at 25mm (internal), aren’t exactly wide. Some more robust hoops would make this great bike ride even better.