ROB’S NUKEPROOF MEGA 290 RS CARBON £5,999.99

Local laps on the Mega have never felt so good!

After a lengthy stint aboard the Nukeproof Giga, it’s been interesting to throw a leg back over the Mega again while racking up some local miles. The hills near me don’t have much elevation but the trails are loads of fun, technically challenging and require you to really think about the fundamentals of riding technique if you want to get down them as fast as possible. What I’ve been loving is just how many laps

I can do in a short amount of time. This not only lets me practise good technique and try to better my lines through the turns, but also push the Mega harder as I get more familiar with the terrain.

I’ve been asked quite a few times how the Mega and Giga differ, and I’d say the Mega is just a lot more playful. While the Giga feels burlier and arguably more stable and confidence-inspiring when taking corners or in the rough stuff, the Mega is easier to chuck about. That said, it’s no slouch in fast, rocky or rooty sections, or through the turns, it’s just that the Giga has the edge there. The Mega is a bit easier going, though – lighter to pedal uphill, and with more manoeuvrability when you want to throw it around.

All this riding has created a bit of a creak from somewhere around the bottom bracket area, so that’s my latest workshop job. I’ll be sure to keep you posted. www.hotlines-uk.com