NUKEPROOF MEGA 297 CARBON ELITE – PRODUCT FEATURE

 

It’s time for a closer look at the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite enduro bike! Captured earlier this summer by our talented regular freelance photographer James Vincent, he pulled this race-ready Enduro bike out of Nukeproof’s extensive demo fleet and shot it at our popular BIG Demo Day in Hamsterley, Country Durham.

Nukeproof’s design brief for the Mega was to create a ‘downhiller’s trail bike’ built to cope with the unique demands of the World’s most challenging Enduro races including the iconic Megavalanche in France. Piloted by some of the greatest bike racers around including multiple World Champion Sam Hill the Nukeproof Mega has been scoring race wins all over the globe for the last few years.

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite is classed by Nukeproof as the ‘downhiller’s trail bike’.

 

This 297 version of the Mega features a mixed wheel-size configuration with a 29” wheel on the front and 27.5” on the rear, for a best of both worlds setup providing efficient roll-over ability and a flickable rear end. It’s the classic ‘Mullet’ setup with business upfront and party out back.

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite long-travel full-suspension enduro trail bike features an ultra-strong carbon frame, plush Fox Float X2 Performance rear shock, capable Fox 38 Float Performance Elite Series Grip 2 Damper suspension fork boasting 170mm of travel and an efficient Shimano SLX 1×12-Speed groupset. Scroll through our photos below and check out the full specification of the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite at the bottom of this feature…

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is constructed from ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre.

 

With durable longevity in mind the Mega 297 Carbon Elite includes factory-fitted clear paint protection in key areas of the frame.

 

A Fox Float X2 Performance Series rear shock facilitates 165mm of plush travel.

 

The Fox Float X2 rear shock sits within the Mega’s Horst-link suspension configuration which copes brilliantly with big hits and small bumps while remaining supportive on the climbs.

 

Nukeproof have spec’d the Mega 297 Elite with a pair of Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position Lever suspension forks.

 

The dust lines on these Fox Float X2 stanchions hint at the amount of travel you’re getting upfront – 170mm to handle the really big hits.

 

A no-nonsense Shimano SLX groupset adorns the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite

 

The 12-speed SLX rear derailleur provides precise gear selection every time, even when conditions get particularly nasty.

 

The Hollowtech 2 SLX M7100 chainset is complimented by a Nukeproof guide, helping to keep your chain secure when your riding gets really rowdy.

 

SLX hydraulic brakes have a positive feel which is almost identical to brake levers further up the Shimano food chain. 

 

Nukeproof have spec’d a pair of powerful 4-piston Shimano SLX M7120 brake calipers to help you quickly scrub off speed and stay in control.

 

Large 203mm diameter brake rotors pair up effectively with those powerful SLX brakes and metallic brake pads.

 

As the product name suggests, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite features a mixed wheel-size configuration, with a 29″ up front and a 27.5″ on the rear.

 

Nukeproof’s own Horizon V2 wheels adorn the Mega 297 Carbon Elite and are shod with a pair of Maxxis tyres. There’s a Minion DHR II on the rear. 

 

That larger 29″ front wheel is fitted with a super-grippy Maxxis Minion DHR II to help you stay in control, even on the loosest turns.

 

When it comes to gravity-focused trail riding the Maxxis Minion DHR is regarded as the standard when it comes to durable, high-grip downhill tyres.

 

A stubby 45mm Nukeproof Horizon stem contributes significantly to the Mega 297 Carbon Elite’s positive steering.

 

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite comes spec’d with long-term Nukeproof sponsored rider Sam Hill’s own signature grips.

 

Sam Hill Signature grips lock-on for extra security and feel great in your hand regardless of whether you wear gloves or not.

 

Originally designed to specifically handle the demands of the Megavalanche Enduro in France, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is built ready to race.

 

Full specification:

• Frame: Nukeproof Mega V4 297 Carbon, 165mm 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.
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position lever, Custom LCM LRM tune, 230×62.5mm, Bearing End, 2x 0.3 spacer fitted.
• Fork: Fox 38 Float, Performance Elite Series, Grip 2 Damper, 170mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black
• Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
• Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 32T
• Bash Guard: Nukeproof guide with Bash, 28-36T, ISCG-05, black
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus
• Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink
• Brake Calipers: Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads
• Brake Rotors: Front 203mm / Rear 203mm
• Front Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 29″, 6 Bolt, 110x15mm
• Rear Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 27.5″, 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 3C MAXXGRIP/DD/TR 29” x 2.5WT
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MAXXTERRA/DD/TR 27.5” x 2.4WT
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black
• Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – S780mm, M780mm, L800mm
• Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
• Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal with Brand-X Remote lever, S:125mm drop; M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop
• Saddle: Nukeproof

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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