Nukeproof Mega or Giga: Enduro Bikes Head to Head
The enduro-focused Nukeproof Mega or the super enduro Nukeproof Giga. Which big-travel mountain bike will serve you best? That's a tough question.
Although the travel numbers suggest these two are pretty similar, the Mega and the Giga are designed with different suspension layouts and intentions. Let’s compare and contrast the two to figure out which model might suit you best.
The Enduro WEAPON OF CHOICE
The Mega is designed to win medals on legendary enduro courses, from its namesake Megavalanche to multiple EWS wins under the legendary Sam Hill. This podium-topping long-travel machine is versatile as both a hard-charging descender and composed climber. Available as a mixed-wheel bike (165mm rear/170mm front travel) or a 29er (160mm rear/170mm front travel).
The SUPER ENDURO BRAWLER
The Giga is the mutant offspring of our Mega enduro bike and our Dissent downhill bike. This big, bad mountain tamer eats up the steepest, roughest, rowdiest rides. Available as a mixed-wheel bike (180mm rear/180mm front travel) or a 29er (170mm rear/180mm front travel).
Similarities
Most models of the Mega and Giga are both available in five frame sizes, and both come with the option of 29”, 27.5", or mixed wheels. Both bikes can accommodate air or coil shocks.
HORST LINK (FOUR-BAR) suspension ON the Mega
LINKAGE-driven single pivot SUSPENSION on gigA
Differences
The Mega frame is available in either 6061 aluminum or hi-modulus carbon, whereas the Giga is carbon-only. The Giga has slightly longer and slacker frame geometry, with a lower stack height – it’s designed to ride similar to a proper downhill rig, with the rider “in the bike” rather than “on the bike.” Both bikes are competent climbers, but the Mega is more suited to rolling terrain, or longer rides with a mixture of climbing and descending. The Giga is perfect for “winch and plummet” style riding, designed to favor downhill thrills.
These two bikes have a notable difference in their suspension layouts: the Mega uses a tried-and-true Horst Link design, while the Giga uses a linkage-driven single pivot design. This makes for a slightly more linear suspension curve on the Mega and a more progressive suspension curve on the Giga. The Mega's less progressive suspension linear results in a consistent and predictable feel throughout its travel.
The Mega is easier to pilot across a broad range of terrains, whereas the Giga provides a more supple feel at the top of the suspension travel and provides more bottom out resistance on impacts, so it requires rougher terrain and an aggressive riding style to really come alive.
MEGA 290 Carbon elite
giga 290 carbon factory
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to consider when choosing the right mountain bike is this: where do you ride? Think of where you’ll be on this bike, 90% of the time.
If you don't mind pushing a little extra squish up the climb in the name of a good janky descent, the Mega is a gravity-hungry beast that loves to eat varying terrain. It’s a killer option if you’re in the market for a reliable race machine for weekend enduros, or if you live in a notoriously gnarly region.
If you live in the mountains and primarily run shuttle laps, or if you want a dedicated park bike, the Giga is calling your name. Although it’s not a full-blown downhill bike, it sure rides like one.
NUKEPROOF MEGA
If you don't mind pushing a little extra squish up the climb in the name of a good janky descent, the Mega is a gravity-hungry beast that loves to eat varying terrain. It’s a killer option if you’re in the market for a reliable race machine for weekend enduros, or if you live in a notoriously gnarly region.
NUKEPROOF GIGA
If you live in the mountains and primarily run shuttle laps, or if you want a dedicated park bike, the Giga is calling your name. Although it’s not a full-blown downhill bike, it sure rides like one.
Choosing the right enduro mountain bike for your needs should be easy, but the sheer amount of data out there can be confusing. But that’s not how it’s supposed to be – getting your next thrill-seeking fun machine should be a blast. We want to fast-forward past the bummer part and get straight to that feeling of sheer joy that comes with new bike day. Hopefully this article helps you decide whether the Mega or Giga is best for you – if you have any questions, contact the Nukeproof Rider Experience team! Hit the chat bubble on the bottom of your screen or tap the button below.