Springing into Summer: Three Limited-Edition Nukeproof Mega Coil Custom Builds

Where are you going to ride? What kind of action is this bike going to see? 

I built this as my go-to bike for exploring the Wasatch Mountains. I’m an enduro racer at heart, so I love seeking out fast and rugged trails. This bike is just the one to accomplish big days in the saddle, exploring the mountains and seeking out those raw tracks.   

Why coil?  

I’m a big fan of coil. I love the suppleness and consistent feel. Also, I love that most coil shocks require less maintenance than air. More time for riding and less time in the shop!  

Why do a frame-up build instead of a complete OEM build? 

I prefer to build a bike from frame up. I love being able to pick the products I want to run or that fit me best for my riding style. I don’t like to change components too often, so when I find something, I like I tend to stick with the same components for a new build. Especially those contact points like bars, grips, saddle, and pedals. It just helps inspire confidence the moment you jump on a new frame. I just retire the old and build up a fresh new bike that I know can handle the new goals for the season.

Where are you going to ride? What kind of action is this bike going to see? 

I built this specifically for my favorite trail in American Fork Canyon, Ridge 157 to Mud Springs to Mill Canyon and the Deer Valley laps down Twist and Shout to Lower Fire Swamp. 

Why coil?  

Not just any coil, I am super sold on the PUSH ELEVENSIX. It is magical.   

I have ridden a couple of other coils and was never completely sold. They add weight, reduced the poppy playfulness, and weren't my jam. Then last year I ran the ELEVENSIX and WOW. I noticed the usual improvement with trail chatter and repeated hits, but better, and I didn't feel like I gave up anything when it came to a poppy playful ride. I also love that the climb mode can be adjusted independently. Usually climb modes are just super stiff, but with this, I have it set up with a little more low-speed and high-speed damping than the open mode. Great for smoother flow trails. It's like two usable shocks instead of one with a super stiff climb mode (you can do that too if you want). 

If I have $1600 to spend on an upgrade and am looking at this shock or carbon wheels, this shock will get my money every time. The single best "upgrade" I have made to a bike. 

Why do a frame-up build instead of a complete OEM build? 

In the last 10 years, I don't think I have ridden a bike completely stock. At the very least, I swap out the bars, stem, grips, and saddle, but often more than that. I think once you plan to replace more than a certain percentage of a stock build, you should just go custom. In this case, the limited-edition colorways were extra enticing.