The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Frame: Go fast or go home

A between-the-tape slayer built on the tenets of balance, predictability and absolute speed.

Originally built as the “downhiller’s trailbike” designed specifically to tackle the infamous MEGAVALANCHE enduro in France, the Nukeproof Mega has been racking up enduro stage wins and press accolades for over ten years.

The frame only version of the Mega 297 Carbon is fitted with the same Fox Float X2 Factory Series rear shock as our Mega 297 Factory complete bike. The X2 Factory Series is a high-performance air shock that’s so popular it nearly needs no introduction. Designed to have a coil spring-like feel and an unmatched level of tunability, the X2 Factory Series is Kashima coated, has a two-position open/firm lever and loads of adjustability.

At the core of this fourth generation Mega is suspension designed to be utterly thrashed through technical terrain. The 297 version of the bike uses a mixed-wheel setup with a 29-inch wheel out front and 27.5-inch in the rear — a best of both worlds setup with solid rollover ability and a flickable rear end.

How it Rides

After winning four Enduro World Series Titles in three years, the all-new Mega is an evolution of our ultimate Enduro bike. It’s progressive, predictable and is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of refinement — a true labor of love.

In pursuit of optimizing weight, strength and stiffness, the Mega 297 Carbon is built around a full T700/800 UD woven carbon fiber frame. Its long, low and slack geometry is designed around our saddle offset principle, which adjusts seat tube angle across the size range to ensure the seated riding position is perfect, no matter the rider’s height.

Everything on the bike has been carefully designed for racing and hard enduro riding. We've carved out space inside the front triangle of the frame for a 750ml water bottle, the seat tube is designed for slammed dropper posts and we’ve even fitted the Mega with a threaded bottom bracket and universal derailleur hangar for easy maintenance.

The Mega’s Horst-link suspension system has been retooled in this newest generation for suppleness over small bumps while remaining supportive on the climbs. Solid mid-stroke support balanced with relatively modest anti-squat gives the Mega an active rear end that feels shockingly efficient when pedaling uphill. Anti-squat reduces as you shift down the cassette and pick up speed, making the bike come alive on descents.

It’s a bike built for hot, nasty speed and big days in variable terrain; when less energy spent pedaling up means more in the tank for shredding down.