Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon Elite (Sram)

The Nukeproof Mega Carbon 290 Elite: Go fast or go home

An enduro bike built on the tenets of balance, predictability, and absolute speed.

Originally built as the “downhiller’s trail bike” made 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. With four Enduro World Series titles to its name, the Mega has become an icon synonymous with racing.

Available in both a standard 290 and 297 mixed-wheel configuration, you can choose which version of the Mega suits your riding best — either the stability of a matched 29” setup front and rear, or the quick and playful pairing of and 29” front wheel and 27.5” wheel in the rear.

The Elite spec of the Nukeproof Mega is built around the Fox 38 Float Performance Elite Series fork and Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock, a hard-hitting setup. Shifting is handled by the SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission and braking is covered by SRAM’s reliable DB8 4-piston hydraulic setup. It’s a bike with top-class speed, durability, and stability in all trail conditions.

MODERN ENDURO-INSPIRED RACE GEOMETRY

Currently in its fourth generation, the Mega is the product of more than ten years of refinement. It’s progressive, predictable, and downright fast; a bike as much at home between the tape at an Enduro World Series as it is bombing sketchy rock gardens on your home trails.

In pursuit of optimizing weight, strength, and stiffness, the Mega 290 Carbon Elite is built around full T700/800 UD woven carbon fiber front and rear triangles. 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 hanger for easy maintenance.

The Mega’s Horst-link suspension system is tuned 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.

The Nukeproof Mega Carbon 290 Elite Component Details

• Fox 38 Float Performance Elite Series fork & Float X2 Performance Elite Series shock
• SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type 12-speed drivetrain
• SRAM DB8 4-piston brakes
• Nukeproof Horizon V2 29-inch tubeless wheels
• Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tires