nukeproof carbon frame

So, how has the Giga finally managed to clinch the title for Nukeproof? Part of that, of course, is the steep seat tube angle. For those who live in damper climates, where muddy trails are the norm, youll be pleased to know theres sufficient clearance for a 2.6in rear tyre, which should mean youll be able to keep a 2.4in tyre, caked in mud, spinning without too much hassle. A two-stage flip-chip in the main chainstay pivot allows you to adjust the progression of the rear suspension without changing the geometry of the bike. On top of this, the brake line can only be routed on the right side of the down tube. On steeper inclines, when really piling the power on through the pedals at slow speeds, the Giga can also hunker down into its travel somewhat. The Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory secures the coveted Best in Test in our bike park group test. In these instances, despite the sensitive initial touch and good mid-stroke support, the Fox 38 doesnt feel as forgiving as a RockShox ZEB, for example. Want more of our vibe? Starting with what they decided was the optimal saddle offset for each frame size, Nukeproof chose the seat tube angle that would achieve it. The powerful suspension generates insane amounts of traction in almost every situation yet still offers enough support to collect plenty of air miles on big jumps. Our 2022 Enduro Bike of the Year contenders are: Thanks to our sponsors MET Helmets, Bluegrass Protection and BikePark Wales for their support in making Bike of the Year happen. Get it set up, jump on and youll be up to speed in no time at all. If youve spotted any issues, please let us know. There are two different versions of this bike: Nukeproof scout 290, which has a 29-inch wheel, and Nukeproof Scout 275, which comes with a 27.5-inch wheel. Starting with what they decided was the optimal saddle offset for each frame size, Nukeproof chose the seat tube angle that would achieve it. It boosts control and certainly helps maintain speed through flatter rock sections. While theres no denying these bikes need to descend with the confidence and poise of a full-blown downhill bike, they still need to be pedalled back up to the top of the hill. -160-millimeter rear travel, 170 front -Decent value. Field Test: 5 Hardtails and 5 Full Suspension Value Bikes Against the Impossible Climb, Wrong Numbers: How Judging Bikes by Their Geometry Charts Doesnt Tell the Full Story. With up to 180mm of rear-wheel travel (on the 27.5in version, or 170mm on the 29er), a frame based around its downhill bike and some properly up-to-date geometry, the intentions for the Giga were clear from the get-go. Explore, search and compare thousands of the worlds best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database. Become an ENDURO supporter and lets shape the bike scene together and make mountain biking even better! Both the fork and shock come from Foxs Performance Elite range. It keeps the tyres glued to the trail and spits you out the other end at some serious speed. Its still though a bike that offers enough urgency when you put the power down, and has the support necessary through the suspension to ensure its no soggy mess when riding fast, smooth, flowy trails littered with jumps and berms. This enabled me to get the fork to feel just supportive enough and rebounding at my desired speed. Trails where the level of force it takes to initiate a slide changes twenty times every second. Read on to find out. Bank it into a turn and even in those instances when you feel youve come in too hot, somehow, the bike will carve its way through without faltering. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Unchallenged? This bike can come with either alloy or carbon frames, and you can also choose between 27.5 and 29-inch wheels. The Giga plays out its strengths on technical trails, where it pulls past its opponents at Mach 10 while feeling reassuringly composed. Its the horizontal distance between the center of the post and the point directly above the bottom bracket, measured at a given saddle height for each frame size. Thats also true on the sorts of jumps that involve any side load. The Giga is available in five sizes from S to XXL, offering a suitable option for riders from 159 to 201 cm tall. Thats sort of a thing right now. The all-important seat angle (measured with the saddle set to my preferred pedalling height of just under 700mm from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle) is steep, at 78 degrees. Nukeproof found that, for many brands the rate of increase in saddle offset varies between frame sizes, even though the effective and actual seat tube angles may stay the same. Every weekday morning I sift through the flash sales and end-of-season clearances to pick out the best price drops that have happened overnight. They are also suitable for off-roading and cycling adventures. A degree in sports technology and decades of riding experience all help to give Rob a thorough understanding of whats needed to create a great bike or product. Theres less guesswork involved when things go sideways-in-a-good-way. Thats matched with a rear centre (or effective chainstay length) of 438mm. Credit subject to status. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike. The way Nukeproof does it creates a far more real-world impression of how far behind the pedals youll sit. Are you with us? The terrain needed to be varied, too. If I was to criticise anything, itd be the dual lockring grips, which feel dated and arent as comfy as the single lock-ring grips were seeing more of these days. It also reduces the accumulation of grime and dirt. Theres nothing all that revolutionary, just a leverage curve that stays straighter for longer. One of my favorite trails has a sharkfin lip cut into the highside that allows you to send it into a downslope out of a turn, and theres something about how the Mega handles it that almost makes it almost feel straighter. On the Mega 290, one of those choices was about lateral stiffness. When it comes to axle path, Nukeproof claims to have made the Gigas move backwards initially in a bid to help the bike hold speed when ploughing into really rough sections. Low-speed compression was set at 20 clicks from fully closed, while low-speed rebound was 12 clicks. That works well with the Megas preference for riders with a heavy hand and a lead foot. Thats why they declined our offer to tune the bike for our test, sending a stock Giga 290 Carbon Factory into the test instead. They include: Regular preventive maintenance will keep your Nukeproof bike in good working condition. 983405503 However complex the bike and however steep the trail, hes probably already nailed it, twice. -Excellent, well thought out climbing geometry Check these out We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on Bikesy. The 6,999 Giga conveys huge amounts of confidence and never seems to reach its limit. But Im not cutting a big ol Nike Swoosh into every mirror-smooth decomposed-granite corner. Yes, Im talking about skidding. A bit of lateral deflection can help you keep from getting knocked offline in a chunky, rocky section, but it makes for a vague boundary between grip and slip. As deputy editor-in-chief, Peter is as much a man of action as he is of words. Getting the balance of the suspension right was relatively straightforward from the start. The fork works well enough, but lighter riders might find it a little over-damped, and its not as comfy on the hands when things get really rough. While the Giga 290 Carbon Factory was primarily specced for racing, the Nukeproof team clearly knew that the Giga would make a hard-hitting bike park machine and it does! Onboard the Giga, you feel like Sam Hill on the inside line! Your are successfully subscribed for email notifications. If you dive into a berm with moderate speed or, speed, the Mega will always have the same reaction. Its all well-made and nicely finished. On the Mega, I felt like I was. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time. Taken together, the Factory builds burlier fork, better dropper and XT drivetrain make it a worthwhile upgrade, but most riders will have no complaints on the Elite. Well, it had already impressed on the fast, high-speed trails, but it was when tackling steeper, natural terrain that the Giga 297 managed to outshine the competition. with my rear tires contact patch. The biggest deal, though, is the switch to a 36 fork instead of 38. They also have a stiff Nukeproof frame and a slack head angle, which make them more stable at speed. With its confidence-inspiring handling and mind-boggling traction, the Giga invites you to keep your finger off the brakes and to pop off roots and tree stumps, even on really steep terrain. I had an unusual level of control over when and how Id let the rear wheel loose. Robs expansive knowledge of bikes comes courtesy of his passion for racing. Beneath the tyres sit Nukeproofs very own Horizon V2 wheels, which proved tough throughout testing. If you dive into a berm with moderate speed or too much speed, the Mega will always have the same reaction. In the climbing gear (32-50t) and in the lower of the two progression settings, anti-squat is claimed to be 96 per cent. And more importantly, going by this number allows for far better consistency between frame sizes. While working on bikes with internal cabling can be a pain, for example, its reassuring to see that the Giga comes with fully tubed internal channels to make life a little easier. I had an unusual level of control over when and how Id let the rear wheel loose. On near-vertical descents, the central riding position distributes your weight evenly between the front and rear wheel, generating good traction on both ends but never threatening to throw you over the bars. Were not supposed to skid. Nukeproof bikes are designed for hard riding and racing. and easy to ride fast when pointed back downhill. Thanks! Every day I check the biggest deals at the UK's best bike shops and collate them all together here. With the suspension tuned uncompromisingly for traction, the Giga is harder to pull into the air than the YT Capra and Specialized Status 160 over small rollers and jumps. Already have an account with us? Enough to make for an interesting, enlightening review. That is, in part, down to how well-proportioned the Giga feels and how natural and easy it is to ride. Long-Term Test: Is the Forbidden Dreadnought Inefficient? Dont get me wrong, this isnt going to help snag you KOMs every time you point it skyward, but it climbs well enough for a bike like this. But the relaxed head angle, long wheelbase and all that travel make it feel close to a downhill bike in many ways. Together with the robust spec, this makes the Giga a hot candidate for the Best in Test title in our bike park group test. This expert, screw-driver-flexing two wheeled-whizz has many envy-inducing characteristics, including a background in motocross, several EWS race plates to his name, and more than 150 recorded days at Whistler Bike Park. The weighty MaxxGrip DoubleDown front tyre (Id have settled for an EXO+ casing up front) is a little draggy. The brakes levers are attached to an 800 mm Nukeproof Horizon V2 alloy handlebar with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter. Free Delivery Over 40 | 0% Finance Available on all Bikes. A single volume spacer in the fork felt just about right, though after I became more confident on the bike and happier at faster speeds as the trails dried out during the test period, Id be tempted to add another. On the Mega 290, one of those choices was about lateral stiffness. Biketart Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 690018. I was worried that the Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon would be that kind of good bike. Nukeproof has a reputation for serving aggressive riders, so they tend to make deliberate choices about ride quality. For $5,400, there is literally nothing Id change. That level of tuning means the Giga can easily accommodate a coil shock that requires more progression, or simply help to firm things up when riding mellower trails or smooth jump lines. Savings for Nukeproof Frames range from 10% off for the Nukeproof Reactor 275 Alloy Frame to 45% off for the Nukeproof Dissent 275 Alloy Frame - Grey with a total of 55 Nukeproof Frames found. When the hits get bigger, while the Giga cant just make these bumps completely melt away (not that many bikes can really do this), itll more than just take the edge off to smooth things out. I tested the 297, which refers to the mixed-wheel size or mullet bike. But I should have known better. In practice, this lead to actual seat tube angles getting. The cockpit isnt as stretched-out as some, but at 172cm (5ft 8in), I found I could ride the medium comfortably for hours on end. View basket for details. One of my favorite trails has a sharkfin lip cut into the highside that allows you to send it into a downslope out of a turn, and theres something about how the Mega handles it that almost makes it almost feel straighter. Enough to make for an interesting, enlightening review. All in, the Giga 297 Carbon Elite tipped the scales at 16kg (medium, without pedals). Get an overview of the grouptest here: The best bike park bike of 2021 6 models in review. But I get more of a kick out of what a stout-feeling frame means on natural terrain. Thankfully, a fresh bleed managed to sort it out and from that point on, both front and rear brakes felt nicely consistent. This balance, pace and traction that you can hold through the corners is simply electrifying and, ultimately, a massive confidence boost where it matters most. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Norco and more. Its got tube-in-tube routing with a clever redirection through the seatstay that puts very few sharp bends in the derailleur housing. In 2010 he joined the team full-time and has been keeping a close eye on all things test-related ever since. In the U.S., there are a handful of brick-and-mortar Nukeproof dealers, but most people will buy them through Chain Reaction, who ships directly from Nukeproofs U.K. homeland, though you may be responsible for import duties. The 12-speed SLX drivetrain is no different and works brilliantly with a wide enough range thanks to the 10-51t cassette. On the Mega, I felt like I was one with my rear tires contact patch. Rob first graced the pages of MBUK back in 2001 when working as a freelance writer and went on to start testing bikes for the title in 2007. I always had something to push off, and it always felt like the same bike no matter where I was in its travel. All that support did great things for how the Mega 290 climbs. Few bikes in its category have the same mini-dh-level capability without feeling a little soft and vague. This is on par with many of the Gigas closest competitors. When I would compress the bike before jumping or unweighting through a section, I didnt slide into a valley in its sag. Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 180 mmRear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mmSeatpost BikeYoke DIVINE 185 mmBrakes Shimano XT 200/200 mmDrivetrain Shimano XT 12-Speed 1051Stem Nukeproof Horizon 50 mmHandlebar Nukeproof Horizon V2 25 mm Rise 800 mmWheelset DT Swiss EX 1700 29"Tires Michelin Wild Enduro Front Gum-X3D / Michelin Wild Enduro Rear Gum-X3D 2.4 / 2.4. Thats a rare thing on a 160-millimeter 29er. Digital & free: The best bike park bike of 2021 6 models in review. This allows Nukeproof frames to be made stiffer. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Biketart Ltd, Barham Business Park, Elham Valley Road, Canterbury, CT4 6DQ, UK. But it was when riding steeper trails that the balanced feel of the Giga managed to creep ahead and just boost rider confidence that bit further, which means a lot. You can find out more about at nukeproof.com, All Bikes in this group test: Canyon Torque:ON 9 (Click for review) | Norco Shore 1 (Click for review) | Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon Factory | Propain Spindrift CF Mix (Click for review) | Specialized Status 160 (Click for review) | YT CAPRA 29 CORE 4 (Click for review), Words: Peter Walker Photos: Robin Schmitt. Nukeproofs Giga 297 Carbon Elite wins our coveted 2022 Enduro Bike of the Year award. It doesnt sink too far into its travel if youre just calmly pedaling up a hill, minding your own business. While this worked out for me at 68kg (and when riding some faster, drier trails, Id add a click of damping if needed), lighter riders may struggle. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. Given how much this bikes lateral stiffness plays into its ride quality, the 38 may be worth the upgrade. Look closely and youll see the cage is sunk down into the upper side of the down tube in order to create the clearance required to fit a bottle in the front triangle. Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTBs. Thats also true on the sorts of jumps that involve any side load. In this test, no other bike was able to generate as much speed and at the same time inspire as much confidence as the Giga, while still offering a robust and potent spec straight out of the box. It is a brilliant idea that, hopefully, will catch on. The single-pivot, linkage-actuated suspension design delivers, in the case of the 297 seen here, 180mm of rear-wheel travel. As a result, its gone from speccing lighter, more puncture-prone rubber, to full-on race-ready tyres that wont need changing. The reach measurement (the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the head tube, giving an indication of how a bike will feel when youre standing up out of the saddle) measures in at 455mm. Biketart Ltd is acting as a credit broker offering finance products from a range of providers. Whether it's a new bike, technical clothing, tyres or a hard to find item, chances are Bikesy will be able to help you find a deal that's discounted. 2022 Bulls Copperhead EVO 3 750 27.5 Diamond, 2022 Bulls Copperhead EVO 3 750 27.5 Wave. In a bid to help keep the bike stable at speed, the head angle stands at a slack 63.4 degrees. kind of good bike. Despite the XL frame size and whopping 180/170 mm travel (f/r), our test bike hits the scales at a very reasonable 15.6 kg. That being said, both bikes encourage you to commit to stylish tricks. Ill never write a bike review without commenting on tyres, simply because they are critically important to a bikes performance. While Robs a mountain biker at heart and never happier than when hes sliding down a Welsh hillside, hes more than happy to put the miles in on the road or gravel bike, too. sign up for Outside+. Being able to confidently jab the brakes and slow down in what feels like a split second really makes a difference to how you approach a trail. It isnt the speediest climber, although its still easy-going enough for the most part, even if you do need to flick the shock lever. However, the new Nukeproof Giga 290 Carbon is one of the few bikers that lives up to it. Beatdown: Santa Cruz Megatower Dream Build. It only moves back by 2.5mm in the first 50mm of travel, though, before continuing to arc upwards and forwards for the remainder of its travel. But thats not what were looking for here. When not tearing up Stuttgarts local trails while testing bikes, he loves nothing more than loading up his self-renovated VW T5 and hitting the road. Chainstay length is 445 mm across all sizes which is relatively long, even for our size XL test bike. Its like measuring reach by downtube angle or something. I measured the bottom bracket lower than quoted on the Nukeproof website, at 340mm off the floor. Im on a mess of loose small rocks scattered over a mess of loose large rocks with the occasional exposed root stretching across at exactly the wrong angle. Theres less guesswork involved wh, But I get more of a kick out of what a stout-feeling frame means on natural terrain. Become a supporter now! The light touch of the Shimano levers, coupled with their impressive power, really helps when your hands and arms are starting to feel beaten up. Here it feels a bit like the Propain Spindrift, which is a smidge nimbler in the air but doesnt inspire as much confidence. - Horst Link rear suspension design- Mixed (Mullet) wheels: 29 front, 27.5 rear- Internal cable routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Includes Shimano E6002 battery charger- Weight given for size, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg (27.5 version)- UK price: 1399.99 GBP- European price: 1699 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg- UK price: 1399.99 GBP- European price: 1699 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg- UK price: 2499.99 GBP- European price: 3099 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg- UK price: 2999.99 GBP- European price: 3599 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg (27.5 version)- UK price: 2499.99 GBP- European price: 3099 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg- UK price: 1899.99 GBP- European price: 2299 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg (27.5 version)- UK price: 1899.99 GBP- European price: 2299 EUR, - External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)- Frame weight: 2.35kg (27.5 version)- UK price: 2999.99 GBP- European price: 3599 EUR, - Intended for riders roughly 127cm-142cm tall or with 57cm-66cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 1199.99 GBP, - Intended for riders roughly 120cm-130cm tall or with 52cm-59cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 849.99 GBP, - Intended for riders roughly 127cm-142cm tall or with 57cm-66cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 999.99 GBP, - Intended for riders roughly 140cm-158cm tall or with 64cm-70cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 999.99 GBP, - Intended for riders roughly 120cm-130cm tall or with 52cm-59cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 1199.99 GBP, - Intended for riders roughly 140cm-158cm tall or with 64cm-70cm inseam- External cable routing with internal dropper post routing- UK price: 1199.99 GBP.