Readers’ Awards – Best Trail Bike – Nukeproof Mega
Enduro is the new black. A bit like freeride/froride/al- mountain, it seems like it’s just riding your bike. If all day blasting is your thing, you voted for the Nukeproof Mega as trail bike of 2012
At ride.io we love to ride our bikes, whether that is up and down, just down, or round and round. Against the clock, against your mates or just because you can, riding trails is fun, and there is no denying that. Trail bikes have skyrocketed recently. as have events where trail bikes will excel. Your favourite of 2012 was the Nukeproof Mega. We caught up with Martin at Hotlines for a brew and a natter…
First of all, Nukeproof are stoked that the Mega was voted the best trail bike by Ride.io readers! It means a lot to know that this award is decided by rider votes.
What makes the Nukeproof Mega such a fantastic trail bike?
I think the Mega struck a chord with a lot of riders for a few reasons. Firstly it is different. The Mega didn’t try to fit in to a specific category, it was designed to be a trail bike that can be ridden hard and fast and is burly enough to be taken to Alpine destinations without worrying about breaking it. At the same time the Mega can climb, the 2011/12 version of the bike had a pretty steep seat angle that meant whilst seated the riders hips are quite far forwards allowing for an efficient climbing position. The ability to descend with confidence and climb with relative ease makes for a great fun bike. I think the fact that Nukeproof are bringing quality product at an affordable price also plays a part.
What is in the pipeline from Nukeproof for the future?
The 2013 range will be landing in stores across the World in about 6 weeks time. We have a completely new range for 2013 and it looks amazing! Excitingly for Mega fans we have split the Mega in to two models, The 130mm travel (designed to run with 150mm fork) Mega TR and the 160mm Mega AM. The thinking here is that some riders prefer a slightly lighter, shorter travel bike, especially here in the UK. The TR retains all the classic Nukeproof characteristics though as well as some new additions such as routing for a Reverb stealth Seatpost and interchangeable dropouts. The Mega AM gains 10mm rear travel over last years Mega, is a little longer in the front centre, uses a completely new frame shape and an improved kinematic giving better small bump compliance and a more lively ride.
In addition to the Mega we have of course got the new Pulse DH bike as piloted by new CRC/Nukeproof team rider Sam Hill! It is huge for us having a rider like Sam involved in the brand and his feedback is already proving invaluable. He loves the Pulse and says he already feel more comfortable aboard it than he did on his race bike last year. Keep your eyes peeled for his input in the range soon.
In addition to the CRC team we also have a really exciting line-up of Nukeproof sponsored riders for 2013 including Chris Kovarik, Grant Fielder, Al Bond, Jack Fogelquist, Glyn O’Brien, Nate Parsons and excitingly for 2013 a brand new Enduro team. We have hand picked a team of up and coming enduro rippers set to make some waves in the UK and beyond this year. The team consists of Joe Buck, Chris Keeble and Toby Pantling, maybe not names you know well right now but watch this space!
We’ve had a Mega on the go for a while now – see what we thought
http://ride.io/reviews/nukeproof-mega-first-look/
