Nukeproof offers its solely electrical mountain bike platform a refresh.
The primary era Nukeproof Megawatt 297 Manufacturing unit was one in every of seven electrical mountain bikes that we lined up within the ‘shop-bought’ class inside our 2023 E-Bike of the yr take a look at. It scored a wholesome 8/10 and though it wasn’t the most affordable of the bunch, it boasted a spec that was akin to boutique degree e-bikes with five-figure worth tags.
It’s the one e-bike platform in Nukeproof’s intensive mannequin line up and just like the Whyte E-160 RSX is simply out there with an alloy body. With 170mm journey entrance and rear (we measured our take a look at bike’s rear journey as 164mm) the Megawatt virtually mirrors the model’s enduro bike – the Mega – in each suspension journey and intent.
The primary era Nukeproof Megawatt 297 Manufacturing unit was a contender in our E-bike of the yr function
The spec impressed us, as did the dynamics, however what compromises the Megawatt is its battery capability. With the take a look at dominated by Bosch-equipped bikes – all with a 750Wh battery – the Megawatt’s Shimano EM800 motor, paired with a 630Wh battery felt missing, particularly as there’s no potential for the body to accommodate a bigger capability choice. The compromised vary, when in comparison with the competitors, wasn’t helped by the heavy Double Down Maxxis tyres with a cheesy MaxxGrip compound spec up entrance and the bike’s hefty 24.94kg weight.
Launched in 2021, the primary era Megawatt body platform shouldn’t be actually exhibiting its age although, with a mullet/MX (combined wheel dimension) arrange, sorted geometry and a selection of 5 body sizes, with solely the Specialised Turbo Levo Comp providing extra.
The Gen 2 Nukeproof Megawatt RS with a spec closely influenced by the crew bikes
So, what’s new on the following era Nukeproof Megawatt?
Nukeproof hasn’t messed with the geometry, sizing or combined wheel platform – all stay unchanged on this new version Megawatt. The important thing modifications are to the motor, which is now the new Shimano EP801 mannequin. Though there’s no improve within the torque or energy over the outgoing mannequin, the EP801 does get revised performance and improved sealing.
The battery capability stays the identical at 630Wh on all fashions besides the Comp – with no choice for going larger. Sure, this as soon as was a excessive capability quantity however occasions transfer on, with 750, 800 and even 900Wh batteries from many manufacturers now giving the choice for an all-day epic experience, with out vary anxiousness points. Nukeproof has taken a special strategy right here, re-engineering the down tube internally with a brand new adjustable battery mounting system – permitting a smaller (and lighter) 504Wh choice for use as an alternative. A multi-battery strategy might go well with the racers on the market however these recurrently mixing it up on group rides could also be keeping track of the gasoline gauge earlier than anticipated. The down tube rethink contains revised cable and hose administration, giving simpler entry relating to upkeep. The benefit of entry to the battery stays, with no difficulty eradicating it for indoor charging.
In terms of spec updates, Nukeproof has taken benefit of being an early adopter of SRAM’s UDH hanger commonplace – the primary gen Megawatt was outfitted with one too – permitting using SRAM’s newest AXS Transmission drivetrains together with the most recent, extra inexpensive, GX spec that we’ve simply ridden.
The Megawatt 297 Elite, at £6899.99 appears to be the candy spot within the vary in the event you’re eager to do that next-generation drivetrain. Spec highlights embody: SRAM GX AXS Transmission, FOX 38 Efficiency Elite forks, a FOX X2 Efficiency rear shock, Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheels and SRAM’s DB8 brakes.
Have to know
- Geometry and sizing stays as per Gen 1 bike
- Makes use of Shimano’s new EP801 motor
- 630Wh battery on Elite mannequin and above (504Wh on Comp)
- Adjustable mount to suit lighter 504Wh Shimano battery
- SRAM AXS Eagle Transmission on high three fashions
- Microshift Creation X drivetrain on Comp mannequin
- 4 pot brake calipers and 220/200mm F/R rotors
- Revised, user-friendly cable/hose routing
Gen 2 Nukeproof Megawatt mannequin vary
Megawatt Comp £5399.99
Spec Highlights:
- RockShox Area Movement Management RC 170mm fork
- RockShox Tremendous Deluxe Choose R rear shock
- Solar-Ringle Duroc SD37 Comp wheels
- Maxxis Assegai 3C DD 2.5in tyres
- Microshift Creation-X 10 velocity drivetrain
- SRAM DB8 4 piston brakes
- 220/200mm F/R rotors
- Model X Ascend dropper put up
Megawatt Elite £6899.99
Spec Highlights:
- Fox 38 Float Efficiency Elite 170mm fork
- Fox Float X2 Efficiency rear shock
- Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheels
- Maxxis Assegai 3C DD 2.5in tyres
- SRAM GX AXS Eagle Transmission
- SRAM DB8 4 piston brakes
- 220/200mm F/R rotors
- Model X Ascend dropper put up
Megawatt Manufacturing unit £7899.99
Spec Highlights:
- Fox 38 Float Manufacturing unit 170mm fork
- Fox Float X2 Manufacturing unit rear shock
- DT Swiss H1700 SPLINE 30 wheels
- Maxxis Assegai 3C DD 2.5in tyres
- SRAM GX/XO AXS Eagle Transmission
- Hayes Dominion A4 4 piston brakes
- 220/203mm F/R rotors
- Bikeyoke Divine Stealth dropper put up
Megawatt RS £7999.99
- RockShox Zeb Final Charger 3 RC2 180mm fork
- RockShox Tremendous Deluxe Final RCT
- Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheels
- Micheline DH22 TLR 2.4in tyres
- SRAM XX/XO AXS Eagle Transmission
- SRAM Code RSC 4 piston brakes
- 220/200mm F/R rotors
- Bikeyoke Revive dropper put up
