Enduro test 2023: Nukeproof Mega 297 Pro

Aaron Schreiber

, Peter Nilges

· 04.10.2022

Enduro test 2023: Nukeproof Mega 297 Pro

Photo: Max Fuchs

Thanks to the 27.5-inch rear wheel, the rear triangle is short and is optimally protected against chain attacks.27.5-inch rear wheel, the rear triangle is short and is optimally protected against chain attacks.

The Nukeproof Mega 297 is sold by its English distributor as a classic enduro bike. In addition, there is even a larger calibre in the Super Enduro category with the Giga. Start-to-finish victory for the Brit.

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The aluminium enduro bike surprised us with its remarkably plush rear end, which even provided 174 millimetres of travel in our lab. In combination with the 170 mm Rockshox ZEB fork, the sensitive rear suspension not only works absolutely harmoniously, but is also recommended for particularly rough terrain. None of the other test candidates could keep up here. The Maxxis tyres provide additional confidence. They not only provide grip, but also puncture protection thanks to the double-down casing.

Photo: Max FuchsThe Nukeproof Mega 297 Pro is the downhill winner in the enduro test.

No matter which tester had the Nukeproof Mega under their bum and on which bike park trail they were riding: the Enduro impresses with a central riding position, balanced handling and, on top of that, a pleasantly quiet background noise. We would only have liked a little more bite from the Sram Guide brakes when decelerating. The Mega has a leisurely pace on the climbs. At 16.36 kilos including pedals, the Nukeproof Enduro weighs the most, and the aluminium frame is also the heaviest. Due to the long travel, the rear suspension pumps noticeably when pedalling, but can be calmed down with the effective and easily accessible shock platform. As the stack is quite high, it makes sense to run a few spacers under the stem for more pressure on the front wheel. Due to a price adjustment, the Mega costs slightly more than the rest of the field, but has one of the most favourable specs.

Photo: Max FuchsThe cable routing is practical, but would unfortunately get in the way of a water bottle.

Photo: Max FuchsThanks to the 27.5-inch rear wheel, the rear triangle is short and optimally protected against chain attacks.

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Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE editor:

With its robust aluminium frame, the Nukeproof Mega 297 may not be a lightweight, but it has enormous downhill potential and confidently wins the downhill classification.

Photo: Max FuchsMax Fuchs, BIKE editor

>> You can download the entire test "Enduros around 3500 euros" from BIKE 9/2022 here <<

Technical data for the Nukeproof Mega 297 Pro

General information

Price: 4699 euros (price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and tuning)
Frame material: aluminium
Frame size: S / M /L / XL / XXL(tested size: 44 cm)
More info about Nukeproof

Measured values

Weight without pedals: 16.01 kg
Suspension travel (front / rear): 170 / 174 mm

Equipment

Fork: Rockshox ZEB Select+
Shock: Rockshox Super Deluxe Select+
Crank: Sram Descendant 7K
Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Sram Guide RE / 200 mm / 200 mm
Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Brand X Ascend / 170 mm / 31.6 mm
Wheels: Nukeproof Neutron V2
Tyres: Maxxis Asseg. 3C MaxxG. / Minion DHR II 3C MaxxT.Double D. TR 29 / 27.5 x 2.5 / 2.4

Photo: BIKE-TestabteilungNukeproof Mega 297 Pro - Geometry data

Nukeproof Mega 297 Pro - Suspension characteristics: No other enduro bike in the test offers as much travel as the Mega. The suspension works as if from a single mould.

Photo: BIKE-TestabteilungNukeproof Mega 297 Pro - Suspension characteristics: No other enduro bike in the test offers as much travel as the Mega. The suspension works as if from a single mould.

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