The Nukeproof Mega 275C RS didn’t only secure the Best Value Tip in our big enduro bike group test last year, it also helped Sam Hill claim his third overall title in the Enduro World Series. This year it’ll have to defend its title, going up against its sibling, the Mega 290C and many other bikes besides in our group test.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike 2020
At first glance, the Nukeproof Mega 275C RS seems to be stepping into the ring virtually unchanged. But look more closely and you’ll find a couple of minor updates: it’s been given a new paint job and the rear linkage has been upgraded with higher quality Enduro bearings. Apart from that, it now comes standard with protective frame tape covering all critical spots. The spec has also been tweaked. You still get a red RockShox Lyrik fork, although this is the Ultimate model offering 170 mm travel instead of the RC2. The fork is combined with a Super Deluxe shock, while shifting is taken care of by a SRAM X01 drivetrain and Michelin supply the grippy Wild Enduro tires. For 2020, the tires come fitted on a set of Mavic Deemax DH wheels. Nukeproof have fixed the small criticism we had last year and now spec the bike with a pair of SRAM CODE RSC brakes instead of the CODE R model. Because of the position of the shock in the front triangle, you’ll have to mount your water bottle under the downtube and the price of the Mega 275C RS has gone up by € 500 from € 4,799 to € 5,299. Nukeproof justify the price increase based on both the improved componentry and the effects of Brexit negotiations resulting in worse exchange rates for British companies.
The grey paint job of the Mega won over all of our test riders – less so the number 1 on the top tube.
The Mega 275C doesn’t make a sound in rough terrain and always remains very quiet. There’s nothing that rattles on the bike and that’s how it should be!
The Mega 275C features a carbon front triangle paired with an aluminium rear linkage. There’s nothing to fault here in terms of function.
Nukeproof Mega 275c RS
€ 5,299
Specifications
Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 180 mm
Rear Shock RockShox SuperDeluxe Ultimate RCT 165 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth 175 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 32 - 10/50
Stem Nukeproof Horizon 50 mm
Handlebar Nukeproof Horizon Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Mavic Deemax DH 27,5
Technical Data
Size S, M, ML, L, XL
Weight 14.54 kg
The rear suspension of the Nukeproof Mega 275C feels very defined yet super sensitive – excellent!
Nukeproof have taken our previous criticism to heart and for 2020 have specced the bike with a pair of SRAM CODE RSC brakes instead of the CODE R. They are even easier to modulate and feel higher-quality in general.
Geometry and size of the Nukeproof
Above all, the Nukeproof Mega 275C is extremely balanced, which can be attributed
to the geometry. The reach isn’t radical and the chainstays are relatively long for a bike with 27.5” wheels. This positions the rider very centrally between the wheels. The remaining geometry figures are also spot on and thanks to the moderate seat tube length there is enough room for a 170 mm dropper post.
| Size | S | M | ML | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 381 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 458 mm | 508 mm |
| Top tube | 560 mm | 586 mm | 603 mm | 623 mm | 669 mm |
| Head tube | 105 mm | 105 mm | 105 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Chainstays | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,165 mm | 1,190 mm | 1,209 mm | 1,229 mm | 1,276 mm |
| Reach | 410 mm | 435 mm | 453 mm | 470 mm | 515 mm |
| Stack | 590 mm | 590 mm | 590 mm | 600 mm | 604 mm |
The Nukeproof Mega 275C RS on the trail
The pedalling position on the Mega 275C is central, upright and very comfortable on the climbs. The rear suspension effectively suppresses pedal bob, meaning it only makes sense to activate the shock’s climb switch on long climbs with smooth surfaces. As inconspicuous as it is on the climbs, so it is on the descends – in the most positive sense of the word. The Mega 275C is synonymous with balance, handling brilliantly on every kind of terrain. This all comes down to the excellent weight distribution that results from the rather long (for a 27.5″ bike) 435 mm chainstays.
The Mega 275C makes it possible to stay in control while going full speed and drifting Sam Hill style.
This keeps you centred on the bike without having to shift your weight around too much, generating equal amounts of grip on both wheels and allowing you to focus on riding the trail. The rear suspension responds sensitively while offering lots of mid-stroke support and plenty of progression towards the end, making the travel feel bottomless. The Mega 275C is an easy bike to ride fast without demanding a lot of energy from the rider, yet the handling remains very agile, allowing you to change direction with precision and ease. The 170 mm RockShox Reverb dropper post guarantees maximum freedom of movement and increases your feeling of confidence on steep terrain.
The Mega 275C is still an excellent bike, the only problem is: the 29er is even better!
How does the Nukeproof Mega compare to the competition?
The best bike to compare it to is its bigger wheeled sibling, the Nukeproof Mega 290C. Sadly, the Mega 275C isn’t able to keep up. Although it might be marginally more agile in tight sections, it doesn’t roll over obstacles as easily and the 29er instils you with significantly more confidence. Most riders will be better advised to go with the 29er unless you’re specifically looking for a very agile bike and want the smaller wheels – in which case you might rather want to go for Nukeproof’s new Reactor anyway.
Tuning tip: none
Conclusion
The Nukeproof Mega 275C RS performs well on every kind of terrain thanks to its balanced handling, excellent suspension and carefully considered spec. It always remains predictable and delivers EWS performance for the masses. The only problem facing the 275 is the fact that that you can now get pretty much the same bike with 29″ wheels, leaving this smaller wheeled version behind.
Tops
- excellent cornering abilities
- brilliant suspension
- carefully considered spec at a fair price
Flops
- no room for a water bottle
You can find out more about the Nukeproof Mega 275C RS at nukeproof.com
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike 2020
All bikes in test: Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 LTD | CUBE Stereo 170 SL 29 | Giant Reign Advanced 29 0 | Ibis Mojo HD5 | Norco Sight C1 29 | Nukeproof Mega 275C RS | Nukeproof Mega 290C Pro | Orbea Rallon M-LTD | Pole Stamina 180 LE | RAAW Madonna V2 FOX Factory Built | Rocky Mountain Slayer Carbon 90 29 | Santa Cruz Megatower CC X01 Reserve | SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 2020 | Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert | Trek Slash 9.9 X01 AXS | Yeti SB150 T2 | YT CAPRA 29 CF Pro Race
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer / Finlay Anderson / Markus Frühmann
