Nukeproof MegaWatt

NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT

Sorry, Not Sorry


Sorry, A word we can all say too much, but do we really mean it. We're sorry it's taken so long for us to join the E-Bike game, we're defiantly not Sorry for making one.

 

Since 2009 the Nukeproof Mega has been on a journey of constant development to meet the evolving demands of our customers and athletes. From iteration to iteration, bike technology and design has been moving fast and we’ve sought to optimise incremental improvements to release today’s thoroughbred Enduro race bike, the V4 Mega.

In recent years however there has notable absence in the Nukeproof range, a bike with an engine. Like them, love them, loathe them, we’re not here to debate the E-Bike game, we’re just sorry it’s taken Nukeproof so long to join the e-Bike game. We just wanted to get it right and ensure the frame engineering, technology, performance and ongoing support for our customer riders was all in place.

However, the time is right and we are excited to and proud to introduce the Nukeproof MegaWatt., our first E-Bike…. Sorry, Not sorry

Behind The Design:  

Designed and developed alongside the latest Mega, the MegaWatt was optimised as a E-Bike from the outset. As with all bikes branding the Mega name it retains the descending characteristics that has taken 4 Enduro World Series crowns.

Designed and developed alongside the V4 Mega, the MegaWatt frame was honed to perform using a battery and motor from the outset. As with all bikes branding the “Mega” name it retains the descending characteristics that has taken 4 Enduro World Series crowns and numerous race wins. The MegaWatt frame feature the latest expertise from Shimano in the form of their Steps EP8 drivetrain and battery technology. When choosing a motor/ battery partner Nukeproof’s top priority was to partner with the right specialist. A brand that could perform at the leading edge, whilst having the infrastructure in place to support customers during the years of ownership. The MegaWatt frame is packaged to maximise the performance of the Shimano EP8 Motor and battery. Crafted from hydroformed 6061 aluminium, the MegaWatt shares the DNA and some tubing with its Mega sibling but features some differences. The most notable is the all-new one-piece cast aluminium bottom bracket shell was engineered to package the Shimano Steps EP8 Motor. The downtube is engineered to maximise both strength and rigidity, with optimised wall thicknesses to help reduce weight. All this whilst ensuring easy access to the battery via a access door to allow riders to remove the battery for charging, changing or transporting the bike easily (with the added benefit of accessing the cables to root them easily).

The MegaWatt is offered in three specifications Comp, Elite or Factory to suit your riding needs and budget. The Factory and Elite use a 630WH Shimano battery, with the comp using the 504WH Shimano battery. Both 630WH and 504WH battery will fit in all MegaWatt model, with secure flip-able battery mount to allow riders to easily adjustable the mounts on the with minimal fuss. All bikes will come complete with a Shimano battery charger and accessories for on bike and off the bike charging. Please see individual spec’s for full details.

The MegaWatt

Design and innovation around the Motor housing and downtube to minimise weight and ensure strength

 

Whilst the MegaWatt shares the race proven geometry of the Nukeproof Mega, it does so in an all new mixed wheel size platform. A 29” wheel up front to maximise rolling efficiency with a 27.5” wheel out back. This ensures the MegaWatt has the ability to whip around even the tightest of Alpine trail, whilst still inspiring confidence in the stability to attacking the roughest terrain. The 297 wheelbase retains a similar chainstay length figure to the Mega 290 mode (442mm Vs 440mm). The rear chainstays are finished with 3D moulded chain protection to keep the frame fresh and silent allowing you to concentrate on nailing the trail ahead. The MegaWatt is offered in Size Small through to XXL with evenly spaced size splits for best fit. It also shares Nukeproof’s “saddle offset” philosophy with the Mega; Steeper seat angles offered on larger sizes to optimise the riding position and maximise comfort and efficiency.  

See below for detail images:

The Platform:

The MegaWatt suspension kinematics are based on the ultra successful Mega platform and the all new V4 linkage design. This is a 4 bar horst linkage design with all linkages featuring enduro max bearings for smooth, long lasting movement. All linkages feature Enduro-Max bearings for performance and longevity. Both the Fox and Rockshox suspension offering (model dependant) feature a bearing at the end of the shock for ultimate performance. This ensures that the suspension feels super supple of the top whilst remaining progressive and supportive through the rest of the travel.   All models feature a custom tuned rear shock with 170mm of rear travel. The Anti Squat too is optimised to create a bike that offers ultimate performance on the descends and then returns you back to the top efficiently for more. The new Mega also has a wide SAG range (30%-35%) to allow you; the rider to tune the characteristics of the bike to your preferences.  

 



The MegaWatt retains the same ultra successful 4 bar Horst linkage as the Mega. As with the Mega V4 this features our latest suspension curve to allow the MegaWatt to perform when you need it most.

 

Leverage Ratio and Forces:

 

  • A Super supple beginning for small bump compliance with a strong Mid-Stroke support for optimal cornering and pumping. The Mid-End of the stroke allows for more tuning options and a wide 30-35% range of usable SAG. An Increased end-stroke leverage prevents the suspension from spiking. 22% overall progression with an average ratio of 2.6 (measured from SAG)
  • Anit Squat Curve
    • Slightly lower anti Squat numbers than it’s Mega sibling at 99%. This helps to increase the performance of the suspension (We’re able to do this due to the climbing assistance on an E-Bike). Higher anti-Squat in the climbing gears, which drops off to (52%) in the descending gears. The MegaWatt remains true to our belief that a low anti-squat, but good mid stroke support is a winning combo for climbing traction. However we believe that the Anti-Squat should never prevent the suspension from working well over rough terrain.


  • Anti-Rise Curve
    • The MegaWatt has a balanced amount of Anti-Rise that tails off for bigger hits on the trail. This allows some squat in the suspension when breaking hard into a corner allowing the rider to maintain his/ her position. This allows the rider to put the pressure through the tyres and into the ground for excellent traction under hard braking.
  • Axle Path Curve
    • The MegaWatt's axle path moves rearwards for 50mm of travel (SAG). This prevents the rear wheel from hooking up on square edges and ultimately will help the rider holds speed.  




THE MEGAWATT RANGE:

The 2021 MegaWatt range features 3 specification options: Comp, Elite and Factory.

The Comp is our entry point to the MegaWatt complete range and features the awesome new Rockshox ZEB suspension fork paired with a custom tuned Super Deluxe shock, Shimano’s bulletproof Deore 12 speed drive train, powerful 4 pot brakes and Nukeproof Neutron dependable finishing kit. All MegaWatt models are tubeless ready with pre-taped rims and Maxxis Assegai and High Roller II Double Down tyres as standard. All MegaWattt models will come the Shimano EP8 motor, with the Comp featuring a 504WH Battery


Our Mid-tier model features the brand-new Fox 38 Performance Elite Series (Grip 2) suspension fork paired with a custom tuned Float X2 EVOL shock. Dependable and crisp shifting comes from Shimano’s SLX 12 speed drivetrain and stopping power from the SLX 4 pot brakes. To complete the build, it’s rolling on DT Swiss EX1900 wheels with our premium Horizon finishing kit. The Elite Spec. MegaWatt again features the Shimano EP8 motor but combines this with the a larger 630WH battery


The Factory is our premium build in the MegaWatt range, coming with a Factory spec Kashima coated Fox 38 suspension fork and custom tuned X2 Factory shock. Crisp, direct and reliable shifting from the Shimano XT 12 speed drivetrain is seamlessly paired with powerful 4 pot Shimano XT brakes. Also featured is the awesome Bike Yoke Revive dropper post (drop depends on bike size) and the brand-new DT EX1700 wheelset. Finishing kit is from our award-winning Horizon range. The Elite Spec. MegaWatt again features the Shimano EP8 motor but combines this with the a larger 630WH battery

 

The MEGAWATT will be in stores from the 2nd July (4th August for the Factory models). For availability please speak to your local dealer: NUKEPROOF DEALER LOCATOR


NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT: SORRY, NOT SORRY



Watch the Elliott & Kelan ride the new MegaWatt


#itsanattitude

Photo's and Video by Laurence Crossman-Emms