Nukeproof might be late to the best e-MTB game, but it has launched a battery mountain bike with a great name.
The brand’s Mega is a renowned enduro bike platform, which has managed to win a multitude of EWS races. Nukeproof has now added the Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor to create its Megawatt. Clever.
This new bike from Nukeproof runs the mixed mullet wheel configuration and features aluminum construction throughout. With an air-shock in place, there is room for a hydration bottle in the front triangle.
The frame features 165mm of rear-suspension travel, with Nukeproof recommending a 170mm fork up front, housing that 29er wheel.
Eyelet bearings connect to the shock to its linkage, instead of bushings, possibly improving kinematic sensitivity, for those riders who are skilled at bike set-up and can feel the smallest differences.
Slack at the front, steep in the middle
Although the Megawatt uses a similar suspension design to other Nukeproofs, it has a four per cent more progressive leverage ratio, compared to an analog Nukeproof Mega.
There are five frame sizes available with the Megawatt, ranging from S to XXL. All bikes have a 64-degree head angle and steep 78-degree seat angle, to ensure riders benefit from the pedaling assistance, on those sharp climbs.
As a reference geometry number, the size large Megawatt has 475mm of reach.
How much battery power is hidden in the Megawatt’s downtube? That depends on the derivative you choose.
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Two battery sizes
The Comp prices at $5,499.99 and uses a 504Wh battery pack. Suspension components are from RockShox, with a ZEB Select fork and Super Deluxe Select R shock. The Megawatt comp shifts via a blended Shimano Deore drivetrain and rolls SunRingle Duroc SD37 wheels.
Megawatt Elite upgrades to a 630Wh battery pack and is $6,599.99. Suspension is a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork, matched with a similar grade Float X2 shock. Wheels are DT Swiss H1900s.
The premium Nukeproof e-bike build is a $7499.99 Factory spec Megawatt. It upgrades all suspension components to Fox Factory grade, with Kashima coatings. Drivetrain is Shimano XT and the wheels are DT Swiss H1700.
All Megawatts roll the same Maxxis tires, with an Assegai upfront and High Roller II at the rear, both 2.5-inches in width.
