it's a gorgeous bike. i never liked the name NP, but the bikes have really grown on me and clearly they are a top flight brand with killer performance. that trail you're riding also looks incredible.
I always felt the same about the name, and didn’t like it. The Horizon kit is outstanding quality and I’m now the proud owner of a mega 297, and love it.
Is that long bottom bracket a weak spot for rocks similar to the old Yeti sb150 ? The giga frame looks better with the bb angled up instead of long and flat. Curious to see you ride the giga
Stoked to stumble over this! I have an '22 TR Sentinel alloy and the thing is pushing 38 lbs and feels dead on blues and some blacks here in CO. Don't like setups/looks of so many typical US bike brands. Was thinking of upgrading to carbon but now NukeProof and Propain are really catching my eye. Would you say it's way more playful than Sentinel? Have you tried the Propain Tyee?
That's a beauty of a bike! I recently bought an Mega 297 Alloy Comp and can't wait to test it out once the snow disappears in a couple months. I'm coming from a Scott Ransom which had a few things that bugged me so we'll see how the two compare.
Great video! I've been riding NP for a few years now. Got a Mega last year and have to say its the best all around bike I've ridden. The only thing that has held the bike back is me! It has handled everything I thrown at it. Greeting from North Alabama.
Pretty cool that it comes with frame protection! That's like a 3-5 hour project depending on your kit of choice (or DIY). My buddy had a 2017 Mega that he won races with. Great bikes!
I have to finish the video later but Ima say I'm incredibly happy to see you review Nukeproof, it was really unexpected. I've been exposed to Nukeproof content for awhile from the likes of GMBN and Scottish riders so it's always been a bike at the back of my mind that I wanted to try but could never see here in the US
I'm fairly new to MTB and I have felt pretty overwhelmed with all the choices out there but I have really become a fan of Nukeproof, specifically the Mega 297. I was close to buying one when I noticed the Ibis Ripmo V2. Now I'm in a quandary. Which one do you think is the better buy (or more fun)?
I can't say anything for their complete bikes, but I've used a few components. Good quality for the value. The Horizon V2 wheels are a good deal for a high engagement alloy wheel. I've got two sets and they've held up well for me so far.
I have a scout and a reactor. Always ordered off chain reaction cycles and I plan on getting another reactor lol. Love thr brand. Paint is always immaculate. Love it
For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS. I still smile just as much on that Ripmo! I'll likely review the Nukeproof Reactor this year, which I bet will be a lot of fun for general trail riding.
@@trotro80 it does well. But to be fair, the trails I ride don't have too many long sections that are rough, like downhill type stuff. But the couple of sections we do have that are rough, the bike stays pretty planted.
I owned a Reactor for a year. It was awesome. Poppy, seemingly endless rear travel. Only switched because I wanted more travel and because of the UK not being in the EU anymore the prices for their bikes in Germany got horrendously expensive.
Hate to hear that. It was a little more costly here before the US distribution started. It’s great they have local support here now too. That’s always a big consideration.
Would love to see a comparison between this bike and the sentinel. One you loved and the other you didn’t love. (Sentinel owner here who sold his 2017 mega 290).😢
Pedal Pushers in Golden, CO also picked up Nukeproof. So how does it compare to other bikes in the segment? Especially the RM Altitude (the S tier bike itself). Is it super progressive like the Altitude or linear like a Ripmo? Size wise it's perfect for an "enduro bike as your only bike" based on reach and wheelbase, it's not much bigger than a Ripmo and is about the same size as the Altitude.
Very progressive. I enjoyed the suspension on this more than the Slayer and Altitude. Felt more lively and balanced. Even more pop, which surprised me.
I've had both a 2019 nukeproof mega 275 and a 2021 nukeproof mega 290. Both bikes have ridden insanely well and been just as capable as each other in their own ways, and the only reason I "upgraded" was because I needed a water bottle for racing. I've always loved them as a brand
I'm also in Chatt and wondering this. Edit - Kept watching and he's at Raccoon Mountain, which I haven't ridden yet. A couple of those clips were Windrock too I assume.
Hi man been going back and forth between this bike and a stump jumper evo just wanted to see what your take on both bikes compared to each other is I’m currently on a nukeproof scout thanks in advance
Evo has highly adjustable geo and in frame storage. NP has slightly beefier suspension. Hubs and wheels are a draw. Drive train is preference but the 23 evo does come with gx axs for $6500. Unless you need a 38 upfront I'd say the evo is a better buy. Both run horst link.
I'm not sure how progressive the Mega's back end is, but I've heard it's a poppy bike (which usually means progressive), so should feel more like a Specialized Enduro than a Stumpy Evo (which is REALLY linear).
I would put the Alchemy Arktos 150 right up there alongside the other bikes in this category. Superb builds and value. Stellar performance on the whole (think Yeti-similar linkage/kinematics, sort of a Toyota/Lexus value brand comparison). Going into the second full season on mine, and think they are deserving of attention. From a small, boutique company, they just don’t have the market presence, or race visibility of the other brands. Cheers for the quality vids, and honest straight to the point content! 🍻
@@frienduro24 yup. David Earle designed the Sine suspension platform Alchemy uses. He was involved with Yeti’s switch infinity, if not the original designer. Cheers.
back in 2021 I bought the Mega carbon elite build which has slx components and fox performance elite suspension. At the time I thought it was a good deal at $4,600 USD. Now after checking prices I think the Vitus Sommet, which is also a CRC house brand offers very simliar levels of performance of the Mega for cheaper.
Well you won't have to wait too long as the new Ibis Enduro bike is being shown with spy shots. Check MTBR in the Ibis section and you'll see the pics. Looks pretty sweet.
I'd like to see a full comparison between this and the ripmo. I went with a Ripmo AF but I was strongly considering a Nukeproof. I'd like to see how they stack against one another.
For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS.
This Bike has very similar numbers to the transition sentinel, but you seem a lot more positive about the mega over the sentinel. I'm just wondering what's different about the mega that you liked more than the sentinel?
They are not in the same class. Mega is a purebred enduro bike, and one of the best out there. Sentinel is an all mountain bike. Good all rounder but not excelling in any particular area. Mega excels in what it was designed for.
They are very different bikes without question. A bikes characteristics comes from the sum of all of its parts. A few millimeters here, a half a degree there, an entirely different suspension kinematic….. the things all play a huge role in that outcome.
@Brett Silvestri I have a nukeproof mega and I also had a sentinel. They are poles apart. Mega is planted and stable, also fun in the corners. The sentinel for me didn't have anywhere near as much grip in the front and didn't feel as stable. It was a great bike but I felt it was too twitchy. Also, the rear suspension on the Mega feels bottomless. On the sentinel it felt chattery on the really chunky stuff and a bit unsettled. It's not an enduro bike like the mega.
So if the $6600 best value bike is too expensive we should check out your daily driver? Which is a carbon ripmo with xo1 build kit with onyx hubs?!? I build bikes for under $4000 with Lyrik, slx/XT drivetrain and brakes, carbon wheels with high engagement hubs (spank). The two bikes you mention as good values are horrible values because the manufacturers want >$3000 for the frame. There are amazing (same or better) alloy frames available for under $1500, carbon for $2300 (Specialized Evo or Enduro sale price).
Most of time “Too much bike” is a reference to travel, not price point. Yes, of course you can certainly build up either bike with a lower price point using an aluminum frame and lower cost parts.
@@SemiSendy Of course with a Ripmo it depends on what you're using it for, great out of the box as a bigger travel trail bike that mostly stays on the ground, but if you want to use it like an enduro bike the cascade link is all but essential unless you're really light.
I have a mega love it I ride parks hit big jumps and my buddies always ask do I wish I had a downhill bike and I say no not for trails around northeast plus i can peddle it and jump my local south jersey trails and it's def built to race great engineering
I've been riding hardtails for years, but as I'm getting faster I'm losing control over chunk and drops and jumps sometimes hurt my ankles.. I think I've found my limits on a hardtail for the riding I like. But I'm not sure if I should go right to an enduro, or just start with a trail bike. I use all 150mm of my fork on the trails I ride.
I've come from a 160mm LTHT and did a lot of chunky rooty stuff. I really liked it but also had the idea that I was at the edge of my limits on the bike. I got the Mega 290 Alloy and it opened up a whole new level of biking. You start al over with the limit, but now on the underside of what the bike is capable. The suspension gives so much confidence that after riding it for 2-3 week you go a lot faster than the best days on the hardtail. Some say it's boring, I think of it as a great way to raise the bar even higher. You won't regret getting this bike (Y)
It can be really prohibitive. I tend to stay away from the idea of importing something in as well. It’s nice to have Nukeproof set up with distribution and support here state side now.
I just made replaced all my bearings at the same time I needed to servive the suspension I bought the bike 2020 and i kicked the living shit out the bike, broke nothing, after the service I upgraded to m8120 brakes... love it just checked if I wanted to buy one right now £4700 on chain reaction sight, worth every penny ... Nukeproof loyal..... for life
So if 3 years of crushing trail use I spend less than £400 replace every bearing even headset making every thing new and included shock servicing in that.... fu u just jelly u can't afford one bitch....❤❤❤
Just depends on what you're wanting it for. For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS.
it's a gorgeous bike. i never liked the name NP, but the bikes have really grown on me and clearly they are a top flight brand with killer performance. that trail you're riding also looks incredible.
I always felt the same about the name, and didn’t like it. The Horizon kit is outstanding quality and I’m now the proud owner of a mega 297, and love it.
Any observations on the climbing?
how do u compare this to your previous sentinel ???
This was at the top of my list already ;) so it’s nice to see you recommending it as well!
Hi mate, just @semisendy just curious what the BRAND and MODEL OF your GLASSES
Is that long bottom bracket a weak spot for rocks similar to the old Yeti sb150 ? The giga frame looks better with the bb angled up instead of long and flat. Curious to see you ride the giga
I enjoy these reviews. I’d love to see a comparative review between other bikes you’ve ridden. Transition, ibis etc.
Stoked to stumble over this! I have an '22 TR Sentinel alloy and the thing is pushing 38 lbs and feels dead on blues and some blacks here in CO. Don't like setups/looks of so many typical US bike brands. Was thinking of upgrading to carbon but now NukeProof and Propain are really catching my eye. Would you say it's way more playful than Sentinel? Have you tried the Propain Tyee?
Great video. Man, you doubled your subs since last I checked. Growing strong, man. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, my man! You too. Hope to bump into you again sometime in 2023 and catch a lap!
That's a beauty of a bike! I recently bought an Mega 297 Alloy Comp and can't wait to test it out once the snow disappears in a couple months. I'm coming from a Scott Ransom which had a few things that bugged me so we'll see how the two compare.
I got the exact same bike, coming from a ten yr old lapierre spicy 🌶️, I absolutely love it
Great video! I've been riding NP for a few years now. Got a Mega last year and have to say its the best all around bike I've ridden. The only thing that has held the bike back is me! It has handled everything I thrown at it. Greeting from North Alabama.
Pretty cool that it comes with frame protection! That's like a 3-5 hour project depending on your kit of choice (or DIY). My buddy had a 2017 Mega that he won races with. Great bikes!
I have to finish the video later but Ima say I'm incredibly happy to see you review Nukeproof, it was really unexpected. I've been exposed to Nukeproof content for awhile from the likes of GMBN and Scottish riders so it's always been a bike at the back of my mind that I wanted to try but could never see here in the US
Saw it yeasterday in a bikeshop in Stockholm. O man! I was like the Zues of bikes. In was sitting much higher above all the other bikes😍
I'm fairly new to MTB and I have felt pretty overwhelmed with all the choices out there but I have really become a fan of Nukeproof, specifically the Mega 297. I was close to buying one when I noticed the Ibis Ripmo V2. Now I'm in a quandary. Which one do you think is the better buy (or more fun)?
I can't say anything for their complete bikes, but I've used a few components. Good quality for the value. The Horizon V2 wheels are a good deal for a high engagement alloy wheel. I've got two sets and they've held up well for me so far.
you gonna test the giga soon?
It seems loud when descending. Is that due to chain slap or something else. Its the only thing that bothers me about it.
I have a scout and a reactor. Always ordered off chain reaction cycles and I plan on getting another reactor lol. Love thr brand. Paint is always immaculate. Love it
Right on!
The smiles show the true nature of a bike... & you were grinning all over the place 😁
Maybe a Mega over a Ripmo?? 🤔
For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS.
I still smile just as much on that Ripmo!
I'll likely review the Nukeproof Reactor this year, which I bet will be a lot of fun for general trail riding.
Great video Rich!! Love it. How does it climb for a burley bike??
I picked up a used Reactor a couple of months ago and it's been AWESOME. Very impressed so far.
how does it fare in rough sections?
@@trotro80 it does well. But to be fair, the trails I ride don't have too many long sections that are rough, like downhill type stuff. But the couple of sections we do have that are rough, the bike stays pretty planted.
I owned a Reactor for a year. It was awesome. Poppy, seemingly endless rear travel. Only switched because I wanted more travel and because of the UK not being in the EU anymore the prices for their bikes in Germany got horrendously expensive.
Hate to hear that. It was a little more costly here before the US distribution started. It’s great they have local support here now too. That’s always a big consideration.
I have a reactor, once the shock is set up it's practically idiot proof
Would love to see a comparison between this bike and the sentinel. One you loved and the other you didn’t love. (Sentinel owner here who sold his 2017 mega 290).😢
Great review!
Pedal Pushers in Golden, CO also picked up Nukeproof. So how does it compare to other bikes in the segment? Especially the RM Altitude (the S tier bike itself). Is it super progressive like the Altitude or linear like a Ripmo? Size wise it's perfect for an "enduro bike as your only bike" based on reach and wheelbase, it's not much bigger than a Ripmo and is about the same size as the Altitude.
Very progressive. I enjoyed the suspension on this more than the Slayer and Altitude. Felt more lively and balanced. Even more pop, which surprised me.
Man, those look like fun trails.
where do you put a water bottle??
I've had both a 2019 nukeproof mega 275 and a 2021 nukeproof mega 290. Both bikes have ridden insanely well and been just as capable as each other in their own ways, and the only reason I "upgraded" was because I needed a water bottle for racing. I've always loved them as a brand
Great to see how fast your channel has been growing cuz!
Thanks, fam!
What riding pants do you use in these videos?
HandUp AT+ pants. If you want to pick some up, you can use my SEMI$ENDY code for 15% off with them.
Amazing bike! What are the first 3 trails you were riding in this video? I'm in the Chattanooga area too and would love to hit em up!
I'm also in Chatt and wondering this. Edit - Kept watching and he's at Raccoon Mountain, which I haven't ridden yet. A couple of those clips were Windrock too I assume.
Daryl is right on the money. The 3rd person shots are all at raccoon and the pov is from Windrock.
@@SemiSendy Thanks. Somehow missed the raccoon part. Gonna hit it up soon!
Hi man been going back and forth between this bike and a stump jumper evo just wanted to see what your take on both bikes compared to each other is I’m currently on a nukeproof scout thanks in advance
Evo has highly adjustable geo and in frame storage. NP has slightly beefier suspension. Hubs and wheels are a draw. Drive train is preference but the 23 evo does come with gx axs for $6500. Unless you need a 38 upfront I'd say the evo is a better buy. Both run horst link.
I'm not sure how progressive the Mega's back end is, but I've heard it's a poppy bike (which usually means progressive), so should feel more like a Specialized Enduro than a Stumpy Evo (which is REALLY linear).
Evo was on sale and maybe still is. Might sway you. Otherwise, Mega looks better for a beefy bike.
I'd be curious to see how it compares to the Vitus Sommet. Great review!
the Sommet, Has less wallow in the mid stroke.
@@MrSupermugen so is it a better race bike? Especially in flat sections
@@DavidFoundCo id argue the overal the Mega is better. however, consider that 90% of the time the EWS team is riding the giga instead of mega.
You and me both! Maybe I can make that happen at some point.
I would put the Alchemy Arktos 150 right up there alongside the other bikes in this category. Superb builds and value. Stellar performance on the whole (think Yeti-similar linkage/kinematics, sort of a Toyota/Lexus value brand comparison). Going into the second full season on mine, and think they are deserving of attention. From a small, boutique company, they just don’t have the market presence, or race visibility of the other brands.
Cheers for the quality vids, and honest straight to the point content! 🍻
I think so previous Yeti guys designed those Alchemy’s…could be wrong
@@frienduro24 yup. David Earle designed the Sine suspension platform Alchemy uses. He was involved with Yeti’s switch infinity, if not the original designer. Cheers.
This is one hella of a bike man. Good looking too.
back in 2021 I bought the Mega carbon elite build which has slx components and fox performance elite suspension. At the time I thought it was a good deal at $4,600 USD. Now after checking prices I think the Vitus Sommet, which is also a CRC house brand offers very simliar levels of performance of the Mega for cheaper.
Well you won't have to wait too long as the new Ibis Enduro bike is being shown with spy shots. Check MTBR in the Ibis section and you'll see the pics. Looks pretty sweet.
Really useful review. Thanks. Great bike (think it's 'Meg-avalanche', rather than 'Mega-avalanche', btw).
The linkage is the same as Rocky Mountain and its really good to ride on
I'd like to see a full comparison between this and the ripmo. I went with a Ripmo AF but I was strongly considering a Nukeproof. I'd like to see how they stack against one another.
For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS.
I want to ride at that spot so bad. The place with all the rocks.
Cone to Chattanooga!
I have always wanted to try a nukeproof bike.
Definitely hop on one if you get a chance.!
Those trails look so fun
They’re a blast. Both are in Tennessee at Raccoon Mountain and Windrock Bike Park
More bike reviews! Perhaps the Santa Cruz megatower???
I haven't tried the latest update, but I've ridden a '21 model quite a bit.
I’d like to hear how this bike stacks up to the Megatower. mega v mega
This Bike has very similar numbers to the transition sentinel, but you seem a lot more positive about the mega over the sentinel. I'm just wondering what's different about the mega that you liked more than the sentinel?
They are not in the same class. Mega is a purebred enduro bike, and one of the best out there. Sentinel is an all mountain bike. Good all rounder but not excelling in any particular area. Mega excels in what it was designed for.
They are very different bikes without question. A bikes characteristics comes from the sum of all of its parts. A few millimeters here, a half a degree there, an entirely different suspension kinematic….. the things all play a huge role in that outcome.
@Brett Silvestri And a totally different suspension design 🤷♂️
Geometry is not the be all and end all....two totally different bikes.
@Brett Silvestri
I have a nukeproof mega and I also had a sentinel. They are poles apart. Mega is planted and stable, also fun in the corners. The sentinel for me didn't have anywhere near as much grip in the front and didn't feel as stable. It was a great bike but I felt it was too twitchy. Also, the rear suspension on the Mega feels bottomless. On the sentinel it felt chattery on the really chunky stuff and a bit unsettled. It's not an enduro bike like the mega.
Where were you riding with all the rock slabs
Raccoon mountain in Chattanooga, TN USA
@@SemiSendy we went there 2 years ago 😍🙌
So if the $6600 best value bike is too expensive we should check out your daily driver? Which is a carbon ripmo with xo1 build kit with onyx hubs?!? I build bikes for under $4000 with Lyrik, slx/XT drivetrain and brakes, carbon wheels with high engagement hubs (spank). The two bikes you mention as good values are horrible values because the manufacturers want >$3000 for the frame. There are amazing (same or better) alloy frames available for under $1500, carbon for $2300 (Specialized Evo or Enduro sale price).
Most of time “Too much bike” is a reference to travel, not price point.
Yes, of course you can certainly build up either bike with a lower price point using an aluminum frame and lower cost parts.
@@SemiSendy Of course with a Ripmo it depends on what you're using it for, great out of the box as a bigger travel trail bike that mostly stays on the ground, but if you want to use it like an enduro bike the cascade link is all but essential unless you're really light.
I have a mega love it I ride parks hit big jumps and my buddies always ask do I wish I had a downhill bike and I say no not for trails around northeast plus i can peddle it and jump my local south jersey trails and it's def built to race great engineering
Absolutely, even in full on DH bike territory it’s ready to rumble!
@Semi-Sendy 100% so impressed with it I am actually faster on it then I was on trek session dh bike great video spot on
@@stevenkilleen8149 same. I put down some faster laps on it than my commencal Supreme on most of the Windrock stuff.
I've been riding hardtails for years, but as I'm getting faster I'm losing control over chunk and drops and jumps sometimes hurt my ankles.. I think I've found my limits on a hardtail for the riding I like. But I'm not sure if I should go right to an enduro, or just start with a trail bike. I use all 150mm of my fork on the trails I ride.
zero reason not to go straight to enduro
I had a 100mm XC Bike since 2011 an bought end last year a Superenduro. I dont regret it.
I've come from a 160mm LTHT and did a lot of chunky rooty stuff. I really liked it but also had the idea that I was at the edge of my limits on the bike. I got the Mega 290 Alloy and it opened up a whole new level of biking. You start al over with the limit, but now on the underside of what the bike is capable. The suspension gives so much confidence that after riding it for 2-3 week you go a lot faster than the best days on the hardtail.
Some say it's boring, I think of it as a great way to raise the bar even higher. You won't regret getting this bike (Y)
now good Emtb version of the Mega
you should try VITUS bikes as well....
What are those rotors bro, change them now
The rocky slayer is very similar! just slightly more progressive
Cool.
I found it to be pretty expensive to get bikes that are sold in other country’s 😞
It can be really prohibitive. I tend to stay away from the idea of importing something in as well. It’s nice to have Nukeproof set up with distribution and support here state side now.
It was set up with tubes???? lol
On this demo it was. Not from normal stock though, thankfully.
Enduro bearings are Chinese garbage. They just have really good marketing.
Don’t know many bearing brands. Any recommendations for the future?
@@hectorhernandez1664 skf
SKF are the best. NTN are good too
I just made replaced all my bearings at the same time I needed to servive the suspension I bought the bike 2020 and i kicked the living shit out the bike, broke nothing, after the service I upgraded to m8120 brakes... love it just checked if I wanted to buy one right now £4700 on chain reaction sight, worth every penny ...
Nukeproof loyal..... for life
So if 3 years of crushing trail use I spend less than £400 replace every bearing even headset making every thing new and included shock servicing in that.... fu u just jelly u can't afford one bitch....❤❤❤
$6,600 😂 I’m broke
Would way prefer this to a Ripmo
Just depends on what you're wanting it for. For everyday trail riding and long epics in the mountains, the Ripmo still gets my pick over the Mega. Even if I was still racing the enduro series in our region. The mega tilts more towards the rougher and bigger park terrain, and toughest enduro circuits like EWS.
Cool.