Press Release: NukeproofThe internet may have just repaired itself from Sam Hill’s breaking it last week. We’re stoked Sam’s staying with Nukeproof for another 3 years (minimum). Probably time to show him riding the new Mega:
While Sam was absent from the 2020 Enduro World Series rounds, he’s not been in full feet up mode, although it has been nice for him to “relax” and enjoy a full year at home with his young family for the first time in his illustrious career. The V4 Mega is a ground up design and Sam’s been out to ensure the bike is dialled for the 2021 season. He’s even been putting in times against the clock (and winning) at his local Western Australia Gravity Series. With Sam taking a hattrick of Enduro World Series titles on the Mega V3, the V4 Mega had some big shoes to fill. But the redesigned V4 Mega has allowed our engineers to implement some fresh thinking and changes on both 27.5” and 29” platforms. Geometry changes, all new linkage and suspension curve and a full carbon frame (with a fully optimised carbon layup).
Sam’s weapon of choice is again will again be the Mega 290c, seen here built to Team Chain Reaction Cycles-Nukeproof spec featuring components from a full selection of Nukeproof & Sam Hill Signature components along with Sram’s AXS set up, Rockshox ZEB fork, MRP AMG guide and DH22 rubber from Michelin.
| My initial impression of the new (V4) Mega is how quick and positive it feels to change lines and direction on the trails. The changes also make it feel a lot more playful to ride, but really stable when you’re going fast.—Sam Hill |
The new 2021 Mega: Race Proven.
Filmed in Western Australia at the awesome Linga Longa. Taking on some of his favourite enduro and downhill trails. For those that may not have been to this area, the park is pretty remote, situated about 3 hours from Perth, towards the southernmost tip of Western Australia. Originally the land was bought in 2012 as a family retreat by owner Boxer (as he put it “to run wild and free”). As a relative local Sam has been instrumental in helping design and build in the park along with hundreds of volunteers. What they have created is a little piece of MTB paradise, well worth a visit https://www.lingalongabikepark.com
Edit by Mark Garlic
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXyAdMzjvo8
On my small farm to the east of Perth, I have three decent hills across a ridge line that I’ve cut trails on. The drop is 180m over 1km. My individual trails are between 1.3km and 3km.
Obviously some conditioning does come in to make sure they're rock solid to survive longer and prevent injuries if they crash. Although guys built like Richie (or Grubby and Curtis Keene for that matter) do probably get away with that firmer setup because they're jacked.
Robin Walner in particular rides a fairly soft setup and it's been treating him well. Fwiw I also think a lot of people try to be heroes by riding stiff suspension overestimating how fast they are/the terrain they have and hearing that Richie and Gwin run super stiff setups (I've done it myself so I'm not blaming anyone haha)
Blah blah blah
Mount beauty is such a place where many such riders live, train. A week on the trails around there is a shock to the system, you’ll see why the best choose to live near such a place
music.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDTMAK5uy_kset8DisdE7LSD4TNjEVvrKRTmG7a56sY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrTMDEU05jc
Maybe they're made to lean....
(works better with the jingle playing in your head)
Maybe it's Nukeproof's way of reminding Yeti of the Hill vs Rude score for the last 3 years.
I wonder what the waiting list is like in those just now. I quite fancy a 290 Elite (dark grey with yellow graphics, fox suspension). It seems everyone is out of stock.