Review: 2021 Nukeproof Giga Factory

Apr 27, 2021 at 17:21
by Mike Kazimer  
The Giga is the longest travel bike in Nukeproof's lineup, excluding their Dissent downhill bike. With 170mm of rear travel and a 180mm fork, Nukeproof say the bike was “designed to be the ultimate hard-hitting Super-Enduro weapon for when you just need more.”

The carbon-framed Giga is available with either 29” or 27.5” wheels, although some team riders have been spotted riding mixed wheel setups – I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes an option in the future.

There are three complete models available, with prices ranging from $4,600 USD up to $5,500 USD for the Factory version reviewed here.
Giga Factory Details

• Wheel size: 29" (27.5" option available)
• Carbon frame
• Travel: 170mm (r) / 180mm fork
• 63.5-degree head angle
• 445mm chainstays
• Weight: 33.9 lb / 15.4kg
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Price $5,500 USD
nukeproof.com


Highlights of the Factory build kit include a Fox 38 factory fork, Float X2 shock, Shimano XT drivetrain and 4-piston brakes, and DT Swiss EX 1700 wheels shod with Michelin's Wild Enduro tires. The total weight for a size large without pedals is 33.9 pounds.



bigquotesThere's a level of precision to its handling that allows it do to more than just bludgeon trails into submission. Mike Kazimer



Nukeproof Giga review

Frame Details

The Giga ticks almost all of the boxes when it comes to the list of features you'd hope to find on a modern enduro bike. The carbon frame even has clear plastic protection pre-applied, which helps keep its muted green paint job scuff- and scratch-free.

There's plenty of room for a water bottle, which sits inside an indentation on the top of the downtube. Two bolts are also located on the underside of the top tube, and Nukeproof just came out with a strap and a mount that can be used to hold a tube, tools, or maybe an enduro banana.

The internal cable routing uses a tube-in-tube design to simplify installation and minimize routing, although there are two ports on the right side of the head tube, and only one on the left. That will work perfectly for riders that run their rear brake on the left side, but for those of us who run our rear brake on the right the path the housing takes into the frame isn't quite as ideal. I can't really complain about this detail too much, give how often companies like Santa Cruz and Specialized set up their frames to prioritize riders who prefer their rear brake on the right, but it is a detail worth mentioning.

Other details include a threaded bottom bracket, SRAM's Universal Derailleur hanger, rubber chainstay and downtube protections, ISCG 05 tabs, and a little fender on the swingarm.


Nukeproof Giga
Nukeproof Giga

Nukeproof Giga

Geometry

The Giga's head angle sits at a relatively slack 63.5-degrees with a 180mm fork, .5-degrees slacker than the Nukeproof Mega that comes with a 170mm fork. In other words, the two models have nearly identical head angles. Chainstay lengths remains the same across all sizes, at 445mm for the 29” version and 435mm for the 27.5” model.

The effective seat tube angle is a steep 78-degrees, and the actual seat angle is steep as well at 72.5-degrees, a number that'll help ensure taller riders don't end up with their weight too far over the rear of the bike.


Nukeproof Giga review

Suspension Design

The Giga uses a link-driven single pivot suspension design, one that was first seen on the Dissent downhill bike. For the vision-impaired readers who thought that the Giga looked like a Santa Cruz when it first came out, this is the giveaway that it's something different. A short aluminum link connects the swingarm to another link that's affixed to the seattube and the 205 x 60mm shock.

Riders can select from one of two main pivot positions by loosening a bolt with an 8mm Allen key and pivoting a small lever. In the first position there is 25.5% progression, and in the second position there is 29% progression. The Giga is compatible with coil or air shocks, and the main pivot adjustments allow riders to fine tune the amount of end-stroke ramp up without needing to add volume spacers to a shock.

Depending on the main pivot position, anti-squat sits at either 96% or 100% at sag in the 32 / 50 tooth gear ration, and then drops as the shock goes deeper into its travel.



Specifications
Price $5500
Travel 170mm
Rear Shock Fox Float X2 Factory
Fork Fox 38 Float Factory, 180mm
Headset Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
Cassette Shimano XT 12-Speed 10-51T
Crankarms Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT M8100 12-speed
Chain Shimano XT M8100 HG 12-speed
Shifter Pods Shimano XT M8100 12-speed
Handlebar Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise
Stem Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black
Grips Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
Brakes Shimano XT / BR-M8120 4 Piston
Wheelset DT Swiss EX1700 SPLINE 30
Tires Michelin Wild Enduro 29" x 2.4, GUM-X TS TLR, Rear: Michelin Wild Enduro 29" x 2.4, GUM-X
Seat Nukeproof Horizon Enduro
Seatpost Bikeyoke Divine Stealh, 160mm


Nukeproof Giga review









Test Bike Setup

The Giga didn't require much fussing to get it ready to roll - all of the cockpit components were well suited to bike's intentions.

200 psi in the Float X2 put me at 30% sag, and I ran 85 psi in the Fox 38 for my 160 lb weight.

I did end up swapping out the Michelin tires for a portion of the test period when things got really, really soggy, replacing them with a Maxxis Shorty up front and DHR II in the rear in order to gain the maximum amount of traction.

Testing took place in Bellingham, Washington, over the course of the last three months, mainly in wet and muddy conditions, with a sunny day thrown in every once in a while.


Me.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Age: 38
Height: 5'11" / 180cm
Inseam: 33" / 84cm
Weight: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer


Nukeproof Giga review

Climbing

The Giga is a very manageable climber, thanks largely to that steep effective and actual seat tube seat angle. That put me into a comfortable climbing position, one where I could easily keep the front wheel weighted, and never felt like I was too far over the rear axle.

I'm not sure if it's a case of boiling frog syndrome, but the Giga's 63.5-degree head angle didn't feel overly slack to me on the climbs. Sure, the handling isn't lightning quick through tight uphill switchbacks, but I also never felt like I had to fight the bike to get it to go where I wanted.

The rear end will bob a little during out of the saddle efforts, or if you're sprinting on a flatter section of trail. I didn't find it to be excessive, though, and there was an impressive lack of unnessary movement during seated climbing. I typically used the climb switch on the Float X2 on the paved spin to my local trails, and on longer dirt road grinds, and kept it open for more technical climbs in order to gain more traction.

The Giga's 33.9-pound weight is reasonable considering the bike's build and intentions, and there's not much to change right out of the box. Knocking off a pound or two by throwing more carbon bits at the Giga is certainly doable if you found yourself sucked into a gram-counting rabbithole, although I'd recommend using that money for a bike park pass or road trip instead.

For comparison, I'd place the Giga's climbing efficiency and overall comfort ahead of the Kona Process X, and slightly behind the Propain Spindrift. At the end of the day it's still a slack, long travel machine, albeit one that doesn't put up too much of a fuss when faced with mellower terrain or long climbs.


Nukeproof Giga review

Descending

I didn't really get the mini-DH bike vibe from the Giga; instead, it felt more like an enduro race bike with a some extra travel. Don't get me wrong – this bike is great on the descents, it's just that it shouldn't be pigeoneholed as a bike that only does well when monster trucking straight down a hillside. Yes, it will do that when required, but there's a level of precision to its handling that allows it do to more than bludgeon trails into submission.

On steep, slower speed trails, the type that require heavy braking and precise bike control to stay on course, the Giga felt solid and responsive. It transmits just the right amount of trail feedback – I could tell what the bike was doing, and get a good sense of the terrain underneath my tires, without getting too jarred around.

The slack head angle, comfortable reach, and moderately long chainstays create a bike that's very comfortable at high speed, all without ever making it feel like I was a passenger rather than a pilot. Its profile and geometry number may make it look like a brute on paper, when in reality it's quite manageable, even if your overall skill level isn't quite up there with Mr. Sam Hill.

I tried both main pivot positions, and ended up preferring the more progressive position due to the extra-suppleness and small bump compliance that came with it. It was a good option for those wet winter rides, adding in a little extra traction off the top that helped keep the rear wheel from getting too sideways over slimy roots and in greasy turns. while the other setting would work well for general, all-round use. No matter the setting, I found there was plenty of end stroke ramp up, and didn't experience any harsh bottom outs.


Nukeproof Giga review
Nukeproof Giga
Nukeproof Giga review
Propain Sprindrift

How does it compare?


The Propain Sprindrift and the Nukeproof Giga both fall into that 'pedalable big bike' category.

Both bikes have steep seat tube angles, but when it comes to overall pedalling efficiency the Spindrift takes the point – there's no need for a climb switch on the Spindrift's shock, while it's a nice feature to have on the Giga for those long logging road slogs. Speaking of seat tubes, the Giga's is much shorter than the Spindrift's, which makes it easier to fit a longer travel dropper post.

On the descents, I got along well with the sizing of both bikes, which makes sense considering that both have a 475mm reach and 445mm chainstays, a ratio that I've found to work well for my 5'11” height. Neither company offers size-specific chainstays, though, so the balance may be a little difference for shorter or taller riders. The Giga is available in a wider range of sizes than the Spindrift, S-XXL vs M-XL for the 29” version.

The overall geometry figures are fairly similar, but with different suspension layouts and a 63.5-degree head angle on the Giga vs a 64.5-degree head angle on the Spindrift that do feel different on the trail. The Spindrift's handling is a touch quicker on more rolling terrain, while the Giga really comes alive on steeper trails.

Both bikes deal with rough, chunky tracks extremely well, with enough ramp up to keep from using all that travel too quickly. There's no clear winner in this match-up – riders who place a high priority on an efficient-feeling suspension design will be well suited by the Propain, and those who want something slacker and slightly more at home on really steep trails will likely enjoy the Giga. At the end of the day, neither bike will hold its rider back on rowdy trails.

As far as value goes, it's possible to get a good parts spec at a fairly reasonable price on either model thanks to the companies' consumer direct sales models, but the final price will vary depending on your location. In the US, the Giga is a great deal at $5,500, and the Spindrift is still not readily available. In Europe, the Spindrift is a good value, and the Giga's sticker price increases significantly thanks to Brexit.



Nukeproof Giga review
Nukeproof Giga review

Technical Report

BikeYoke Revive dropper post: I've had good luck with BikeYoke's dropper post in the past, but this one was slow to return out of the box. It also only had 160mm of drop, which wasn't quite enough for me, since I've gotten used to running a 200mm post whenever possible. Service and maintenance instructions are easy to find on BikeYoke's site, but I ended up installing a 200mm Fox Transfer post for most of the test period instead of pulling the BikeYoke apart. Yes, I'm spoiled.

Michelin tires: The Wild Enduro tread pattern works well in a wide variety of conditions, and the lower profile rear tire will hold its own until conditions get really dire. The GumX compound isn't as sticky as Maxxis' MaxxGrip compound, but it does dig in well on loose terrain. Michelin recently released a version of these with a thicker casing, which I think would be a better match to the Giga's intentions. Granted, I didn't suffer any flats, but conditions were also soft and squishy for most of the test period.

Nukeproof Horizon Enduro saddle: This seat is excellent, with just enough padding to keep it comfy, and a shape that never got in the way or bashed uncomfortably into my thighs on the descents.

Chasing noise: The Giga isn't the loudest bike out there, but it's also not the quietest either. The Shimano pads rattled until I did my usual mastic tape trick to keep them quiet, and then I started noticing some cable rattle. The grommets that hold the housing secure at the ports in the head tube had a tendency to migrate out of place; a strip of electrical tape or even a thin rubber sleeve over the housing would help quiet things down.


Nukeproof Giga review




Pros

+ Excellent geometry and suspension performance
+ Shines on steep, rough trails
+ Great value for US-based customers


Cons

- May not be as great of a value for European customers
- Could use a longer travel dropper post



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesNukeproof's reasoning for creating the Giga was, “because we could,” and I have to say, I'm really glad they did. I'd happily use this as an enduro race bike, or take it out for some bike park laps without thinking twice. It's a very managable big bike, a trait that should allow a wide range of gravity-oriented riders to have a great time out on the trails. Mike Kazimer








Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

216 Comments
  • 266 5
 Motion for a mandatory requirement for all further bike reviews to include the manufacturer's estimated availability
  • 38 1
 Second
  • 41 1
 third, motion granted
  • 28 1
 fourth.

"great bike if you can get one."
  • 196 17
 Sorry, I’m going to have to deny that motion. A global availability section would end up being longer than the review, and there’s a good chance it’d change by the time the article was published.
  • 223 1
 @mikekazimer: sorry but the board has spoken, we have to deny your denial and demand that you provide us with impossible-to-provide information
  • 10 3
 @mikekazimer: Come on man, they could give you NA, EU availability time and it wouldn't blow up the the review. That's the obvious move.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: It def would change!! Wink
  • 8 2
 Availability is def a thing.....I ordered a Nukeproof youth bike for my son. What a hell, the bike got lost between England and Amsterdam after passing my house almost twice. Corona is the main excuse for every delivery partner these days. Almost no new bike is made, waiting for three months now kept on a leach with mail as: wait another week when we have news about our investigation..... yeah right! How can you lose a big bike box?!
  • 2 0
 @Vinnevin: by not being able to acquire a bike in another (more legal) way?
  • 5 0
 @mikekazimer: throw a dart at the calendar and give them a date!!!
  • 60 0
 nukeproof.com/pages/nukeproof-availability

Need a little update, next drop of Giga’s due late June
  • 21 5
 @Nukeproofinternational: Dude this is perfect. Bravo!

Kazimir, don't hurt yourself making an effort on this lol
  • 37 1
 @Nukeproofinternational: It appears everyone literally is expecting things in June. My new bike from my LBS, me getting some action from my wife and now THIS!
Side note; my wife said the Suez Canal issue has really put a delay on everything, and she emphasized the word 'everything'
  • 6 0
 Carbon Footprint rating......
  • 1 0
 @EnsBen: I think most brands have this information - it's just extremely unreliable and that's why they're so hesitant to share. What few brands I've seen offer up estimated delivery deates caveat the absolutely hell of out it... "our best guess is that maybe we might have some product by july. or august. maybe."

Edit: well, @Nukeproofinternational there you have it! did you pad the shipping times - no hate comms - just a comment about how messy port times are...
  • 2 1
 @mikekazimer: 'merica, f*ck the rest
  • 1 0
 @Svinyard: this x1000
  • 1 0
 @EnsBen: Better start ordering next years bikes now as this years bikes will not be available until than?
  • 1 0
 @Nukeproofinternational: Which year is that?
  • 1 1
 @Nukeproofinternational: ugh, so drop in the sense of uploading pictures of your exposed buttocks on instagram with a link to your onlyfans? Ffs.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer:

Sorry,perhaps I have overseen IT: which size did You Ride?
  • 92 2
 from this article I learned scientist in the 19th century put frogs into boiling water
  • 6 1
 No he didn't, that was the point of the experiment I think.. Smile

Except now I read it was all a myth? Oh well...
  • 27 0
 *scrolls back up to actually read the article
  • 5 0
 *searches article for "frogs", still doesn't read it...*
  • 6 0
 I put a leopard frog in a pot of water one time and before I could reach down and turn on the flame he jumped out. You may need to drug the frog first, I dunno.
  • 38 0
 Wow, Beautiful Bike, very well done and price is very reasonable...Impressive
  • 5 0
 friend of mine got one-- waaaay more beautiful in person. VERY impressed with it as well.
  • 3 0
 I stupidly built an alloy mega 290 with all XT, brandx post, Lyrik ultimate fork, Chromag bar and stem, and hunt enduro wheels for a lot more than the giga XT would’ve cost me. It also weighs a pounds more (it is XXL though).

I probably should’ve tried to get the giga.
  • 7 0
 You guys are so lucky, europe riders ripped off quite bad. It's 7000€ (8500$) here
  • 3 0
 @diggerandrider: I've got a bout 250 miles on mine. Coming from a Sentinel -> Rimpo V1 -> Rimpo AF to this bike I was expecting to feel like overkill on local trails but it's actually more fun and gets MORE pop than the previous bikes. Climbing is 90% as good as the Ripmo, astounding. I am running a 170mm fork on it to keep it balanced for trail riding, and no issues with low BB at all. My goal with the bike was to get an enduro bike that is tilted more towards bike park use, but on trail rides it's so far proven itself to be better (and cheaper) than my previous three "one bike to rule them all"s.
  • 3 0
 Yeah NP is really making some seriously good bikes in the last few years!
  • 1 0
 @font style="vertical-align: inherit;">font style="vertical-align: inherit;">trilhas de piratas/font>/font>: Did you lower the fork travel to 170mm?
how the bike behaved
I have a doubt to use a lirik ultimate or a zeb R I have both forks available
people could help me @Nukeproofinternational
  • 36 0
 Remember how "Top Gear" used to have the fastest lap leaderboard? Would love to see something similar on PB. Climbing, agility, flat out speed on the way down.. and how many bottles can hold, of course.
  • 11 0
 Top Gear had The Stig. As far as I know, there no mtb review sites that have a paid professional racer on their books to keep things consistent.
  • 22 1
 @timbud: This is PB. Consistency is not overly valued over here..
  • 14 0
 @pakleni, that'd be cool, but it gets a little tricky considering that we've got editors scattered around the globe.
  • 8 0
 @mikekazimer: build a-line in the UK, and Austria, and wherever else. Sorted..
  • 10 12
 @mikekazimer: Each editor can choose it's own local preffered lap, stop whining and make it happen.
  • 5 0
 @hughlunnon: a timed lap down a trail like 'a-line' seems diametrically opposed to the entire purpose of such a track.
  • 4 0
 @palenki love the idea but the track would be in a constant state of change due to erosion.

But the bigger question is who represents Clarkson, Hamster and May?
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: I believe another Mike is not too far away from you, thats all we are asking for!
  • 4 0
 @hughlunnon: use the old Dirt 1.04 track. Job done.
  • 3 0
 @winko, as soon as the border opens up there are going to be so many Mike vs Mike battles...
  • 23 1
 You should add new Field Test category: "Ghost Bikes". This category should contain New Models that are claimed to be seen by some strangers, these models are popular in the movies and novels but actually no one can proof that they exist.
  • 5 0
 hot damn! That looks amazing. Love the orange accents.
  • 3 0
 Beautiful! Also great camera thereWink
  • 2 0
 Wow that’s a stunning build!
  • 4 0
 I viewed your photos because I was curious to see how you dealt with the rear brake cable entering to the internal cable routing port. But, looks like you're running moto style with your front brake on the right? Is that something you'd normally do? Or was it due to difficulties routing the rear brake cable?

Just curious because I've got a Giga on order, and I'm a little nervous about routing the rear brake cable
  • 2 0
 @superman-4: In the same boat. It's not an ideal routing solution... fingers crossed it won't be an issue.
  • 3 0
 Damn, that's a fine build! Well done!
  • 2 0
 @superman-4: I switched my brakes to running moto style a long time ago.
  • 18 2
 I know 27.5 wheels riders are a minority in eyes of PB staff, but please next time you test bike available in 29" and 27.5" could you be so kind and tell us how's the new rig with smaller wheels doing?
  • 16 0
 Kaz do a maintenance review section like Dan pls.
  • 18 0
 I usually mention any maintenance issues in the “technical report” section. Other than the cable rattle and needing to make sure the main pivot bolt was good and tight after switching progression modes I didn’t run into any issues.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: I've had one since February, same slow dropper but swapped out for a 185mm version before looking into it further, some cable rub appeared below the shock unfortunately where the np protection tape isn't applied. The odd nip up from the lower link bolts.
As NP state the higher progression setting is for a coil shock I'm tempted to try it but being trunnion mounted + bearing my old EXT will need a costly conversion before I do it.
It is an amazing bike though and by far the most capable single crown bike I've ridden.
Tyres hook up well but need higher than preferred pressures to keep sidewalls from folding.
At 74kg I have been running 240psi for 25% Sag at the rear which I feel holds the bike up better on big hits & compressions.
  • 1 0
 @JRW82: couldn’t you use the more progressive pivot setting to hold the bike up better on big hits and compressions (with the air can)? It’s a pretty cool feature either way.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: Can you speak on how well the bearings are protected from mud and dirt?
  • 12 0
 why companies do not put 2 left and 2 right ports by default or 3 ( just merge them inside ) Nukeproff price to value ration is insane!
  • 2 0
 It's a bit weird that they used that format on the Giga, I have a new alu Mega and it has two ports on either side. So not sure why they would have gone different on the Giga.
  • 1 0
 @willyheff: alloy frame almost certainly lacks tube in tube design, so two ports is easier.
  • 1 0
 @mtb-thetown: u can make it Y shape inside
  • 1 0
 @mtb-thetown: Alloy model lacks the tube in tube alright. Just checked the CRC site there and the carbon Mega is the same, 2 ports on the right, one on the left.
Must be a real headache to get that other port on there.
  • 14 2
 Why buy this when for $3000 more I can buy a Kenevo SL frame!
  • 10 2
 “ the Spindrift is a good value, and the Giga's sticker price increases significantly thanks to Brexit”

....and the Spindrift sticker price increases significantly thanks to Brexit- if you live in England. Nothing good has come from Brexit.
  • 10 0
 Don't know why, but I dig that low slung suspension
  • 6 0
 i think it's a super cool design, and NP has great colours IMO. years ago a bike pro told me they would never be able to make a big bike pedal like a trail bike, too many compromises. well here we are. this bike reminds me of my RM Slayer which is a great trail bike in steeper settings, or a total beast on the rowdiest trails. bike engineers have nailed it with this new breed of long travel trail bikes.
  • 5 0
 I feel the same about my new Meta AM.
  • 1 0
 What's changed? Steep STA?
  • 8 2
 @mikekazimer and other earthlings: please stop comparing bike behavior to monster trucks. Trophy trucks or Baja trucks would make more sense for what I think you’re trying to say (that a bike whappadabappadas straight through the SPICY BITS).
Monster trucks can fuggin pirouette in place too, they’d have no problem with any switchback ever.
We watch a lot of Monster Jam in this house.
Not sure I’ve ever seen anyone get it right. It’s embarrassing and it needs to stop. Immediately
  • 4 0
 USD pricing for this is unreal, went and checked the CDN pricing and the RRSP is $9600!!! what exchange rate are you using over there!?!?! Doesnt really matter since they are sold out anyway.
  • 1 0
 Exactly
  • 3 0
 "For the vision-impaired readers who thought that the Giga looked like a Santa Cruz when it first came out, this is the giveaway that it's something different."

Count me as impaired - that was my first impression (IE it looks like a Santa Cruz). I doubt any consumer cares, as long as there's availability.
  • 2 0
 I love these long-legged bikes! Megatower, Specialized Enduro, this Mega...Much to love! Out of the 3, I wonder which one descends the best. Now if these ride down the hill as well as a 2015 DH rig, it makes you wonder how good new DH bikes must be.
  • 1 0
 And the slayer! Everyone seems to ignore them like they don't even exist.
  • 2 0
 I have an Enduro and it is more like a DH bike than the Megatower. It demands a little more speed but it feel very calm&composed. The Megatower feels much more alive and nimble than the Enduro. My friend had more or less the same feeling riding my bike and comparing them. Both bikes are lovely to ride,I bet this Mega is something in the middle.
  • 3 0
 What is the mastic fix for the brake pad rattle? my XTs drive me mad with their clicking even though they don't have the finned pads
  • 1 0
 I'd also like to know @mikekazimer
  • 7 0
 Put the mastic on the top of the caliper so it covers where the pad fins meet the caliper. Also stretch the pad spring slightly so that it puts more pressure on them when the brakes are open.
  • 5 0
 There's various methods. I tried mastic on the inside of the caliper walls and on the underside of the fins on the pad itself. Neither of those worked for me. I ended up finding success with the velcro method instead. Get velcro strips that have an adhesive back (the heavy-duty/outdoor variety if possible). Use only the soft fuzzy half of the velcro. Cut strips like 3-4 mm wide and stick it to the top of the caliper the full length of where the pad fins are. You obv have to take out the pads to do this. You basically end up with a fuzzy strip of velcro that separates the pad fins from the caliper. Silence. Generally this only has to be done on the rear brake. Because of the vertical orientation of the front brake on the the fork, the pads don't rattle in the same way as the rear. YMMV.
  • 1 0
 Hey PB. Not sure if you will even read this but I'm in the initial stages of shopping for a longer travel "enduro" bike to compliment my 130mm travel trail bike. The price diff between direct to consumer and bike store bikes is huge. Could you do a comparison of the direct order bikes in the category or in general? The full price SC or Pivot at north of $10K compared to roughly half that Nukeproof, Canyon, YT is astounding.....would be nice to see those grouped together.

So far the Nukeproof is my leader after a few days of looking, we'll see when I have to pull the trigger. Love the site!!!
  • 1 0
 Frame weight is listed as 8.55lbs on a medium. That's quite a lot and nearly a pound heavier than even the Norco Range HP, yet the build here comes in at 34 lbs (on a size Large) minus pedals while the Range came in at 37 lbs. How is the Range packing on nearly 4 extra pounds on the build?
  • 12 9
 Do many people really prefer their long travel bikes with 29” wheels? I know I don’t. My trail bikes sure, but not my big travel bike.
  • 9 1
 You can get it in 27.5 as well.
  • 4 0
 On my daily ride trails in Colorado I would say I most often see bikes with between 150-180mm travel, and at least 75+% are 29". So it would seem that the answer to your question is "yes, many people prefer their long travel bikes with 29" wheels."
  • 6 1
 Yes a lot of us do. Very few riders left on 275 wheels around here and everyone is on long travel bikes.
  • 4 0
 The way I think of it is longer travel implies more challenging technical terrain, so why would I want less rollover capability from the wheels? To me, smaller wheels make more sense on local trail rides where the terrain isn't as challenging and you can get some of the playfulness instead of raw stability.
  • 4 0
 I have a 29er dh bike and its great
  • 2 0
 Maybe a 31er or 33er would be even better then! -eyeroll- @KJP1230:
  • 1 0
 Big wheels, big squish.
  • 2 0
 Interesting. I use my big travel bike for jump lines and bigger technical riding where I value the manoeuvrability of small wheels. Maybe I’ll swap in a 29” front wheel to see whether it makes a difference.
  • 2 0
 A qualified "yes" from me, more pros than cons for my riding. But I'm quite keen to test-mullet mine - which previous experience suggests could solve the occasional awkwardness of getting a huge long bike down steep, twisty trails.
  • 2 0
 @chakaping: that’s one of my concerns. I’m already using XL frames, my 29” bikes feel less manoeuvrable on tight twisty single track. How much of that is in my head, I can’t answer objectively.
  • 2 0
 @Afterschoolsports: it's a real thing IME, and I say that as a diehard 29er fan. Cornering has just felt much more intuitive and fun on the two mullet bikes I've owned previously (compared to when they were 29 rear).
  • 4 1
 I looked it up. The factory version is 7700+ USD. In fact, the least expensive one is $5200. @mikekazimer where are you getting your price from?
  • 1 0
 My question as well. I can't find this $5500 version anywhere.
  • 8 0
 It's on chainreactioncycles.com (not in stock, of course)
  • 1 0
 @jepc: Ah, that's wild. Switch it to the Canadian site and it's up to $8000 (would only 6650 with conversion). But the other US distributers are charging 7K+ USD. I wonder if this is just a mix-up on the CRC site?
  • 8 1
 @peterfoley5, that's the price provided by Nukeproof, and what's shown on Chain Reaction Cycles. Taking the British price and converting it to USD will give you the wrong answer.
  • 2 0
 @jepc: they do have an xxl frame in stock for 2600
  • 2 1
 @mikekazimer: If that's the case, this looks like Nukeproof is taking a loss to increase their foothold and image in the US. That price is absurdly low.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: how would it be the wrong answer? If any average person were to order it, wouldn’t the price shown be the price charged? Can’t tell what’s up or down in this situation.
  • 3 0
 @jayacheess: Don't know if the UK is like most of Europe that way - but whereas here in the US we are usually quoted prices that do not include sales/value added tax (VAT), Europe usually mandates that prices be quoted with VAT included.

If you live in Bellingham (where Mike reviewed the bike), the total sales tax (comprising state, county, and city sales taxes) would add 8.7% to the quoted price.
  • 5 1
 @jayacheess: I assure you, nobody is taking a loss selling a bicycle for $5,500.
  • 1 0
 @g-42: The bike is $8000 CAD on the CRC website, which doesn't include sales tax. Converting 5500 usd to cad would give a price of 6650, which I mentioned above.
  • 1 0
 It's 7000€ on europe
  • 1 0
 @jayacheess: i bought a mega comp pre pandemic $2200 usd to my door.
  • 3 0
 @peterfoley5: It's not just about exchange rates. Import taxes, local Value Added Taxes, and shipping costs, all have impacts on prices. It's pretty rare that you can just do a currency conversion and get a valid "price" for a different region.
  • 1 0
 @justinfoil: proving my point even further, that the price stated is really low compared to what it would cost you.
  • 5 1
 I like 29" wheels but only in the front.
I like 27.5" wheels but only in the back.

Why no mullet options?
  • 5 0
 Especially for a bike with that much travel, size M and 29 rear don't go well together. nearly all the shorter DH pros have figured it out already.
  • 3 12
flag c-radicallis (May 17, 2021 at 10:39) (Below Threshold)
 Seems odd that anyone is still selling bikes with 27.5" front wheels.
Also 29" rear wheels are too big for bikes with travel over 160mm and reach under 450mm. Mullet is the obvious way to go in such cases.
  • 1 1
 @c-radicallis: I have a 29er demo and never had an issue with clearance. Im 175cm and the reach is 445mm( Unfortunately)
  • 9 1
 @c-radicallis: Maybe people like to actually put some effort into riding, instead of just relying on huge wheels to get them over things*. Perhaps some people don't race and appreciate maneuverability over raw speed. Maybe some people don't want stack heights in the stratosphere, perhaps because there is a range of human sizing.

(In a PB video just last week I heard "29 inch wheels for the win!" from someone after clearing an obstacle. I instantly thought, "Oh, that sucks that they feel they couldn't have done it on a smaller wheel". Then I went for a ride and kept thinking as I worked my way though many fun rocky rooty trail sections, "Why would someone want to just effectively smooth all of this out with a big wheel, or a motor? That's f*cking boring.")
  • 1 0
 @justinfoil: I feel the same way, and it's one of the reasons why i've always pushed against 29" rear wheels for racing on big travel bikes.

The difference is i don't think 29" front wheels limit maneuvrebility at all, because they don't restrict body movement on the bike. They do require more anticipation for turning in, but that's just "learning to ride" and putting effort in like you said.

Meanwhile 29" rear wheels immensely restrict body movement on the bike, in particular for riders under 1.80m . Some people don't even realize this because they just grown accustomed to letting the bike do all the work and don't move much(like @pablo-b ), but if they went to a bmx track they would instantly see how much 29" wheels restrict movement, and when you look at the pros you see them hitting their ass all the f*cking time because they're obvioulsy moving their weight around and working the bike to it's maximum potential in order to go fast.
  • 4 0
 @c-radicallis: "They do require more anticipation for turning in, but that's just "learning to ride" and putting effort in like you said."

That's not the effort I meant. One of the major reasonings for big wheels is that they roll over things easier. But what if I don't want to just roll over everything? What if I want to have to look at the trail, figure things out, work at it? With huge wheels I don't have to do that, and in fact maybe can't because the big wheel won't fit or carries enough momentum to just blow through unless I brake excessively hard (and then maybe skid and piss off Christina).

A bunch of people like to talk about underbiking to make things sketchier and "boring"* trails more interesting, but it's always in reference to suspension travel. How about being overbiked just by wheel-size? If 29ers are so awesome at going over shit and adding forgiveness via extra traction and momentum, why doesn't anyone spout off about how cool it is to underbike at the wheels in the name of making it more sketchy/interesting? Levy says he puts shitty tires on 29er to make it "sketchy", and some how that's "cooler" than just riding "allegedly-way-sketchier-than-29ers" 26 or 27.5 wheels.

("If you're bored, then you must be boring too" -Piebald, Just a Simple Plan)
  • 1 0
 @justinfoil: I see your point.

I belive the idea of cutting on suspension instead of wheel size comes from the fact that big wheels mute the chatter of the trail while keeping the bike very responsive to big body movements.

Meanwhile using suspension to deal with the chatter many times results in a sluggish bike.
  • 2 1
 @c-radicallis: "mute", that's the key. I don't want to mute the trails, I like the trails just as they are. I just want traction and forgiveness, which good suspension provides.

Dialing in low speed damping is how you handle keeping big body movements responsive, not removing suspension. With less suspension, especially with the goal of making it more sketchy (while also muting the trail with the big wheels? Odd combo), then at some point when you accidentally smack it into something big and the whole bike's balance is upset, you're going to get very big body movements right down to the ground.

Accelerating those big wheels doesn't result in a more sluggish bike? Its ok, you can say you don't care about that, or for you it's worth the tradeoff, but you have to admit that for every statement that it helps rollover\muting, there exists the counter statement that there is also more to accelerate. That's just physics.
  • 1 0
 "The internal cable routing uses a tube-in-tube design to simplify installation and minimize routing, although there are two ports on the right side of the head tube, and only one on the left. That will work perfectly for riders that run their rear brake on the left side, but for those of us who run our rear brake on the right the path the housing takes into the frame isn't quite as ideal. I can't really complain about this detail too much, give how often companies like Santa Cruz and Specialized set up their frames to prioritize riders who prefer their rear brake on the right, but it is a detail worth mentioning."

I don't think I've ever seen a UK/Aus/NZ reviewer mention it, its been a gripe of mine for a while. Even external bikes it can end up looking a mess if its not catered for.
I've been put off Santa Cruz for this reason. I beleive spesh give you holes for both.
  • 1 0
 A few observations. 1. I'd image this bike pedals and behaves very similar to an Evil. Geometry-wise compared to a Wreckoning most notably it has a longer wheelbase and a steeper seat angle. Pricing is similar, with Giga coming out ahead not to mention it's availability at lower cost price points. 2. I'd love to see this suspension scaled in shorter travel versions and lastly I would not be surprised to see this design take over or become the next version of the Mega.
  • 5 0
 Does not look like a Session, but does a SANTA CRUZ! Even the paint job!!
  • 1 0
 Quite reasonable and a good spread of reach numbers, but 100mm (4 inches) of front-center (and wheelbase change from smallest to biggest, with 0mm rear-center change... that just seems silly.

"and moderately long chainstays" - pretty damn long for the Small size
  • 1 0
 "The GumX compound isn't as sticky as Maxxis' MaxxGrip compound, but it does dig in well on loose terrain."

Yeah nah - sticky and grippy are not quite the same thing and I would rate Gum-X over MaxxGrip for overall grip, wear and rolling resistance any day of the week.
  • 1 0
 Hey Pink-bikers, Just want to post a warning to anyone considering a Nukeproof. Be VERY cautious if the bike isn't physically in-stock when you order. I ordered a 2021 Giga 9 months ago, shortly after they were released. Was told to expect delivery in 2-4 months. Now, after missing the entire season, the Canadian distributor is telling me I have to wait until next year to get a 2022 model. And they can't even give me a firm date for when that will ship. So I may be missing a 2nd season on it. I've contacted corporate Nukeproof and they've basically told me to piss off, it's not their problem, take it up with the distributor. Basically they don't give a hoot about their customers. Even if you can get your hands on a physical bike, I'd still be wary. Should the bike break, if Nukeproof's Warranty service is anything like their sales service, I'd expect them to screw you over. Buy a different bike!
  • 2 0
 Well, The Giga might be a nice bike but how about the new Capra coming out tomorrow?
Important point in future comparison of those bikes: availability IRL.
  • 1 0
 Yup, and vs enduro?
  • 1 0
 New frame? Or is it the same old in a "different" version?
  • 7 5
 Lop 25-30mm off the ST in each size, and you have a winner. Nobody needs a 500mm ST on a bike like this when there are 200mm droppers readily available
  • 3 0
 In the smaller sizes, you may not have enough depth to insert a super long dropper if you keep cutting the seat tube down. If you make the seat tubes too short, then you may still need a lot of exposed dropper housing to make up the length needed from BB to saddle. Also possible is to go too short and not be able to meet the posts minimum insertion depth requirement regardless of the post travel. On this bike, the seat tube kink and pivots don't look like they'd cause an issue at all.

I've got a 180mm one up on my '21 slash, and that's all the post it can fit in the M/L frame size due to the seat tube angle and the trek seat tube kink/pivot placement. I've got some post showing above the seat tube collar, but it's not enough for my leg length that I could go to a 210mm one up dropper and shim it down to 190mm travel with the appropriate insertion and correct length from BB to saddle.

It's a balance. I think you're right though, if the rest of the frame angles are good, cap it at 450mm and call it a day.
  • 3 0
 ST seems fine to me? I'm 6' on an XL and have more room for further drop with a 210mm dropper. I have a long inseam, but I'm still in between the sizing recommendation on L vs XL. I bet I could run a 260mm dropper if they made one, but the tire might hit the saddle at full compression.
  • 2 0
 @piratetrails: Same here, I'm on an XL with 200mm post with room for another 50mm at least
  • 3 0
 Yes they do. I have a 210mm dropper sitting out further than the min insert line - Low stand over has gone too far
  • 1 1
 Could easily fit a 250mm dropper on a 500mm ST and I'm only 6'2''. Short seat tubes are getting ridiculous.
  • 8 4
 Looks like a SC Nomad without the shock going through the seat stay.
  • 4 3
 No, it does not
  • 2 2
 @lightone: Yes, it does. Haha.
  • 3 0
 Named "giga factory" and it's not electric??!! Intense Tazer must be jealous
  • 3 0
 Love this bike, however, I would never ride to its full capability and buying one would just be my ego tripping hahaha
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer just curious if you tried the "revive" bleed valve thing to address the slow action, or if you just didn't bother because you knew you wanted 200mm.
  • 1 0
 This is clearly a Tesla-stan type conspiracy to try and take down the god king Elon the Musk weasel himself.

"Giga Factory." coincidence, or intentional power play on the part of Nukeproof?
  • 1 0
 I think it's just a coincidence
  • 1 0
 I've not taken any notice of bike weights for a long time but 33lbs for a 180mm travel bike seems really good, especially given the price is borderline sensible. Far too much bike for me but looks amazing...
  • 3 0
 That is a proper enduro rig. Rock and root smasher.
  • 1 1
 I'd say it looks more of a sled than a rig, but otherwise I fully agree.
  • 3 0
 The photos make me miss riding in Bellingham.
  • 4 2
 given there is a 27.5 version as well, it would have been good to ride that as well and compare.
  • 2 0
 How many Gigas will this factory produce? (twirls moustache in robber baron fashion)
  • 2 0
 My money is waiting for these to be available...hell is slowly freezing over
  • 4 0
 Set up a “notify when available” on chain reaction. That’s what i did for the mega before the gigs dropped. One size medium randomly became available at 7 am one morning and i grabbed the only one. Very happy with that decision.
  • 1 0
 @Longroadtonowhere: cheers bud, already on this, just hoping for an email at some point
  • 2 0
 Will bikes get too slack? Maybe someday, but not today.

Long live the long travel 29er!!!!
  • 1 0
 Can't get much slacker than the Grim Donut.
  • 1 0
 @Patsplit: I’d love to try the Donut, but maybe with a higher BB.
  • 2 0
 Can you actually get one? :/
  • 2 0
 You have to fight a tiger for one.
  • 3 1
 anyone else think it looks like a nomad?
  • 2 0
 I think this is the ultimate Park bike and I love the looks and colours
  • 2 0
 Swing arm single pivot... so hot right now
  • 1 0
 Looks nice, like a modern day freerider.
But I have to ask: why is a carbon frame viewed as necessary?
  • 1 0
 " . . . 50 tooth gear ration."

I knew there were supply chain issues, but I didn't know we were rationing parts.
  • 1 0
 8k CAD is getting real steep
  • 1 0
 That is an awesome deal for $5500. Color me impressed.
  • 1 0
 Its a Stanton bike company suspension design.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer "enduro banana", hahahah! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I wonder how to compare to Nukeproof Mega 290.
  • 2 2
 I don't like the color!

@bishopsmike where you at !?
  • 1 1
 Hey @mikekazimer shock is 230x65, there is a typo on that
  • 1 2
 Rocky mountain slayer. The bike that was more better gooder, but we left the axle loose on out reviews ride
  • 31 31
 Con: shimano brakes
  • 58 7
 Pro: shimano brakes
  • 21 7
 Pro: shimano brakes (bring an additional level of excitement because you never know when they'll bite)
  • 16 7
 Guys it's just a joke Smile
  • 1 0
 @Ty927: I need those shimeng brakes though.
  • 4 0
 @bikeboy100: It's not funny man, it's not funny!!! LOL. Wink
  • 1 1
 @Ty927: had my pair of zee brakes since 2011 - never had any issues with them except those organic pads !
btw someone mentioned in an other article sometime last week of changing the Shimano mineral oil to Putoline HRC 2.5 w that fixes that bite point Big Grin
  • 1 2
 Cons: " Could use a longer travel dropper post " !

Interesting !
  • 1 2
 Good for USA bad for Euro but what about the Uk which actually make them ?
  • 1 1
 “GigaTower”
  • 2 5
 Who runs a dhr and a shorty at the same time though? Make your mind up.
  • 5 0
 Me? The Shorty / DHR II combo works great in the PNW. The mud around here isn't usually too sticky, so the DHR II helps with overall rolling speed, while the Shorty handles the business up front.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: DHR2 is for hard surfaces with no penetration. Those short wide jobs don’t work well in soft conditions at all. Try a hr2. They work so much better in softer conditions than a minion.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: The DHR2 works really well in soft UK conditions for me. To be fair, the HR2 is also good but has noticeably more drag IME.
  • 2 0
 @chakaping: they’re alright when there’s lots of rocks, roots and slabs protruding out of the mud because a minion will still grip well to hard surfaces even when muddy but still there’s much better choices. If your running a shorty I’m guessing you’re not arsed about drag though. Taller side nobs on the high roller cut into soft conditions and really grab hold where the short flat nobs on a minion don’t penetrate soft ground and just clog up.
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