Planted and playful are often opposing adjectives with mountain bikes, but Nukeproof says that the new 170mm mixed-wheel MegaWatt e-bike can cover both aspects. In their words, it has “anti-squat that’s optimized to create a bike that descends like a DH bike, yet climbs like an escalator.” The aluminum frame houses a Shimano EP8 motor, and the top models get a 630WH battery while the Comp models have a 504WH power unit that can be swapped out for the larger cell. Nukeproof says that the bike is intended to ride like their popular Mega models — with some extra oomph.
The frame is covered in loads of thick protection, and there’s space for a 500ml water bottle and accessory mount inside the front triangle. The Horst link rear end moves its 170mm axle path with short-for-an-e-bike 442mm chainstays, which likely play into the bike’s more playful character. The rest of the geo measurements are somewhat expected, sitting right near those of similar bikes on the market today. The steep seat tube angle should create a stable position for the steep and technical climbs that e-bikes are best suited for.
Nukeproof says that the complete bike weighs 52.6lbs in a size medium with tubeless tires and a Factory build kit.
Comp builds of the MegaWatt retail for $5,499/€5,999 with the smaller battery capacity, RockShox suspension and a full Shimano Deore drivetrain with Deore brakes. The stepped up Elite build gets a Shimano SLX drivetrain and brakes, and Fox Performance Elite suspension for $6,599/€7,199. Top shelf MegaWatt Factory bikes get Fox Factory suspension and a Shimano XT drivetrain paired with XT 4-piston brakes for $7,499/€8,199. While e-bikes are expensive, these prices are starting to look better for burly builds.
Head over to Nukeproof Industries for more info on the new MegaWatt.
