This new carbon frame addition to the Nukeproof fleet is available with 27.5 ”or 29” wheels, with 180 or 170mm of rear travel. Insert a 180mm fork and slab, 63.5-degree head angle and it is clear where the Giga’s intentions are.
The Giga started as a side project due to the development of Nukeproof’s Dissent down bike. At the time, what would become a 4.0 version of the Mega enduro race bike was already in the works, but the potential for travel option was even longer, one that retained so many of the desirable features of a bike DH, Interesting enough. that an aluminum mill was formed.
• Wheelsize: 27.5 “no 29”
• Travel: 170mm (29 “) or 180mm (27.5”) / 180mm fork
• Carbon frame
• head angle 63.5 °
• Chain length: 435mm (27.5 “) / 444mm (29”)
• Weight: 33.9 lb / 15.4kg (Factory 290, L)
• Size: S-XXL
• Price range: $ 3,700 – $ 5,500 USD. Frame Only: $ 2,600 USD.
• nukeproof.com
Named the ‘Mulse’, a play named after Pulse’s model, after a few rounds it became clear that the concept was worth pursuing even further. Nukeproof design engineers got a job, and went through several flights before setting a scene that would add the tone of this model, along with others in the future.
Frame details
Currently, all three models of the Giga use a full carbon frame constructed from T700 / 800 fiber, with an aluminum connection attaching the swingarm to the front triangle. Internal cable trails, inlet tube to keep the level low and to simplify installation.
Based in the UK, Nukeproof designers are no strangers to a wet, muddy riding environment. That is one of the reasons there is room for up to 2.6 ”rear base, along with an integrated mud guard. There is also room for a water bottle inside the front triangle, where it sits in a depression on top of the downtube. There are also two bolts for mounting a tube or device on the underside of the top tube.
The lower mast is threaded, the rear width is 12 x 148mm, and the SRAM Universal Derailleur hanger, three features welcome any new bike.
Giga 27.5 “
Giga 29 “
Geometry
There are 5 frame sizes in total for the Giga, from S all the way to XXL. According to Nukeproof augmentation card, that should include trips from 5’2 ”all the way to 6’7” high. The 29 ”version has reach numbers from 435mm up to 515mm. The large size I have measures 475mm, and a 78-degree seat tube angle.
Although the Dissent DH bike has adjustable chain tracks, they are based on the Giga, and are 435mm on the 27.5 ”model and 445mm on the 29” version. The head angle is 63.5-degrees with a 180mm fork.
The main pivot can be raised or lowered by opening the 8mm hex bolt and changing the direction of the black switch. This allows the rate of improvement to be set at 25.5% or 29%.
Suspension Design
The geometry concepts used on the Mega are all in place on the Giga – steep seat tube angle, longer reach, and shorter seat tubes with enough insert depth for longer travel dropper posts – but it is the suspension shape that really sets the two models apart. . The shock of the Giga sits low in the carbon frame, driven by a rocker connection attached to the seat tube and swingarm. This design is intended to reduce the weight of the rear triangle, and create a balanced journey, with the center of the weight closer to the lower trunk.
Geometric changes are not visible, but there are two main pivot settings that are used to change the reduction rate. In the first case there is an improvement of 25.5%, and in the second position there is an improvement of 29%. This second setting is said to work particularly well with coil shock, or in wet weather where a more supple starting stroke is required.
Depending on the main pivot position, an anti-squat sits at either 96% or 100% sag at a 32/50 tooth gear ratio, and then falls as they squat deeper into the ride. aige. The Giga is climbing the descent, but is also expected to be pedaled back up the mountain with as little deflection as possible.
Modal
Giga Comp 275 & 290 – $ 3700 USD / 4700 Euro / 3700 GBP
Giga Elite 270 & 290 – $ 4600 USD / 5800 Euro / 4600 GBP
Giga Factory 270 & 290 – $ 5500 USD / 7000 Euro / 5500 GBP
The first time
The Giga had just appeared, so I only got a chance to embark on a wet and muddy indoor tour. My first thought is that he stays upright as he climbs considering the amount of travel on it. The seat tube is nice and leggy, and while it doesn’t get around that this is a bike designed for the descent, it carries its weight and slab geometry well.
Part of the reason for Giga’s fair nature is that Nukeproof didn’t go overboard with its accessibility numbers. Giving the bike a more mediocre rather than monstrous front center will help stress the longer wheelbase created by that 63.5-degree head tube angle. On the downside, that makes it easier to avoid feeling like you’re on a semi-truck without control – instead, the Giga can plow when it needs to, and still move through tighter sections without feeling too hard.
I’m excited to start getting the Giga dialed in even more, and try the main pivot functions to see what a difference that makes. I’m going to hang on to this one for a bit – keep an eye out for the long-term review later this year.