Nukeproof’s 2021 Scout hardtail is, according to the company, aimed at doing a bit of everything and excels when you point it downhill or at a jump.
Nukeproof says it’s made for “XC hacks, laps of the trails [and] shredding technical enduro/downhill runs,” as confirmed in our review of a previous incarnation of the same bike.
The frame is unchanged from the 2020 model (the Scout has been in the brand’s lineup since 2014, incidentally), but Nukeproof is now offering a new Pro build in both 27.5in and 29in wheel size options.
This means there are three builds in each wheel size, ranging in price from a £1,100 to £2,100. Two frame-only options (27.5- and 29-inch) are also available for £400.
2021 Nukeproof Scout geometry
Both the 27.5in Scout 275 and 29in Scout 290 feature a slack 65-degree head angle, tight chainstay length (435mm on the 275 and 440mm on the 290) and hydroformed 6061 triple-butted Aluminium tubing.
The 275 is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL), the 290 available in three (M, L, XL), with the wheelbase on a size-L Scout 275 measuring 1,191mm.
2021 Nukeproof Scout 29 geometry
| Size | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 425 | 450 | 475 |
| Stack (mm) | 639 | 643 | 643 |
| Effective top tube (mm) | 620 | 646 | 671 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 420 | 460 | 510 |
| Effective seat tube angle (degrees) | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 440 | 440 | 440 |
| Front centre (mm) | 774 | 771 | 796 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1175 | 1202 | 1227 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 300 | 300 | 300 |
| Standover height (mm) | 720 | 760 | 810 |
2021 Nukeproof Scout 275 geometry
| Size | Small | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 400 | 425 | 450 | 475 |
| Stack (mm) | 608 | 608 | 613 | 613 |
| Effective top tube (mm) | 586 | 611 | 637 | 662 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 380 | 420 | 460 | 510 |
| Effective seat tube angle (degrees) | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| Front centre (mm) | 709 | 774 | 761 | 781 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1139 | 1164 | 1191 | 1216 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 310 | 310 | 310 | 310 |
| Standover height (mm) | 690 | 710 | 720 | 770 |
Nukeproof says the Scout complete builds and frame options are available to pre-order now and expects the bikes to be with stockists from 14 September 2021, apparently in copious quantities — something to boast about in the Covid-19 era of bike shortages.
All Scout frames come with a five-year warranty.
2021 Scout 275 and 290 Pro specifications
The new Pro model has a slightly longer fork with 10mm extra travel, plus higher-grade components.
- Frame finish: Brushed ‘n Raw with Black decals
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select Charger RC 150mm, 46mm offset, BOOST, Debonair
- Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, Maxx Terra / Rear: Maxxis Dissector Maxx Terra
- Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm rise
- Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black
- Saddle: Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black/Grey
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal w Shimano SL-MT500-IL remote lever, S:125mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL:170mm drop
- Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
- Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
- Price: £2,100
2021 Scout 275 and 290 Comp specifications
The mid-range Comp model features solid components for the money.
- Frame finish: Concrete Car Park Grey
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 130mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, RAIL Damper
- Wheelset: Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT, Maxx Terra / Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT, Maxx Terra
- Crankset: Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm rise
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, 31.6mm, M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm drop
- Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
- Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
- Price: £1,550
2021 Scout 275 and 290 Race specifications
At £1,100, the Scout Race looks to be a great value winter hack or ideal for someone looking to get into hardcore hardtail riding.
- Frame finish: Blue on Blue
- Fork: RockShox Recon RL 140mm, 46mm offset, Solo Air, Gloss Black
- Wheelset: Nukeproof Neutron V2 Hub built onto a 27.5” WTB STi30 TCS
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai Maxx Terra / Rear: Maxxis Dissector, Maxx Terra
- Drivetrain: Shimano M5100 Deore 10-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT4100
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm rise
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
- Seatpost: Nukeproof Neutron, Black, 31.6mm, 400mm
- Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
- Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
- Price: £1,100
