Earlier this year, Belgian Cycling Factory bought Nukeproof from Frasers Group PLC, but despite some teasing at Eurobike, things have been quiet from the bike brand since.
That’s until now, with today marking Nukeproof's first bike launch since the acquisition.
The all-new, second-generation Nukeproof Reactor trail bike has been given an overhaul, boasting updated geometry, suspension kinematics and frame details.
Unlike the Nukeproof of old, though, don’t expect to see masses of models hitting every price point.
Instead, Nukeproof is playing it cool, keeping things smart, and launching one carbon and one alloy offering, both of which are priced competitively.
While limiting models might disappoint some consumers, this approach clearly signifies caution from a brand looking to play the long game and stick around for good this time.
- Read more: Nukeproof is back! Beloved brand rises from ashes of Chain Reaction fallout – but what about Vitus?
New frame, same character
This second-generation Reactor is still aimed at trail riding, but designed to be even more capable than its predecessor.
Just as before, Nukeproof is offering the bike in two frame options: carbon and alloy, although the alloy frame features carbon seatstays.
This time, the bikes will be sold only with 29in wheels. Don’t worry, though, you will be able to switch to a 27.5in rear wheel down the line if you wish.
Rear-wheel travel has been bumped up to 140mm and paired with a 150mm-travel fork up front. The suspension kinematics have been tweaked to boost mid-stroke support for better stability through the turns, while overall progression has dropped (from 21 per cent to 17 per cent from sag) to allow for more end-stroke tunability.
Anti-squat has been increased slightly over the older model to make the new Reactor pedal a little more efficiently, although this drops off quickly as the bike moves deeper into the travel to ensure it can eat up bumps as effectively as possible.
Nukeproof has also lowered the anti-rise in a bid to keep the suspension a little more active under braking.
Special attention has been paid to cable routing in order to make the Reactor as user-friendly as possible, with additional routing ports to ensure that no matter which way round you have your brakes, you can route the hose properly.
The carbon frames also get the tube-in-tube guides for easy maintenance, while the alloy frames have large cable ports for easier access.
There’s clearance for up to 2.6in tyres through the rear triangle, although Nukeproof doesn’t spec tyres this wide.
All frames come with a Ride Wrap protective kit as standard, feature a gear mount under the top tube and have space for a 250ml water bottle.
More sizes and updated geometry
The Reactor 290 now comes in five sizes, ranging from small to double extra-large, with reach figures spanning from 435mm to 520mm. Its predecessor was only available in medium to extra-large.
Geometry has been tweaked to keep the Reactor up to date. Reach figures on the medium, for example, have grown from 451mm to 460mm.
Effective seat tube angles are steeper too, to help make for a comfier climbing position, and now sit at 77-77.5 degrees depending on frame size.
Chainstay length is now proportion to frame size, meaning while the small and medium frames sit at 440mm, the large through to double extra-large sizes have been extended to 445mm.
Nukeproof includes a flip chip, enabling you to swap between the higher ‘trail’ setting and lower ‘rail’ position. This’ll alter the head angle by 0.5 degrees and shift the bottom bracket up or down by 6mm. For context, in the lowest setting, Nukeproof says the bottom bracket sits at 330mm off the floor, which is pretty slammed.
No-nonsense range
Although Nukeproof may have previously been known for creating bike models that ticked almost every spec and price point, times have changed.
With the Reactor, it has kept things far tighter and heavily reduced what’s on offer.
There are now only two Reactor models available – one in carbon and one in alloy, sold through Nukeproof's dealer network.
Both feature similar build kits and, at present, neither will be available in North America. That’s likely to change down the line, but Nukeproof was keen to point out that it's planning on growing slowly and limiting risk as much as possible.
Pricing is competitive – those latter days of Chain Reaction Cycles firing out bikes and frames at ludicrous prices are long gone.
Both bikes use the same RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork, Super Deluxe Select+ shock, travel-adjustable TranzX dropper post and Schwalbe tyres.
If you don’t want a complete bike, there are alloy and carbon frame-only options, too, which come with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock.
All frames are available via Belgian Cycling Factory’s Configurator, which enables you to select from a range of colours for the frame as well as the decals.
Nukeproof has also updated its warranty policy. By registering your new bike, your warranty jumps from the standard two-year coverage up to a lifetime warranty. This doesn’t include its DH bike, though.
What’s more, Nukeproof has created the ‘Keep Riding Program’, which supports original frame owners all the way back to the model year 2020. So, even if you own a Nukeproof that wasn’t supplied by the Belgian Cycling Factory, if you qualify for the scheme, you may be able to buy the equivalent frame (and shock) at a discounted rate, if you’ve damaged the original.
Nukeproof Reactor range and price details
Nukeproof Reactor Alloy Pro 290
Frame: 6061-T6 front triangle with carbon seatstays
Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission
Wheels: DT Swiss M-1900 Spline 30
Brakes: SRAM Maven Base
Price: £3,999 / €4,499
Nukeproof Reactor Carbon Pro 290
Frame: T700/800 carbon
Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
Wheels: Nukeproof Horizon Pro
Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze
Price: £5,499 / €6,499
Nukeproof Reactor 290 frame
Carbon: £1,899
Alloy: £2,199
