The 10 Fastest Downhill Bikes in the World, According to Race Results

9. Nukeproof Scalp & Pulse – 20 Top Ten Finishes Nukeproof has an interesting history. The brand began as Nuke Proof Industries in 1990 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were perhaps best known for their hubs, which used a carbon fiber shell mated to aluminum flanges. In the early 2000s Nuke Proof Industries was struggling, …

By Aaron Chamberlain
February 27, 2017 Last Updated: May 20, 2021

3 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.

9. Nukeproof Scalp & Pulse – 20 Top Ten Finishes

Nukeproof has an interesting history. The brand began as Nuke Proof Industries in 1990 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were perhaps best known for their hubs, which used a carbon fiber shell mated to aluminum flanges. In the early 2000s Nuke Proof Industries was struggling, and the trademarks were sold to an Irish DH racer, Michael Cowan. He began reviving the brand at first with components, eventually working up to frames. In 2011, the brand partnered with Chain Reaction Cycles to form a World Cup-level race team. Nukeproof now offers a full range of mountain bikes in addition to numerous components.

Brief History

2012
- Nukeproof’s DH bike is known as the “Scalp”
- 26″ wheels
- Aluminum frame
2013
- Nukeproof updates their DH rig and changes the name to “Pulse”
- 26″ wheels
- Aluminum frame
2014
- The Nukeproof/Chain Reaction Cycles race team begins testing a 27.5″ version of the Pulse
2015
- The team gets an updated, sleeker-looking frame
- Nukeproof releases it in the summer as a 2016 model