Nukeproof filled the trail bike slot in their lineup last year with the Reactor 290 RS, and now they have a shorter travel version for the light and whippy set. The limited-edition full carbon fiber 29″ frame will squish 120mm of rear travel through a Fox DPS Factory damper and a 130mm Fox 34 fork up front. The overall build has a feathery XC character in mind, with geometry and travel numbers aimed at “downcountry” adventures.
In addition to the trail-tuned suspension, the Reactor 290 ST keeps its weight down with a pair of Shimano two-piston XT brakes, a Reverb stealth dropper, DT Swiss XM1501 wheels, and Maxxis Rekon Race tires. Most of the remaining build is comprised of Nukeproof house-brand kit, selected to appropriately fit the bike’s fast-party demeanor.
The racey Reactor 290 ST geometry table is indicative of a bike that’s made to hand out smiles when it’s pointed downhill. With a 66.3° headtube angle (low position), 460mm reach (size M), ground scraping 45mm BB drop (low position), and 440mm chainstays, this bike definitely gets to play with the “down country” kids in the schoolyard. Given these numbers, a burlier front tire could likely expand the its range significantly.
The frame comes in three sizes, and with a fairly straight 420mm seattube on medium bikes, there should be an option that works for most interested riders.
The limited-edition carbon fiber Reactor 290 ST comes in black with orange accents, retailing for £4,899.99.
2 Comments
Apr 27, 2020
I've really take a liking to this emerging category of trail worthy xc bikes (or in some cases, race worthy trail bikes). Would live to see in person how this one stacks up!
Apr 27, 2020