Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite (2021)

Introducing the all new Nukeproof Reactor: an old school name with a very new school look. Although it takes its name from the original 1996 Nukeproof Reactor trail frame, a lot has changed in the last 23 years as it runs an all new trail focused platform.

From concept through to design, the Kinematics, the geometry and specification; the Reactor is designed from the ground up to be the ultimate aggressive trail bike. It is at home on technical climbs, but happiest when thrashing the most technical trails you can point it at.

The RS model is the hooligan spec option in the range, with a host of upgrades to make it burlier than the rest. It features a +10mm Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate RCT3 forks (160mm) up front, a Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock, our award-winning carbon handlebars, 4 Pot Code RSC brakes (With Sintered Pads), a SRAM XO1 Eagle Drivechain with Carbon Descendant Cranks and Mavic’s brand new Deemax DH wheelset.

Frame Construction:

To optimise the weight, strength and stiffness, the Reactor Carbon frame features a full UD woven carbon fibre frameset (Including chain and seat stays). It is available for 27.5” or 29” wheel sizes. These are two totally different, compromise free frames that were designed and developed at the same time. Each frame is simply tailored around each wheel size.

Speed or play: which do you value more? The manoeuvrability of 27.5” or the raw speed of a 29”?

Adjustable Geometry:

All Reactor frames feature a “flip chip” to adjust the geometry from “Trail” to “Rail mode”.

Trail – As the name suggests, this setting is best suited for trail riding. It is for riders who get as much enjoyment from the climb as the descents.

Rail – The Rail setting turns the Reactor into a corner shredder, dropping the bottom bracket 6mm and slackening the head angle by half a degree. It is there to maximise the descending capabilities.

Suspension Design:

To ensure the bike could climb as well as it descends, we designed the 4 bar horst linkage to have higher levels of anti-squat for climbing gears but lower levels when you drop down the cassette. This means that the bike can behave itself on the climbs but when you get it up to speed, it turns into a trail hooligan. The combination of low anti-squat and progressive rate give ultimate small bump compliance (removes rough trail and root chatter) with good mid stroke support for cornering/pumping and end stroke progression for aggressive riding. Balanced anti-rise figures allow the Reactor some squat when braking hard, maintaining rider position and providing a good amount of pressure through the tyre to ensure traction. The Reactor is designed to reward the rider and ensure you get that stoke factor in on any ride.