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2021 Nukeproof

Reactor 275 Carbon Elite

A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

£4,349($5,851)
Weight32.0 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 140 / 160mm
ForkFox Performance Elite Float 36
ShockFox Float DPX2 Performance Elite
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetSLX
BrakesShimano SLX Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Reactor 275 Carbon Elite
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Reactor 275 Carbon Elite

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Nukeproof Reactor is a versatile trail bike that excels in downhill performance with its balanced handling, effective suspension, and playful ride quality. While it shows some limitations in climbing efficiency and uphill liveliness, its downhill capabilities and well-thought-out geometry make it a favorite for singletrack shredding. The bike's various models cater to a wide range of preferences, from over-forked versions for more aggressive riding to lighter builds for long-distance comfort.

Pros
  • Balanced and intuitive handling

  • Effective suspension with good support

  • Playful and fast downhill performance

  • Well-thought-out geometry

  • Versatile model range catering to different riding styles

Cons
  • Middling climbing efficiency

  • Some models may feel under-braked for heavier riders

  • Internal cable routing can cause noise on rough descents

  • Not the lightest option in its category

Key Quotes
The Nukeproof Reactor 290C Factory proves that the amount of travel alone says very little about the downhill capabilities of a bike: despite having just 130 mm rear travel, we would happily take the Nukeproof to some enduro races!
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine
You’d think with less travel the Nukeproof Reactor Pro 290 Alloy would be muscled out by the Whyte T160 and Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, but it’s able to hold its own because Nukeproof has totally nailed the geometry, suspension and ride feel
MBR logoMBR
The Nukeproof Reactor 290 ST is a sprightly addition to the niche of shorter-than-short-travel trail bikes.
off.road.cc logooff.road.cc

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View all reviews

BikeRadar
Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon ST review

Jul 2021 · Robin Weaver

The Reactor ST isn't as fast as some uphill, but it’s a proper demon when pointed back down

Highs
  • Surefooted downhill demon

  • Great spec at a reasonable price

  • Good geometry and ride position

Lows
  • Easy going but not as efficient as some uphill

  • Only slightly lighter than the top-spec Reactor which has more travel and a burlier build

Read Review

off.road.cc
2021 Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon ST review

Dec 2020

Recently re-launched and now a full time member of the Nukeproof Reactor family, the Reactor 290 ST is a shorter travel version of the full suspension trail bike. With a lithe and resposive feel and top spec components, this bike – so long as you're happy to lock out the shock for climbing – makes a mean mile muncher. Merida One-Forty 600 review Vitus Mythique 29 VRS review The best ways to find new mountain bike trails As a 125mm full suspension trail bike, the Reactor 290 ST was designed for legendary downhill and enduro racer Sam Hill to ride in the off-season.

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Bikerumor
2021 Nukeproof Reactor trail bike gets spec refresh, new colorways

Oct 2020 · Jessie-May Morgan

We take a look at the 2021 Reactor trail bike offering from Nukeproof, including a new higher spec aluminium build and the Reactor ST.

Read Review

Pinkbike
Nukeproof Updates Reactor Trail Bike Specs for 2021

Oct 2020 · Nukeproof

Designed as the ultimate hard-charging hooligan of a trail bike and conceived for those riders that are looking for ultimate speed and style out on the trails, the RS is slightly over-forked, featuring +10mm of travel up front over the rest of the range to excel when on the most technical and mini enduros and downhill trails. .

Read Review

MBR
Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite: Shop-Bought Trail Bike of the Year - MBR

Apr 2020 · Alan Muldoon

If you crave ultimate performance, and personal service from a local shop, the Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite is the bike to get

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Mountain Bike Action's Bike Test: Nukeproof Reactor 275C Factory

Mar 2020 · McCoy

Shredding trails since 1996

Read Review

Vital MTB
2020 Nukeproof Reactor 275c RS Bike

Mar 2020 · Iceman2058

Nukeproof's take on the short/mid-travel trail bike turns out to be very capable - and tons of fun to ride.

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Tested: Nukeproof Reactor 290C Elite

Jan 2020

The Reactor feels like a bike with classic, old school all-mountain intentions, constructed with the colloquialisms of the contemporary mountain bike.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Nukeproof Reactor 275 Carbon, 140mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorBullet Grey

Fork

Fox 36 Float, Performance Elite Series, Grip 2 Damper, 150mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black (SHORT ID: D6GC)

Travel160mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float DPX2, Performance Elite Series, 3 Position, LV EVOL, Custom CL, DRL, Rezi A F F tune, 210x55mm, Bearing End, 1x 0.3 spacer fitted. (SHORT ID: D6TC)

Travel140mm

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 73mm, threaded

Headset

Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS

Stem

Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black

Handlebar

Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width - S780mm, M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm)

Saddle

Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black

Seatpost

Brand X Ascend internal w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, M:150mm drop; L/XL:170mm drop

TypeDropper

Grips

Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus

Crank

Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 32T, 52mm Chainline

Shifters

Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV

Cassette

Shimano SLX M7100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T

Chain

Shimano SLX M7100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink

Brakes

Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads with Fins

TypeShimano SLX Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 27.5", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm, Rear: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 27.5", 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm

Tires

Front: Maxxis Assegai 27.5”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 27.5”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR

Rider Notes
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First added March 2

Last updated December 7

Not listed for 1,634 days