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Today’s Deals2021 Nukeproof
Reactor 290 Carbon RS
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
£5,999($8,046)| Weight | 30.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate |
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, X1 |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
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.
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
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
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 MagazineYou’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
MBRThe Nukeproof Reactor 290 ST is a sprightly addition to the niche of shorter-than-short-travel trail bikes.
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Nov 2021 · Paul Burwell
If you’re a rider that’s focused on shredding singletrack rather than bike parks, the Nukeproof Reactor Pro 290 Alloy is a superb mid-travel trail bike
Superb balance, insanely fast singletrack shredder
A little lightweight for burlier riders
Jul 2021 · Robin Weaver
The Reactor ST isn't as fast as some uphill, but it’s a proper demon when pointed back down
Surefooted downhill demon
Great spec at a reasonable price
Good geometry and ride position
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
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.
Apr 2020 · Jessie-May Morgan
Nukeproof drop the Reactor ST; a limited edition lightweight short-travel version of the all-mountain Reactor with build spec worthy of an XC race bike.
Mar 2020 · McCoy
Shredding trails since 1996
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.
Feb 2020 · Christoph Bayer
Despite having only 130 mm travel, the Nukeproof Reactor 290C RS was one of the most capable descenders in this group test. Its spec leaves no doubt about its performance and the geometry is spot on – but if the bike is so great, why didn’t it come out on top? Click here for an […]
Corners like it’s on rails
Excellent rear suspension
Well-rounded package
Not the most spritely
RockShox Charger RCT3 rather than the RC2 damper
Jan 2020
The Reactor feels like a bike with classic, old school all-mountain intentions, constructed with the colloquialisms of the contemporary mountain bike.
| Frame | Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 130mm 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 Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Bottle Blue |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 2 RC2 150mm, 42mm Offset, BOOST, Debonair, Gloss Red Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, Custom ML 320 tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x bottomless token fitted. Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS |
| Stem | Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black |
| Handlebar | Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm) |
| Saddle | Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth with 1x Remote, 31.6mm; M: 409mm length, 150mm drop; L: 462mm length, 175mm drop; XL: 514.5mm length, 200mm drop Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01Eagle 12-Speed, Red |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle 12-Speed, 170mm, 30T, B148, DUB |
| Shifters | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-Speed, Red |
| Cassette | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-Speed, CS PG1295 EAGLE 10-52T |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC Sintered Pads Type: SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: Mavic Deemax Pro Sam Hill, 29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm, Rear: Mavic Deemax Pro Sam Hill, 29", 6 Bolt, XD Driver, 148x12mm |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 29”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR |
First added March 2
Last updated December 7
Not listed for 1,634 days