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2021 Nukeproof

Reactor 290 Carbon ST

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

£4,699($6,302)
Weight29.1 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 125 / 140mm
ForkFox Factory Float 34
ShockFox Float DPS Factory
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT
BrakesShimano XT 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 290 Carbon ST
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 290 Carbon ST

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

MBR
Nukeproof Reactor Pro 290 Alloy review: dressed for success - MBR

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

Highs
  • Superb balance, insanely fast singletrack shredder

Lows
  • A little lightweight for burlier riders

Read Review

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

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Nukeproof Reactor Factory 290C Factory 2021 in review - Great handling meets great spec

Jun 2021 · By

Gravity fans watch out! Downhill, the Nukeproof Reactor 290C Factory leaves most of its competitors behind in a cloud of dust. The spec leaves no room for complaint either – we’re big fans of Nukeproof's approach of putting trail performance ahead of weight. But is this enough for the Reactor 290C Factory to secure our coveted Best in Test?

Highs
  • Well thought-out spec suits the intended purpose

  • Intuitive, balanced handling

  • Good suspension

  • Comfortable pedalling position for long rides

Lows
  • Climbing efficiency

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.

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

Bikerumor
Ltd Ed Nukeproof Reactor 290 ST is a short travel aggressive XC/Trail bike

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.

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 125mm 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

ColorDepressed Oubergine

Fork

Fox 34 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 130mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black (SHORT ID: D6GS)

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float DPS, Factory Series, Kashima, 3 Position, EVOL LV, Custom LCL, LRL, CMF tune, 210x47.5mm, Bearing End 1x 0.2 Spacer fitted. (SHORT ID: D6S5)

Travel125mm

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

Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, M/L:160mm drop; XL:185mm drop

TypeDropper

Grips

Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT M8100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus

Crank

Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline

Shifters

Shimano XT M8100-R, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV

Cassette

Shimano XT M8100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T

Chain

Shimano XT M8100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink

Brakes

Shimano XT M8100, 2 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT Swiss XR1700 SPLINE 25,29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm, Rear: DT Swiss XR1700 SPLINE 25, 29", 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm

Tires

Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29”x2.3 3C MaxxTerra/EXO/TR, Rear: Maxxis Agressor 29”x2.3 MaxxTerra/EXO/TR

Rider Notes
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First added March 2

Last updated December 7

Not listed for 1,634 days