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Today’s DealsReactor 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)| Weight | 29.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 125 / 140mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT 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!
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
The 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

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?
Well thought-out spec suits the intended purpose
Intuitive, balanced handling
Good suspension
Comfortable pedalling position for long rides
Climbing efficiency

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.

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. .

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.
| 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 Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Depressed Oubergine |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 34 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 130mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black (SHORT ID: D6GS) Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| 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) Travel: 125mm |
| 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 Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature |
| 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 Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| 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 |
First added March 2
Last updated December 7
Not listed for 1,634 days