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Today’s Deals2022 Nukeproof
Scout 290 RS
A 29″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$3,799| Weight | 29.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Hardtail, 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select+ |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Nukeproof Scout is a trail-ready hardtail that excels in descents with its stable and grippy performance, thanks to its well-thought-out geometry and quality components. It offers a smooth, controlled ride, particularly noted for its Marzocchi Z2 fork and efficient Shimano Deore 12-speed transmission. However, some reviews point out sizing issues and a slightly dated frame design.
Stable and grippy on descents
Smooth, controlled ride quality
Quality components and build
Efficient Shimano Deore 12-speed transmission
Marzocchi Z2 fork performance
Sizing can be tricky
Tall seat tube affects balance
Frame design feels slightly dated
Limited frame sizes available
Heavier duty tyres increase rolling resistance
Feedback?
View all reviews
Nov 2023 · Jessie-May Morgan
Nukeproof's kids lineup expands with new 14" and 16" options, plus a balance bike.
Oct 2023
A first look at the Scout Comp hardtail, the most interesting build and potentially the best value in Nukeproof's mountain bicycle lineup.
Creative, min-maxed parts mix on the Comp model
High value of Comp build compared to higher tiers
Excellent packaging with reusable straps and minimal plastic
Bike assembled well out of the box, gears shifted perfectly
Geometry chart includes sagged numbers
Tire choice: harder compound rear, softer front
DB8 brakes offer positive feel and are a good value
House brand components seem good quality
Lots of tire clearance for 2.4" tires
Frame weight claimed 5.1 lbs for medium
Multiple configuration options (mullet, fork swaps, single-speed)
Marzocchi Z2 fork is only 130mm (out of sync with rest of lineup)
Z2 fork feels blech out of the box, needs lower service
Schwalbe tire choice: prefers 2.6" tires on 29er, but only 2.35"
SunRace cassette doesn't shift as well as Shimano under heavy load
Cable routing for rear derailleur was weird out of box
Sharp untrimmed zip ties on an otherwise quality build
64.5° HTA sags to 66°, could benefit from a -2° headset
Nukeproof USA not shipping to Canada, no Canadian dealers
Higher-end models (Elite, RS) less exciting than the Comp
May 2022 · Robert Johnston
The Nukeproof Scout 290 is an aggressive all-mountain hardtail that offers a nice blend of downhill handling and a comfortable climbing position.
Comfortable climbing position
Build quality
Details well covered
Descending composure
Not the most playful
BB slightly low for tech
May 2022 · Amanda Wishart
2022 Nukeproof Scout offers four build specs, all as 275 or 290. Nukeproof have brought the signature yellow paint back, too...
Feb 2022 · Alan Muldoon
One look at the Nukeproof website and you’ll notice there’s a strong focus on trail, enduro and DH riding, with a range of bikes that look very fit for purpose. There are no featherweight cross country machines here, so if your riding is very much gravity-focused and you’re looking for the best hardtail mountain bike, then Nukeproof is a brand that should be on your radar. In fact, the Scout is the only hardtail in Nukeproof’s range, but it’s offered with both 27.5in or 29in wheels. With three spec levels available, we’ve gone mid-pack with the 290 Comp at £1,799.99 Finished in a glossy ‘concrete grey’ and with a dose of stealthy black components, the Scout really has the look of a premium bike. A quick scan over the bike reveal components and details that give a strong hint at its intentions and mirror Nukeproof’s brand identity. The chunky rubber, 200mm front rotor, 800mm handlebar and chain guide mounts are typically found on an enduro rig. Frame The triple-butted aluminium frame has a longish 435mm chainstay, which helps provide ample mud clearance while giving the option to go bigger than the stock 2.4in rear tyre. The cable/hose routing is very tidy – all external (apart from the dropper) and takes a direct route to the rear. A sure sign that the Scout frame is maybe not as up-to-date as the others is the cable guide for a front derailleur. This concept carries through to the dimensions of the frame more so than the angles; highlighted by the tall 510mm seat tube on the XL bike, a short 110mm head tube and a reach comparable to a large Whyte 629. With this in mind we feel that the sizing could do with a refresh – and certainly needs some attention when choosing which one suits you. Suspension Nukeproof has designed the Scout 290 frame to work with a fork of up to 140mm travel, the pricier Pro model capitalises on this with a RockShox Lyrik. The Comp gets a 130mm Marzocchi Bomber Z2, and we hold the opinion that this is the optimum travel for a trail hardtail, giving enough comfort, grip and support but without huge swings in dynamic geometry as the fork moves through its travel. The Bomber’s performance all round was first class with plenty of small bump compliance and realistic support from Marzocchi’s Rail damper. The recommended air pressures proved accurate too, giving the correct sag with no further tweaking needed. Components It’s nearly a full house of Shimano components for the Scout Comp, with the exception being the Level T brakes from SRAM. The Deore 12-speed transmission (which includes a Shimano chain) is faultless, with a stunning finish to the two-piece chainset. The Maxxis tyres are a standout in the specification, especially if you’re either heavier in build or in your riding style. The 2.5in Assegai up front uses 3C Maxx Terra compound, as does the rear 2.4in Dissector, which is reinforced with the EXO+ casing. …Continue reading »
Stellar specification. Compliant ride.
Care needed with sizing. Tall seat tube. Only three frame sizes.
Sep 2020
We’ve seen a number of XC hardtails drop lately. Canyon, Orbea, Trek and BMC to name a few. We also saw the other end of the spectrum in the Kona Honzo ESD. None of these are “normal bikes.” In fact, the most high-profile normal hardtail we saw was the Yeti ARC, and it may just…
Sep 2020 · Zach Overholt
The Nukeproof Scout is back once again with updated components, new colors, and the same ridiculously fun hardtail design.
| Frame | Custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy Color: Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select+ Charger 2.1 RC 150mm, 42mm Offset, BOOST, Debonair, Gloss Black Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | N/A |
| Headset | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS |
| Stem | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black |
| Handlebar | Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm, XXL800mm |
| Saddle | Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black/Grey |
| Seatpost | Brand X Ascend internal, 31.6mm, M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop; XL/XXL:200mm drop Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle,12-Speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed, DUB, 170mm, 32T, Boost |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12-Speed, 10-52T |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, Power- |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE Type: SRAM Guide RE Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30 29"", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm, Rear: DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30 29", 6 Bolt, XD Driver, 148x12mm |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Snakeskin, TL Easy, Addix Soft, 29x2.35’’; Rear: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, DD, Raceguard, TL Easy, Addix, 29x2.35’’ |
First added May 28
Last updated February 22
Not listed for 461 days