2021 Nukeproof

Scout 290 Pro

The Nukeproof Scout 290 is an aggressive all-mountain hardtail that offers a nice blend of downhill handling and a comfortable climbing position.

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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 »

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We review the Nukeproof Scout 290 Pro as part of the Hardtails for Trails Bike Test in Singletrack Issue 137.

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