Nukeproof Reactor

89/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
29, 30.6, 30.85, 31.7, 33 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Nukeproof Reactor. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

20 reasons to buy

  • Wide 800mm bars offer riders stability climbing and descending on the Nukeproof Reactor.
  • Nukeproof offers builds in carbon or aluminum, allowing riders to find a bike that fits their budget.
  • Riders have the option of purchasing a Reactor with 27.5-inch wheels or 29-inch wheels. This allows them to select a model of it that best fits their riding style.
  • Experts were pleased that all versions of the Nukeproof Reactor can fit a water bottle.
  • Nukeproof offers riders a flip chip adjustment to the bike’s geometry. Riders can utilize the bike in the “Trail” or “Rail” setting.
  • The “Rail” setting on the Reactor slackens the head tube angle and lowers the bottom bracket for riders looking for a more playful, poppy trail ride.
  • The bike’s short chainstays create a fun and responsive ride through berms and turns.
  • Nukeproof specs beefy Maxxis tires on the Reactor. These tires are durable and provide loads of traction.
  • Testers were pleased with the long dropper post specced on the bike. All models of the bike have a well-reviewed dropper post from Brand X, BikeYoke or RockShox.
  • The bike's active climbing platform encourages riders to pick their way up steep technical climbs.
  • The Nukeproof Reactor is affordable for a bike of its quality in the trail/enduro category.
  • Harsh bottom outs are rare for riders of the bike.
  • A rubber downtube protector keeps the Reactor from being damaged by stray rocks or other obstacles on the trail.
  • The Reactor's ribbed chainstay protector minimizes noise from chain slap.
  • Experts found the bike light in weight. This made hike-a-bike sections of routes achievable.
  • The threaded bottom bracket on the Nukeproof Reactor is easy to maintain.
  • Internal cable routing gives the bike a clean appearance.
  • Depending on the model, 130mm to 140mm of rear travel with 150mm to 160mm of fork travel, allows riders to descend with confidence.
  • Experts were pleased with the linkage-driven Horst-link suspension setup in the rear of the bike. It offered riders fantastic small bump compliance on trails.
  • The Nukeproof Reactor has a long front center. This allows riders to keep the front end of the bike down on steep climbs.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The Nukeproof uses Sam Hill grips on the bike. Several experts reported these grips to be stiff and uncomfortable.
  • Some experts experienced difficulty with the tubeless tire setup on builds with Mavic wheels. These wheels are only found on carbon RS models of the bike.
  • Test riders experienced pedal bob when climbing on the Reactor.

Bottom line

The Nukeproof Reactor is a mid-travel, full suspension mountain bike. Testers found it ideal for daily trail rides and enduro terrain. The bike has an efficient pedaling platform on climbs, although some testers experienced pedal bob. The Reactor has beefy tires, made by Maxxis, that provide spectacular traction. With models available for both 27.5” and 29” wheels and carbon and aluminum frame options, experts agree that Nukeproof gives buyers plenty of choices. This ensures that they have a bike that is within their budget and that meets their needs. Additionally, the bike’s geometry can be adjusted via a flip chip which allows riders to use the bike in “Trail” or “Rail” mode. Overall, this bike is a favorable choice for those looking for a mid-travel mountain bike. Complaints are few from experts.

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews
100
Mountain Bike Rider

Nukeproof Reactor 290c Elite

Launching 12 models, the Reactor range is evenly split between 27.5in and 29in wheels, with dedicated frames for each platform.

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90

Trail Bike Hooligan: Nukeproof Reactor 275 RS

In this RS version, the geometry of the Reactor truly delivers a confidence-inspiring ride, and the bike wasted no time becoming our go-to for…well…pretty much any trail!

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80

Nukeproof Reactor 275 RS Review

As the top-end and burliest Reactor available, it’s not a surprise to see a list of hard-hitting components, even for a 140mm travel trail bike, considering Nukeproof’s gnarly, gravity-focused reputation.

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70
off-road.cc

2021 Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon ST Review

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.

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Cobra Kyle

Nukeproof Reactor 290 Review – New Bike Day!

Nukeproof has crafted a pretty wonderful trail bike.

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Guy Kesteven

Nukeproof Reactor 290C Pro Rough AF First Ride Review at Wheelbase Cycles Demo Weekend.

I have to say it’s no stranger to getting the power down.

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First Ride Review: Nukeproof Reactor Grips Granite in Scotland’s Aberdeenshire

Slotting into Nukeproof’s mountain bike lineup between the Scout trail bike and the Mega enduro bike as a brand new all-mountain addition is the Nukeproof Reactor, a 140-160mm travel full suspension mountain bike available with both 27.5″ and 29″ wheels.

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Mountain Bike Action

Nukeproof Reactor 275C Factory

The Reactor might not be a new name to Nukeproof’s lineup, dating back to 1996, but for 2020, it’s an all-new model looking to dominate the aggressive trail market.

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Chicken Sendies

2020 Nukeproof Reactor Comp check and ride review – Part 2 – Griffin Bike Park

This thing is like a pistol.

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Tested : Joe’s 2020 Nukeproof Reactor 290 Comp Review.

The Nukeproof Reactor 290 Comp may well be a budget trail bike, but it can handle a lot more than is expected of it.

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Review: 2020 Nukeproof Reactor 290c RS

The 2020 Reactor is available with either 29” or 27.5” wheels, with 130 or 140 mm of rear travel respectively.

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BIKE Magazine

Tested: Nukeproof Reactor 290C Elite

The Reactor seems to fit into a bit of a niche spot of modern mountain bikes. It’s not quite a big-wheeled brawler, but neither is it a flicky trail bike.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Nukeproof Reactor 290C RS on Test – The Enduro Bike Among Trail Bikes

The Nukeproof Reactor 290C RS is a terrific do-it-all bike. It’s a lot of fun on simple trails and doesn’t have to shy away from enduro races either.

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Singletrack

2020 Nukeproof Reactor First Ride Review

The Reactor is Nukeproof’s first full carbon frame, i.e. both the front and rear of the bike are made of the black wonder material and is available in both 27.5 and 29 inch wheel options.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#55 Best Mountain
Top 50%
#33 Best Trail
Bottom 50%
#274 Best of All Bikes
Top 40%

Bike Comparison

Nukeproof Reactor in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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