Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST – Ltd Edition More Mileage Build

Following on from the re-release of the 2020 Nukeproof Reactor in October last year, Nukeproof have added an XC/trail build to the mix. The existing Reactor was introduced to bridge a gap that formed when the Mega TR departed, so let’s take a look at what makes the new Reactor 290c ST different.

The new Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST is designed to be the ‘do all’ bike in the Nukeproof line-up. We were hoping to get a first ride review on this bike at Bike Connection Agency Winter 2020, but the closest look we got was on a quick detour to Reims-Gueux F1 pits on the way home following the Covid-19 outbreak.

With the Nukeproof Reactor 290 UD woven carbon fibre frame, the new ST is a limited-edition model designed as the ultimate lightweight, short travel trail bike that’s robust enough for technical terrain. With a claimed weight of 28lb in size medium, it should be a nippy little number.

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Suspension is taken care of with a 130mm Fox 34 Factory fork paired with a 125mm Fox Float DPS rear shock (Factory Reactor 290; 140mm front travel, 130mm rear travel) gives an XC feel to an otherwise trail/enduro setup, with the long low slack geometry and fine tuned suspension.

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To get you up the hills as efficiently as it can get you down them, Shimano’s XT 12-speed drivetrain offers a huge range. The rest of the build includes DT Swiss 1501 wheels running Maxxis Rekon and Horizon finishing kit. Every XC/ trail bike needs room for a bottle cage, and this one can house a large 750ml water bottle.

Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST: A Closer Look

To ensure the Reactor 290c ST climb’s as well as it descends, the 4 bar horst linkage is designed to have higher levels of anti-squat for climbing gears with lower levels when you drop down the gears. This should make the bike act like a trail goat on the way up, and Sam Hill on the way down.

The combination of low anti-squat and progressive rate should help with small bumps, with good mid stroke support for cornering/pumping and end stroke progression for aggressive riding.

The Reactor ST has a 66.8° (66.3° Low) head angle with a 76.3° (75.8° Low) seat angle. Available in sizes Medium, Large and X-Large. The Reactor ST frames feature the same “flip chip” design as the regular Reactor frame to adjust the geometry from “Trail” to “Rail mode”.

Trail – Designed for maximum efficiency on the trail. With balanced geometry the Reactor ST will climb fast, whilst still offering riders confidence on technical descents.

Rail – A more aggressive machine, dropping the bottom bracket 6mm and slackening the head angle by half a degree. It is there to maximise the descending capabilities.

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The Reactor 290c ST will be available in limited numbers from your local Nukeproof dealer or online from the 30th April 2020. 

Nukeproof Reactor 290c ST vs Reactor 290

There are several build options for the Reactor 290, all with 140mm fork travel and 130mm rear compared to the Reactor ST at 130mm front, 125mm rear. The colour is a limited edition matt raw carbon finish with orange decals.

SRP: £4900 (UK GBP)

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