Nukeproof Digger – the rowdiest gravel bike out there has had an update

Originally conceived as a training tool for Nukeproof athletes* (*the discussion may have been fuelled by some Italian intoxicating fluids), the (Gravel) Digger was introduced into the mountain bike company’s line-up a couple of years ago.

The Digger Pro – check that dropper and the knobbly WTB Sendero tyres

The mountain biker’s gravel bike?

After two years of unexpectedly strong sales and the Nukeproof team learning a little more about the dropbar dark arts, the 2019 Digger has been launched. It continues to evolve as Nukeproof’s take on that quintessential mountain biker’s training bike: Wide bars, bolt through axles, disc brakes and dropper post compatible. It was created to add spice to a “training” ride or commuting to work or use it to scout out some prime future trail locations (or for the fastest commute to the pie shop like Elliott).

Both the Pro and Comp use 1x SRAM gearing

When it first came out, the Digger was one of the first “rowdy” gravel bikes that we’d seen. Others have since come along and we’ve been won over by what can be seen as a bit of a confused beast. It might not be the fastest on road or the most capable off. The Digger and its ilk are just a hell of a lot of fun. It’s “swift” on the road and gravel, but ultimately, Nukeproof has held true to its dirt roots.

The Digger Comp loses the dropper post, but is still compatible.

With a spec inspired by Nukeproof’s athlete’s training bikes, it wanted its dropbar bike to offer familiar levels of braking and drivetrain performance seen on its mountain bikes. The Digger is designed to take a dropper post (standard on the Pro model) to get that saddle out the way if you choose to deviate off the main paths. Stock builds come with 27.5″ wheels (12 x 142mm) combined with “road plus 47c” tyres (the new WTB Sendero to be precise) to boost comfort and confidence both ride on and off road. The frame is also designed for the ability to run 700c wheels if desired, for those wanting to lap more base miles on the tarmac.

While the Comp uses Apex gearing, the Pro gets the next level up – Rival.

A nod to practicality

For adventurers, trail builders and commuters needing some load space the Digger also is fully compatible for rack mounts for panniers. There is also a removable seat stay bridge for full mud clearance or to run full length mudguards. The great thing about gravel bikes like the Digger is they can be practical as well as good fun…
Both bikes look good value, coming in at £1849 for the Pro and £1449 for the Comp.