2020 Nukeproof Scout

2020 Nukeproof Scout: Everything you need to know

The Nukeproof Scout gives you the pure mountain bike experience in the rawest form. It is designed to teach you the skills to take your riding to the next level, by making it necessary to read the trail ahead to ensure that you take the smoothest and fastest lines. In this post I am going to go through the details of the 2020 Nukeproof Scout to help you decide if this is the aggressive hardtail mountain bike for you.

Who is it for?

The Nukeproof Scout is a bike with a high fun factor built in. If you are looking for a hardtail mountain bike that is great for shredding trails centres, cross country rides or playing around on the pump track, you can’t go far wrong with this bike.  

Updates

The Nukeproof Scout is available with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. The 2020 Nukeproof Mega has had some updates.

  • Its geometry has been redesigned to be longer, in order to accommodate taller riders.
  • The chain stay length has been increased to improve stability.
  • The frame itself is made from a super strong triple butted hydro formed tube set.
  • The ride has been softened with a profile seat stay assembly. This is to make it more compliant without compromising its stiffness.
  • The rear axle has new 148 Boost spacing. This gives it space to fit a wider wheel and a stiffer back end. This means it accelerates faster, climbs better and has more grip from the wider tyre (2.5″ on the 29er and 2.8″ on the 27.5″).

 

Details

The geometry changes are not particularly extreme, but Nukeproof have put their efforts in to improving the specifications of the Scout.

All the cabling is protected with internal routing. The route that the gear cable takes is much straighter than before. This means that your shifting is much smoother and more precise. There are also the provisions for a dropper seat post. The 27.5″ bike comes with 140mm of travel on the fork and the 29er has 130mm. Which of the three versions you choose from determines which fork you get. They are all quality Rockshox items, so you shouldn’t be disappointed with your choice. This is because they are all great at absorbing the bumps.

The tyres that come with the Nukeproof Scout are the excellent Maxxis Assegai. These are allrounders, perfect for fast trail riding making this bike even more fun. The wheels are tubeless ready, so I recommend that you drop some Tyre Yogurt in them and put punctures out of your mind completely.

The drivetrain on all versions are comes from Shimano and the Comp comes with an SX Eagle 12 speed, while the Expert has the M7100 12 speed. This along with the frame stiffness, makes it an excellent climber.

As you would expect from a bike of this type, you get hydraulic disc brakes. These are also courtesy of Shimano and are super reliable and powerful. 

To top off an already fantastic list of components, you get the Nukeproof finishing kit. This includes extra wide handlebars, Sam Hill grips (which I have on my Nukeproof Mega and love) and the Nukeproof Horizon saddle.

Geometry

2020 Nukeproof scout geometry

Ride Characteristics

The Nukeproof Scout is one of the most playful hardtail bikes available. The new geometry makes the Scout very compliant and confidence inspiring. This make you want to push harder and go faster. There is no rattling from the cables either, making it super quiet, which is really satisfying.

If covering long distances is your thing, you may want to opt for the Comp version, due to the drivetrain. For those of you want to increase its downhill potential, you you really benefit from putting a 3C Maxxis Minion on the front.

2020 Nukeproof Scout Models

Nukeproof Scout 290 Race

2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Race

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 290, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: RockShox Recon RL 130mm, 51mm Offset, Solo air, Gloss Black
  • Front Wheel: WTB Serra 29″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: WTB Serra 29″, Shimano freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5”WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 29″ x 2.4”WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: SR Suntour Zeron 170mm, 30T, B148
  • Shifter: Shimano M6000 Deore 10-Speed
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano M6000 Deore 10-Speed
  • Chain: KMC X10 10-Speed, with Quick Link
  • Cassette: Sunrace CSMS2 10-Speed, 11-46T
  • Brakes: Shimano MT400, Resin Pads
  • Front Rotor: Shimano RT56, 180mm
  • Rear Rotor: Shimano RT56, 180mm
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
  • Seatpost: Nukeproof Neutron, Black, 31.6mm, 400mm
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Nukeproof Scout 275 Race

2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Race

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 275, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: RockShox Recon RL 140mm, 46mm Offset, Solo Air, Gloss Black
  • Front Wheel: WTB Serra 27.5″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: WTB Serra 27.5″, Shimano freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: SR Suntour Zeron 170mm, 32T, B148
  • Shifter: Shimano M6000 Deore 10-Speed,
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano M6000 Deore 10-Speed
  • Chain: KMC X10 10-Speed, with Quick Link
  • Cassette: Sunrace CSMS2 10-Speed, 11-46T
  • Brakes: Shimano MT400, Resin Pads
  • Front Rotor: Shimano RT56, 180mm
  • Rear Rotor: Shimano RT56, 180mm
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
  • Seatpost: Nukeproof Neutron, Black, 31.6mm, 400mm
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Nukeproof Scout 290 Comp

2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Comp

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 290, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: RockShox Sektor RL 130mm, 51mm Offset, Debonair, Diffusion Black
  • Front Wheel: Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp 29″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp 29″, Shimano freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5” WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 29″ x 2.4” WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed, DUB, 170mm, 30T, B148
  • Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Chain: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle PG1210 12 Speed, 11-50T
  • Brakes: SRAM Level T
  • Front Rotor: SRAM Centreline, 180mm
  • Rear Rotor: SRAM Centreline, 180mm
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
  • Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, S:120mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm drop
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp

2020 Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 275, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: RockShox Sektor RL 140mm, 46mm Offset, Debonair, Diffusion Black
  • Front Wheel: Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp 27.5″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: Sun Ringle Duroc 35 Comp 27.5″, Shimano freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed, DUB, 170mm, 32T, B148
  • Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Chain: SRAM SX Eagle 12 Speed
  • Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle PG1210 12 Speed, 11-50T
  • Brakes: SRAM Level T
  • Front Rotor: SRAM Centreline, 180mm
  • Rear Rotor: SRAM Centreline, 180mm
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
  • Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, S:120mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm drop
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert

2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 290, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: Fox 36 Rhythm 140mm, Grip Sweep adjust, 51mm Offset, Matte Black
  • Front Wheel: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 29″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 29″, Shimano Microspline freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5”WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 29″ x 2.4”WT, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: Shimano M7100 SLX, 12 Speed, 170mm, 30T, B148
  • Shifter: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed (I-Spec EV)
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed
  • Chain: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed (Inc. Quicklink)
  • Cassette: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed, 10-51T
  • Brakes: Shimano M7120 SLX 4 Pot, I-Spec EV
  • Front Rotor: Shimano SM-RT70, 180mm, Centrelock
  • Rear Rotor: Shimano SM-RT70, 180mm, Centrelock
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black
  • Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, S:120mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm drop
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Nukeproof Scout 275 Expert

2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert

Specifications

  • Frame: Nukeproof Scout 275, custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy, internal cable routing for dropper seat posts, threaded bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing
  • Fork: Fox 36 Rhythm 140mm, Grip Sweep adjust, 44mm Offset, Matte Black
  • Front Wheel: DT Swiss M 1900 SPLINE 27.5″, 15x110mm
  • Rear Wheel: DT Swiss M 1900 SPLINE 27.5″, Shimano Microspline freehub, 148x12mm
  • Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHRII 27.5″ x 2.6”, EXO+, TR, Maxx Terra
  • Crankset: Shimano M7100 SLX, 12 Speed, 170mm, 32T, B148
  • Shifter: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed (I-Spec EV)
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed
  • Chain: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed (Inc. Quicklink)
  • Cassette: Shimano M7100 SLX 12 Speed, 10-51T
  • Brakes: Shimano M7120 SLX 4 Pot, I-Spec EV
  • Front Rotor: Shimano SM-RT70, 180mm, Centrelock
  • Rear Rotor: Shimano SM-RT70, 180mm, Centrelock
  • Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon 800mm, 25mm
  • Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, Black
  • Saddle: Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black
  • Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, S:120mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm drop
  • Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
  • Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature

Are you going to buy a 2020 Nukeproof Scout?

Or have you bought one? I would love to know what you think of it and why you bought it. Please let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.

3 thoughts on “2020 Nukeproof Scout

  • 04/10/2020 at 1:06 am
    Permalink

    Any ideas what The hub manufacturer is for the rear wheel? I want to convert it from 10 speed to 13 speed eagle and need to buy a new Freehub body to suit the hub manufacturer?

    Reply
    • 19/10/2020 at 10:00 am
      Permalink

      Hi, The hub is the Nukeproof Neutron V2, using a Shimano freehub with 36 points of engagement. You would probably need to change this to fit an eagle.

      Thanks for your question.

      Reply
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