2021 Nukeproof Digger
2021 Nukeproof Digger
Nukeproof are better known for their enduro and downhill bikes; they are also making waves with their excellent Reactor trail bike. But they jumped on the adventure/gravel bike bandwagon with the Nukeproof Digger a couple of years ago. Riders received this bike was very well, but what can we expect from the 2021 Nukeproof Digger? In this post, I am going to go through all the details.
If you need a bit more information of what an adventure/gravel bike is, check out my post what is an adventure bike? for a break down of the different categories.
What Is New For 2021?
Not a lot has changed for the 2021 Nukeproof Digger. Nukeproof have decided to keep the same specifications as the 2020 bike, as it worked so well. The only differences are the colour options. Therefore, with the 2021 Nukeproof Digger, you are going to get the same robust build quality, geometry and capability.
Frame & Geometry
The 2021 Nukeproof Digger is built around a nicely finished aluminium frame. It looks fairly chunky, especially around the front triangle and seat tube. This is done to accommodate the dropper post with internal cable routing.
The geometry to the 2021 Nukeproof Digger is the same as it has been since 2018. The head angle is at 71.3°, while the seat tube angle is at 74°. You get a bolt through tapered carbon fork, that is lightweight and does a good job of reducing vibrations into your hands.
To make the Digger a versatile bike for bike packing adventures, it comes with rack mount and provisions for fitting a mudguard.
Rear hub spacing sits at 12x142mm with 425mm chain stays, setting enough tyre clearance to run a 27.5″ semi-slick 2.1″ wide MTB tyre at most, 27.5″ road plus tyres (47c, as supplied), or 700c wheels with road tyres.
Components
The 2021 Nukeproof Digger keeps the Shimano GRX groupset. This is a 1X11 groupset designed specifically for gravel use (although some roadies like to fit them). Both versions of the Digger get wide range 11-42 cassette with RD-RX812 and RX810 Shadow Plus derailleur.
The brakes are also gravel-specific GRX items with 160mm rotors. The Comp version is the less expensive bike that gets the RX-600 Levers with RX-400 callipers while the more expensive Factory gets the RX-810 Levers with RX-810 callipers. The Factory also comes with integrated remote for the 125mm drop BrandX Ascend internally-routed dropper post.
Both versions of the 2021 Nukeproof Digger feature WTB Sendero 650b Road Plus tyres. These are aggressive gravel tyres and have a knobbly pattern that wouldn’t look out of place on a true mountain bike. The tyres are tubeless-ready and have tan walls.
The Comp rolls on WTB Serra wheels. In comparison, the Factory uses the upgraded DT Swiss G1800 Gravel wheels.
To give the Digger a more of a mountain bike style riding position, Nukeproof has fitted the Digger with wide 480/500mm drop handlebars. These are wrapped in cork-gel bar tape to dampen some of the vibrations you get when riding off-road.
Both bikes get a Neutron saddle and Warhead headset. But, the Comp uses a Non-Series 7° upsweep stem, while the pricier Factory is fitted with a 6° upsweep ZIPP stem.
Riding Characteristics
The first thing you will notice about the Digger is the grip from the wide tyres and the excellent control front he wide bars. The compact frame encourages you to play, as it is easy to move your weight around.
The hydraulic brakes give you plenty of control with just one finger braking. Therefore, you feel comfortable wither on the drops or the hoods when riding more technical terrain. In true modern mountain bike style, the bottom bracket is nice and low, so cornering ability and stability is excellent.
The Digger isn’t designed for huge rides, but you won’t feel like longer journeys are a chore. This is due to the dropper seat post and the comfortable open riding position.
If you want a bike that will allow you to ride down technical terrain after riding up the gravel tracks and fire roads, the 2021 Nukeproof Digger will do a damn good job for you.
Overall
The 2021 Nukeproof Digger pushes the boundaries of adventure/gravel bikes. It does everything this type of bike should, but it gives you more control, grip, stopping power and climbing ability than most adventure bikes. It is not a substitute for a cross country bike, as the tyres wouldn’t cope too well in deep mud. But if you want to have lots of fun while riding gravel tracks, the 2021 Nukeproof Digger will not disappoint.
