2021 Nukeproof Reactor

26/10/202028/11/2020 Tom Fortune 0 Comments

2021 Nukeproof Reactor

The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor has had a bit of a refresh since its predecessor. The Reactor is Nukeproof’s trail bike that sits between the Nukeproof Scout hardtail and the Mega enduro mountain bike.

Available with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor comes in various levels of specifications. Prices start at £2,699 for the Alloy Comp and go up to £5,499 for the exceptionally well-specced RS version.

Who Is The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor For?

The 2022 Nukeproof Reactor is a trail bike with aggressive geometry and quality components. Its main purpose is for riding at trail centres, but you will not be limited to type of riding with a Nukeproof Reactor. I personally know someone that rides one here in the French alps on more pedally days. Therefore, you can take your new Reactor on steep technical trails without feeling under biked.

The choice between 27.5″ and 29″ wheels makes this bike appealing to many riders. Wheel choice is down to your personal preference and riding style. If you prefer your bike with great manoeuvrability and a playful feeling the 27.5″ wheels are the best choice. If raw speed is your thing, go for the 29er as long as you fit it properly.

Frame

The Nukeproof Reactor comes either with an alloy or carbon frame.

The downtube, chainstays and seat stays are fitted with rubber covers to reduce damage from rocks pinging off your frame and chain slap.

The frame has internal cable routing to keep the bike looking neat and tidy, while protecting the cables.

There is enough room on the downtube for a full sized water bottle cage.

Suspension

The rear suspension uses a 4 bar Horst linkage; this reduces the bobbing effect that you get while pedalling. This setup also gives the bike a nice progressive feel, while soaking up the small bumps. It also gives you great mid-stroke support for aggressive riding. All this means that the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor climbs efficiently and is incredibly fun on the way back down.

The rear travel on the 27.5″ 2021 Nukeproof Reactor is 140mm and 130mm on the 29er. The fork has 150mm of travel unless you go for the top of the range RS, which gives you 160mm.

The suspension is straightforward to set up on the Nukeproof Reactor. All you need to do is download the RockShox Trailhead App and enter the serial number of your suspension. This will give you suggested settings as a base level you can play with to suit your preference. The fork and shock are not too complicated, as you can only set the rebound on the shock and the low-speed compression on the fork. This stops you overthinking about your suspension set up.

Geometry

The 2021 Nukeproof geometry figures are bang up to date with modern bikes. It a slack bike with a long reach that gives it a roomy feel. This makes the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor a fun and stable bike, especially on descents. The short chainstay length helps give the bike a nimble feeling, increasing the fun factor.

The geometry of the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor means it can be ridden everywhere. It also makes it a comfortable bike when climbing while being fun nimble on the trails.

But this geometry is adjustable! You get two settings “trail” and “rail”. You can swap between each setting with a 6mm Allen key. The “Trail” setting lowers the bottom bracket by 6mm and is for those days when you are riding more technical trails with ruts where you need a bit more pedal clearance. The “Rail” setting is for those days when you are riding smoother terrain where pedal clearance is not such an issue.

Ride Characteristics

Your hips are positioned right over the pedals, giving you efficient pedalling, as does the suspension linkage system, as it reduces bobbing up and down when pedalling. Climbing is a lot easier with the 12-speed drivetrain too.

The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor is a very versatile bike, but with this being a trail bike, it will feel a lot more poppy than the Nukeproof Mega. The Mega has a lot more suspension travel, but the Reactor gives you a supple ride over smaller bumps. Therefore, the Reactor is best for riding through the woods and singletrack. However, you will also have lots of fun in the bike parks.

When it comes to descending the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor gives you confidence, thanks to its stability. You get lots of support from the suspension, which encourages you to get airborne.
In comparison to the Mega, the 2021 Nukeproof Reactor will be more engaging on smoother terrain. This means it will be more fun as the Mega is a bit overkill for trail riding. But, don’t be mistaken, the Reactor is still a competent bike when it comes to technical terrain. The Reactor’s shorter travel will give it a playful feeling while always being composed.

With the bike in the “Rail” setting, it instils more confidence, as the lower and slacker geometry will allow you to push it more. It will also give you more stability on technical descents.

Nukeproof bill the Reactor as an aggressive trail bike. If you are looking for a fun, fast and well-made trail bike. The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor should be at the top of your list.