Nukeproof has revealed a new dual wheel size compatible mountain bike called the Reactor.
The brand, which is ridden by current Enduro World Series champion, Sam Hill, has revived its Reactor nameplate for this new frame, which accepts both the 27.5 and 29-inch wheel size.
Positioned as a slightly shorter travel alternative to Nukeproof’s Mega dual-suspension mountain bike range, the Reactor tallies either 130- or 140mm of rear travel, depending on the wheel size it is built with.
For those riders who prefer the agility of a 27.5-inch wheel, the Reactor has 140mm of travel. Adjust the flip chip to accommodate 29er wheels, and travel shrinks to 130mm, with terrain taming ability compensated for by the larger tyres.
What makes the Reactor notable, is that it becomes Nukeproof’s first full-carbon frame, with both the front and rear triangles made from composite material if you opt for one of the range-topping variants. Previously, Nukeproof’s dual-suspension carbon bikes all featured an aluminium rear.
Adhering to all current geometry and specification trends, the head angle is set at 66-degrees, which can further be slackened by another half a degree, adjusting the flip chip. Nukeproof’s designers have lengthened the bike’s top to 482.5mm
The Reactor can fit 2.6in tyres in the back on both wheel sizes. Its cranks also spin around a threaded bottom-bracket shell – which should appeal to riders who prefer the reduced creaking risk of a threaded bottom end.
Preventing rock strike and trail debris damage to the down tube is comprehensive protective plastic cladding.
Nukeproof has spread the new Reactor range across small, medium, large and extra-large frame sizes and it is available in different grades. The range peaks with an RS Carbon ($5400), followed by a Factory Carbon model at $4900. The Pro Carbon is $4400, while the most-affordable carbon-framed Reactor is an Elite, at $3800.
If you prefer the more accessible price ladder offered by metal frames, there is a Reactor Expert at $3100, which is primarily of an aluminium construction, yet features carbon-fibre seat stays. The same frame construction is also available in the entry-level Comp model, at $2750.
