Hardtails are dead. Long live the hardtail! If you fall into that later camp, you’re probably excited to watch as hardtails have evolved into highly capable fun machines – not just XC weapons of pain and suffering. The Nukeproof Scout was already a proven shredder in 2020 trim, but for 2021 the bike has gained new spec including an all new Pro model, new colors, and apparently “a lot more stock.”
Scout 275 & 290 Pro:
Starting at the top, each model of the Scout is available in 275 or 290 models which corresponds to 27.5 or 29″ wheels. Nukeproof says that these are not the same frame, and tire clearance is claimed at 2.6″ for the 275 and 2.5″ for the 290. The geometry of the hydroformed and triple-butted 6061 aluminum frame appears to be unchanged, with a 65º head angle (66.6º when sagged), a 73° effective seat tube angle (74.5° when sagged), a 1191mm (Large Scout 275) wheelbase, and 435mm chainstays on the 275 and 440mm chainstays on the 290.
The new Pro model not only includes the highest end spec, but it also is “over-forked” with a 140mm travel RockShox Lyrik Charger RC instead of the 130mm travel forks on other models. A 1×12 Shimano SLX drivetrain is used along with SLX four piston brakes and aggressive Maxxis Assegai tires.
- Frame Finish: Brushed ‘n Raw with Black decals
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select Charger RC 150mm, 46mm Offset, BOOST, Debonair
- Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, Maxx Terra, EXO, TR/ Rear: Maxxis Dissector Maxx Terra EXO+, TR,
- Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Resin Pads with Fins
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – S780mm, M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm)
- Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black
- Saddle: Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black/Grey
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, S:125mm drop; M:150mm drop; L/XL:170mm drop
- Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
- Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
- SRP: £2100 (GBP)
Scout 275 & 290 Comp:
Dropping to a 130mm travel Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork, the Scout Comp also sees the introduction of a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, this time at Deore level.
- Frame Finish: Concrete car park grey
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 130mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, RAIL Damper
- Wheelset: Sun RIngle Duroc 35 Comp
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT, Maxx Terra, EXO // TR/ Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT, Maxx Terra EXO+, TR (2.5” 290/ 2.6” 275)
- Crankset: Shimano Deore M6100 12 Speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120 4 pot brake
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise, Width – M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm)
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm, black
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron, Black
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal, 31.6mm, M:150mm drop; L/XL: 170mm Drop
- Headset: Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS
- Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
- SRP £1550(GBP)
Scout 275 & 290 Race:
The most affordable model is the Race trim which includes the new Shimano 1×10 Deore drivetrain.
- Frame Finish: Blue on blue
- Fork: RockShox Recon RL 130mm, 46mm Offset, Solo air, Gloss Black,
- Wheelset: Nukeproof Neutron V2 Hub built onto a 27.5” WTB STi30 TCS
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai Maxx Terra, EXO, TR / Rear: Maxxis Dissector, Maxx Terra EXO+, TR,
- Drivetrain: Shimano M5100 Deore 10 Speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT4100
- Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise, (Width – S780mm, M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm)
- 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
- SRP: £1100 (GBP)
Frame Only
Want to build your own? A frame only option will also be offered in 275 or 290, both for £400 (GBP).
We’re told that bikes should be at Nukeproof dealers by September 14th, 2020, and all models are available for pre-order at those dealers starting now.
As a sequel to the original Scoutin’ About (below), Scoutin’ About Part Deux will give you an idea of the intended use of the Scout. Even though these don’t include the 2021 model, you can be sure that unlimited fun is still on the menu. Stay tuned for the third edition coming soon.
