2021 Nukeproof Reactor trail bike gets spec refresh, new colorways

The Reactor trail bike bike first graced singletrack last year, entering Nukeproof’s mountain bike line-up between the Scout and the Mega enduro bike. We tested the 140mm all-mountain bike on Aberdeenshire’s finest – check out our first ride review here. As we move swiftly into Model Year 2021, Nukeproof have seen fit to update the Reactor with new spec options and a fresh lick of paint.

MY21 Nukeproof Reactor

There are five new model builds for 2021, for both the Reactor 275 and the Reactor 290, plus an update for the shorter travel Reactor ST. The line-up comprises the top-end RS, working down to the Factory, Elite, Pro to the the budget-friendly Comp build.

All are spec’d with Sam Hill’s Signature Grips, Nukeproof Horizon SL saddle and Maxxis rubber.

2021 Reactor RS

The all-singing all-dancing Nukeproof Reactor RS is an “over-forked” version of the Reactor. On the 275, we see a 160mm fork up front as opposed to the 150mm you’ll see on the rest of the line-up. Similarly, for the 29er you get a 150mm fork instead of a 140mm fork. For 2021, its a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 2.

Servicing the 140mm rear end on the 275 and the 130mm rear end on the 290 is RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate with a custom ML 320 tune. The rest of the spec list is as follows:

• Front Wheel: Mavic Deemax Pro Sam Hill
• Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Crankset: SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle 12-Speed
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm,
• Seat post: RockShox Reverb Stealth with 1x Remote
• Weight (290 medium): 13.9Kg/30.6lbs

2021 Reactor Factory

You guessed it. This one gets a full factory outfit from Fox. A Fox Float Factory 36 fork with GRIP2 damper is paired with a Fox Float DPX2 shock. Shimano’s 12 speed XT drivetrain propels this carbon frame trail bike. Full spec list below.

• Fork: Fox 36 Float, Factory Series
• Shock: Fox Float DPX2, Factory Series
• Front Wheel: DT Swiss M1700 SPLINE 30
• Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Crankset: Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed
• Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, 4 Pot Brake
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm
• Seat post: Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever
• Weight (290 medium): 14Kg/30.85lbs

2021 Reactor Elite

The Elite model gets a fork upgrade for 2021 to the Fox 36 and DPX2 Performance Elite series.

• Front Wheel: DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE
• Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed
• Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm
• Seat post: Brand X Ascend internal w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever
• Weight (290 medium): 14.5Kgs/31.9lbs

2021 Reactor Pro

Responding to customer demand for a higher spec aluminium frame, Nukeproof swap the Pro from a carbon frame to the alloy Reactor frame. This build is their very own “test bike” spec, using a SRAM/RockShox combo that they use to develop bikes in house.

The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor Pro is now a RAW brushed aluminium frame with exposed carbon seat stays. It gets a RockShox Pike Select + Charger 2 fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock.

• Wheels: Nukeproof Neutron V2
• Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed
• Brakes: SRAM Guide RE
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm
• Seat post: Brand X Ascend internal
• Weight (290 medium): 14.4Kg/31.7lbs

2021 Reactor Comp

The Alloy frame with carbon seat stays remains unchanged for 2021, but now up front is the new Marzocchi Bomber Z2 paired with a Rockshox Super Deluxe Select R out back, complimented by Shimano’s all new Deore 12 speed drivetrain and brakes.

• Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, RAIL Damper
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select R, Custom ML Tune
• Front Wheel: Sun-Ringle Duroc 35 Comp
• Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Crankset: Shimano Deore M6100 12 Speed
• Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120 4 pot brake
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm
• Seat post: Brand X Ascend internal, 31.6mm
• Weight: 14.68Kg/32.3lbs

2021 Reactor ST

Merely a limited edition bike last year, the final model in the MY21 line-up is the short travel Reactor ST. This bike is for those who want something more akin to a cross-country whippet than an all-mountain bike.

Originally conceived for Sam Hill to race XC during the off season, the ST is designed to be fast. The carbon frame boasts 125mm rear wheel travel, a 130mm fork and runs a 29″ wheelset.

For MY21, it gets a Fox 34 Float Factory Fork, a Fox Float DPS and a DT Swiss XR1700 SPLINE 25 wheelset. Full spec list below.

• Tires: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29”x 2.3 3C MaxxTerra/EXO/TR, Rear: Maxxis Agressor 29”x 2.3  MaxxTerra/EXO/TR
• Crankset: Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed
• Brakes: Shimano XT M8100, 2 Pot Brake
• Handlebars: Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black
• Seat post: Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever

Pricing & Availability

The 2021 Nukeproof Reactor is due with Nukeproof’s dealer network from 8^th October.

Nukeproof.com