Nukeproof Bikes was born Nuke Proof Industries in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the 1990’s heyday of North American mountain biking.
Founder John Muenzenmeyer created the brand with the mission of making desirable, innovative and reliable solutions to meet the demands of the burgeoning 90’s mountain bike market. Nuke Proof Industries quickly gained a reputation as a pioneer in exotic design through its use of materials not often seen in the early days of the sport. In the 90’s, none in the line was more iconic than our carbon and aluminum hubs — a component ahead of its time in its use of carbon fiber well before the material grew to dominate the cycling world.
Nuke Proof Industries went on to produce titanium frames, carbon fiber handlebars and other innovative components, represented at races by athletes such as James Bethea, a local courier with an appetite for winning with a unique attitude to boot .
After the American bicycle boom of the 90’s, a dramatic decline in the market made the future murky for Nuke Proof Industries. In 2004, Northern Irish downhill racer and long-term admirer, Michael Cowan, saw a chance to save the brand. He set about acquiring the trademarks with the aim of re-invigorating the iconic company. A leading and influential mountain bike racer himself, Michael put in place a product development team of experienced and passionate riders.