The Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon Elite: One Bike to do it all
A trail bike that thrives in technical terrain — both up and down. It’s the ultimate option for the rider looking for one bike to do it all.
From concept to design, the Reactor 290 Carbon is built from the ground up to be the ultimate aggressive trail bike. It’s an uncompromising build with a full-carbon frame and 29-inch wheels to maximize rolling efficiency and traction. Specced with a build that leans towards aggressive descending but with kinematics and geometry efficient enough to pedal big miles, it’s a go-anywhere and do-anything machine.
It’s a bike built for all-day epics in backcountry terrain — where a 2,000-foot climb will inevitably lead to a 2,000-foot descent and you need a bike that’ll handle both equally well.
How it Rides
The Reactor was built from the Nukeproof staff’s desire for a quiver-killer mountain bike that climbs well and descends without compromise.
Designed to be poppy, playful and wicked fast, the Reactor’s four-bar Horst link suspension system is supportive while climbing but an absolute hooligan on the descent. Solid mid-stroke support balanced with relatively modest anti-squat gives the Reactor an active rear end that’s shockingly supportive and efficient when pedaling uphill. Anti-squat reduces as you shift down the cassette and pick up speed, making the bike come alive on descents. Balanced anti-rise figures allow the Reactor some squat when braking hard, maintaining rider position and providing a good amount of pressure through the tire to ensure traction.
To optimize weight, strength and stiffness, the Reactor 290 Carbon is made of a full unidirectional carbon frame (including the rear triangle). We tailor the geometry based on wheel size, so this 29er version of the bike is optimized to take full advantage of the larger wheel’s rollover capabilities while still handling like a trail-slaying weapon.
All Reactor frames also feature a “flip chip,” which allows you to adjust the geometry from “Trail” to “Rail” mode. Trail balances optimized geometry for climbing and descending while the Rail mode emphasizes the downhill — dropping the bottom bracket 6mm and slackening the head tube angle by half a degree.
Whatever you’re in to, the Reactor will do it.
The Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon Elite Component Details
- Fox 36 Float Performance Elite Series fork & Float X Performance Elite Series shock
- Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain
- Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes
- Nukeproof Horizon V2 29-inch tubeless wheels
- Maxxis Assegai 29x2.5 front tire & Dissector 29x2.4 rear tire

Full Specs
Elite | Factory | RS | ST | Frame Only | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frame | Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 130mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection | Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 130mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection | Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 130mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection | Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 125mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection | Nukeproof Reactor 290Carbon, 130mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame |
Fork | Fox 36 Float, Performance Elite Series, Grip 2 Damper, 150mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black | Fox 36 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 150mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Orange | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 2.1 RC2 150mm, 42mm Offset, BOOST, Debonair, Gloss Red | Fox 34 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 130mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black | |
Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Elite Series, 2 Position, LV EVOL, Custom CM+, RM, M, M+ tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x 0.2 spacer fitted. | Fox Float X, Factory Series, Kashima, 2 Position, EVOL LV, Custom CM+, RM, M, M+ tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x 0.2 spacer fitted. | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, Custom Compression LIN / Rebound L 320 tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x bottomless token fitted. | Fox Float DPS, Factory Series, Kashima, 3 Position, EVOL LV, Custom CL, LRL tune, 210x47.5mm, Bearing End 1x 0.2 Spacer fitted. | Fox Float X, Factory Series, Kashima, 2 Position, EVOL LV, Custom CM+, RM, M, M+ tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x 0.2 spacer fitted. |
Front Wheel | Nukeproof Horizon V2 29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm | DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30,29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm | DT Swiss XM1700 Spline 30, 29", 6 Bolt, 110x15mm | Reynolds TR309 XC Front 28h, 29", Center-Lock, 110x15mm | |
Rear Wheel | Nukeproof Horizon V2 29", 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm | DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30, 29", 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm | DT Swiss XM1700 Spline 30, 29", 6 Bolt, XD Driver, 148x12mm | Reynolds TR289 XC Rear 28h, 29", Center-Lock, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm | |
Tyres | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 29”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 29”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 29”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29”x2.3 3C MaxxTerra/EXO/TR, Rear: Maxxis Agressor 29”x2.3 MaxxTerra/EXO/TR | |
Crankset | Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline | Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline | SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle 12-Speed, 170mm, 30T, B148, DUB | Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline | |
Shifter | Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV | Shimano XT M8100-R, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV | SRAM AXS Eagle 12-Speed, Red | Shimano XT M8100-R, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV | |
Rear Deraileur | Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus | Shimano XT M8100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus | SRAM AXS X01 Eagle 12-Speed, Red | Shimano XT M8100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus | |
Chain | Shimano SLX M7100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink | Shimano XT M8100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink | SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed | Shimano XT M8100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink | |
Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T | Shimano XT M8100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T | SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-Speed, CS XG1295 EAGLE 10-52T | Shimano XT M8100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T | |
Brakes | Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads | Shimano XT M8120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads | SRAM Code RSC Sintered Pads | Shimano XT M8100, 2 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads | |
Front Rotor | 203mm | 203mm | SRAM Centreline, 200mm | Shimano SM-RT76, 180mm | |
Rear Rotor | 180mm | 180mm | SRAM Centreline, 180mm | Shimano SM-RT76, 180mm | |
Handlebars | Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm | Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm | Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm | Nukeproof Horizon Carbon V2 25mm Rise, Width - M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm | |
Stem | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black | |
Saddle | Nukeproof | Nukeproof | Nukeproof | Nukeproof | |
Seatpost | Brand-X Ascend internal with Brand-X Remote lever, M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop; XL:200mm drop | Bikeyoke Divine Stealth with Brand-X Remote lever, M:160mm drop; L/XL:185mm drop | Bikeyoke Revive Stealth with Triggy Long Lever; M:160mm drop; L:185mm drop; XL:213mm drop | Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, M:160mm drop; L/XL:185mm drop | |
Headset | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS | Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS |
Grips | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature | |
Bearings | Enduro Bearings | Enduro Bearings | Enduro Bearings | Enduro Bearings | Enduro Bearings |
Weight (Size Medium) | 14.66Kg Medium (Tubeless) | 14.19Kgs Medium (Tubeless) | 13.86Kgs Medium (Tubeless) | TBD Medium (Tubeless) | 3.6Kgs/7.9lbs (Medium) |
Geometry & Sizing
Reactor 290 140mm Fork (Carbon) | Reactor 290 150mm Fork (Carbon) | Reactor 290c ST (130mm Fork) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Large | X-Large | Medium | Large | X-Large | Medium | Large | X-Large | |
(A) Reach | 451 | 480 | 514 | 446.3 | 475.4 | 509.5 | 460 | 488 | 521.6 |
(B) Stack | 615 | 620 | 625 | 618.4 | 623.5 | 628.7 | 608 | 614 | 618 |
(C) Effective Top Tube Length | 610 | 640 | 675 | 611.4 | 641.2 | 676.3 | 608 | 638 | 673 |
(D) Seattube Length | 420 | 458 | 508 | 420 | 458 | 508 | 420 | 458 | 508 |
(E) Effective Seattube Angle | 75.5° (Low 75°) |
75.5° (Low 75°) |
75.5° (Low 75°) |
75.1° (Low 74.6°) |
75.1° (Low 74.6°) |
75.1° (Low 74.6°) |
76.3° (Low 75.8°) |
76.3° (Low 75.8°) |
76.3° (Low 75.8°) |
(F) Seattube Angle (Actual) | 71° (Low 70.5°) |
71° (Low 70.5°) |
71° (Low 70.5°) |
70.6° (Low 70.1°) |
70.6° (Low 70.1°) |
70.6° (Low 70.1°) |
71.8° (Low 71.3°) |
71.8° (Low 71.3°) |
71.8° (Low 71.3°) |
(G) Saddle Height at Saddle Offset | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
(H) Saddle Offset at Saddle Height (At 30% Sag RT Only) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
(I) Headtube Length | 105 | 110 | 115 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 105 | 110 | 115 |
(J) Headtube Angle | 66° (Low 65.5) |
66° (Low 65.5) |
66° (Low 65.5) |
65.5° (Low 65) |
65.5° (Low 65) |
65.5° (Low 65) |
66.8° (Low 66.3) |
66.8° (Low 66.3) |
66.8° (Low 66.3) |
(K) Chainstay Length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 |
(L) Front Centre | 762.5 | 792 | 830 | 766.5 | 796 | 834 | 755.5 | 785 | 823 |
(M) Wheelbase | 1205 | 1235 | 1271 | 1209 | 1239.1 | 1275.1 | 1198 | 1228 | 1264 |
(N) Bottom Bracket Drop | -33 (Low -39) |
-33 (Low -39) |
-33 (Low -39) |
-30 (Low -36) |
-30 (Low -36) |
-30 (Low -36) |
-39 (Low -45) |
-39 (Low -45) |
-39 (Low -45) |
(O) Bottom Bracket Height | 336 (Low 330) |
336 (Low 330) |
336 (Low 330) |
336 (Low 330) |
336 (Low 330) |
336 (Low 330) |
330 (Low 324) |
330 (Low 324) |
330 (Low 324) |
(P) Stand Over Height | 736 (High) | 744 (High) | 769 (High) | 739 (High) | 747 (High) | 772 (High) | 730 (High) | 738 (High) | 763 (High) |
(Q) Fork Travel | 140 | 140 | 140 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
(R) Trail | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
(S) Fork Offset | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
(T) Axle to Crown | 554 | 554 | 554 | 564 | 564 | 564 | 537 | 537 | 537 |
(U) Maximum Seatpost Insert | 215 | 250 | 300 | 215 | 250 | 300 | 215 | 250 | 300 |
*All dimensions in mm unless otherwise stated
Recommended Sizing


Help
- FAQs
- Frame Spec
- Industry Reviews
- Tech Docs
- Where can I buy Nukeproof Bikes?
- Nukeproof bikes, components and apparel is sold through an authorised dealer network. Check out our dealer locator for your local local stockist or preferred online store www.nukeproof.com/dealers.
- Do your bikes come with Warranty?
- All Reactor frames come with a 5 year frame warranty (Please visit www.nukeproof.com/warranty for full info). On top of that we also offer an extended 2-year warranty on all components excluding wear and tear items such as bearings, brake pads, chains & cassettes etc. Our Warranty policy applies to the original owner and processed by our authorised retail partners. To see their warranty process check: www.nukeproof.com/warranty
- Where can I demo a Nukeproof bike?
- We run numerous demo's through the year at major events and with our dealer network. Check out www.nukeproof.com/demo for when we may be near you. If this is unavailable to you, you can always request a demo through your local authorised stockist.
- What size bike do I need?
- All our products come with a size guide. This is designed as an indication of the size that may suit you. If you are still unsure speak with one of our dealers who will be happy to help you pick the right size and model for you.
- How does you bike range work?
- Our range is named based on specification level. Not every Bike Frame will have each specification level, but in order of price they run: Sport - Race - Comp - Pro - Elite- Factory/ST (Reactor Only) - RS
Material: | Ultra Strong T700/800 Monocoque Carbon Fibre |
---|---|
Fork Travel: | 140mm Elite & Factory, ST 130mm, RS 150mm |
Axle to Crown: | 554mm (RS 564mm) |
Fork Offset: | 44mm |
Rear Travel: | 130mm |
Wheels Size: | 29" |
Max Tyre Size: | 2.6" |
Recommended Shock Sag (Measured seated): | 30% |
Shock Size: | 210x50mm |
Shock Hardware F: | 25x8mm |
Shock Hardware R: | 30x8mm |
Sizing: | M/L/XL |
Headtube: | 44-56mm Tapered Semi-Integrated |
Headset: | ZS44-28.6 - T2 / ZS56/40 - B8 |
Bearings Required: | 2x (6902 2RS), 4x (6800 2RS), 4x (6901 2RS) |
Seatpost: | 31.6mm (Internal Routing for Dropper Seatpost) |
Seat Clamp: | 36.4mm |
Bottom Bracket | Threaded 73mm BSA |
Rear Hub: | Boost 148x12mm |
Rear Axle: | SRAM Maxle Stealth M12x1.75 180mm (Thread Length 20mm) |
Chain Guide: | ISCG05 |
Brake Mount: | 180mm Direct Post |
Protection: | 3D Contoured Rubber/ Clear Frame Protection for DT/SS/CS |
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