Nukeproof returns with the Reactor 290 V2

Welcome news as Nukeproof return with the Reactor 290 V2 in both Carbon and Alloy. Both look stunning.

Back at the start of 2024 it seemed that Nukeproof were done, along with the rest of the Wiggle/ChainReaction stable. Yet here we are, at the end of 2025 and they seem to be back with a bang to launch a new Nukeproof Reactor.

Fortunately for Nukeproof, the brand and its assets (including it seems the team behind it) were quickly sold to the Belgium Cycling Factory. BCF have a broad portfolio but the most important brand they have is Ridley. And Ridley know how to make bikes.

So it seems Nukeproof have washed up on favourable shores. With some serious expertise behind it about making great bikes, this feels like a MTB brand to watch to 2026 and beyond.

The Nukeproof Reactor 290 V2

The Reactor is clearly the first launch of several new bikes over the next few months. I imagine its a bike that was near to production-ready when Wiggle imploded, making it possible to get to market just 18 months after all that drama.

The giveaway is the flip chip. It’s something we saw a lot of over previous years that has started to fall from favour because riders very rarely flipped the chip. More like set and forget.

It’s no bad thing the chip’s there; but bike these days just don’t really need them. Although there is one benefit – the chip can be swapped to allow for an MX wheel configuration if that’s your thing.

That aside, there’s some lovely details on the bike. I particularly like the shock linkage which traces a smooth line with the seat tube. Even so, it looks chunky enough to provide decent support to the frame. I also like the underslung cross brace to the seatstays.

In carbon, the frame look very nicely finished. There’s lovely flowing contours and a clean look with concealed cables that are mercifully routed in internal sleeves to help installation.

The alloy version – rocking a great Nukeproof yellow paint job – also benefits from carbon seatstays and smooth hydroforming to the 6061 alloy.

Apart from the build material, both bikes are very similar both visually and in having the same geometry: 140mm of rear travel, paired with a 150mm fork.

As you can tell, I really like the look of both bikes. In fact, geometry-wise the Large size is very close to my Medium/Large Bird Aether 9, although the Bird has 10mm less at each end and a shorter wheelbase as a result. But Reach and Effective Top-Tube are very, very close so I’d feel pretty confident of a decent fit.

Last week I was talking to MarkJ and I mentioned I was not expecting to change my MTBs for the foreseeable. But if Nukeproof wanted to pass a Reactor 290 my way I’d be absolutely delighted!

Prices start at £3999 and you can read more about the Nukeproof Reactor 290 on their website.