Never underestimate a Hardtail

25/05/2022

Never underestimate a Hardtail. The simplicity of frames minus the rear bounce allows for an amount of efficiency, speed, and a hell of a lot of fun. Perfect for testing and developing skills and with 19.3% extra performance for hooning around on with your mates. 

The Nukeproof Scout has developed a die-hard fan base in recent years and after almost 5 years on the market it was time for a refresh. Like any cherished item, the improvements were in a sympathetic way so not to spoil the receipt of the Scout. However, the new Scout (v3) is an 

275 and 290 platforms and a host of other small tweaks. Nukeproof believe this to being the finest vintage of Scout yet. 

First off Nukeproof have revised, every one of the hydroformed 6061 T6 aluminium tubes have been engineered to optimise the ride, adding stiffness and compliance where needed to improve handling and the ride quality.  

The geometry is updates, que the Longer, lower and slacker (and steeper). Longer- more sizing’s and bringing the Scout in line with the rest of the range, lower- change to BB height, Slacker- well its slacker. Steeper: The New Scout falls in line with the Saddle offset theory of the rest of the Nukeproof range. Steeper seat angles optimised on each size to ensure the saddle is in the most efficient position for laying down the pedal strokes and ergonomics in the saddle.   

Chainstays grow 2.5mm per size throughout the size range to ensure the relevant sized scout suits the leavers of its rider. The Seat tubes too are reamed to maximise seat post insertion to allow riders to choose the optimal dropper post for them. 

The Frame itself features UDH gear hangers, accessory strap and water bottle mounts. Its now 1x specific and still uses a threaded BB. The frame is also now features 3D contoured Rubber protection on the chainstay and downtube. 

Nukeproof didn’t want a revolution with the Scout, but just to gently bring it up to date and improve the areas where it could. 

The Scout launches as a frame only. All components from “old” Scout can be switched onto the new base. Complete bikes will be available later in the year. The range features 4 complete models both available in 27.5” wheel or 29” wheel options.   
 

The Scout Frame comes in Factory Yellow or Black-Chrome & Elliott Heaps Custom Scout 275 Build 

The range remains fairly familiar to Nukeproof customers, Race, Comp, Elite, but with the addition of an all new RS model. The Race being a perfect entry point to the Nukeproof range, featuring a selection of the finest branded components to ensure it can perform straight from the shop floor on any trails. The New RS fits in with the rest of the RS models, a slightly beefed up +10mm travel build for a more gravity hungry rider.   
 

The Scout RS 275/ 290  
 

• Brakes: SRAM Guide RE w 200mm Front and 180mm Rear Rotors
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+ Charger 2.1 RC 150mm
• Seatpost: Brand X Ascent (Small 125mm / Medium: 150mm/ Large 170mm/ XL-XXL 200mm)
• Cockpit: Sam Hill Signature Grips Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Crankset: SRAM GX EAGLE, DUB, 170mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin Addix Soft (Front) Hans Damf Snakeskin Addix Speedgrip  
   

The Scout Elite 275/ 290  
 

• Fork: FOX 36 Float Rhythm, 140mm, BOOST, Grip Dampe
• Seatpost: Brand X Ascent (Small 125mm / Medium: 150mm/ Large 170mm/ XL-XXL 200mm)
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 7100 12-Speed
• Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12 Speed Crank, 170mm Handlebars Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise
• Brakes: Shimano SLX M7120 w 200mm Front and 180mm Rear Rotors
• Wheels: DT Swiss XM1900 SPLINE 30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin Addix Soft (Front) Hans Damf Snakeskin Addix Speedgrip  
   

The Scout Comp 275/ 290  
 

• Seatpost: Brand X Ascent (Small 125mm / Medium: 150mm/ Large 170mm/ XL-XXL 200mm)
• Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 140mm, RAIL Damper
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12 Speed Handlebars
• Cockpit: Sam Hill Signature Grips Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise
• Crankset: Shimano Deore M6100 12 Speed Crank, 170mm, 32T
• Stem: Nukeproof Neutron 45mm
• Wheels: Nukeproof Neutron V2 Hubs, built onto WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS 2.0 Rims
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin Addix Soft (Front) Hans Damf Snakeskin Addix Speedgrip
• Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120 4 pot w 203mm Front and 180mm Rear Rotors  
   

The Scout Race 275/ 290  
 

• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL 140mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano M1500 Deore 10speed
• Seatpost: Nukeproof Neutron
• Cockpit: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature Grips and Nukeproof Neutron V2 25mm Rise
• Stem: Nukeproof Neutron AM, 45mm
• Brakes: Shimano MT4100 w 220mm Front and 180mm Rear Rotors Grips
• Wheels: Nukeproof Neutron v2 Hubs, built on WTB STi30TCS 2.0 Rim
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin Addix Soft (Front) Hans Damf Snakeskin Addix Speedgrip  
   

Now sit back and enjoy a look at behind the scenes of the #ScoutinAbout launch with some special guests at the Tiny Rebel Brewery in South Wales. After building their own frame, Nukeproof and guests headed to the Black Mountains with Wye MTB to indulge in some of the finest wild trails to experience what the Scout is all about.  

Photo Credit: Laurence Crossman Ems