SEAN’S NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290 PRO
Sean starts to find his feet (and legs) on the Scout
After my initial enthusiasm unboxing the Scout, the first few rides on it had me questioning whether I’d made the right choice. On paper, Nukeproof ticks all the boxes when it comes to component choices for an up-to-date trail hardtail, and the geometry figures, although not boundary-breaking, are right where they should be.
So what was it that was concerning me? After all, my personal bike – a steel hardtail – runs a 130mm-travel fork and 29in wheels. Yes, it has a shorter wheelbase and a higher bottom bracket than the Nukeproof, but how different could they be? It turns out, quite a lot.
On familiar trails, the Scout felt stable and planted with the chunky Maxxis Assegai/dissector tyre combo giving ample traction and comfort. This, along with the long front centre, 50mm stem and 800mm bar, provided plenty of authority on fast rough descents, or when picking my way down steep, slow, rooty drops-ins. It climbed well too, the long 440mm chainstay length keeping body weight centred and the front wheel firmly on the ground even on tight, rooty switchbacks. A promising start then.
It was on flowing singletrack where the mixed feelings started to creep in. Much of my riding involves trails that weave through tightly spaced trees, with the pace changing as quickly as the direction of the front wheel. It was here that I felt the Scout lethargic and slow to accelerate after heavy braking. Was I simply missing the familiarity of my regular ride, regardless of its dated geometry? Or was I just not yet in tune with this new longtermer? It turns out that it was me - I was just out of shape. A winter of infrequent riding and sticky trails, combined with the Scout’s weighty tyres and my heavy legs, resulted in a lack of urgency to the ride. But as I’ve upped my mileage, my faith has been restored. As the trails start to dry out, the speed’s picked up in line with my fitness – the Scout has come alive and my riding is more dynamic with it.
WHY IT’S HERE
Size tested Head angle Seat angle Effective SA BB height Chainstay Front centre Wheelbase Down tube Top tube Reach