Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite Review
- Price: $2,999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29 inches
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The frame has a few subtle changes from its predecessor, namely small improvements to the geometry and frame that give it a more aggressive ride feel.
What we don’t like about it: There is only one paint color, which is difficult to match the likes of all riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite frame has a few subtle changes from its predecessor, namely small improvements to the geometry and frame that give it a more aggressive ride for descending.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is such a bike with excellent geometry and carefully selected components that give it the ability to conquer all complex descents.
I packed my Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite and booked my tickets to Deer Valley Resort Mountain Bike Park via Skyscanner.
Deer Valley has all routes for DH, AM, Trail and XC, and the routes are mainly interchangeable trails.
Climbing
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is a hardtail mountain bike, and I clearly felt that it had a more stable power output than a full-suspension mountain bike when I was climbing and pedaling.
It could easily handle the steep conditions and gradients of the road. In addition, the excellent geometry allowed me to maintain a stable center of gravity and to make a more crisp effort when pedaling and climbing.
Next, the Scout 290 Elite had a Shimano SLX M7100 12 Speed Crank, 170mm, 30T crankset with a Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T flywheel, providing plenty of speed to help me climb this steep uphill section.
What I liked about this hardtail mountain bike most is the Schwalbe 2.35-inch width large grain outer tire. It gripped the ground firmly without any slippage at all.
However, the abrasion resistance of this tire might not be as good.
Decline
As an excellent hardtail trail bike in descending, the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is said to be more powerful than other hardtail trail mountain bikes in its class.
First of all, the FOX 36 Float Rhythm, 140mm fork, with its large 29″ bore on rocky roads, felt as easy as riding on flat roads to me.
But on a big drop landing, although the fork absorbed most of the impact, the rear end still got popped up.
Next, the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite was really more capable on the trails, and the aggressive geometry combined with the Schwalbe Magic Mary, SnakeSkin, TL Easy, Addix Soft, 29×2.35″ large-grain outer tire had great grip, allowing me to can pass quickly.
Finally, the Shimano SLX M7120’s four-piston hydraulic brakes with 203mm front and 180mm rear discs allowed me to lower the bike faster when descending and the powerful braking ability gave me better safety.
Specification
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is available in four sizes (M-XXL) with an aluminum frame, making it easier and more convenient to maintain and replace the tubing.
Not only that, the loose geometry, with a large 29-inch wheelset, has excellent stability and great passing power when descending. The mounting holes at the down tube support full size water bottle placement.
In addition, the wheels of DT Swiss, M1900 Spline support vacuum system. Also, the chain protector at the rear lower fork can reduce the noise generated by the chain slapping during the ride.
The final frame has some minor changes compared to its predecessor, namely small improvements to the geometry and frame that give it a more aggressive riding feel.
Video
Other versions
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is a hardtail trail bike with excellent geometry and carefully selected components, but this series comes in a more top-of-the-line version for the avid fan of hardtail mountain bikes on a budget.
For this we offer a hardtail trail bike with the same geometry and aluminum frame under the same brand, but this bike uses more advanced components so it gives the rider more confidence when descending.
NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290 RS
The NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290 RS and the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite are different models of hardtail trail bikes from the same series, and they share the same geometry of the aluminum frame.
First of all, the NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290 RS uses the RockShox Lyrik fork, which has a longer travel of 150mm. Also, this fork has better initial sensitivity, which is more suitable for continuous bumpy road.
Speaking of drivetrain, it enjoys SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 speed, with a dry and sharp shifting feel coupled with strong rear derailleur tension, freeing you from worries about the risk of chain off.
Finally, SRAM Guide RE hydraulic brakes plus Front (SRAM Centerline, 200mm) and Rear (SRAM Centerline,180mm) brake discs can instantly hug the wheelset. Powerful braking ability shortens the braking distance.
In summary, if you have the adequate budget and are a die-hard fan of hardtail mountain bikes, this NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290 RS is the one you deserve.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite in detail and some other brands of gravel bikes with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Available in 4 frame sizes (M to XXL) and with a standard wheel size of 29 inches across the range, it has a more stable drop.
- The bike is designed with external cable routing, which will be more convenient for the maintenance.
- The excellent Schwalbe Magic Mary large grain outer tire enjoys great grip.
- The reinforcement treatment at the top tube and seat tube gives the whole bike more strength.
- The Shimano SLX M7100’s drivetrain ensures quick and light shifts during the ride, and the Shimano SLX M7120’s four-piston brakes have great braking power.
- The design of the dropper allows you to switch riding positions between climbing and descending at any time to maintain the center of gravity of the ride.
What don’t we like about it?
- There is only one paint color, which is difficult to meet the liking of all riders.
FAQ
- What is the handlebar length of this bike?
It uses: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm, XXL800mm.
- Is this bike’s assembly process complicated?
It completely built, adjusted and inspected by one of our mechanics before being shipped to you. With the exception of a few steps such as installing the wheels and handlebars, the new bike is ready to be ridden straight out of the box.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’6″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’0″ | L |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’4″ – 6’6″ | XXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Custom triple butted hydro-formed Alloy Color: Nukeproof Factory Yellow |
| Fork | FOX 36 Float Rhythm, 140mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Grip Damper, Black |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Headset | Nukeproof Warhead, 44-56 IITS |
| Stem | Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, black |
| Handlebar | Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm, XXL800mm |
| Saddle | Nukeproof, Black |
| Seatpost | Brand X Ascend internal, 31.6mm, M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop; XL/XXL:200mm drop |
| Grips | Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Shimano SLX M7100 12 Speed Crank, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX M7120 4 pot brake, Metal Pads |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss, M1900 Spline, 15x110mm, 6 bolt, 28H |
| Tires | Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary, SnakeSkin, TL Easy, Addix Soft, 29×2.35″; Rear: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, DD, RaceGuard, Addix, 29×2.35 “ |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Travel | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 10 |
| GT Aggressor Expert | Click View | 80mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 3 × 8 |
| Norco Storm 1 29 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Orbea ALMA H30 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite vs Canyon Stoic 2
Both the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite and the Canyon Stoic 2 boast an aluminum frame coupled with an external cable routing design, but the former will have a looser geometry for a more aggressive descent ride.
Here is the difference of two drivetrain components, the former bike use a higher level Shimano SLX M7100, than the latter’s Shimano Deore M6100. This also makes the shifting feel smoother.
The FOX 36 Float Rhythm used in the Scout 290 Elite has better support and lubrication on complex roads than the SR Suntour XCR 34 used in the Stoic 2.
Finally, referring to brake components, the former’s Shimano SLX M7120 is an overwhelming existence in braking effect strength than the latter’s Shimano MT200.
Honestly speaking, the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite would be more capable in every way, and I would recommend it more.
Learn More: Is Canyon Stoic 2 Worth Buying? [Canyon Stoic 2 Review]
Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite vs Kona Big Honzo
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite and Kona Big Honzo are both rugged-looking hardtail trail bikes, but the former features more advanced components.
In terms of drivetrain, the former has higher grade Shimano SLX M7100 components than the latter’s Shimano MT5100.
While the drivetrain efficiency is higher, the shifting feel is also more smooth.
The former FOX 36 Float Rhythm has 140mm of travel compared to the latter Suntour XCR34 130mm of travel, more supportive in dealing with large drop-offs and can cope with more complex roads.
As to the braking components, still also Scout 290 Elite’s Shimano SLX M7120 has more powerful braking performance than Big Honzo’s Shimano MT201.
In conclusion, the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is a much more powerful ride if you have enough budget.
Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite vs Cannondale Habit 5
The Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite and Cannondale Habit 5 are two mountain bikes with different suspension setups.
First of all, the latter has a front and rear damping system, with the RockShox 35 Silver R and RockShox Deluxe Select front and rear shocks offering 140mm and 130mm of shock travel respectively.
A full shock one is more stable than a hardtail mountain bike when leaping large drops and won’t pop up the rear wheel, so it’s also safer.
But the Scout 290 Elite pedals more efficiently uphill and has better climbing ability.
In terms of drivetrain, the Shimano SLX M7100 of the Scout 290 Elite has a smoother feel than the Shimano Deore M5100 of the Habit 5, and the rear derailleur has more tension.
Referring to the braking system, still, the former Shimano SLX M7120 brakes have better braking power than the latter’s Tektro M275. It provides better safety to the rider when riding down.
From my point of view, while the Cannondale Habit 5’s full-shock suspension character is more stable when descending, the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite’s great all-round ability makes it my preference.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit 5 A Good Bike?[Cannondale Habit 5 Review]
Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite vs Trek Roscoe 7
Both the Nukeproof Scout 290 Race and the Trek Roscoe 7 are excellent hardtail mountain bikes from their respective brands.
But the Trek Roscoe 7’s internal cabling frame looks much neater and more beautiful. Whereas the former has even better components.
When comparing the two’s damping performance, the former’s FOX 36 Float Rhythm has better support than the latter’s RockShox Recon Silver RL for more intense descending rides.
The latter’s Shimano Deore M6100 holds good drivetrain efficiency compared to the former’s Shimano SLX M7100, but the Shimano SLX M7100 has a smoother shifting feel.
For the braking component selection, it is still the Scout 290Elite Shimano SLX M7120 brake kit that has a stronger braking effect than the Roscoe 7 Shimano MT200.
In summary, if you like the clean and tidy design of the internal cable routing, then Trek Roscoe 7 is quite good.
For those who pursue practical riding ability, then Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite is more recommendable.
Learn More: Is Trek Roscoe 7 Worth Buying? [Trek Roscoe 7 Review]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite. In our opinion, a well-built radical hardtail bike suitable for long-distance trail riding. That’s why we gave it a 4.9 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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