Nukeproof Scout - First Ride

Nukeproof’s Scout has gained a bit of a cult following around the world, with its riotous hardcore hardtail reputation backed up by their “Scouting about” marketing. The V3 Nukeproof Scout had been enjoyed by many for a few years, including the nearly four thousand member Facebook group devoted to the bike, but hadn’t seen any updates to keep up with the market, so Nukeproof looked to redesign the Scout from the ground-up to make the fourth iteration of their do-it-all hardtail. We got our hands on a Scout V4 a couple of months before the release to get some serious trail time onboard, now it’s release day and we can finally share our thoughts.

THE DIRT
To showcase the new Scout hardtail, Nukeproof put on a glamorous event in the south of Wales for a small selection of UK journalists. We were provided with a frame in the size of our choosing, a workstand and a selection of parts from various brands to turn the bare frame into a dialed custom bike to ride on the trails the following day. The intimate process of building the bike from the bare frame would offer the chance to experience the finish quality and fine details up close and personal.

Discussion with Nukeproof prior to the event led to me receiving a 290 frame in size large. Though I’d typically be an XL on a sizing chart, I wanted to retain a bit of the playful nature that every good aggressive hardtail should have in my mind, so the 25mm shorter wheelbase was desirable. With its 470mm reach falling at the lower extremity of what I’d typically consider comfortable, I was excited to get the bike built and hit the trails.

My build was to be supplied primarily by Nukeproof and the Hayes group. Nukeproof provided a fresh set of their Horizon V2 Wheels and ARD Inserts, Horizon stem, saddle and Trail Ti clipless pedals, and Sam Hill alloy handlebar. The Hayes group supplied their Dominion A4 brakes, a Manitou Mezzer Expert fork, and an interesting Microshift Advent X 10spd drivetrain. Rounding out the build was a pair of Michelin Wild Enduro tires; a Race Face Aeffect R crank, and a Brand X Ascend XL dropper post. This reasonably priced but feature-packed spec tips the scales at 31.6lbs fully loaded. During the build day, I discussed with Nukeproof’s Marketing Manager, Rob Sherratt, about the fork travel that would likely be best for me. Designed for 140mm, but rated for up to 160mm, we agreed that my intended riding would likely warrant the longest of the allowable travels, so we left my fork at the 160mm setting it was delivered in. The build went relatively smoothly, and the build quality and finish seemed excellent up-close with everything threading together nicely.

When it comes to descending on a hardtail, for me there’s always going to be a different riding approach compared with a fully suspended bike. Sure, you could grip on for dear life and ride the same lines at similar speeds as a full sus, but in doing so I feel like you miss out on the best parts of hardtail riding and simply subject your body (and bike) to extra punishment. The Scout certainly does a good job at tackling rowdy descents, with its serious “in the bike” feeling producing a surprisingly composed ride, and a hint of flex in the rear end to keep the wheel tracking nicely on the off cambers. But for me there’s only so many square edged shockwaves I can tolerate before the novelty wears off. Instead, a slower, smoother and more creative approach to riding the trail is what makes an aggressive hardtail really come alive for me. The direct connection to the rear wheel means you can be more precise and enjoy absolute predictability in the response of the rear end when you load it up for a hop or a pump through a compression. And this is where the low slung (even when 20mm over-forked) nature of the Scout can become a slight hindrance.

[This is just a small excerpt from the written review, to read the rest, visit the site]

Review: https://theloamwolf.com/2022/05/25/review-nukeproof-scout-290/

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