Suspension/Chassis

The big news from Nukeproof on the Pulse is the decision to go for four frame size options from small to extra large. As a large, the Pulse is pretty average in terms of reach sizing – slightly smaller than a YT Tues or Giant Glory yet larger than a Specialized Demo or Trek Session. However it’s the introduction of that XL size that takes the Pulse to a different place, in fact in that largest size its now one of the biggest downhill bikes in production which makes it a no brainer for taller riders.

It’s well known that the team agonised massively over the shape of the top tube on this bike and the style they decided on gives the bike a far better visual than some of the previous square style bikes. The shape also suggests there should be a nice amount of flex from the chassis. It also means the standover is low on all four sizes, even though its one of the longest bikes out there in that aforementioned XL sizing. At 62 degree head angle its also the slackest.

Top of the range RockShox BoXXer World Cup and Vivid RC2 take care of the damping via what Nukeproof call the “Three Stage Fallout linkage suspension.”

Feeling

On the hoof the Pulse in extra large has incredible stability especially on the steeper grounds aided by its long wheelbase and slack 62 degree head angle. It loves nothing better than straight line charging. On shallower gradients however a few riders frequently found themselves over the rear of the bike with not quite enough weight on the front tyre and considered that maybe getting another degree on the head angle to 63 might not be a bad thing. We’d also like to try a size large to compare.

Up front the World Cup BoXXers are certainly a shade better than the Team fork but again we found the Vivid damper topping out which it has done on many other downhill bikes. The ride is balanced in damping terms but although the bike has a better feel to it as a system compared to many downhill bikes its still slightly on the hard side in terms of flex/stiffness. It might not feel that way for a world cup racer but many will prefer slightly more ‘give’ in the chassis overall.

Verdict

Nukeproof has taken little time in conquering downhill. Yes we found it a shade slack but as it turns out we understand Sam Hill has actually steepened his Pulse back a degree to 63. In terms of componentry there are no faults, in build quality it is very good and the sizing on this bike is exceptional, certainly brands like Intense should take a look at the kind of numbers involved here. In the Pulse they’ve made a bike that can win World Cups and one that has already won the hearts of riders worldwide.

£4999

www.nukeproof.com