First Look: 2016 Nukeproof Pulse
The 2016 Nukeproof Pulse first entered the public eye at Crankworx Rotorua, where Sam Hill and teammate Mike Jones were both spotted aboard bikes that had a much sleeker looking frame shape than what they'd been riding the previous season. At that time, the team was keeping the details closely guarded, but now the veil of secrecy has officially been lifted, and the bike is making its official debut at the second round of the World Cup DH season in Fort William, Scotland. Sam Hill is still recovering from shoulder surgery, but Mike Jones will be looking to make his mark this weekend aboard the new rig.
Lighter Frame, Revised Geometry
When Sam Hill took the win at the Mont Saint Anne stop of the World Cup last year he was aboard a 26" Pulse frame that had been modified to accept 27.5" wheels, so it's not surprising that the new bike was designed specifically for the middle wheel size. Aesthetically, it's the top tube shaping that makes the new bike stand out from its predecessor, creating a much less industrial look. The lower profile, slightly curved tube along with other tubing manipulation allows the updated frame to weigh a claimed two pounds lighter than the previous model.
The reach on the bike has been increased across the board, with the numbers on the 2016 medium coming in nearly the same as last year's large. An XL model has been added into the lineup as well, boasting a sprawling reach of 465mm. Other changes include relaxing the head angle from 63° to 62°, and fixing the chainstay length at 440mm.
When Sam Hill took the win at the Mont Saint Anne stop of the World Cup last year he was aboard a 26" Pulse frame that had been modified to accept 27.5" wheels, so it's not surprising that the new bike was designed specifically for the middle wheel size. Aesthetically, it's the top tube shaping that makes the new bike stand out from its predecessor, creating a much less industrial look. The lower profile, slightly curved tube along with other tubing manipulation allows the updated frame to weigh a claimed two pounds lighter than the previous model.
The reach on the bike has been increased across the board, with the numbers on the 2016 medium coming in nearly the same as last year's large. An XL model has been added into the lineup as well, boasting a sprawling reach of 465mm. Other changes include relaxing the head angle from 63° to 62°, and fixing the chainstay length at 440mm.
The bike uses the same link driven suspension design as before, but the spring curve has been altered slightly.
Mike Jones' World Cup Race Bike
Author Info:
Bellingham, WA, United States
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This is now in league with the YT Tues in terms of styling, and as a "budget" DH bike.
Kinda looks odd on such a sick bike