JCW, July 25, 2012 — 11:57am

2013 Nukeproof Pulse – one to get the heart racing?

The Pulse is Nukeproof’s new World Cup downhill bike. Two years in development, it’s been designed with plenty of input from Team CRC/Nukeproof so it’s ready to race out of the box. Here are five reasons why it could get your heart racing.

1 World Cup performance, wallet-friendly price

The Pulse’s predecessor, the Scalp, was designed to offer top-level performance for the privateer racer. Its replacement is sleeker, lighter and faster but we still expect the frame to come in at under £2,000, with complete bikes from around £3,000. Unlike some budget-minded DH bikes, it’s a real looker, too.

2013 Nukeproof Pulse downhill bike

2 Metal, not plastic

Carbon fibre construction would have meant a big price hike so Nukeproof have opted for T6 6061 aluminium, with custom triple-butting in key areas. Metal may weigh a few hundred grams more but the payoff is improved durability.

3 Spring in the step

Nukeproof have stiffened up the one-piece linkage and slimmed down the swingarm, reducing unsprung weight. The result? Better performance over square edge bumps and a smoother feel.

2013 Nukeproof Pulse downhill bike

2 Updated angles

The Pulse sticks with the Scalp’s 63° head angle but has a slacker seat angle (65 vs 68°), a higher bottom bracket (14.83in vs 14.16in), more travel (210-215mm) and adjustable-length chainstays (435-445mm).

5 Finger on the Pulse

The frame has a 1.5in head tube, 150 x 12mm rear axle, 83mm BB shell and ISCG 05 chain guide mounts – all the features you’d expect of a contemporary DH bike.