From Downhill Dominance to Gravel Glory: The Nukeproof Story
Nukeproof’s story starts in the early 1990s amidst the American mountain bike boom. Founded by John Muenzenmeyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nukeproof aimed to push the boundaries of mountain bike components. Their innovative designs, particularly their stunning carbon/aluminum hubs, quickly made a name for them.

However, the American bicycle market saw a downturn in the late 90s. This presented an opportunity for Michael Cowan, a passionate Northern Irish downhill racer and longtime Nukeproof admirer. In 2004, he acquired the Nukeproof trademarks with a vision to revive the iconic brand.

Nukeproof’s re-emergence in 2007 was marked by a focus on gravity-oriented products. Their first offering, titanium springs, showcased their commitment to performance and high-quality materials. This focus continued with the launch of their legendary “Mega” frame – a downhill bike designed to conquer the infamous French Megavalanche endurance race.

Over the next decade, Nukeproof continued to diversify its offerings. They introduced full-suspension mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, and eventually, gravel bikes. Their racing heritage played a significant role; sponsoring downhill and enduro athletes provided valuable testing grounds and boosted brand recognition.

Today, Nukeproof stands as a respected brand in the cycling industry. While mountain bikes remain a core focus, their gravel bikes like the Digger and Grail have gained significant popularity. Nukeproof continues to prioritize performance and innovation, offering a range of bikes for riders who demand the best from their machines. From their innovative beginnings to their current dominance in downhill and gravel, Nukeproof’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a constant pursuit of pushing the limits of cycling performance.