Nukeproof Digger gravel bike launched for 2017 - photos, prices, specs and video

If you’re into your mountain biking, Nukeproof (a Chain Reaction Cycles house brand) will be a recognisable name with its popular trail and downhill bikes, but it has never produced anything with skinny tyres. That has changed with the launch of the Digger, a brand new bike for 2017 that sees the brand enter the hotly contested and rapidly growing adventure bike market. It looks spot on if you’re after a bike that can be chucked down a dirt road or through the country lanes with equal aplomb, with a good spec for the money. 

Who better to talk us through the new bike than the company’s own Matt Cole in this video. Over to you Matt: 

The development of the bike came about the Nukeproof downhill race team were asking for a training bike. “It can be ridden on the road, ride it off the road, it keeps things interesting,”says Nukeproof brand manager Ali Becket. 

What they’ve created is a 6061 T6 aluminium frame with a full carbon fibre fork, including the steerer tube and thru-axle, and a regular quick release rear-end. The frame is compatible with mudguards adding to the versatility, and you can also fit a rear rack, making it ideal for commuting if you sling a pannier or rack top bag on there.

It’s a disc-specific bike using post mount, not the more common flat mount we’re seeing on the latest road and adventure bikes coming out in 2017. The bike is offered in four sizes, and geometry on a size medium comprises a 406mm reach and 544.4mm stack, with a slack 71.5-degree head angle and long 1,047mm wheelbase an indication of the stability the designers have tried to give the bike.

There are two models to choose from. At the top is the Digger 1.0 (£1,449.99) with a SRAM Apex 1x groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, Zipp Service Course finishing kit and Mavic Aksium wheels with WTB Cross Wolf 32mm UST tyres. 

The more affordable Digger 2.0 (£949.99) combines the same frame with a Shimano Sora groupset with a compact chainset and 11-32 cassette. Brakes are TRP Spyres and wheels are made withWTB SX17 rims and Formula DC81 hubs and shod with Kenda 32mm tyres. 

Says Nukeproof: “The Digger originated from wanting a do-it-all training bike for our athletes. It’s a versatile bit of kit. Designed to lap up the base miles, shred paths or get wild on the trails. A truly adaptable frame with a blend of road and mountain bike geometry whilst having the capacity to carry essentials such as panniers and mud guards, the Digger can create an adventure out of any ride.”

Take a closer look at both bikes here http://nukeproof.com/products/digger-1-0-2017/