In the late 1980's Mountain Biking in the UK took off, along with day-glow bumbags a mountain bike was the must-have sport and fashion accessory. By the mid 90's the Mountain Biking was huge, mostly due to how versatile the Mountain Bike had become. The bikes looked futuristic, fun and it seemed like everybody needed one, even if it was just to show off. Over time the sport got very more technical, spawning different categories of cycling such as; Downhill, Cross Country, Endro and Trails. This has made it harder for people to decide which type of bike they needed. Mountain Bikes of today are less versatile, for example, a 31lbs Endro bike with 170mm of suspension isn't going to work well if you want to ride on the road to get to your local forest or bridle paths. Even a Cross Country bike tyre size makes it not so ideal for most of the countries local cross country jaunts.
Then, surprise surprise, the US - founders of the MTB came out with the Gravel bike. But these have been targetted mostly at the Road Cyclists wanting something that wasn't a Mountain Bike. But what about the Mountain Biker that wants that versatility of the old school mountain bikes, but with modern tech...
Well the guys at Nukeproof had the same conversation, be it an intoxicated one over some beers. The “Gravel Digger” was born, and in our eyes it's what we've all been waiting for.
Nukeproof said that versatility was key to the design and spec of the Digger. A gravel bike with a tad more slack geometry, more grip with WTB Sendero 47's rubbers, DT Swiss wheelset and a dropper post. This isn't a heavy bike, it's surprisingly light considering it's alloy and has a dropper post and chunky tires. Infact it's lighter than a lot of the carbon bikes we have on show.
"we’ve seen a vast degree of uses with riders swapping the bike lane for a green lane in the morning commute, winding up the local shredders by sending trail centres, through to full on adventures into the back of beyond. One thing that unifies them all is it’s all about more time on two wheels (on the dirt rather than tarmac)".
What’s new for 2021? In Digger terms very little, it’s a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! With all new spec’s and updates in 2020, Nukeproof say there wasn’t really any need to change for change's sake, so the 2021 models get a fresh coat of paint (they look good!) and jobs a good ‘un.
Available in two spec levels again (Factory and Comp) Its ready to get your off road as soon as possible.
On Sale at EVO from 22nd September.
Key features include:
Full Carbon Fork
Internal cable routing for dropper seat posts
Custom Triple butted Hydro formed Tube Set
Threaded Bottom Bracket
12x142mm Rear axle spacing and 12x100mm Fork Spacing
700c or 27.5” ‘Road Plus’ compatible
Rack Mounts
Removable SS bridge for proper full mudguards
So you wanted versatility, you wanted to go backpacking, literally travel across the country, or you want it to ride to work on. Well, the Digger offers the option to run 700c or 27.5” ‘Road Plus’ compatible wheels, it has Rack Mounts as well as a removable SS bridge giving you the ability to add proper full mudguards. Ditch your road bike, go on adventure - even if that adventure is a long dusty way to work.
Touring Gravel bike? tick!
Contact us at Evo Cycles for more info on the Nukeproof range or visit our website Gravel section or store to get your order in.
