Nukeproof Bikes

Nuke Proof Industries is the brain child of founder John Muenzenmeyer. He started it started life in 1990 in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a passionate rider, John’s aim was to create desirable, innovative and reliable solutions to meet the demands of the emerging 90’s mountain bike market. Nuke Proof Industries was pioneering in its design with the use of materials that were exotic at the time such as titanium and carbon fibre. They were best known for stunning high end carbon/aluminium hubs.
Nuke Proof Industries went on to produce titanium frames, carbon fibre handle bars and other innovative components, represented at races by athletes such as James Bethea, a local courier with an appetite for winning with a unique attitude to boot.

After the American bicycle boom of the 90’s, came a dramatic decline in the market and Nuke Proof Industries struggled to continue trading. In 2004 Northern Irish downhill racer and long term admirer of the brand, Michael Cowan, saw the chance to save the brand. He set about acquiring the trademarks with the aim to re-invigorate the iconic brand. A leading and influential mountain bike racer himself, Michael put in place a product development team of experienced and passionate riders.

In 2007, Nukeproof re-launched with a new home in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These were shortly followed by more gravity led products; Titanium Springs, 760mm and 800mm handlebars, which were a rare sight at the time.
The development of Nukeproof frames was conceived with racing in mind. The first bike to launch to the public was our now legendary "Mega". The Mega was developed to take on the famous French endurance race; The Megavalanche. The Mega underwent a 3-year development program to blend the benefits of a short travel trail bike with the descending prowess of a Downhill bike (a category that went on to become "enduro

At the 2010 Interbike show in Las Vegas, Michael saw the perfect moment to design and race Nukeproof’s own bike—paving the way for the brand’s first downhill frame, the Scalp. Since then, Nukeproof has supported top teams and athletes competing on the world’s biggest stages, including the UCI Downhill World Cup, Enduro World Series, Crankworx, Red Bull Hardline and Rampage.

Our teams and athletes have been instrumental in testing and developing every Nukeproof product—from ridewear and components to complete bikes. Years of racing and collaboration with elite riders have shaped products that deliver world-class results, including:

• 2023: Three UCI World Cup podiums across Enduro and Downhill
• 2023: Red Bull Rampage Finalist
• 2023: 3rd Overall at Crankworx (Queen of Crankworx)
• 2023: Representation at every Downhill and Enduro World Cup Rounds
• 2017–2019: Multiple Enduro World Championship titles, including U21 Champion in 2018
• 2014: Two overall Downhill World Cup victories
• Multiple National Championship titles

Proven on the world’s biggest stages, Nukeproof products have earned recognition and respect from riders, media, and the global mountain bike community alike.

In February 2025, Nukeproof joined The Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF)—an independent bicycle company renowned for its road and gravel brands Ridley, Eddy Merckx, and Aeres. Based in the heart of Belgium, the epicentre of cycling and gravel racing, BCF shares Nukeproof’s passion for racing, performance and innovation. With several long-standing members of the Nukeproof team onboard, BCF is committed to honour and uphold the brand’s DNA. Together, we’re excited to shape the next chapter for Nukeproof— in which we plan to build upon the legacy of the brand to ensure we continue to deliver the very best product for both existing and new customers.