2013 CRC Nukeproof Pulse

Here’s the bike you’ve been waiting for; Team CRC/Nukeproof’s Pulse, the bike on which Australian speed machine Sam Hill and UK riders Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith hope to pilot to the top of the downhill World Cup podium in 2013.

Built around the new Nukeproof Pulse downhill frame, the bike uses RockShox Boxxer World Cup forks, a RockShox Vivid RC2 rear shock, SRAM X0 shifting, E*thirteen chain guide, Mavic Deemax Ultimate wheels rolling on Schwalbe tyres, Avid Code brakes and Nukeproof components for seatpost, saddle, handlebar, stem, headset and grips.

Sam Hill’s race bike will be equipped with BlackBox components for the races.

If Sam’s results at the Australian National races so far this year are anything to go by, we’re in for an awesome season as he’s already guided his Pulse to three podium finishes, including two wins.

Team Manager Nigel Page said: “We are delighted with how the team’s Nukeproof Pulse race bikes have turned out. Everyone involved has done an incredible job to make our bikes look amazing and ready to win races! From the custom team paint job and matching RockShox decals the bikes are full factory!

“Sam has been flying in the Aussie races and Matt and Joe have been training hard for the upcoming season. I can’t wait for the first World Cup round at Fort William in June. Drop by our pits for a close up of the bikes and grab a signature from the team riders.”

2013 CRC/Nukeproof Pulse Frames

We don't think there's been a more eagerly awaited year of racing than the one ahead, with team shake-ups, new signings and controversy surrounding the pro downhill scene during the off-season.

Websites, forums and magazines have been full of speculation, opinion and debate so we're looking forward to letting the racers do their talking on the hill. Speaking of, here's a sneak peek at the Nukeproof Pulse race frame that Sam Hill, Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith will be on board this year.

Sam Hill Signs With CRC/Nukeproof

Team CRC/Nukeproof are proud to welcome legendary Australian rider Sam Hill onto the roster, joining Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith as they look forward to success in the upcoming 2013 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season. A five time downhill World Champion and with numerous World Cup podiums under his belt, Sam Hill is widely regarded as one of the most skilful riders on the circuit, often showing disregard for and picking apart the most loose, steep or gnarly courses in the world.

Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith, who both had their most successful professional season in 2012, are hoping to push themselves even further this year with the help of their new teammate. Matt said: “To have a rider of Sam’s calibre on the team will be awesome for us! Placing 16th overall in last year’s World Cup was great for me and gives me the perfect platform to improve my times this year and get closer to podium finishes.” Joe Smith, who took 19th overall in last year’s World Cup rankings, is stoked on what the future holds for the team, saying: “Finishing seventh at Fort Bill last year was a definite highlight, and to end up in the top-20 overall was fantastic. With the help of the team and some tweaks to my riding, this year should be amazing for us all.”

"I'm very excited about riding for team Chain Reaction Cycles/Nukeproof. They are very positive towards downhill racing and I know they are going to put in 100% just like me. I'm really looking forward to getting to the races under the Chain Reaction Cycles tents and hanging with the team. 2013 is going to be a good year." Sam Hill

"I'm delighted Sam has decided to join our team! I have been a big fan of Sam throughout his successful downhill career. He's had amazing results in the past winning five World Championship titles and is a fantastic ambassador for any company involved in downhill and mountain biking in general. We have worked hard on developing a great team and great bikes over the last five seasons and I believe having a rider of Sam's pedigree will step the team up to that next level and also bring on the results of Matt and Joe, who had very promising seasons in 2012. We are all really looking forward to having Sam on board helping the development of new Nukeproof products and hopefully helping Sam achieve his goals in racing in the next stage of his career. I can't wait for the 2013 season to begin!" Nigel Page