Kelsey Urban's new Nukeproof Hyperfly for 2026 in detail: new brand in XCO and a very particular set-up

The American champion Kelsey Urban has started the 2026 season strong, and she has done so by "debuting a new bike." In fact, it is a completely new model for XCO. The Nukeproof Hyperfly not only represents a change of bike for Urban and her team but also symbolizes Nukeproof's definitive entry into cross country.

Kelsey Urban's Hyperfly: Nukeproof's new XC project takes shape

The brand, traditionally linked to gravity, begins a new phase following its acquisition by the Belgian Cycling Factory group, which owns Ridley among other brands. As part of this strategy, the team will compete under the name KMC–Nukeproof MTB XCO Team, continuing the structure led by Bart Brentjens but with a new technical and brand identity. And at the center of this project is Nukeproof.

The "new" Nukeproof Hyperfly that she is using responds to the current concept of a pure XCO bike, and it is easy to identify that it is the Ridley Raft XC with which the team competed last season but renamed.

It features a single-pivot rear suspension system and a geometry aligned with modern trends, where the courses are increasingly demanding and technical. It is a bike clearly designed for competition.

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Beyond the current model, Nukeproof is already working on the development of a new downcountry platform called Megafly, expected to be the brand's major XC bet in the medium term. While that project progresses, the Hyperfly is the chosen bike to compete at the start of this season. Additionally, the brand has confirmed that they are conducting tests with 32-inch models, a development line that could shape the future of their cross country bikes.

One of the most striking aspects of Urban's Hyperfly is its setup. In an environment dominated by Shimano, SRAM, FOX, or RockShox, its configuration breaks with the norm. The bike is equipped with DT Swiss suspensions, a mechanical 12-speed TRP EVO transmission with a SRAM cassette, and TRP EVO brakes. The wheels are DT Swiss XRC 1200 fitted with Vittoria tires, the dropper post is a KS Lev Ci made of carbon, and the chain is made by KMC, one of the team's main sponsors, specifically the new X12L WAXED TiN Gold that comes pre-waxed from the manufacturer. It is an unconventional combination in the XCO elite, but consistent with the team's sponsorship structure and 100% competitive.

In terms of performance, the debut could not have been more solid. Urban has reached the podium in two of the three races held so far with the Hyperfly, finishing second in La Nucía and third in Banyoles, in addition to a ninth place in Chelva. Results that confirm that the bike is fully competitive from the very first moment.

Kelsey Urban's Hyperfly is, therefore, much more than a new bike in competitive MTB. It is the first visible piece of Nukeproof's new direction in XCO and the starting point of a project that promises to evolve throughout the season.