Reinforced cross-bridged Ni2+-cyclam complexes were functionalised with pendant arms containing both amide protons and CF3 groups that lead to a dual 1H/19F response. The resulting complexes possess very high inertness favourable for MRI applications. The paramagnetism of the Ni2+ ion shifts the amide resonance 56 ppm away from bulk water favouring the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effect and shortening the acquisition times in 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments, thus enhancing the signal-to-noise ratios compared to the fluorinated diamagnetic reference.