New Nicolai with Pinion gearbox announced

[shib]

Range report: got 1020 vertical meters at around 0 degrees C from 50% battery (720Wh model) on 36km with a system weight of about 150kg at my personal tweaked eco mode (40% support and 50Nm torque), which is perfectly fine for me.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

How you all gettting on with your bikes?

I'm off for a weekend riding on my Nicolai. Really looking forward to getting back on it.

I was disappointed to see the new 800Wh battery pushed back until April though, I was hoping to pick one up so I could have 2 batteries for the double-battery big days.

Also, since riding the Nicolai down the trails, its remarkable just how: a) just how quiet it is on riding down hill, and now every other bike is noisy in comparison. Just got the new Trek Rail, and although the Bosch is quiet, theres chain slap that is irritating,

And b) just how good the rear suspension performance is. Its absolutely brilliant and no doubt that the removal of mass on the rear hub contributes to this feeling.

 

[slickrock]

...

Also, since riding the Nicolai down the trails, its remarkable just how:
a) just how quiet it is on riding down hill, and now every other bike is noisy in comparison. Just got the new Trek Rail, and although the Bosch is quiet, theres chain slap that is irritating,

And b) just how good the rear suspension performance is. Its absolutely brilliant and no doubt that the removal of mass on the rear hub contributes to this feeling.

Rob, while I don't have this rig, I have ridden IGH/gearbox MTBS for a decade now and I think a number of things are things are contributing to rear suspension performance you are touting, beside the main feature of having a lighter rear axle:

1. You may be experiencing very small-to-absent pedal kickback; a topic I raised recently on the forum and was hoping to get some input from you. There are number of factors that contribute to kickback, and one of the big ones is chain whip. It's not just heavier than a belt, but also much longer length to take up all that slack needed for the large rear cogs, and is exaggerated when your are going downhill on the small cogs. (Technically, being on the a small rear cog reduces axle rotational kickback, but I feel this is overwhelmed by chain whip effects).
2. The belt tensioner is also doing a lot less work to keep tension than a long cage T-Type derailleur to keep dynamic tension across all the rear cogs. This also reduces kickback and contributes to open feeling of the rear suspension.
3. I could be wrong, but the MGU may have some degree of engagement float - something similar like you would get if added an Ochain spider or Sidekick hub to a EMTB. That additional float frees the suspension to be more active without counteracting against the tensioner.
4. Axle path: The greater the rear axle path growth is, the stronger the pedal kickback that can hamper the suspension dynamics . While the bike sports what looks to be traditional 4-bar linkage, every bike is different and I'm not aware of Nicolai publishing any suspension kinematic charts for this bike. I was able to find some charts on the MTB version of this bike, but it's anyone guess what the actual max chain growth is, but 4-bars typically have less compared to other designs.
5. Along with the light rear-end The bike is rather heavy, so the sprung-to-unsprung ratio is even greater, which may be the strongest contributor to suspension performance.

I think all of these factors are starting to gain traction, not just this bike, but with the surge of interest in gearbox/belt drive downhill bikes and folks are starting to see the advantages pile up.

Can't weight to see your full review.

 

[Jamo]

Starting to get to grips with mine. The experience of having a heavy bike when lifting it around, into the van etc, but that rides with a feeling of being way lighter than it feels the rest of the time is difficult to put into words. I’m riding a float x2 but, yes, the suspension is excellent. The quietness while riding is also brilliant - you don’t know how much you appreciate it until you’ve got it!

Has taken me a bit of time to get used to the controls, my brain seems to need pictures as a reference and with no rear cogs it’s amazed me how many times i changed gear the wrong direction. I’ve also finally settled on a configuration for the upshift and downshift levers and it’s getting better

I’m a bit worried about how exposed the motor and wiring is, seems to accumulate quite a bit of dirt and dampness.

It attracts a lot of attention in a good way, so many people stop and chat and ask about it, which is always nice. All the comments start with how good it looks.

the battery life is not amazing. It’s about 10-15% less than equivalent sized bosch or specialized batteries. And i did buy 2 batteries when i bought it but then they announced a new improved battery and that is always frustrating when that happens!!!

Don’t like the bar controller but so far it’s something i can live with, just.

Have loved not having to invisiframe it, that was starting to become a real chore with new frames.

It’s different, and i’m really liking that!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I agree on battery life. Although, its been so cold in the UK at the moment its hard to work out the real life (they suck massively in the cold!)

It rides SO much lighter - feels in no way like a 26KG+ ebike. That weight central and low helps big time.

 

[Jamo]

Yeah I did consider the coldness but I’m gauging it against my mate on his 4 year old bosch in the same conditions.

In any case it’s a great bike.

I don't have many photos other than this one from when it was being built up

 

[Jamo]

@Rob Rides EMTB do you need different linkage to run a longer shock for the increased travel? Thanks

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

@Rob Rides EMTB do you need different linkage to run a longer shock for the increased travel? Thanks

No. Just use a 65mm stroke shock. Stock is 62.5mm

 

[Mister cube]

Me likey

View attachment 139625

Nicolai Bikes

Saturn 16 MGU Reveal 🤯 Our new E-MTB has landed! The Saturn 16 MGU is being presented to the public for the very first time today at the Bike Festival in Riva. As a 29er E-Enduro with 160 mm travel,...

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Bloody hell thats nice!

 

[TonTonUB]

Considering what Nicolai achieved with this MGU from Pinion, i wonder what could release Brands such as Atherton, Alutech or Zerode.
I also hope Pinion will soon implement wireless controls, and an integrated small screen (on top tube).
I'd really like a bit more option, before i trigger the 'instant buy' button on Nicolai eshop