Nicolai’s gravel bike goes by the name of Argon GX. These German aluminium experts have long specialised in bespoke builds and customised solutions. At the Bespoked trade fair for bespoke frame building, the brand from Lower Saxony is presenting a very special dream build of the Argon GX. Its exclusivity doesn’t stop at the carbon rims manufactured in Germany or the drive belt. Here’s all the information on the Nicolai Argon GX GPI in the Bespoked build.
Conclusion
Wow, what a stunner! The golden Cerakote finish on the Nicolai Argon GX GPI gleams as luxuriously as a bar of precious metal. The fact that this gem of a gravel bike also features an electronically controlled gearbox and stunning, locally manufactured carbon wheels from Lilienthal only adds to its appeal. Beneath all that glitz lies a gravel bike with a bespoke aluminium frame. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Nicolai Argon GX GPI in detail
- Intended use: gravel bike
- Ground clearance: 45 mm
- Frame material: aluminium
- Fork material: carbon
- Weight: from 12.9 kg
- Price: from 6,499 euros
- Special features: electronic gear selection, belt drive, custom design and build available, made in Germany
Long live aluminium!
You’ll usually look in vain for aluminium frames on high-quality gravel bikes. Nicolai, however, is convinced that the material can offer the ideal combination of durability, stiffness and low weight. To this end, the German company relies on high-quality 7020 aluminium and intricate milled components, and manufactures its bikes domestically. The frame of the Nicolai Argon GX GPI is designed for long tours, gravel tracks and everyday use. The Argon GX combines Nicolai’s signature build quality with a sporty geometry designed to ensure controlled and agile handling both on tarmac and off-road. This makes the bike suitable for both fast gravel rides and longer adventures with luggage.
A distinctive feature of the GPI model is its Pinion gearbox. Unlike a conventional derailleur system, the gears are located centrally in the bottom bracket area. This provides better protection for the sensitive gear-shifting components against dirt and damage, which can be a particular advantage for gravel and touring cycling. The gearbox is considered to be particularly low-maintenance and also ensures an even weight distribution.
Speaking of weight: Nicolai estimates that the gearbox adds half a kilo compared to a derailleur system. Overall, the aluminium gravel bike in size M weighs from around 12.9 kilos. The gear unit from Pinion, another German manufacturer, is electronically controlled in the Smart-Shift version. Instead of a traditional bicycle chain, the Nicolai Argon GX GPI uses a belt drive. The carbon belt requires no lubrication and fits well with the image of a durable touring and everyday bike. The belt is tensioned via adjustable dropouts.
Optional extras
In typical Nicolai fashion, the Argon GX GPI gravel bike can be configured in a variety of ways. The special build for the Bespoked trade fair is intended to demonstrate the possibilities of the custom system. The carbon wheels from Lilienthal are a real eye-catcher; they are also built in Germany and combine low weight with the aesthetic appeal of exposed carbon. However, this dream build also features components from the 8.0 series. These include, for example, TRP shift-brake levers, which were developed specifically for Pinion’s Smart Shift system. The components are from Ritchey, whilst the saddle is from SQlab. Anyone looking to use the Argon GX GPI for everyday riding will be pleased to know it offers mounting options for mudguards and a luggage rack.
Cerakote coating
The special Cerakote coating featured on Nicolai’s Argon GX GPI show bike ties in well with the gravel bike’s ‘no-fuss’ approach. Cerakote is an extremely durable thin-film ceramic coating designed to provide surfaces with particularly reliable protection against corrosion, scratches and chemicals. Nicolai first showcased bikes with a Cerakote finish last year to mark the company’s 30th anniversary. The company is now expanding the colour range and incorporating it into its regular range as a design option. The Cerakote finish is set to be available on all Nicolai models in future.
What do you think: do you like the Cerakote finish, or do you think a Nicolai should shine in its raw aluminium look? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor