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The future now? Nicolai's interpretation of the E-MTB

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 27.04.2018

The future now? Nicolai's interpretation of the E-MTBPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh
The future now? Nicolai's interpretation of the E-MTB
A drive that could eliminate many of the weak points of current e-MTBs: Nicolai relies on a belt drive and electronic hub gears. The basic bike is already futuristic enough.

Voilà, Nicolai's interpretation of the E-MTB of the future. At the BIKE Festival in Riva del Garda the German high-end manufacturer Nicolai presents the next evolutionary step of the massive Ion-G16: electric Rohloff hub gears and a belt drive from Gates form the low-maintenance drive. This combination should make the drivetrain extremely quiet, durable and fault-free. The Bosch CX motor harmonises with the electric gears and takes the load off when changing gear, making the problems of derailleur gears a thing of the past. With this approach, is the German luxury manufacturer showing where the technology on future E-MTBs is heading?

The centrepiece of the EBoxx E14 is the elaborately integrated Gates belt, which promises low maintenance and quiet riding and at the same time says goodbye to chain tears.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The centrepiece of the EBoxx E14 is the elaborately integrated Gates belt, which promises low maintenance and quiet riding and at the same time says goodbye to chain tears. Specially developed for the EBoxx E14 drive: The elaborate belt tensioner that keeps the Gates belt in tension at every suspension travel position.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Specially developed for the EBoxx E14 drive: The elaborate belt tensioner that keeps the Gates belt in tension at every suspension travel position. The belt is also secured against falling at the hub.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The belt is also secured against falling at the hub. The electric Rohloff E14 hub interacts with Bosch's Performance CX drive. This is designed to make shifting particularly gentle and smooth.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The electric Rohloff E14 hub interacts with Bosch's Performance CX drive. This is designed to make shifting particularly gentle and smooth. Small and inconspicuous: the gear lever for the electronic Rohloff.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Small and inconspicuous: the gear lever for the electronic Rohloff. Too bad: The Rohloff E14 unfortunately only works with Bosch's Intuvia display, which is a bit clunky and very exposed above the stem.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Too bad: The Rohloff E14 unfortunately only works with Bosch's Intuvia display, which is a bit clunky and very exposed above the stem.

The basis of the e-bike is the already familiar Ion-G16 with progressive Geolution geometry and 160 millimetres of suspension travel. Added to this are the finest suspension elements from Fox, Hope wheels and an integrated 500 watt-hour battery. Price for the futuristic vehicle: from 8999 euros.

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Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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