With the UD4, HNF Nicolai has created a unisex all-rounder with a unique look. The pedelec stands out visually from the mass of step-through bikes thanks to its voluminous and towering central tube and fat 27.5-inch tyres. The frame composite not only looks very stiff, it actually is. The central tube connects the head tube to the frame composite over a large area, which stabilises the front. The solid stem is short and the MTB fork with thru-axle is largely torsion-resistant. However, the solid construction is reflected in the weight: the UD4 weighs considerably more than 31 kilos. In most cases, the weight results from high-quality, but not weight-optimised technology. For example, a folding lock under the saddle, which is conveniently mounted but weighs a good two kilos with the bracket, is part of the total, and the wheels with their 62 millimetre wide tyres also weigh a lot.
Details of the HNF Nicolai UD4
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Exclusive and comfortable
Even before the test ride, it is clear that this much mass demands a powerful drive. In combination with the Rohloff gear hub, the Bosch Performance CX can and must fully utilise its maximum torque of 85 Nm. When accelerating, the high wheel mass prevents dynamic acceleration. The extremely voluminous Super Moto tyres from Schwalbe roll straight ahead in a stable manner, but prevent agile steering despite their moderate wheel diameter - and therefore actually lower gyroscopic forces. Nevertheless, the HNF is easy to control. The comfortable, upright riding position with a short stem and ergonomically offset handlebars contributes to this, and a sensitive RockShox air suspension fork improves ground contact.
The equipment of the HNF Nicolai UD4 is close to the maximum in terms of quality. Bosch's new Nyon 2 on-board computer completes the powerful drive system. This display can exchange data via smartphone and offers fitness and navigation functions in addition to riding information. Another highlight of the drivetrain is the 14-speed Rohloff hub. The E14 model of the tried-and-tested Rohloff gearbox developed for pedelecs can be shifted electromechanically. The hub communicates with the Bosch motor, which briefly reduces the motor power when shifting gears. Gear changes are therefore prompt, precise and virtually silent. If you press and hold the button on the handlebars, the gearbox changes gears in steps of three. A starting gear can also be programmed, which the hub automatically selects after a standstill.
High quality continues: the mudguards are made of aluminium profiles, the pannier rack is from Racktime and can carry up to 25 kilos. Supernova lighting with a Mini 2 headlight and a rear light with brake light function integrated into the pannier rack complete the harmonious equipment - all fine material. The creators have trimmed the UD4 for comfort and exclusivity; sporty riding dynamics were clearly not the primary development goal.
Data of the HNF Nicolai UD4
- Model: HNF Nicolai UD4
- Price: 7215 Euro
- Frame sizes: M, L, XL
- Test bike weight: 31.6 kg
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo AirTM
- Circuit: Rohloff E14, 1x14; 55/20 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance CX/625 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Magura MT5, MT4/v: 203 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Super Moto-X GreenGuard 62-584
- Lighting system: Supernova Mini 2; Supernova M99 TL3 Pro Max with brake light function
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very high quality equipment
- Minus: Relatively heavy
Conclusion on the HNF Nicolai UD4
Only the finest of everything: The HNF Nicolai UD4 is the perfect all-round pedelec for all those who appreciate the most exclusive bike material for everyday use. However, so much luxury comes at a price.
