The Nicolai G1 Eboxx E14 is an impressive collection of milled parts and weld seams. The welding beads run over the aluminium tubes in rough, even scales. Industrial aesthetics and innovative engineering are the hallmarks of the traditional North German forge Nicolai, which has also had an e-MTB in its programme for a good five years. And it clearly stands out from other e-MTBs in terms of geometry and, not least, the drive system.
The Nicolai E-MTB with belt drive and Rohloff gears in the video check.
Chain drives wear out on e-MTBs at breakneck speed. Can the belt drive be the durable alternative? In EMTB 01/2022, we pit chain and belt drives against each other and answer the most important questions. From performance on the trail to possible defects and efficiency in the lab - now available at newsagents, in the App or in the EMTB online shop.
The Nicolai G1 Eboxx E14 2021 at a glance
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 160 millimetres
- Wheel size: 27.5 inch, 29 inch or Mullet
- Motor: Bosch CX4
- Battery size: 625 watt hours (optional: second battery holder on the top tube)
- G1 Eboxx QLF (derailleur gears) from 8399 euros (25.98 kilos/size L - EMTB measured value)
- G1 Eboxx E14 (Rohloff and belt drive) from 9989 euros (27.26 kilos/size L - EMTB measured value)
Maximum smoothness: the geometry of the G1 Eboxx
The frame dimensions, developed by company boss Kalle Nicolai together with geometry mastermind Chris Porter, are ultra-modern and trimmed for maximum smoothness and the greatest possible feeling of safety downhill.
Specifically, the wheelbase is an enormous 1350 millimetres in frame size L - normal e-MTBs are between 1200 and a maximum of 1300 millimetres. Nicolai combines an extremely slack 62-degree head angle with a steep 78-degree seat angle and a reach of a whopping 510 millimetres in size L. That alone would attract curious glances at any bike show.
Belt drive for greater durability
However, the real speciality of the Nicolai Eboxx is the drive. This is because the power of the Bosch mid-motor is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates belt. The belt requires no lubrication and wears more slowly than a chain.
However, this means that regular gears can no longer be used, which is why an electronically controlled gear hub from Rohloff is used in the G1 Eboxx E14. Fourteen gears with a total gear ratio of 528 per cent are available here - and therefore a higher range than with a conventional 12-speed derailleur system.
The belt drive is a real exotic on E-MTBs, there are hardly any belt fullys on the market. We present the belt drive and the electronic Rohloff in more detail in this separate article.
Hand-welded, durable storage: the Eboxx frame
The frame of the Nicolai Eboxx is manufactured at the company's site in Mehle, Lower Saxony. Completely welded by hand. Over the years, the two long-serving head welders have developed the coarse-scaled weld seams into the company's trademark.
Instead of resorting to hydroforming, only straight tubes with round, square or hexagonal profiles are used. Complex designs are realised using milled partsfor example for the rocker, head tube and dropouts. In addition to the high-quality full ball bearings, Nicolai also relies on Sealed coverswhich should further increase the durability of the bearings.
Also typical of Nicolai are the numerous Geometry adjustment options on the G1 Eboxx. A flip chip in the seat stays influences the steering and seat angle, while the additional pieces of different lengths in the chain stay and the length adjustment in the seat stay allow the frame to be adapted to different rider and rear wheel sizes.
Nicolai G1 Eboxx: Features and price
The equipment of the G1 Eboxx is of the highest quality, even in the basic model. Powerful MT7 brakes from Magura, a Fox 38 Factory in the front, combined with a Fox Van steel spring damper in the rear and branded components from Hope, Acros and SQlab.
However, even for the model without optional extras 9989 Euro due. The only cheaper option is the QLF model, which uses a conventional derailleur instead of a belt drive. The price here: 8399 Euro with similar equipment but an older Sram GX 11-speed groupset.
The Nicolai G1 Eboxx on the trail
On the trail, the equipment of the Nicolai G1 Eboxx is the second thing you notice. The extreme geometry has a more dominant effect. Thanks to the steep seat angle and short stem, you sit unexpectedly compactly on the E-Enduro from Lower Saxony, but if you want to pull the bike into a bunny hop or even a manual, you have to put in a lot of physical effort.
On the other hand, the front wheel sticks to the ground even on steep uphill sections. The suspension also does a good job here, remaining sensitive uphill and not bottoming out unnecessarily on steps. However, tight bends are probably not the strong point of the long G1 Eboxx, even uphill.
The long wheelbase and slack steering angle also leave their mark on the Eboxx G1 downhill. The Nicolai offers smooth running en masseand thanks to the long reach, freedom of movement on the bike is also high.
However, lines can only be corrected with a great deal of effort, tight bends require skilful guidance and the flat steering angle requires an active, front-heavy riding positionso that the front wheel builds up optimum traction.
The fork, tyres and brakes are of a high standard, the rear suspension works well but is not exceptionally plush despite the steel spring. Conclusion: The Nicolai G1 Eboxx E14 is not very playful, but craves speed. An enduro bike for fans of long geometry.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
