Nicolai G1 GPI Gearbox Enduro: Super Enduro with belt drive and Pinion gearbox
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 28.02.2025
The German cult brand already let it be known at Eurobike 2024: Nicolai is expanding its downhill-orientated G1 platform, which was relaunched last year, a version with gears. The new Nicolai G1 GPI combines the familiar Gravity frame with a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive. Incidentally, this is where the name GPI comes from: G for Gates, PI for Pinion. According to the manufacturer, this combination should ensure particularly low maintenance and high reliability.
The central weight distribution with a low centre of gravity and the lightweight rear wheel (no cassette, no rear derailleur!) improve the suspension performance of the rear triangle and should ensure a particularly plush trail position. The potentially low noise level due to the belt drive should also appeal to trail and enduro fans. In addition, the exposed rear derailleur completely eliminates a product that is prone to failure. This is offset by a higher weight due to the system and a high price.
The facts about the Nicolai G1 GPI
- Frame: Nicolai G1 GPI, 7020 T6 aluminium
- Frame Made in Germany
- Rear suspension travel: 162 mm or 175 mm (adjustable)
- Customisable to 29 inch, 27.5 inch or Mullet
- Gear system: Pinion C1.12i, 12 gears, 600% gear ratio
- Drive: Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt
- Quadruple-sealed full complement ENDURO deep groove and angular contact ball bearings
- Powder and anodised colours, decors, customising, individualisation
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 18.5 kg (size M without pedals)
- Price: 9499 Euro (complete wheel 8.0)
- Also available as a frame set
- 5-year warranty, also for racing use
The frame of the Nicolai G1 GPI is made of 7020 T6 aluminium and has a four-bar rear triangle with Horst link and offers a choice of 162 or 175 millimetres of suspension travel. Forks with 170 or 180 millimetres of travel can be installed at the front. The bike is designed for 29-inch, 27.5-inch or mixed-wheel wheels. Nicolai states that the geometry can be adapted to different wheel sizes and riding styles using interchangeable adapters, so-called mutators. Hardly any other enduro bike on the market offers this much flexibility.
Nicolai G1 GPI: customisable geometry and sizes
The G1 GPI is available in five frame sizes from S to XXL. Nicolai speaks of a size-proportional geometry in which not only the top tube and chainstay length, but also the steering and seat angle change depending on the frame size. The steering angle in size M is 63 degrees and becomes successively steeper with the frame sizes. For XXL it is 63.8 degrees. The angles can be varied again with different settings.
Depending on the frame size, the reach is between 425 and 535 millimetres. According to Nicolai, seat stay and chain stay lengths can be changed by using different mutators. This allows the riding behaviour to be influenced in terms of manoeuvrability and smoothness. As is typical for Nicolai, the wheelbase is long and the seat angle steep. The seat tube lengths are designed with a 270 millimetre insertion depth for dropper posts with a long stroke.
Pinion gearbox and belt drive
At the heart of the G1 GPI is a Pinion C1.12i gearbox with electronic shifting. It has 12 gears with a total gear ratio of 600 per cent. The range is therefore greater than that of conventional twelve-speed gear systems from Sram (520%) or Shimano (510%). The gear steps are 17.7 per cent in each case. Gears are shifted via an ergonomic TE1 gear lever on the handlebars. It sits comfortably in the hand and provides crisp feedback. We know this from our test experience with Pinion's MGU engine-transmission unit.
The electronic Smart Shift can be customised via an app. For example, the shifter levers can be assigned as required and a starting gear can also be set, which is then automatically engaged when the bike is stationary. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates Carbon Drive belt drive. This is said to be particularly durable and low-maintenance. The G1 GPI is also optionally available with a mechanically shifted Pinion C1.12 gearbox and classic twist grip shifter.
Equipment and variants
Nicolai offers the G1 GPI as a complete bike in an 8.0 equipment variant. This includes a Fox 38 Factory suspension fork with 170 millimetres of travel and a Fox DHX2 Factory steel spring damper. The brakes are from Magura, with MT7 Pro HC brakes with 203 millimetre brake discs. The wheelset comes from DT Swiss and Continental Kryptotal tyres in 29 inch are fitted. A Bikeyoke Divine Vario seatpost rounds off the equipment. Nicolai specifies the weight of the complete bike in size M at 18.5 kilograms.
Prices and availability
The Nicolai G1 GPI is available as a complete bike in the 8.0 configuration for 9499 euros. Alternatively, Nicolai offers a frame kit including Pinion gearbox and Gates drive components. This can be customised using an online configurator. Nicolai offers a five-year warranty on the frame, even for racing use. The supply of spare parts is guaranteed for at least ten years.
Equipment Nicolai G1 GPI 8.0
- Frame: Nicolai G1 GPI, 7020 T6 aluminium
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Factory, 170 mm travel
- Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory 2-Pos, 230 x 65 mm
- Gear system: Pinion C1.12i, 12 gears, 600% gear ratio
- Drive: Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt
- Brakes: Magura MT7 Pro HC, 203/203 mm discs
- Wheels: DT Swiss E1900 Spline, 29 inch
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal F/R EN Soft, 29 x 2.4 inch
- Vario seatpost: Bikeyoke Divine, 30.9 mm (stroke size-dependent)
- Handlebars: Acros Gothic, 780 mm wide, 25 mm rise
- Stem: Acros Gothic, 40 mm
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 18.5 kg (size M without pedals)
- Price: 9499 Euro (complete wheel 8.0)
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
