Nicolai has long since secured its cult status in the bike industry: lovers of mechanical engineering and custom fans have always admired the aluminium frames with their large and almost symmetrical welding beads. Together with the CNC parts milled in Lübbrechtsen, the bikes from company founder Kalle Nicolai are a testament to true craftsmanship. But it is also thanks to the special geometries - long and flat - that Nicolai has recently been able to gather a growing fan community around him. The dimensions are often so special that the manufacturer itself claims that the bikes are not suitable for everyone.
The new Nicolai Saturn 16 enduro bike is no exception. The 63.6-degree steering angle is a modern setup given the comparatively short fork travel. If you take a look at the reach, the newcomer is definitely out of line. For comparison: The 502 millimetres in size L surpass even the longest enduro bike from our group test in size L. BIKE 2/22 by 18 millimetres. However, the riding position remains balanced because the 76.9 degree steep seat angle places bikers in a propulsion-orientated position - far forward and with a lot of pressure on the front wheel. This keeps the front reliably on the ground even on the steepest climbs. Unfortunately, the high overall weight gives the uphill riding experience a somewhat bland flavour.
Nicolai Saturn 16 - versatile thanks to mutators
Thanks to Nicolai's custom programme, the newcomer is very versatile: "mutators" of different lengths on the seat stays of the rear triangle adapt the rear for 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. Expressed in figures, this technology enables chainstays of 438 (only for 27.5 inch), 447 or 552 millimetres in length. Unfortunately, the rear triangle on our test bike is still from the pre-production series and has 447 mm chainstays and a 27.5 inch wheel. The suspension travel measures just under 157 millimetres with 65 millimetres of shock travel.
On the trail, the suspension shows its sporty side. The Nicolai Saturn 16 wants to be ridden fast and actively - only then can you speak of a really full suspension feel. For bikers with a passive riding style, on the other hand, the Saturn 16 quickly feels a little too firm. The same applies to the geometry: if you want to make the most of the long and slack dimensions, you have to push the enduro bike to its limits at high speed. If you have the necessary riding technique, the Nicolai is a bike with unshakeable smoothness. Tight cornering and playing around on the trail, on the other hand, require a lot of physical effort, but are easier than you would expect with the small rear wheel.
Conclusion on the Nicolai Saturn 16
Max Fuchs, BIKE Editor: The Nicolai is a very individualised enduro bike that, in addition to the configurator for the equipment, offers many options for adapting it technically to your own riding style. Due to the extreme geometry, the target group is limited to experienced riders or is aimed at bikers who appreciate Nicolai's craftsmanship.
Technical data
General
- Price: 7049 Euro
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL / XXL /XXL (Tested size L / 45 cm)
- More info->
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.79 kg
- Front / rear suspension travel: 162 / 157 mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Hope Fortus 30 system wheels
- Tyres: Continental Kaiser Protection Apex 29 x 2.40; 27.5 x 2.40
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory Fit Grip 2
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Brakes: Magura MT7 / 203 / 203 mm
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Telescopic seat post: Bike Yoke Divine / 180 mm
You can download the full test report here:
Test 2022: Nicolai Saturn 16 from BIKE 7/2022
Max Fuchs
Editor
