It was something of a minor sensation. At the big comparison test of down-country bikes in BIKE 7/20 the then Saturn 11 snatched the test victory and outclassed the assembled carbon competition. Thanks to a strict diet of add-on parts, the Nicolai weighed just 10.6 kilos without pedals despite its aluminium frame and impressed with its impetuous propulsion and impeccable handling.
Nevertheless, we had a few minor criticisms of the nimble Nicolai Saturn 11: the tyre clearance on the rear triangle was limited to a width of 2.2 inches, and the frame could only accommodate shocks with the old, imperial mounting dimensions. Nicolai has made improvements to the latest version of the Saturn 11. The rear triangle now also accommodates voluminous 2.4 tyres and shocks with the current metric installation dimension.
Nicolai Saturn 11: Greater stiffness and more details on the frame
The new frame is also stiffer thanks to the wider support width of the bearings on the bellcrank. Our laboratory measurements confirm an increase of 7.5 per cent. This also improves the STW value slightly, although the frame has gained 120 grams in weight and now weighs 2764 grams without shock. There are also new frame details to discover. The typical Nicolai Saturn 11 tie rod, which relieves the frame on hard impacts, is missing on the new, reinforced version.
Classic values for geometry
In terms of geometry and suspension travel, however, Nicolai is sticking to the previous values and avoiding extremes on the current Saturn. The head angle is 67 degrees, the seat angle is 74 degrees and the reach is 468 millimetres in size L. Pretty classic values for a fully with down-country ambitions and around 120 millimetres of travel. Unlike the superlight bullet from the last test, the current Saturn 11 weighs 1.2 kilos more, but is still well under the 12-kilo mark. It also has more powerful tyres and a telescopic seat post, albeit only with a manageable stroke of 80 millimetres. At a total price of just under 8,000 euros, the aluminium frame is made with predominantly high-quality parts.
An absolute highlight are the extremely lightweight Pi Rope wheels with textile spokes. The Sram GX AXS drivetrain still has some room for improvement. Despite the wide and grippy Wolfpack tyres, the Nicolai Saturn 11 is excellent on the throttle and craves hard acceleration. Ideal for gruelling laps with a high trail density. However, the sensitive rear suspension is not completely bob-free and pumps slightly when pedalling. However, the quickly accessible platform on the shock efficiently ensures calm. The combination of 468 mm reach and 74 mm seat angle guarantees a pleasantly sporty riding position and is perfectly suited to the intended use. In addition, the long chainstays contribute to the climbing qualities of the down-country bike from Lower Saxony without the front end rising too quickly.
There is still room for improvement on the handlebars of the Saturn 11
The testers were less fond of the cranked shape of the Level Nine carbon handlebars, which took some getting used to. The thick SQlab grips also didn't suit all the testers' hands. However, Nicolai's configurator allows you to customise everything to your own preferences anyway, with the frame kit starting at 2799 euros and the cheapest complete bike starting at 5999 euros. In addition, the colour decors, the frame finish and the anodised parts, such as the bearing caps, can be adapted for the custom build. For gearbox enthusiasts, the Saturn 11 with the GPI suffix is of course also available with Pinion drive and Gates toothed belt (from 4549 euros for the frame kit).
The new Saturn 11 is also impressive on trails. Thanks to the 67 mm steering angle and the long chainstays, the Nicolai runs smoothly enough without becoming too bulky in tight bends. The DT Swiss suspension works sensitively and generates a lot of traction. Only on particularly steep sections does the short travel of the dropper post become noticeable and limiting. Since the cable routing is conveniently located on the outside of the down tube, maintenance is child's play. However, the top cable routing could be a little closer to the head tube so that the cables don't rattle against the fork crown. The lightweight Magura MT8 brakes provide powerful deceleration. Also pleasing: Nicolai offers its fastest fully in the model range in five different sizes. This means that riders from 1.64 to 2.10 metres will be happy.
Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
The new Nicolai Saturn 11 is a genuine down-country bike with excellent propulsion and sensitive suspension. Even if the impeccably crafted aluminium frame is not the lightest, absolutely competitive builds are possible. The custom programme also offers a wealth of options.
Technical data and notes of the Nicolai Saturn 11
Manufacturer information
- Price: 7867 Euro
- available by mail order
- Material / Size: Aluminium XS / S / M / L / XL (49 cm, tested size)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 11.73 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 2764 g
- Weight of wheels: 3758 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3025 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 740 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 42 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Pirope Squirrel X.22
- Tyres: Wolfpack Cross 29 x 2.4
- Fork: DT Swiss F232 One
- Shock absorber: DT Swiss R232 One
- Front / rear suspension travel: 123 / 117 mm
- Brakes: Magura MT8 180 mm /180 mm
- Gear system: Sram GX AXS Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Tele support / stroke: BikeYoke / 80 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 27 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 15 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 12 out of 15
- Weight: 16 from 20
- Inertia impellers: 7 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 7 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
- Rear suspension: 17 out of 20
- Front suspension: 12.75 out of 15
- Saddle retractability: 9 out of 10
- Brakes: 12.75 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 12.75 out of 15
- Driving stability: 4 out of 10
- Total uphill 84 out of 105
- Total downhill 93.75 out of 115
- Other: 20.75 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE TEST RATING¹: very good - 198.5 out of 250
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
