Beautifully welded aluminium frames and custom-made products "made in Germany". That's what Nicolai stands for. But the topic of gearboxes is also firmly rooted in Nicolai's DNA. The new Saturn 14 GPI perfectly into the picture. The trail bike with 130 mm (29") or 138 mm (27.5") rear suspension travel is now also available as a geared version. If you also want to let it rip in the bike park, you should go for the ST version (Supertrail). Thanks to a reinforced tube set, it weighs around 300 grams more, but has bike park approval and the option of using longer forks with a stanchion tube diameter of 36 millimetres.
636 % bandwidth with 18 gears
The Saturn 14 is already an integral part of the Nicolai portfolio. But the addition "GPI" is something special. GPI stands for the Gates belt drive and the Pinion gear system. The special feature: no more chain jumping from sprocket to sprocket when shifting gears. All the magic of shifting happens in the gear unit on the bottom bracket. The combination of belt drive and gear shifting is considered to be extremely reliable. It is virtually wear-free and maintenance-free. It also offers a wide gear ratio range of 600 per cent (12 gears) or 636 per cent (18 gears). In comparison: 12-speed derailleur gears such as the latest Sram Eagle offer a maximum gear range of 520 per cent.
The belt drive is often seen on stylish city bikes or on a Harley Davidson. On mountain bikes, it is the exception rather than the rule. However, it offers great advantages in combination with a geared transmission. It is much more durable than a chain, which wears out relatively quickly due to the constant climbing and falling. In addition, the belt requires almost no maintenance. The chain, on the other hand, requires regular maintenance. On the other hand, such a transmission weighs slightly more than a derailleur system. Another advantage of the belt drive is the reduced unsprung mass on the rear wheel. This should make the rear triangle even more sensitive.
Geolution geometry
"Geolution" is the name of the geometry concept on which all MTB models from the bike manufacturer in Lower Saxony based. The top tube, chainstays and wheelbase are very long and the steering angle is extremely slack. The Saturn 14 GPI also utilises this concept. The head angle is 65.2-65.5 degrees, the seat angle is a steep 76.2-76.5 degrees. The reach in size L is a whopping 500 millimetres and the chainstays measure 446 millimetres. Instead of using a flip chip, the geometry of the Saturn 14 can be customised using "mutators".
From the Mullet body to customised geometry
The bike can be customised in the configurator. In addition to the huge selection of components and colours, you can choose between 29-inch, 27.5-inch or mullet wheel sizes. Sizes from S to XXL should also offer a suitable bike for very tall riders. Nicolai even offers customised geometries for an extra charge of 750 euros.
The frame including Pinion gearbox and belt should weigh 7360 grams in size L. Cost point: 4249 euros. The Saturn 14 GPI as a complete bike starts at 6749 euros.
Facts about the Nicolai Saturn 14 GPI
- Geolution Trail geometry / customised geometry on request
- Geolution Trail geometry
- Wheel size: 29", 27.5" or Mullet
- Rear triangle: 130 mm (29") /138 mm (27.5)
- Suspension fork: 130- 140 mm (ST version: 140-160 mm)
- Frame size: S-XXL
- Complete colour and component selection
- 5-year guarantee
- Pinion P-Line 1.12 or 1.18
- Gates belt drive
- Made in Germany
