In the past, Nicolai Bikes was better known as a supplier of high-quality frame kits, which then served as the basis for exclusive custom builds. For some years now, however, the North German manufacturer has also been increasingly focussing on complete bikes, where you can choose your preferred add-on parts and components via an online configurator. With the Saturn 11 SL, Nicolai is now presenting a limited series mountain bike with uncompromising custom equipment for the first time. The current Saturn 11 was presented at the Eurobike 2022 presented and could in a detailed BIKE test already convinced us. The test result for the Saturn 11, which weighed a total of 11.73 kilos in size L, was as follows:
The Nicolai Saturn 11 is a genuine down-country bike with excellent propulsion and sensitive suspension.
Nicolai Saturn 11: Superlight version weighing 9.95 kilos
But that was not enough for the aluminium and milling experts from Lower Saxony, as they have now broken the 10-kilo mark with the Nicolai Saturn 11 SL. It goes without saying that this required a deep dive into the drawer of exclusive custom components - the result is an exclusive down-country mountain bike that has never existed as a production model before. The basis is the aluminium frame of the Saturn 11 with a frame weight of 2764 grams without shock (size L). The Nicolai Saturn 11 SL is the first to feature the new, ultralight Intend Samurai XC upside-down suspension fork with 120 millimetres of suspension travel. The upside-down fork weighs less than 1500 grams and, like the Nicolai Saturn 11 frame, is 100 per cent developed and manufactured in Germany.
At the rear, a DT Swiss R 232 ONE shock ensures smooth running, traction and comfort. According to the manufacturer, it offers 105 millimetres of suspension travel; we teased 117 millimetres of travel out of the shock in the BIKE test lab. Another highlight of this lightweight Nicolai trail bike is the wheelset, also made in Germany, from Pi Rope with Vectran textile fibres as spokesThe brand new version of this wheelset is fitted exclusively to the Saturn 11 SL. The latest generation of NonPlus hubs in combination with the Two Six rim from Bike Ahead makes this wheelset extremely light: the 29-inch wheelset is said to weigh just 908 grams.
A Sram AXS electric drivetrain from the XX1 groupset guarantees the drive and the right gear ratio on the Nicolai Saturn 11 SL. The rest of the equipment is at the same high level: Magura MT8 disc brakes with Oak Components levers and 180 mm Storm SL.2 discs, an extra wide clamping Intend Grace Trail stem, flat bar and carbon seat post from Bike Ahead and an SQlab 612 R saddle with carbon frame.
Nicolai Saturn 11 SL - Facts at a glance
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 120 / 105 millimetres
- Weight: 9.95 kilos without pedals (size M)
- Price: 11,799 euros
- Limited edition of 99 pieces
Nicolai emphasises that the Saturn 11 SL is not just about undercutting the 10-kilo mark by hook or by crook, but that function, reliability and performance always come first. "Many can be light," says Nicolai Bikes CEO and founder Kalle Nicolai. "But for us, the most important thing was that this mountain bike also delivers its performance on the trail when the going gets tough, that it's really fun and has real taker qualities."
The Nicolai Saturn 11 SL trail bike is limited to 99 units and is available to order now.
