The technical data of the Nicolai Saturn crashes like a wrecking ball into the marketing brickwork of the industry. Despite its aluminium frame, the Saturn 11 has a phenomenal total weight of 10.6 kilos without pedals. This is made possible by a consistent diet when it comes to the add-on parts. The telescopic seat post is a victim of the bike's minimalist approach. The handlebars, stem, seatpost and hubs are from lightweight construction experts Tune, and the Continental tyres have no additional puncture protection. Admittedly: We were sceptical! But the lightweight construction project made in Germany has completely won us over.
No bike climbs better, no bike accelerates so nimbly, no rear suspension works so sensitively. If you are bothered by the slight influence of the drive in the open position, you can switch the shock to platform mode or lock it out completely. Downhill, the rear works sensitively and in perfect harmony with the fork. The narrow 2.2 tyres lack grip (especially in the wet) and you have to get used to riding downhill with a high saddle. On the moderate trails of the Nurtschweg it was at least bearable. If you can't cope with it, you can go to the Nicolai Homepage also configure a telescopic support (additional weight 400 grams).
The geometry of the Saturn 11 is less radical than other Nicolai models. The long wheelbase and slack steering angle ensure a smooth ride when things get fast. At 467 millimetres, the reach is long but not exaggerated and is compensated for by a 50 millimetre short stem. The riding position is sporty and the handling is pleasantly direct. However, the stiffness could be better.
Test summary of the Nicolai Saturn 11
The Saturn 11 impresses with its impeccable workmanship, excellent rear triangle and harmonious geometry. Consistent lightweight construction of the add-on parts makes the aluminium bike the lightest in the test. On our tour, the light-footed acceleration provided an aha effect. An exceptional but worthy test winner made in Germany.
Measured values/data for the Nicolau Saturn 11
Price
¹ 8499 Euro (mail order/specialised trade)
Frame material / sizes Aluminium / S / M / L / XL / XXL (49 cm)
Weight without pedals 10.57 kg
Frame weight without shock absorber 2642 g
Wheel size 29"
Weight of wheels 3735 g
Handlebar width 750 mm
Frame rigidity (absol. / STW) 39 N/mm / 13.4 N/mm/kg
Front suspension travel 120 mm
Rear suspension travel 115 mm
Fork Fox 34 Float Factory SC Fit4 3Pos Adj.
Damper Fox Float Factory
Cranks Sram X01 Eagle
Circuit Sram X01 Eagle / 1x12 gears
Translation / bandwidth 32; 10-50 / 500 %
Brake system / disc front / rear Magura MT8 / 180 mm / 180 mm
Seat post / diameter Tune Strong piece / 31.6 mm
Impellers NoTubes Crest MK3 rims; Tune King/Kong Boost hubs
Tyres Continental Cross King Race Sport 29 x 2.2
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 467 / 616 mm / -37 mm
BIKE judgement Super (205 points)²
In the Comparison test in BIKE 7/20 the Nicolai Saturn 11 had to prove itself against eight other lightweight touring fullys and upgraded marathon bikes with more suspension travel and wider tyres from 4000 to 8500 euros. We also checked what distinguishes the bikes from a classic 100 mm race bike. The Complete test article on these nine touring full-suspension bikes with all results including points tables, technical data and grades is available as PDF for 1,99 Euro below in the download area. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
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¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and adjustment. ²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
