Frame NICOLAI S11

S11

A STRONG BUT LIGHTWEIGHT CHARACTER

NICOLAI has created a lightweight and fast 29er full suspension thoroughbred with the S11. Its strengths play out in XC and marathon sports as well as extended mountain tours or hunting down home trails after work. The still young ‘Down Country’ category describes particularly light, nippy fullies with an XC focus, which, thanks to slacker geometry and a stiff  chassis makes a great performer on fast trails and descents. However, CEO and founder, Kalle Nicolai, sees this less as a new trend than as a new name for something familiar: “At least since its 2016 revision, the Saturn is a bike that slots one hundred percent into the down country category. We have always communicated this, we just lacked this catchy hashtag in 2016.”

The S11 combines a sophisticated lightweight construction with a high-performance chassis, a resilient, stiff construction and contemporary geometry. A multi-butted tube set was chosen for the frame construction. All milled parts were elaborately optimized for load and weight. The eye-catcher and heart of the S11 is a voluminous CNC machined rocker link. This 180g filigree is a lightweight piece of jewelry designed using FEM optimization; it’s milled from a specially manufactured high-strength aluminum extrusion to minimize machine waste on its journey to its final form.

TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION

When designing turned and CNC milled parts, we use FEM software (Finite Element Method), which can be used to simulate the loads that will occur on the trail in order to determine the optimum shape (topology) of these components. Critical areas of the design become visible in this way and can be strengthened by adding material, or weight can be saved by removing material from low stress areas. In this way we can produce highly complex parts and assemblies for our frames that combine maximum durability with minimum weight.

HORST-LINK

Our suspension systems pursue the goal of combining competitive performance and maximum fun on the trail, as well as high pedaling efficiency by kinematically decoupling the rider’s movements from the work of the suspension. For this reason, we design our 4-bar link rear triangles according to the proven and timeless ‘Horst-Link’ principle. The Horst Link describes the pivot point that sits at the end of the chainstay and just in front of the rear axle which counteracts the shortening of the wheelbase during compression. Through years of racing experience and with the help of simulation software, we have succeeded in further optimizing and refining the Horst-Link technology on our bikes. In particular, this has allowed us to significantly improve the anti-squat (pedaling) characteristics of the suspension.

6 FRAME SIZES

Most NICOLAI models are offered in 5 or even in 6 frame sizes, from XS to XXL. This provides customers between 1.55m and 2.10m with their perfect fit, a range that few other brands provide. A sizing chart for body and frame sizes can be found in our detailed Tech Sheets for each model. Building a perfectly fitting frame means much more than just extending it for each size. We take various factors into account here with regard to body proportions and rider weights, for example adapting tube cross-sections and thicknesses, modified geometry and particularly low standover heights for smaller sizes, or frame reinforcements that take into account higher weight and greater strength of XXL frame riders. Saddle position, stem height and shape, handlebar width and height serve to fine-tune geometry - albeit within a relatively limited range.

NICOLAI WELDING TECHNOLOGY

We weld all of our frames by hand using the TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) method. Our specially trained welders have many years of experience, our lead welder has worked in-house for over 20 years. For each model and frame size we build a precise welding structure called the frame jig. In this jig, the CNC-cut tube sets are precisely assembled and fixed in place with all turned and milled parts of the frame to be welded. The frame components are first tacked together with individual spot welds at precise points in a defined sequence, and then, to minimize distortion and stresses, welded in several passes.

7020 ALUMINUM

We manufacture all NICOLAI frames from 7020-T6 aircraft aluminum and are convinced that this alloy is the superior material for mountain bike construction. Compared to the 6061-T6 (AlMg1SiCu) alloy normally used in bicycle construction, 7020-T6 (AlZn4.5Mg1) has about 30% higher tensile strength and about 20% higher elastic limit. Where carbon frames can spontaneously fail in the event of an overload, NICOLAI bikes are calculated and designed to deform in a safely defined area of the frame in the event of an overload, significantly reducing the risk of serious crashes and injuries. A NICOLAI aluminum frame is designed to withstand many years even under severe competition conditions.

BOTTLE CAGE

ATTACHMENT POINTS FOR WATER BOTTLES AND ACCESSORIES

Even though many riders now rely on hydration or hip packs, few want to do without the option of a bottle cage within the front triangle. For a clean look, we offer our customised magnetic FIDLOCK mount together with a NICOLAI 0.6L Twist bottle. The FIDLOCK mount allows intuitive release and engagement of the water bottle in both directions even while riding, plus it’s secured in the frame even on the wildest rides and hardest hits. For further mounting options, for example to attach small toolboxes, pumps or bags, the NICOLAI frame clamps from our accessories line are ideal.

COLOR SELECTION

EXTRA LOVE

Thanks to our own powder coating facility, local anodisers, and our in-house production line, every NICOLAI frame can be customized to meet your individual needs. We process over 50 powder coat colors applied in high-gloss or semi-gloss finish, as well as fades and our classic ‘camo’ options. Customers can even choose a separate color for each welded frame component. Our frames can also be anodized with a glass-peened and durable black, bronze or titanium finish. For turned or milled components such as rocker linkages, bearing covers, or cable guides, we offer an extended ‘Extra Love’ range of anodized colors that allow color matching with your favorite branded components. We also offer an uncoated aluminum finish as “factory raw”. To finish, add your choice of decal style, location, size and color to guarantee a unique, personalized and truly custom bike.

Delivery time for frames to order is 10 weeks.

Due to the variability of the configuration of NICOLAI frames, it is necessary to tune the exact specification by phone and email!