GT1 EBOXX SPEED

The long wheelbase and a slack steering angle, on the other hand, allow for high downhill and cornering speeds and prevent an ‘over the handlebars’ feeling on steep downhills. The central seating position and center of gravity ensures optimum load distribution between front and rear wheels. This improves control in dynamic riding situations and overall handling.

GT1 – Geolution Tour, Enduro Geometry Tuned for Touring.

NICOLAI explicitly emphasizes that its Geolution models are perfectly suitable for beginners, but also takes into account that not everyone likes a sporty and forward riding position on the bike or wants to compete. The Geolution Tour geometry is precisely intended to appeal to this clientele. With a significantly longer head tube and a steeper steering angle, the geometry becomes more moderate and comfortable. The seated position becomes more upright, the bike reacts with more agility and is easier to handle. With the Geolution Tour concept NICOLAI wants to offer a universally usable bike that can climb well, masters every trail and has a strong downhill potential, but also on long tours, everyday use or as a commuter provides a comfortable position and relaxed rides.

The performance parameters of the motor have not changed. With its 85Nm of torque, it remains the most powerful drive in the BOSCH line-up and supplements up to 340% in addition to human power. This provides strong torque in all riding situations and maximum power, especially at low cadence, which makes mastering technical passages and standing starts on steep sections noticeably easier. Now with 750Wh compared to 625Wh at the 4th Gen. Drive, this 20% gain in battery capacity increases the range accordingly. 

For a longer range, the EBOXX models with the 4th Gen. BOSCH Performance Line drive a secondary 625Wh battery which can be carried with NICOLAI’s optional custom quick mount on the top tube. For the 5th Gen. BOSCH models, however, this option does not exist due to the longer 750Wh battery.

The 2022 BOSCH Performance Line CX Smart System establishes a new standard with its components designed for modularity and renounces downward compatibility. Smaller batteries, previous chargers or the Niox display can no longer be used here. However, an expanded range of BOSCH components can be expected in the near future.

Other functions of the BOSCH Kiox appeal especially to sports riders: The rider’s power output in watts can be displayed, as can the heart rate when a cardio belt is used. Control of the most important functions, such as riding mode selection, changing menu items and activating a push assist, is done via the remote control on the left handlebar grip.

The Kiox computer is locked in place with a magnetic mount that ensures a secure hold in all riding situations while allowing lightning-fast installation and removal. In the event of a fall, the mount is designed to allow the display to pop out, significantly reducing the risk of damage. In addition to the standard mount for the handlebar, we also offer an optional mount on the top tube.

For all EBOXX models, we also offer the option of choosing the BOSCH Nyon as the control center, which, in addition to the features of the Kiox, has a trail-compatible navigation system based on OpenStreetMap and a variety of extra functions, for example, the consideration of altitude profiles in the range calculation. The Nyon display also has a touchscreen, and the map can be displayed in either 2D or 3D.

In addition to the familiar Eco, eMTB and Turbo modes, there is now a new mode with Tour+. Tour+ does not provide the usual percentage of power assistance, but instead adapts the degree of motor assistance dependent upon the pedaling force applied. Pedal hard, you get extra motor power – pedal gently, on the other hand, the motor provides little support. 

The 32-bit processor of the BOSCH Smart System processes a huge number of sensor signals measured over 1000 times per second, ensuring optimum performance characteristics in the selected riding mode. In eMTB mode, for example, mountain bikers can effortlessly climb off-road steps or obstacles without full crank rotation and the risk of pedal strikes. A short crank on pedals is enough, the BOSCH software recognizes this impulse and powers the rear wheel.

The improved ergonomics of the new BOSCH LED remote ensures easy and safe operation. Both rotatable and adjustable independently of the position of the mounting clamp in the longitudinal direction, the position can be optimized and allows easy access to the brake lever and the remote lever of the dropper seatpost.

For example, the rider’s power can be displayed in watts, as can the heart rate if a cardio belt is used. The control of all functions such as riding mode selection, changing menu items or activating a push-assist is done via the LED remote control on the left handlebar grip. The Kiox 300 display does away completely with buttons, and the hands remain safely on the handlebar grips at all times.

Purists and fans of a reduced, uncluttered cockpit will be pleased to know that the new BOSCH system can now be used completely without a display, as all control and operating functions, as well as the display of the selected riding modes and the battery charging status, are integrated into the BOSCH LED remote control unit via light elements. 

The Kiox 300 display is locked in place with a click-mount that ensures a secure hold in all riding situations while allowing lightning-fast installation and removal. A new mounting arm provides a more protected display position between the stem and handlebars, while allowing mounting at different points on the handlebars.  In the event of a fall, the mount is designed to allow the display to pop out, significantly reducing the risk of damage. In addition to the standard mount for the handlebar, NICOLAI also offers an optional dedicated mount on the top tube directly behind the head tube.

Support levels for Eco, Tour and Turbo can be adjusted on the 2022 BOSCH Smart System with the eBike Flow app by individually regulating the parameters dynamics, maximum speed and maximum torque in each case. Software updates for the BOSCH Smart Systems can be conveniently downloaded and installed via the app from home or on the go, as can new applications and extensions. The eBike Flow app can also exchange data with external apps such as APPLE Health.

One decisive aspect, for example, is the operating temperature of the motor. Sufficient air cooling is required to prevent the drive from overheating under adverse conditions. At the same time, however, it should be as well protected as possible from dirt, stone chipping, when touching down and from damage caused by falling. We solve this requirement by using a robust, forged aluminum baffle plate with an air duct on the underside of the motor and protect its flanks with plastic parts shaped so that the airstream can optimally flow against the motor and dissipate the heat.

Another example of the system networking of mountain bike and electric drive is the solution we found for integrating the BOSCH Power Tube battery into the down tube. The common standard for E-MTBs so far has been an open U-profile as down tube, into which the battery is inserted from above or below. However, unlike a closed tubular profile, a U-profile can only absorb low torsional forces, to which the down tube, as the most important load-bearing element of the frame, is exposed to a high degree. We have therefore designed a special multi-chamber profile for the down tubes of our E-Boxx models, which has a significantly higher torsional stiffness than an open profile, despite a battery bay on the underside.

An occasional annoyance in the past was a malfunction of the BOSCH speed sensor. Until now, the sensor’s magnetic pulse generator was screwed to a spoke of the rear wheel at a narrowly defined distance and could twist if, for example, a stick got into the spokes. This led to complete failure of the drive. In the new EBOXX models, we are therefore now installing a new speed sensor, the encoder of which is screwed to the rear brake disc in a non-hazardous area.

Unlike a chain, the GATES Carbon Drive requires neither lubrication nor special care. Dirt and mud can simply be sprayed off with water.

For EBOXX models with the 4th Gen. BOSCH Performance Line drivetrain, NICOLAI offers the ROHLOFF E14 Speedhub, which is equipped with an electronic shifter and can communicate directly with the software of the BOSCH drivetrain. Via two buttons on the right side of the handlebar with a well-defined pressure point, the gears can be shifted in single steps in a fraction of a second. A ‘long-press’ of the shift button executes jumps of 3 gears. The motor control automatically ensures a smooth and precise gear change by briefly reducing motor power at the moment of shifting. If you stop the bike, it automatically shifts to a pre-set gear for starting.

For the electronic ROHLOFF shifter NICOLAI has developed its own handlebar mount, which moves the shift buttons closer to the thumb area and improves both the switch ergonomics and the safe grip of the hand on the handlebar.

Nicolai installs a FOX 38 Float suspension fork in the “Factory” top version in all EBOXX models. The FOX 38 has replaced the FOX 36 as the top enduro fork. It is even more torsionally stiff and robust, plus scores again thanks to the new Grip2 damping with improved adjustability, dynamics and more usable travel. The FOX 38 Float has also received approval for 230mm brake discs. NICOLAI offers the fork for all EBOXX bikes set with 160 mm travel.

EXT has been developing suspension for the highest motorsport classes since 1986. After successful collaborations with LOTUS in Formula 1 and Sebastien Loeb’s CITROEN WRC team, EXT dampers are currently ensuring the success of the HYUNDAI team in the World Rally Championship. Since 2014, EXT has also been building MTB suspension at the same high level. EXT dampers impress with features such as an extremely sensitive response, temperature stability and a progressive, hydraulic bottom-out that operates independently of the compression damping. 

The EXT e-Storia steel spring damper installed in the NICOLAI EBOXX models is based on the outstanding Storia base model. It has now been revised and adapted specifically for the higher loads that occur on an eMTB. Adjustment range and oil flow have been increased, the dynamics have been optimized for improved smoothness and the response has been refined even further. Visually, the 2022 e-Storia damper differs from the previous model by its 90° rotated reservoir. The damper is installed by NICOLAI in the EBOXX series in the size 230 x 65mm and provides 160mm rear travel.

NICOLAI installs in all models only factory-modified custom shocks, whose ‘shim stacks’ (elements in the damper, which regulate the oil flow and resistance) are individually adapted to the requirement profile and the suspension characteristics of the respective NICOLAI bike.

For those who want to expand the range of use of their EBOXX bike, for example, to use it for commuting, as an adventure bike or daily ride, NICOLAI offers an “Explorer Kit”, which consists of mudguards, luggage rack and lighting system. This makes the bike more suitable for everyday use and complies with the requirements of the StVZO. The Explorer Kit is optimally adapted for use on NICOLAI EBOXX bikes and consists of high-quality, perfectly fitting add-on parts. It is available as a complete set or in the form of individual components and can be assembled in advance or ordered for retrofitting. 

Exclusively for EBOXX complete bikes with Rohloff gears and Explorer kit, there is also an S-pedelec option that allows motor assistance up to 45 km/h. This variant is subject to registration and therefore does not allow any deviation from the equipment listed in the vehicle registration document.

For a complete overview of all EBOXX variants and options, the current equipment lists are attached to this PM.

Our goal is a complete circular economy. In addition to the sustainability argument, we can also point to tangible technical advantages with aluminum: Compared to 6061-T6 aluminum, which is commonly used in bicycle construction, 7020-T6 has greater strength. And where inadequate carbon frames can spontaneously break and collapse in the event of an overload, NICOLAI bikes are calculated and designed to deform in a defined area of the frame in the event of an overload, which significantly reduces the risk of serious falls and injuries. A NICOLAI aluminum frame is designed to withstand many years of severe competition conditions.

We use only 7020-T6 alloy aluminum (AlZn4.5Mg1) for frame construction – also known as German Aircraft Aluminum. Compared to the alloy 6061-T6 (AlMg1SiCu), which is usually used in bicycle construction, 7020-T6 has an approx. 30% higher tensile strength and an approx. 20% higher elastic limit. The widespread use of 6061-T6 is partly due to the fact that it can be processed at lower tooling costs and the frames can be straightened after welding with less technical effort.

The so-called swingarm – MUTATOR is also a newly developed by us component on the rear swingarm, which combines many functions in only one component:

The mutators are available in different lengths (33, 41 and 47mm). In this way, only by exchanging a mutator, the length of the swingarm can “grow” with the frame height according to our GEOLUTION concept.

Frame color:
Powder-coated, anodized or factory-raw – you decide how your frame looks. The powder coating is a melted plastic coating that is significantly more scratch and impact resistant than conventional
paint. Anodizing is an electrochemical process used to color the surface of aluminum. The oxide layer is even harder and more scratch-resistant than any powder coating. Additional weight is not applied during anodizing. However, the thin oxide layer can be penetrated more easily. Powder coating or lacquer can be used to hide blemishes in the surface. Scratches, grooves and tool marks can be filled and smoothed out like skin wrinkles with make-up. Anodizing hides nothing, revealing every flaw; the lighter the anodizing tone, the more obvious it is. On welded frames, anodizing therefore produces different shades of color. However, the current trend is towards frames that are delivered “factory-raw”. The frames are not coated after production, but go directly into assembly. You receive your frame without any coating (no clear coat either). Over time, an oxide layer/patina will form on the frame, causing the shine of the raw aluminum to fade somewhat. With the help of a polishing fleece, however, the old shine can be restored in a few simple steps. Besides the distinctive look, the “factory raw” look best reveals the manufacturing quality and technical charm of the frame.

Click here for the custom bike gallery!

Click here to go to the color swatches!

Decor:
For the decors you can choose between the standard Nicolai lettering or the NICOLAI BIG N logo. The decors are available in different colors and finishes – you decide.

Idler Assembly:
You have the choice of customizing your bell crank, cable retainers, and preload covers to your frame color. We offer a variety of anodized colors that you can use to finish your bike. Depending on the process, there may be color deviations between the components in light anodized colors due to material properties.

At the NICOLAI factory we have set up a showroom where all current models are on display. Here you can also make appointments for personal consultations or test rides and buy bikes directly or pick up pre-ordered bikes.

We have developed an elaborate reusable bike box for our mail-order shipping. In this box, the new NICOLAI bike arrives protected and guaranteed safe in a wooden frame at the customer and is ready for use after a few simple steps. The same box is reused when the bike is returned to us for repair or service. All shipping protections of the bike box such as pads, lashing straps, brackets and bolts are also reusable.

The following boxing and unboxing videos show the thought we put into shipping and how much engineering can go into a box alone:

UNBOXING Video

BOXING Video

The NICOLAI Bikebox is also available in Shop .