ION G16 GPI - 2022

Our distinctive, uniformly flat-scaled welds are created by welding at a very slow speed. This causes deep fusion of the material and large-area for dissipation of loads and forces applied to the frame on the trail.

Full complement cartridge bearings are filled around their full circumference with ball bearings, instead of being spaced out and held in place with a cage. This increases the contact area within the bearing allowing a higher load capacity, lower weight and smaller volume. We use angular contact bearings at the main swing arm pivot, which support the high axial loads that occur there. Radial bearings are installed accordingly at the pivot points of the compression struts and rocker links. In addition to the integrated cartridge bearing seals, we add an extra o-ring on both sides of the bearing either in our frame, Mutators, or linkage.

Powder coating involves spraying a colored polyester powder onto the frame and then melting it in an oven. Electrostatically charging the powder and frame means a perfectly even application of color is achieved with minimal waste. This is followed by a specific heating and cooling protocol for a smooth and even finish. The resulting paint layer forms an impact-resistant, durable plastic coating that is firmly cross-linked with the aluminum. Anodizing, on the other hand, forms a colored oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum by an electrochemical process. Powder coating fills and smoothes out small details and machining patterns on the frame, whereas an anodizing process reproduces surface textures, milling patterns, welding-related heat zones and alloy variations in all clarity.

Creating custom Tailor Made frames involves a significant amount of extra work and is therefore subject to an additional charge. Unlike production frames, whose components are manufactured in small batches according to set machine programs, a made-to-measure frame requires a lot of manual work and individual customization. The requirements, design and optimization of a custom frame are discussed and determined via close consultation with an experienced NICOLAI engineer.

TAILOR MADE ? Click here

Over the last 20 years, we have continuously optimized our production in order to further increase production quality and, of course, to be able to implement ever more sophisticated designs. Of course you can also outsource a production, but then you have to plan a certain additional effort to check the processes at others. We do not do this, because we manufacture everything in-house. However, this trivial fact leads to the next reason:

Customer-specific adaptation options
Since we only manufacture a NICOLAI bike when we have received an order from a customer, it is easy for us to implement different wishes such as colour, train guidance or even a special geometry. The possibilities and limits can be evaluated in a personal discussion with our sales and technical team. Oh, and here’s another reason:

Personal Advice 
Personal contact continues even after purchasing a NICOLAI bike. There are customers with whom we have been friends for 20 years and if after a few years of hard work a bearing needs to be changed or a frame needs a new coating, you can simply call the guys from the service department. Since we also manufacture all small parts on our machines, we can also produce all spare parts for older models if required. In three words:

10 years spare parts availability
We do not follow any trends, but test everything ourselves and come to our own convictions and that for 20 years. We have a great deal of experience. In my opinion, it borders on insulting customers to announce a bike as a novelty in one year and to discontinue the same model as a discontinued model next year. A NICOLAI is timeless. Straight drawn round tubes paired with elaborate CNC milled parts and beautiful detail solutions result in a frame design that will please even after many years. I call it that:

Durability and value stability
The manufacture of products close to the customer is environmentally friendly. This applies to bread, milk, meat and any other product. And it applies above all to large objects. I do not want to transport bulky bicycle frames, which consist almost exclusively of air, in containers across the oceans. I just want to produce the things that are needed. For more and more customers this sustainability and the jobs here on site is a reason to choose a NICOLAI bike. Worn phrase:

sustainability
But back to the bikes. Every NICOLAI frame is developed in Lübbrechtsen. The bike is designed, prototypes built and tested until we are satisfied. The feedback of our team riders, our customers and our own experience as bikers is incorporated. Our goal is always the same: To make best function, durability, reliability and the good better. And that’s the best reason:

The best bike 

regards
Kalle Nicolai