The All New Nicolai/GeoMetron G1

For years Nicolai Bicycles have featured impressively progressive geometry on their Ion models. The German manufacturer builds frames with an emphasis on quality workmanship, choosing to continue developing with alloy rather than carbon. Because of their in-house manufacturing process they can customize frames to suit the rider as well. These are a few of the reasons that GeoMetron bike frames are built by Nicolai and that relationship has grown closer with the release of the G1.

Before the G1, the Nicolai built GeoMetron frames featured more aggressive geometries than their German siblings. Now it appears both Nicolai and GeoMetron G1 frames will be the same. More on that partnership and what it means very soon but for now, check out the all-new G1. A bike that continues with a progressive geometry but adds the ability to better adjust geometry, travel, and wheel size.

Press Release

Nicolai/GeoMetron G1

It's finally finished! After a year of work, much testing and optimization, we are very proud to present our new Enduro Bike, the G1. It’s a completely new frame design that is now modular. It can be mounted with 27.5 or 29-inch wheels or as Hybrid 29 front/27.5 rear. The adjustment is done via the headset and different bolt-in elements that we call mutators. 

The round tubes made of high-strength 7020 aluminum underline the spartan, purist look. The thicker down tube paired with a lower top tube provides an aggressive look, more rider space and standover. Today we have achieved more safety, traction and speed in all situations thanks to the GeoMetron geometry. Also, with a new, bespoke EXT Storia V3 damper, the suspension reaches a new dimension. 

All in all, the bike has an unrivalled and incomparably good riding performance. 

The reason lies in the sum of all the (big) small details.

EXT-Shock 

The new Nicolai G1 and its suspension is the result of co-operation between Nicolai and two additional European specialists, Extreme Racing Shox and GeoMetron bikes. 

EXT is an Italian company known worldwide in professional racing and motorsports for their high-performance suspension. Our friend and partner Chris Porter of GeoMetron Bikes is recognized for creating and being at the forefront of current trends in geometry and kinematics.

 

Behind locked doors these two companies have worked together for over a year to produce a completely bespoke shock absorber and suspension system for the new Nicolai G1. We think that if you want to own the best mtb enduro suspension in the world you should be buying this new bike, the result of our unique collaboration. 




Thanks to the increased length versus travel (230x65), in the new metric standard shock there is room for several new technologies which help to provide the softest of initial touch (small bump sensitivity), a dynamic ride feel, and unparalleled feedback when the bike is loaded hard. Large spherical bearings in the shock eyelets (seen in all other performance off-road suspension applications) have improved the bump feel and grip in all situations. This is thanks to reduced side loading on the shock and they also guarantee a long lifespan for shock hardware. 

A negative spring and hydraulic top out system not only enable that all-important soft, initial touch but also allow the rebound to be as dynamic as the rider wants or needs it to be. A hydraulic bottom out system absorbs some of the excess energy normally transferred back to the bike and rider at the limit of their capabilities.

With carefully thought out leverage ratios and damping rates we can accommodate riders of all weights without compromise. A medium sized rider (85kg) on a medium G1 will be using a 375–425 spring depending on configuration and an XXL rider of 125kg will be between 550 and 600lbs.

GeoMetron

“We don’t care about trends! All that matters is timed speed, riding pleasure, safety and the physical facts.” This quote is our approach to the development of new mountain bikes. This mission statement has made us one of the most innovative bicycle companies in terms of chassis performance, steering dynamics, and geometry.


The GeoMetron geometry is the concept on which all current Nicolai models are based. In the last four years, GeoMetron was developed by Chris Porter and Nicolai. The concept is based on the realization that a longer wheelbase, a slacker steering angle and a steeper seat angle make the bike faster, smoother, and safer with easier and more ergonomic climbing.

 The geometric relationship between the wheels, the head angle, and rider position between the wheels are the decisive factors for good handling. 

The relationship between the saddle, cranks, and rear wheel axle are the decisive factors for the good pedalling and climbing behaviour of a bike. 

The GeoMetron concept combines perfect handling with optimum climbing behaviour. The rider is integrated into the bike through the long reach, the steep seat angle and the long wheelbase so that the rider’s centre of gravity lies optimally between the front and rear wheel axles.

 

All GeoMetron models are designed with short stems so that the rider has a relaxed, dynamic position and sharp steering despite the long top tube.

 

This quite complex topic can be simplified to four advantages which offer both experts and beginners clear added value:



• Better climbing ability (because the front wheel does not rise)
  
• The rider is safely behind the front tire contact patch even on very steep downhills reducing the tendency to tip over the bars
  
• The rider’s sitting and standing space is completely between the wheels (more control) 
  
• Higher corner exit speed because there is more grip on the front wheel
  



A professional level rider can ride around a poor handling bike but we build our bikes so we don’t have to fight them. We want to build bikes that feel natural and easy to use for professional riders and more importantly for the average rider.

Mutators

Seat Stay Mutator

We can fine-tune the bottom bracket height and the head angle with the help of the seat stay mutator. These mutators are available in lengths of 3.5, 6.5, 10, 12 and 15mm. This new technology enables us to implement different seat stay lengths. 

The added value for the customer is that different wheel sizes can be mounted on the G1 frame with a few simple parts and we can match different chainstay lengths on different frame sizes. This allows us to take full advantage of our GeoMetron technology for all riders. The seat stay mutators are installed at the factory in the correct length depending on the frame size and wheel size. Additional mutator parts are available for individual rider adjustments.


Swingarm Mutator

The swingarm mutator combines many functions in a single component: 

The mutators are available in different lengths (33, 41 and 47mm). By replacing a mutator the length of the swingarm can “grow with” the frame size according to the GeoMetron concept. The inner and outer mutator shell is positively connected to the swingarm via a wedge-shaped, rectangular structure which completely prevents twisting or play. The mutator components are both seal carrier and bearing axis. This minimizes the number of components and keeps the assembly simple.

G1 Shock Lever 

Another completely new development is the G1 suspension linkage, which allows two different travel options by moving the damper between the shock mounts. Bolted into the upper hole, the bike offers 162mm rear wheel travel and 175mm travel when the damper is placed in the lower hole. The Metric shock concept allows shock travel to be reduced with the same shock length to achieve 140mm travel if desired. All Nicolai components are CNC machined from a high-strength aluminum billet to achieve maximum strength and minimum weight.

7020-T6 Aluminum

Aluminum is not just Aluminum! At Nicolai, we exclusively use 7020-T6 the alloy (AlZn4,5Mg1) for our frames. Compared to our competitors, who mostly use 6061-T6 alloy (AlMg1SiCu), this grade has much better strength values. 

The tensile strength of 7020 compared to 6061 aluminum is about one-third higher. The elasticity is about one-fifth higher. These properties, coupled with high-quality welding, result in a bicycle frame that is far superior to the average in terms of durability. 

We've worked hard on every element of the new G1 bike, from cable routing to anti-squat values and more. Want more detail, head to the Nicolai website or GeoMetron for their different specs and pricing information.