NSMB - 2022 - Full Suspension Bike Thread

Posted by: craw 

They just introduced the new Saturn 16 and they're abandoning that platform? My understanding is that the S16 frame is about 400g lighter than a comparable G1 frame, which makes sense. If I lived anywhere but the S2S corridor the S16 would be my top pick.

Nicolai is continuing with the S16 platform. Geometron was about to release a S1 based on the Saturn but with 140mm rear travel.  Geometron posted on FB about abandoning that frame after further testing close to it's release date.  Sounds like Geometron believe the G1 platform is superior. Sounds like mutator/linkage kit to reduce rear travel to ~140mm for G1 is in the works.

Nicolai site specs show M G1 @ 3.6kg w/o shock Saturn 16 @ 3.6kg.  Saturn 14 & 14 ST are slightly lighter frames seem to run DPX shocks exclusively.

Saturn takes a water bottle, G1 don't, which though a sad concession is a bit of a deal breaker. I love being able to just chuck a bottle on a bike and head out packless.

G1 holds a YT ThirstMaster 2000 bottle and cage between shock lever and BB.  Geometron IG "Water Bottle" in the saved stories section. ;)

G1ST 150F/140R is the stand alone or upgrade kit available.

Posted by: Endur-Bro

Posted by: craw 

They just introduced the new Saturn 16 and they're abandoning that platform? My understanding is that the S16 frame is about 400g lighter than a comparable G1 frame, which makes sense. If I lived anywhere but the S2S corridor the S16 would be my top pick.

Nicolai is continuing with the S16 platform. Geometron was about to release a S1 based on the Saturn but with 140mm rear travel.  Geometron posted on FB about abandoning that frame after further testing close to it's release date.  Sounds like Geometron believe the G1 platform is superior. Sounds like mutator/linkage kit to reduce rear travel to ~140mm for G1 is in the works.

Nicolai site specs show M G1 @ 3.6kg w/o shock Saturn 16 @ 3.6kg.  Saturn 14 & 14 ST are slightly lighter frames seem to run DPX shocks exclusively.

That's interesting. For me there's not much point in losing a bunch of travel if the frame is the same weight and geometry but maybe that makes sense in some places. I don't care about water bottles so for me that's no big deal.

Posted by: craw

I don't care about water bottles so for me that's no big deal.

*gasp*

the saturn14st is actually the first nicolai i'd seriously consider. looks rad.

Posted by: xy9ine

Posted by: craw

I don't care about water bottles so for me that's no big deal.

*gasp*

Currently riding a full suspension frame with place for not one but TWO bottles!!!

A rumor I just made up...I heard that Chris Porter was going to release the S1, but when he saw staff members mount water bottles to the prototype he just couldn't handle it and he cancelled the project. Water on a bike? Hello no!! ;-)

Posted by: xy9ine

Posted by: craw

I don't care about water bottles so for me that's no big deal.

*gasp*

the saturn14st is actually the first nicolai i'd seriously consider. looks rad.

I don't like strapping tons of shit to my bike and I don't care about water bottles one way or the other. Still have to carry phone, keys, tool, pump so a hip pack or regular pack is fine with me. During the winter I need to carry more (i.e. jacket etc) and in the summer 1-2 bottles often isn't enough. So I just stopped caring. It helps that my pack is super light, very comfortable and stays exactly in place.

Posted by: [email protected]

Posted by: xy9ine

Posted by: craw

I don't care about water bottles so for me that's no big deal.

*gasp*

Currently riding a full suspension frame with place for not one but TWO bottles!!!

*swoon*

Posted by: [email protected]

Currently riding a full suspension frame with place for not one but TWO bottles!!!

My FS bike also fits 2 bottles + a frame bag with tools. Seems like a pretty essential setup for a bike for me.

the industry needs something new to sell you so next year ...  hydration packs

Out of interest, has anyone got any experience with the G19 DH version - I know it's not on topic for pedally all mountain FS bikes right now - but I'm wondering if it exhibits the same characteristics as the G16 or if it's a more pointed DH plough/speed machine

Posted by: DanL

Out of interest, has anyone got any experience with the G19 DH version - I know it's not on topic for pedally all mountain FS bikes right now - but I'm wondering if it exhibits the same characteristics as the G16 or if it's a more pointed DH plough/speed machine

I have had both. From the G16 the G1 was a big leap forward, a very different bike despite how similar they looked. The G1 already has the option to run between 162 and 172mm rear travel while still being pedalable. I would guess that if they still make the G19 as a dedicated 200mm+ DH bike that it's pure plough/speed to make it worth existing with the G1 so close.

SO, one last Arrival question - it looks like in lieu of ISCG taps there’s a proprietary feature on the BB shell that looks designed to take a cup mounted guide / keeper.

I’ve seen images on the WAO site, but none of the reviews seem to have them. Modern chain retention is excellent, but I would love to know if the guides actually exist. It’s kinda weird all the reviews mention Superboost but none mention this detail?

(Edit: it looks like 77 designs makes a proprietary one, but it’s not listed on th e website and doesn’t seem to come with the frames unless you request it)