SATURN 11 GPI
MARATHON
From 7150.00€
SATURN 11 GPI
A Strong but Lightweight Character
NICOLAI has created a lightweight and fast 29er full suspension thoroughbred with the Saturn 11. 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 Saturn 11 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 Saturn 11 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.
Improved Chassis – Proven Geometry
Large bearing supports with wide pivots and load-optimized milled parts ensure maximum rigidity at the rear triangle and generate direct loss-free forwards propulsion. The kinematics of the sensitive Horst-Link four-bar rear triangle has been specially designed for the progressive characteristics of small-volume, lightweight air shocks. The Saturn 11 smooths out rough trails with its sensitive and responsive rear suspension and allows an XC bike to reach unimagined downhill speeds. The progressive characteristic of the suspension linkage ensures that the Saturn 11 does not sag and always offers a direct riding feel. The kinematics of the rear triangle has clear anti-squat characteristics, so any bobbing movements are countered by chain tension, the bike climbs efficiently and accelerates without power loss despite the extremely responsive chassis. The installed FOX Factory DPS air damper is, as usual with NICOLAI, custom-shimmed, optimally adapted to the travel-stroke ratio and the desired characteristics of the chassis. Now with 106 mm, the suspension travel has increased slightly from the previous model and is now designed around a 120 mm front fork.
The geometry of the Saturn 11 is inspired by the NICOLAI Geolution concept, on which the manufacturer’s trail and enduro bikes in particular are based, and which can be simplified to the formula: long, slack, fast. The relatively long front frame offers 455 mm of reach for optimum sportiness and control (Size M). A 74.5° steep seat angle provides a central riding position and allows efficient pedaling while seated, even on steep climbs, as well as optimal load distribution between the front and rear wheels. The 67.6° slack steering angle guarantees smoothness and flow, as well as safety reserves for fast descents and challenging trails. With a 727mm standover height (size M), the Saturn 11 offers ample freedom of movement through technical sections. It combines efficiency, comfort, control and safety in all areas of its range of use. To sum up, this makes the Saturn 11 a light and agile trail bullet that optimally combines sportiness and fun.
Revision over Revolution – Strong and Effective Details
Various details have been revised and improved with the 2023 Saturn 11 compared to the model produced since 2016. The most important and obvious change is a new rear triangle design. A newly designed yoke and a wider bearing support from the rocker link allows wider tire clearance: now significantly chunkier tires upto 29 x 2.4” can easily find space. This upgrade alone significantly increases the potential of the Saturn 11 on technical trails and alpine terrain. The Saturn 11 gains both traction and safety, as well as comfort and driving pleasure. The increased width at the yoke and rocker simultaneously increase stiffness and stability at the rear, making the handling even more precise, direct and accurate. Thanks to topology optimization and FEM-supported design, NICOLAI was able to strengthen and widen the rear of the frame without increasing the overall weight of the frame.
Another detail can also be found in the area of the re-designed rocker link. NICOLAI now specs metric damper dimensions for the new Saturn 11, inline with other current models. The previous model was designed for the now outdated imperial sized shocks.
The lower shock mount has also been changed. The classic Saturn torsion bar, a tie-rod mounted parallel to the damper previously strengthened the Saturn 11 frame and supported against hard suspension bottom-out events, has been completely omitted. The milled parts of the new mount now transfer the forces directly towards the bottom bracket and thereby brace the seat tube with the down tube. At the same time, the new, lower shock mount increases the stiffness in the bottom bracket area. Again, the added reinforcement of the frame comes without extra weight gain.
Saturn 11 GPI – Superior in Mud, Dust and Rain.
With the Saturn 11 GPI, NICOLAI also offers models with PINION manual transmission and GATES Carbon Drive. The transmission is available in two versions: The P1.12 version has a total gear ratio of 600% and 12 gears. The P1.18 offers 18 gears at 636%. The Saturn 11 GPI combines the best features of the basic model with the technical advantages of the PINION gearbox and Carbon Drive: an indestructible, virtually maintenance-free drivetrain sealed within a robust housing, with a gear ratio range that far exceeds that of modern derailleur and hub gears. This system reduces unsprung mass at the rear wheel to allow even better rear suspension function and a durable Carbon Drive drive belt that requires no maintenance or lubrication.
The system weight of a Saturn 11 GPI with PINION 12-speed transmission is about 1.2 kg more than the base model with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed derailleur. However, this weight disadvantage is offset by significant advantages and strengths. The Saturn 11 GPI is a bike for all those bikers who, on the one hand, are looking for a fast, light and powerful full suspension, but who equally attach great importance to minimal maintenance and long service intervals. Those who need a reliable machine for adventure tours or multi-day expeditions, and those who want a bike that works reliably in bad weather despite the worst mud and rain.
Customizing as Standard, Not as an Extra
Like all NICOLAI models, the Saturn 11 is available in a wide variety of color, decor and finish options. The large “Extra Love” palette of anodized colors allows individual milled parts of the frame such as the rocker link, bearing caps and CNC-milled cable retainers to be color-matched so that they harmonize, for example, with the anodized tone of a HOPE brake or a TUNE stem.
The Saturn 11 is available in five frame sizes from S to XXL, covering a wide range in linear, small increments. Riders between 1.64 m and 2.10 m will find a perfectly fitting frame. The extensive Tech Sheet tables in the appendix provide comprehensive information on this. A bottle cage mount on the down tube is available on the Saturn 11 in every frame size.
As usual with NICOLAI, the Saturn 11 is available as a frameset with shock or as a complete bike. Customers can use the online configurator on the NICOLAI homepage to put together their dream bike or frame individually, choosing from a wide range of options and equipment. For this purpose, NICOLAI only offers high-quality components from the brands FOX, INTEND, HOPE, MAGURA, TUNE, CONTINENTAL, SRAM and LEVELNINE that have been tested for the model. On the way to your personalized custom bike, the NICOLAI Sales Team is available to discuss with all interested parties and offer comprehensive advice.
Weights and Prices
The Saturn 11 is available as a frame kit starting at 2799,00€. Complete bikes start at 5999,00€. The frame kit including shock weighs 2.95 kg in size M. The weights for complete bikes depend on the equipment in each case. The specific bike featured on this site in size M weighs 11.10 kg.
The Saturn 11 GPI is also offered as a frame kit or as a complete bike. The frame kit including PINION gearbox with crankset, GATES Carbon Drive and shock weighs 6.35 kg in size M and is available starting at 4549,00€. Complete bikes start from 7150,00€. The weights depending on the respective equipment. The specific bike featured on this site in size M weighs 13.20 kg. With correspondingly lighter components, complete bikes are possible from 12.00 Kg.
PINION
Centrally integrated PINION frame shift transmission
The innovative gear shifting solution from Stuttgart-based manufacturer, PINION, sets the bar for bicycle gearboxes. The resourceful Swabians have been close development partners of our company since 2012. Integrated into the heart of the frame, the PINION gearbox ensures a low center of gravity and outstanding riding dynamics. All sensitive moving parts of the gearbox are protected from moisture, dirt and damage inside a sealed housing. Service and maintenance requirements are minimal. Lightning-fast precise gear changes, shifting at any time, and instant multiple-shifts are among the strengths of the PINION transmission, as are its smooth and quiet operation, wide gear ratio range and identical gradation between all gears.
We offer a choice of 12- or 18-speed PINION gearboxes for all NICOLAI models. The PINION P1.18 has a total gear ratio of 636% with a gradation of 11.5% and weighs 2700g. The P1.12 offers 600% range with a 17.7% gradation and weighs 2350g.
Gates Carbon Drive
Carbon fiber reinforced maintenance free drive belt
For all NICOLAI models with gearboxes or hub gears we use the GATES Carbon Drive. This carbon fiber reinforced drive belt transmits power efficiently, quietly and chainslap-free to the rear wheel, without stretching. The CentreTrack guides the belt along the sprockets keeping everything in line and never jumps off. Unlike traditional chains, the Gates Carbon Drive requires no lubrication or special care. Dirt and mud can simply be washed off with water, though most of this is removed by the cleverly designed teeth profiles that expel dirt as you pedal. The service life of a Carbon Drive can exceed that of a conventional chain many times over.
Since the one-piece GATES Carbon Drive belt cannot be split like a chain, you need an opening mechanism at the rear of the frame to allow installation and removal. On the multi-link frames of our full suspension models, this is done by opening a drive-side pivot. On our hardtail frames, the seat stay has an opening into which a form-fitting milled part is inserted and bolted. For optimal function, the GATES Carbon Drive requires a defined preload. The tensioning is done on our hardtails via two adjustment screws on the horizontally sliding dropouts, full-suspension models via a pulley. To set the correct belt tension, GATES offers an app as well as different tools, which can also be purchased directly from us….
Topology Optimization
Computer-aided design to optimize durability, function and weight
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
Drive-optimized and brake-neutral four-link rear suspension
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.
Correct anti-squat means that on low speed, steep climbs in small gears, the pulling force on the chain created when pedaling induces a movement of the rear wheel that counteracts the rider’s weight. The rear suspension doesn’t compress, the rider doesn’t lose power, and the tire claws into the ground. In longer gears, i.e. when riding fast on downhill sections, on the other hand, the anti-squat effect is minimized by the modified chain tension vector, and the suspension works sensitively and with a high degree of bump absorption.
Insert Bearings
Quadruple sealed full complement deep groove and angular contact ball bearings
The rear triangle of a full-suspension bike is subjected to very high dynamic loads during riding. The pivot points are the focal points where forces are transmitted between frame components. The full-ball, double-sealed ball bearings installed on our frames not only achieve top marks for power transmission, but also a particularly low breakaway torque, which ensures a sensitive and smooth chassis and suspension response. At the same time, they offer the best possible sealing against dirt and moisture for a long service life and extended maintenance intervals.
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.
Rado
Rear Aligning Dropout, changeable, adjustable derailleur hanger
Our RADO dropouts guarantee perfect alignment between the front and rear wheels of the bike. Finalising the toe and camber of the rear wheel and fixing the RADO in an exact position means that every NICOLAI is always one hundred percent straight. Despite precise preparatory work, construction methods and the utmost care, any aluminum frame is subject to a certain amount of heat distortion during the welding process. Of course, after welding, each frame is straightened, precisely measured and the final alignment ensured. Instead of forcing the frame into alignment, the RADO can be precisely fixed in place with guided grooves and the choice of 5 different camber heights.
After locating the correct toe position along the guided grooves, the frame is drilled and the RADO is pinned by a dowel. The chosen RADO for each frame has the correct camber dimension milled into the RADO. This means that the original alignment is retained when the dropout needs replacing.
Camber on a bicycle refers to the vertical position of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis of the frame. Toe, on the other hand, refers to the horizontal position of the wheels relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A bicycle is straight if these axes are in line with each other when the steering is centred, i.e. if toe and camber are exactly zero degrees.
5 Frame sizes
Adaptive geometry and load-dependent modification
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.
7020 Aluminum
Sustainable and durable, the stuff dreams are made of
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.
Sustainability is a major concern for us, and our goal is a complete circular economy for our products. All milling and cutting scraps from our aluminum manufacturing process, as well as discarded frames (prototypes, test mules etc), are 100% recycled back to the starting material, which can then be used to create new, high-quality bikes again. The widespread use of 6061-T6 aluminum in frame construction is partly due to ease of processing at lower tooling costs, and the ease of straightening after welding with less technical effort.
Welding technology
Craftsmanship and engineering in perfection
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
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.
Bottle Cage
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.
Bottle cage mounting locations depend on the model and frame size, as we ensure ideal handling and function for each case. For the bottle cage threads in the frame, we use blind aluminum rivet nuts. Contrary to expectations, if a thread should ever tear out or be overtightened, it can be replaced with little effort.
Manufacturing quality
Made in Germany
The manufacturing quality in itself is not yet an added value for a customer. The following two added values “longevity & precise riding characteristics” result from the manufacturing quality. Only if the welds are welded deep into the root and have no notches, a bike frame can withstand the impacts from the ground for many years without breaking. Precise driving characteristics are achieved when the rear wheel is precisely straight to the front wheel and even a layman notices that a crooked bike drives funny (but usually thinks that it is due to his driving skills).
Over the last 20 years, we have continued to optimize our production in order to constantly increase the production quality and, of course, to be able to implement ever more sophisticated designs. Of course, you can also outsource production, but then you have to plan for a certain amount of additional work in order to check the processes at others. We don’t do that, because we manufacture everything in-house. However, this trivial circumstance leads to the next reason:
Customization options.
Since we don’t manufacture a NICOLAI bike until we have a customer order, it’s easy for us to implement different requests such as color, cable routing, or even special geometry. The possibilities and limits can be evaluated in a personal conversation with our sales and technical team. Oh yes, here we have another reason:
Personal consultation
The personal contact does not break even after the purchase of a NICOLAI bike. There are customers with whom we have maintained a friendship for 20 years.If after several years of hard use times a bearing needs to be changed or even a frame times a new coating should get, so you can simply call the guys from the service. Since we also manufacture all small parts on our machines, we can also reproduce all spare parts for older models if needed. In three words:
10 years of spare parts availability
We don’t run after any trend, but test everything ourselves and come to our own conclusions, and we have been doing this for 20 years. We have a wealth of experience. In my opinion, it borders on customer insult to announce a bike as a novelty one year and then discontinue the same model as a discontinued model the 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 pleases even after many years. I call that:
Durability and value stability
Manufacturing products close to the customer is environmentally friendly. This applies to bread, milk, meat and every other product. And it applies above all to large objects. I don’t want to transport bulky bicycle frames, made almost entirely of air, in containers across the oceans. I also want to produce only the things that are needed. For more and more customers, this sustainability and the jobs here on site are a reason to choose a NICOLAI bike. Worn out formulated:
Sustainability
But back to the bikes. Every NICOLAI frame is developed in Lübbrechtsen. The bike is designed, prototypes are built and tested until we are satisfied. Feedback from our team riders, our customers and our own experience as bikers is incorporated. Our goal is always the same: Best function, durability, reliability and to make the good better. And that’s the best reason after all:
The best bike
Greetings
Kalle NICOLAI
Extra Love
Powder and anodized colors, decors, customizing, individualization
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.
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.
TAILOR MADE
Optional dimensional frame construction and customization
With our regular frame sizes, we cover a very wide range of body sizes and can offer the vast majority of bikers a perfectly fitting bike. However, there are also people who cannot find their optimal geometry within the range of standard sizes and adjustment options because, for example, they are particularly short, have exceptionally long legs or have a medical restriction. Our complete in-house production means we can offer frames specifically to measure and anything up to custom electric-assist tandems, for example.
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.
Warranty and Spare Parts
All NICOLAI frame models come with a 5-year warranty against breakage and material failure, even when used in extreme conditions like racing or jumping. The prerequisites are that the respective models are used within the scope of their designated purpose and have only been equipped with approved components. In addition, we guarantee supply of spare parts for all models for at least 10 years. Since we manufacture all frame components ourselves on our own machines, it is even possible to reproduce sold-out spare parts beyond the 10-year period in certain cases.
Bike Configurator
The SATURN 11 can be individually defined as a complete wheel in the configurator. Components from the manufacturers FOX, ROCK SHOX, INTEND, HOPE, MAGURA, TUNE, CONTINENTAL, SRAM, LEVELNINE are available.
Trade and distribution
NICOLAI frame kits and complete bikes are offered in Germany through our direct sales channel. We offer off the shelf models, or completely customized dream builds with a wide choice of components via our online configurator. Personal discussions and direct contact with customers are our top priority. Abroad, selected partners are available for sales. With our large test bike fleet, we regularly visit bike parks and trail centers around central Europe. Here, potential NICOLAI riders can extensively test our bikes after prior registration and receive individual advice. 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, test rides, buy bikes directly or pick up pre-ordered bikes.
We have developed a refined and reusable bike box for our mail-order shipping. In this box, the new NICOLAI bike arrives fixed to, and protected by a wooden frame, guaranteeing safe delivery 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 protection inside the bike box such as pads, lashing straps, brackets and screw connections are also reusable, plus it can be flat packed for home storage.
The following boxing and unboxing videos show what we thought about shipping and how much engineering can go into a box alone:
The NICOLAI Bikebox is also available individually in the store.
SATURN 11 GPI
Ride
Marathon
Sizes
S-XXL
Spring travel
105 mm
Weight
ab 12 KG
Wheel size
29"
Warrenty
5 Jahre
Tech Sheet
SATURN 11 GPI
Press Release
SATURN 11 GPI
