SATURN 14
29
from 6499.00€
SATURN 14
NICOLAI’S BEST TRAILBIKE EVER...
NICOLAI’s interpretation of the radical trail bike is the SATURN 14. With its modern and balanced GEOLUTION TRAIL geometry it’s perfect for a lap from home, around a trail centre, or a 5-day XC race. Agile, stable and easy-climbing, that’s what GEOLUTION TRAIL brings to the party. You can say goodbye to going ‘over the bars’ and the front wheel ‘wandering’ uphill. Just get on with riding! With two possible wheel sizes, geometry adjustment and water bottle mounts, it is the most versatile NICOLAI trail bike we have ever built.
NICOLAI’s interpretation of the modern trail bike is named the SATURN 14. The SATURN 14 inspires the rider with its modern and balanced GEOLUTION TRAIL geometry: perfect for a lap from your house, around a trail centre, or a 5-day XC stage race.
The GEOLUTION TRAIL geometry is best described in three words: agile, stable and climb-friendly. Crashing ‘over the handlebars’ downhill, or front wheel lift going uphill are in the past, the SATURN 14 can do exactly what a trail bike has to do. With two possible wheel sizes, geometry adjustment and water bottle mounts, it is the most versatile NICOLAI trail bike we have ever built.
A high-quality 7000 aluminium tube set, FEM-optimised CNC milled parts made of high-performance 7068 aluminium alloy and the carefully drawn welds. All of these details together result in a frame with highest rigidity, durability and low weight. The Boost rear triangle brings additional stiffness and tyre freedom, while the elaborately 4-way sealed ball bearings at all pivot points ensure a sensitive response and minimum maintenance. Should a bearing service be required after intensive use, it can also be carried out by an experienced home-mechanic thanks to the service-friendly design.
The SATURN 14 is finalised with space for a full-size bottle cage, ISCG splines to mount a chain guide or bash guard, and our full external routing. As it is designed as a lightweight machine, we also use titanium bolts at the Horst Link connection, and for shock mounts, this saves a few more grams and looks cool as a side-effect.
The GEOLUTION TRAIL geometry developed by us is another unique selling point of the SATURN 14. For us, “Long, Low & Slack” is not just a trend, but a philosophy that has really come to a peak. GEOLUTION improves almost every aspect of performance on the bike – uphill as well as downhill. An experience for every rider, from experts to beginners. Anyone who has ever fought a steep trail sitting on the saddle nose, tense and cramped, knows how important optimum weight distribution is for the climbing ability of a bike. Our GEOLUTION bikes have for good reason a steeper seat angle and longer chainstays than usual. This is the only way to keep enough pressure on the front wheel. But even downhill and on technical trails, the SATURN 14 goes beyond what a trail bike can usually do.
Every aspect of the bike, from the slack steering angle, the large reach with its short stem and of course the carefully balanced weight distribution, provides the unique GEOLUTION handling and riding experience. Believe us, we have tried out many things and we are sure anybody who has not experienced the safety and stability, but also agility that the SATURN 14 conveys, will be amazed to see how difficult passages are suddenly playful and possible, you won’t want to ride anything else. The SATURN 14 frame is the basis for a 27.5″ or 29″ setup. The 29″ frame can be easily converted to 27.5″ by using a deeper lower headset cup from CANE CREEK or RESET RACING and longer Compression Strut Mutators. With 29″ wheels and a metric 210x50mm damper, the rear suspension gives 130mm travel, with the smaller wheel size and a 210x55mm damper, 138mm travel is possible at the rear. In order to adapt the SATURN 14 even better to the needs, the frame can be adjusted further to the personal preferences with our Mutators. Steering angle too steep or bottom bracket too low? Simply change the screws, anything is possible. With a total of 5x frame sizes we are sure to have the right bike for every rider, whether a petite 1.60m biker or a 2-meter man.
As with all NICOLAI frames, we offer complete individualisation. Choose from various powder coatings, anodised colours or the legendary raw look, plus colour accents of our “Extra Love” parts or Tailormade custom geometries – all options are available.
#GEOLUTION TRAIL
More speed, more fun
“We don’t care about trends! All that matters is lap times, driving 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.
GEOLUTION is the geometry concept on which all current Nicolai models are based. Over the past three years, NICOLAI has been working with Chris Porter on GEOLUTION. To summarise this for people who have not already heard about the future of bike geometry, we can focus on four main points:
- Longer reach (frame length) means that even the tallest rider can take advantage of modern short stems and wide handlebars without being cramped
- Slacker head angle reduces the risk of ‘over the bars’ crashes, improves front wheel grip and high-speed stability
- Longer wheelbase centralises the rider in the bike to give a more stable ride when climbing and descending
- Steeper seat tube angle makes climbing easier, especially on steep sections by reducing front wheel wander
The GEOLUTION TRAIL concept is less ‘extreme’ than the geometry found on the G1 enduro bike, but still years ahead of the average cross country racer. Fun, agile, fast, stable; characteristics that will leave you itching to get out for the next ride.
PRESSURE STRUT MUTATOR
ONE FRAME, TWO WHEEL SIZES
27.5”, 29”, or both ? Thanks to the Mutator chips located on the seat stay and lower headset cups to change the stack height, one SATURN 14 frame can be configured anyway you choose. Big wheels for big riders, small wheels for smaller riders, hybrid sizes for those who want the best of both worlds.
27.5”, 29”, both? Thanks to the Mutator chips located on the seat stay and lower headset cups to change the stack height, one SATURN 14 frame can be configured anyway you choose. Big wheels for big riders, small wheels for smaller riders, hybrid sizes for those who want the best of both worlds: huge front wheel grip, fast speed generation from pumping, and unparalleled cornering response on unknown trails. The geometry chart shows our factory settings, but there are plenty of options if you know what you would like to customise. Have an idea but not sure which parts to choose? Get in touch, tell us what you would like, and we will provide the solution.
TENSION-BAR
ABSORBS LOADS AND REDUCES FORCES
Nicolai has always been good for the other solution. The tension bar increases the fatigue strength of the frame without increasing the weight.
Wondering what that black thing is hidden behind the shock and seat-tube ? Every iteration of the Saturn since 2004 has featured a tension bar. This is an extra connection between the lower shock bolt and the rocker link pivot, why? When the suspension bottoms out at full compression, forces continue to try and move these pivot points away from each other (you can see many frames break around this area). The tension bar resists this and keeps the maximum forces in check, meaning that lighter tubing and machined parts can be used in this area to reduce overall weight.
Bottle Holder
BACKPACK, HIPPACK OR CLASSIC BOTTLE CAGE?
The decision is yours. The SATURN offers space in all frame sizes from size S to size XXL for an easily accessible and protected bottle holder in the main frame triangle.
From now on we can also deliver your NICOLAI directly with the FIDLOCK drinking bottle. With the 0.6 litre TWIST bottle, Fidlock sets standards for the optimal function of a drinking bottle. The bottle can be magnetically snapped into the down tube without an ugly plastic or wire holder with an intuitive rotary movement. Jumps and stone fields cannot harm the bottle. Rattle or lost bottles are the past.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY
A NICOLAI IS ALWAYS RECOGNIZABLE BY ITS WELDS.
We design a unique jig for every model and frame size. The tubes and machined components are turned and milled as necessary and then mounted in the jig, fitting perfectly together. Then, these parts are tacked together by spot welding.
The frame is then welded in several passes by TIG (tungsten inert gas) to reduce distortion. By reducing the distortion as much as possible it improves the alignment of the frame. Our flat, even welds are time-consuming but ensure that the material is properly fused, improving strength.
The wide and flat welded bead distributes force over a larger area, improving the strength of the frame. Sometimes we add gussets to reinforce parts of the frame that receive particularly high forces, such as from braking or jumping.
This extra care and attention to detail ensures that your frame will give you years of fun, even under the most demanding riders and conditions.
TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZED STRUCTURE
A bicycle frame and its components are exposed to extreme forces during use. In order to develop a durable, robust but also lightweight bicycle frame, all components are designed at NICOLAI GmbH using topology optimization.
Topology optimization is a computer-based calculation method by which a favorable basic shape (topology) for components under mechanical load can be determined. This text from the textbook abstractly but aptly describes which processes we use to develop new components. In topology optimization, an algorithm calculates the optimized mass distribution in a component based on defined installation spaces, defined forces, material properties and component geometries. Thus, lighter and stiffer structures can be developed. However, these procedures are only a tool and one of many. However, the most important tool for an engineer is professional experience. The combination of many years of professional experience and computer-based optimization software creates components that are second to none, both technically and optically.
7020-T6 Aluminium
ALUMINIUM IS NOT ALUMINIUM
We at Nicolai exclusively use the alloy 7020-T6 (AlZn4,5Mg1) for our frames. Compared to our competitors, who mostly use aluminium 6061-T6, this grade has much better strength values.
The tensile strength of 7020 compared to 6061 aluminium 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.
In comparison to carbon, aluminium is much more robust and tough, so that bottom contact, falls or stone impacts cannot harm the structure.
ANGULAR CONTACT BEARINGS
4 WAY SEALED
The rear triangle of a full suspension bike is not a statically rigid component and is exposed to extreme loads during driving. Critical points are the ball bearings, which ensure low breakaway torque and optimum response of the chassis. In order to extend the maintenance intervals of the frame, Nicolai products rely exclusively on full complement, double-sealed ball bearings.
These are protected by two additional O-ring seals. Thus, the bearings are optimally protected against moisture and dirt.
Full complement bearings have a higher load rating than standard ball bearings, as a higher number of balls are used in these bearings – in summary, they are more robust.
Rado
Rear Aligning Dropout
So that you can hit every lane on the trail, we mount a form-fit sliding, exchangeable dropout for track and camber adjustment on all frames. Due to the differently milled, right dropouts for adjusting the lintel, the rear only needs to be slightly readjusted after installation. This takes the strain off the material. The respective lintel height is milled into the RADO with the digits 0, 1, 2 or -1 and -2. After the toe and camber have been set, the RADO is fixed ex works with a pin. This makes the original setting easily reproducible during replacement. This is the only way we can guarantee that NICOLAI products work precisely on the track.
MANUFACTURING QUALITY
Made in Germany
The manufacturing quality itself is not yet an added value for a customer. The following two added values “durability & precise driving characteristics”result from production 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 riding characteristics are achieved when the rear wheel is precisely straight to the front wheel and even a layman notices that an oblique bike rides strangely (but usually he thinks it’s because of his riding ability).
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
COLOR VARIETY
Extralove
With a NICOLAI frame, you decide the design. Every Nicolai frame can be produced in any colour according to your preferences. Choose from different frame colours, anodised colours for reversing levers and pull holders as well as frame decor to add your individual touch to the frame.
Frame color:
Powder coated, anodized or factory-raw – you decide what your frame looks like. Powder coating is a melted plastic coating that is significantly more resistant to scratching and impact than conventional coatings.
Lacquer. Anodising is an electrochemical process used to colour the surface of aluminium. The oxide layer is even harder and more scratch-resistant than any powder coating. Additional weight is not applied during anodising. However, the thin oxide layer can be penetrated more easily. With a powder coating or lacquer you can hide flaws in the surface. Scratches, scoring and tool marks can be filled and smoothed like skin folds with make-up. An anodizing does not hide anything, reveals every flaw; the brighter the anodizing tone, the clearer. This is why different colours are produced on welded frames during anodising. However, the current trend is towards frames which are delivered “factory-raw”. The frames are not coated after production, but move directly to assembly. You get your frame without coating (also no clear lacquer). Over time, an oxide layer/patina forms on the frame, causing the shine of the raw aluminium to fade slightly. With the help of a polishing fleece, however, the old shine can be restored in a few easy steps. In addition to the unmistakable look, the “factory raw” look best reveals the manufacturing quality and technical charm of the frame.
Click here for the colour samples!
Decor:
You can choose between the Nicolai standard lettering or the NICOLAI BIG N logo for the decors. The decors are available in different colours and finishes – you decide.
bellcrank assembly:
You have the choice of adjusting the colour of your bell crank, the tension brackets and the preload covers to your frame. We offer various anodising colours with which you can refine your bike. Due to the process, there may be colour deviations between the components of light anodised colours due to material properties.
TAILOR MADE
WE MANUFACTURE YOUR CUSTOM-MADE FRAME
You can order, pay for and pick up your tailor made frame directly from us or from your Nicolai dealer. For technical details, please contact us directly. First we need to know why you want to ride a custom-made frame. Most of the reasons lie in the past.
Which bike did you ride? What was its geometry? What were your problems with that? Maybe back pain, aching knees or a sting in the neck?
Next we want to know your body measurements and mass, i.e. your height, your stride length, your arm length and your weight. Which seating position do you prefer? Do you have health problems? What do you want to do with the bike? Cross country racing or freeriding? Loose tours or steep trails? Which parts do you want to drive or retrofit later?
Often, after a more precise evaluation of the information, we determine that a series frame can also fulfil your wishes. However, if we notice that our series frames do not meet your requirements, we will design a dimensional geometry for you.
10 YEARS SPARE PARTS AVAILABILITY
If after a few years of hard work a bearing on a Nicolai frame needs to be replaced, a RADO needs to be replaced due to a fall or a frame needs a new coating, the NICOLAI service staff is the right contact. Since we at NICOLAI manufacture all small parts on our machines, we can also produce spare parts for older models if required. We therefore guarantee spare parts availability of at least 10 years for all Nicolai products.
Bike Configurator
Like all Nicolai bikes, customisation is key. Choose from a frame only at €2,499 or complete builds starting from €6,499 with only the best parts from FOX, INTEND, HOPE, MAGURA, TUNE, CONTINENTAL, SRAM and LEVELNINE.
After picking your favourite parts, all colourways can be customised, and as all of our processes are done in house, pick anything from 100% anodized black to every single component piece of the frame in a different colour – no limits.
SATURN 14
Ride
Trail
SPRING DEFLECTION
130 mm
weight
from 12.8 kg
wheel size
29"
warranty
5 years
Tech Sheet
SATURN 14 - 29
