ARGON FAT PINION
ALL MOUNTAIN
from 3399.00€
Fatbikes are not for everyone but for many who have tried it before, who have ridden on otherwise impassable surfaces like snow or sand, they mean pure freedom and the possibility for new adventures. With the Argon FAT PI we have a truly exceptional fat bike hardtail in our range, which not only accommodates the thickest tyres in 26-inch format (up to 4.5″) and has a really trail-hungry geometry, but also one that cannot be impressed by the integrated pinion gearbox even under the most adverse conditions. Especially under the conditions that make fatbikes the most fun – on snow or sand, a maintenance-free, encapsulated transmission makes double sense. This makes the Argon FAT the ideal platform for a wide range of applications – whether in the Iditarod Trail Race across wintery Alaska, heavily loaded on adventure bike packing tours in the remotest regions of the planet or simply on your home trail – with the Argon FAT PI you have a maximum reliable and low-maintenance partner at your side.
The fat you constantly encounter in everyday life consists of glycerine and monocarboxylic acids, is of vegetable or animal origin and can be saturated or unsaturated. Argon FAT PI, on the other hand, consists of AlZn4.5Mg1.5Mn, is guaranteed not to lead to overweight even when consumed excessively… and is simply animal.
When we decided to make a fatbike it was clear that the later Argon FAT PI should continue even where other bikes have been struggling with their normally wide tires for a long time. But that wasn’t enough for us. We also wanted one that – completely untypical of Fatbike – is fun on every trail all year round and works just like PI always and at any time. With tyres up to 110 mm wide and driven at very low air pressure, the Argon FAT PI simply “swallows” small ground unevenness and “floats” over soft surfaces such as sand and snow. With its unbelievable traction and lift, the Pionion P1.12 transmission with its gigantic 600% transmission ratio bandwidth opens up completely new possibilities, but approaches/masters them very easily. To further optimize the service effort and to make the bike a real carefree runner, the Argon FAT PI comes with the quasi maintenance-free GATES timing belt as standard. Greasing the chain was yesterday. With the Argon FAT PI you have a fat bike that is always ready for anything. You can drive through the snowy landscape in winter, enjoy sandy trails, dunes and beaches in summer or shred over the trails with an extraordinary flow for a hardtail. These fat studs can stop (almost) nothing.
To meet the special requirements of a fat bike and the Pinion transmission, it is not only enough to adapt the tube set. For the powerful tires we had to develop completely new HOLLOW-WELD Yokes and for which the gearbox had its own CNC mounting bracket. The whole thing is welded together to an extraordinary frame in the well-known technical perfection and with the highest precision. To tighten the belt optimally, the Argon FAT PI comes with our own adjustable dropouts which can be opened on the right side.
And because a NICOLAI Fatbike is not an everyday thing, you have the possibility to customize your Argon FAT. Powder coating? Anodised finish or would you prefer raw? Free choice of colours for the decors? Extra Love parts anodised in the colour of your choice? It’s your call!
Delivery includes Pinion P1.12 transmission with crank arms (optionally P1.18), matching sprockets and GATES belts.
Fatbike or Trailbike? With the long-distance Fatbike Argon FAT PI you are always well equipped.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY
A NICOLAI IS ALWAYS RECOGNIZABLE BY ITS WELDS
For each model and each frame size we have designed its own welding device, a so-called frame gauge. Here, the pipe sets and the turned and milled parts fit together precisely, in order to be tacked by our welders at precisely defined points and in exact sequence, and then welded in several passes by TIG (tungsten inert gas) in order to minimize distortion and distortion. Our evenly flat scaled welds are produced by a very slow welding speed and, unlike with applied seams, cause a deep fusion of the material.
The wide, flat shape of the seam ensures optimum force dissipation in the area of the weld. Very large embossed loads, such as those caused by jumping or braking, are absorbed by so-called “casting sets”, which are additionally welded onto the frame.
For you as a customer, this creates a long-lasting product that can offer many years of fun even under the toughest conditions in racing.
Pinion Option
CONTROLLED PERFORMANCE.
Many NICOLAI models can be equipped with a Pinion GmbH gearbox on request. The transmission is low-maintenance and optimally integrated into the bicycle frame. The central centre of gravity and the lighter rear wheel bring noticeable advantages in handling, driving dynamics and rear-end performance. The transmission reacts to shift commands at lightning speed.
MODELS
Type | P1.18
Gears | 18
Overall ration | 636%
Increments | 11.5%
Gearbox weight | 2700g
Type | P.12
Gears | 12
Overall ration | 600%
Increments | 17.7%
Gearbox weight | 2350g
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.
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.
#GEOLUTION
“We don’t care about trends! All that matters is lap times, driving pleasure, safety and the physical facts.” This quote from Kalle Nicolai describes Nicolai’s approach to the development of new mountain bikes. This mission statement has made NICOLAI 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. In the last 3 years GEOLUTION was developed by NICOLAI and the suspension specialist Chris Porter. The concept is based on the realization that a longer wheelbase, a flatter steering angle and a steeper seat angle make the bike faster, smoother, more climbing and safer.
The geometric relationship between wheels, steering angle, and weight distribution between wheels are the decisive factors for good handling. The relationship between saddle, crank and rear wheel axle are the decisive factors for a good climbing behaviour of a bike. The GEOLUTION 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 centre of gravity lies optimally between front and rear wheel axle.
All GEOMETRON models are driven with short stems, so that the driver has a relaxed, sporty sitting position despite the long top tube.
The very complex topic can be simplified down to 4 advantages which offers both professionals and beginners a clear added value:
• Best climbing ability (front does not rise)
• No feeling of rollover downhill
• The rider sits and stands integrated in the wheel (more control)
• Higher cornering speed (more grip on the front wheel)
These advantages are clearly noticeable not only for the professional, but also for the beginner. We build our bikes because we want to ride them the same way.
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.
ARGON FAT PINION
Ride
All Mountain
SPRING DEFLECTION
-
weight
2.3 kg + Pinion
wheel size
26"
warranty
5 years
Tech Sheet
ARGON FAT PINION
