ARGON GLF PINION
ENDURO
from 3349.00€
The Argon GLF GPI is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t be fooled by the lack of travel at the rear or the integrated pinion transmission, the GLF has all the ingredients and handling to take the place of many all-mountain fullies in downhill. By consistently implementing our GEOLUTION concept, the design for a 160 mm suspension fork and the ability to drive plus tyres, the Argon GLF has an incredible trail performance, which we have improved even further with the central and low transmission. With its transmission ratio range, the virtually maintenance-free transmission also extends the already broadly diversified all-round capabilities of the bike. A so aggressive and at the same time good-natured and at the same time so low-maintenance hardtail has never been seen before… that’s why we had to build it.
Riding a hardtail is a cult. Living purism. Back to the Roots. With the Argon GLF you admit to the small group of riders who love the direct driving feeling of a hardtail even on really technical trails. Riders who enjoy playing on and with the trail. And that’s why you understand why a gearbox integrated into the frame also offers immense advantages here. Thanks to its robust encapsulated design, there is no danger of the rear derailleur tearing off, even in heavily blocked terrain, and because the transmission is completely maintenance-free and internally rasterized, gear changes and other maintenance work are a thing of the past once and for all. With the Gates Carbon Drive timing belt, chain lubrication is also flat – an immense advantage, especially when driving in all weathers. Anyone who has experienced how silently and confidently the GLF GPI rides even the roughest trails will not want to ride another hardtail afterwards.
GLF stands for GEOMETRON LOW FAT and transfers the GEOLUTION concept to a plus-capable hardtail. The truly radical departure-oriented geometry with long wheelbase, plenty of reach and flat steering angle means you are perfectly integrated into the wheel and can really accelerate on the trail. No question, with the unsprung rear a little more finesse and physical effort is required, but the combination of a powerful 160 mm front fork, our smooth GEOLUTION geometry and the low centre of gravity of the Pinion transmission ensures a safety and serenity on the trail, which motivates you to drive faster and faster. With the Argon GLF you will frighten many a full driver. The immense tyre clearance at the Boost rear gives you a free choice of how wide your 27.5-inch tyres should be. Up to 2.8 inches wide fit easily even with really aggressive profiles. A Plus tyre offers additional comfort, damping and traction due to its larger volume, while the classic widths up to 2.5″ excel with their gigantic range of tyres and playful direct handling.
But the GLF PI also plays uphill in its own league. With its steep seat angle and not too short chainstays, the bike already climbs excellently, but with the 600% transmission ratio bandwidth of the Pinion transmission as a fixed component of the frame concept and the additional traction of the plus tyres, there is almost no limit uphill.
Of course, we also took the same care in the development and production of the GLF PI as with all our frames. The frame tubes are specially selected for the area of application and ensure high frame rigidity with low weight. Instead of simple tube connections, the one-piece milled HOLLOW-MILL Yokes on the seat and chainstays provide the necessary tyre clearance and to withstand the high loads of the longtravel suspension fork in the long run there is an artistically milled head tube cast set. The welded connection piece between the frame and the gearbox, our Pinion-Bracket, is also a complete in-house development. The adjustable dropouts allow easy mounting and tensioning of the Gates Carbon Drive timing belt without the need to readjust the brake. All components are assembled by our experienced welders into an optically, technically and functionally extravagant frame – including the famous NICOLAI welding beads.
With the five standard frame sizes, we already cover a size range from 1.60 m to over 2 m, and can also meet all kinds of special requests at an extra charge thanks to our custom geometries, which are still available.
The Argon GLF Pi – an extraordinary transmission hardtail that throws conventions out of control and has a lot of fun at the same time.
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 GLF PINION
Ride
Enduro
SPRING DEFLECTION
-
weight
2.3 kg + Pinion
wheel size
27,5" | 27,5+"
warranty
5 years
Tech Sheet
ARGON GLF PINION
