Nicolai Saturn 14

Nicolai Saturn 16: did someone say water bottle?

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The Nicolai Saturn 16 is a new development for the German marque and is designed to sit between the Saturn 14 ST trail bike and the G1 burly-duro bike.

Nicolai Saturn 14
Yep, that’s a Nicolai

Could it be that the brand is finally relenting a bit and giving long travel fans the ability to have a bottle on their Nicolai at last?

Fidlocking beats

Nicolai Press Release

The Saturn 16 is a lightweight enduro bike with excellent all-round characteristics, a maximum range of application, tuning and setup potential.

The Saturn 16 crowns the traditional NICOLAI Saturn series, whose common layout is the classic Horst-Link, four-bar rear triangle, with the vertically mounted shock. The Saturn 16 differentiates itself from the manufacturer‘s long and slack G-Series, as it’s not designed as a pure enduro racing machine, but can cover a much wider range of uses.

The Saturn 16 ranks similar to the G-Series in the 160mm rear suspension class suited to forks from 150 to 160mm. Instead of the radically slack Geolution geometry of the G-Series, the Saturn 16 is based on the more moderate, more universally applicable Geolution Trail concept. With a relatively long 519 mm reach and a steering angle of 64.5° (27.5” size L), the bike also has competition potential and suitable equipment for the toughest enduro trails. However, the geometry provides a tamer steering angle for more agile handling and greater maneuverability. Due to the 78.5° steep seat angle, you are placed in a central seating position offering good control and optimal load distribution between the front and rear wheel in all riding situations. The Geolution Trail formula can best be described in its application as follows: crisp climbs, high speed trails, technical challenges and hard-hitting downhill. The Saturn 16 meets all the requirements for the Enduro spectrum. However, it can just as easily be used as a long travel trail bike with all-day touring potential.

Nicolai Saturn 16 geometry

All of the geometry, all of the time

The Saturn 16 has so many options for setup and customization, perhaps more than any other NICOLAI model. It can be ridden with 27.5” or 29” wheels, or as a hybrid of the two (a ‘Mullet,’ business at the front and party in the back as the old adage goes!). NICOLAI equips the bike for this with an appropriate compression strut and seatstay Mutators: these form-fitted adapters of different lengths allow adjustment of the geometry of the rear triangle. However, the Mutators can also be used to change the geometry independently of frame and wheel sizes, for example, to fine- tune the bottom bracket height and steering angle.

The Saturn 16 offers freedom when it comes to choosing the damper and the suspension characteristics. Only the damper installation length of 230mm is fixed, after this, air or steel-coil sprung dampers with 60 or 65mm stroke can be used, with a resulting wheel travel of 148 or 158 mm respectively. To accommodate the different characteristics of these two types of shock in terms of progression curves, NICOLAI offers two different lower shock mounts for the Saturn 16. They are offset against the upper mount by either 14mm for a linear linkage for air shocks, or 21mm to create a slightly more progressive linkage for coil sprung shocks. However, these are only recommendations, the customers can always have the final say in tuning their perfect bike.

NICOLAI equips the Saturn 16 from the factory, as always, with an optimized and tested standard setting which is shown in the Mutator tuning table. This setup depends on wheel, frame and shock sizes. Further from the basic setup, the table shows the scope for tuning and geometry adjustments through all different Mutator dimensions and shock mounts.

The 7020 T6 aluminum frame of the Saturn 16 is built so strong and durable that there are no limits or restrictions on use, it has even received the coveted ‘Bike Park Approval.’ In order to not pay for this with additional weight, NICOLAI has used topology optimization in the design of all crucial components of the frame. A virtual simulation that makes it possible to optimally reinforce high- stress areas and save material in low-stress zones. Implemented on the factory‘s own modern 5-axis CNC machines, this has not only resulted in a durable, weight-optimized work tool, but also an absolute eye-catcher and a masterpiece of milling art.

By the way, the Saturn 16‘s customization options are by no means limited to setup and tuning. Like all NICOLAI models, the Saturn is available in a wide range of color, decor and finish variants. The „Extra Love“ palette of anodized colors allows choice of all milled frame parts such as bearing caps, rocker links and cable guides to be color-matched so that they harmonize, for example, with the anodized tone of HOPE brakes or a TUNE stem.

The Saturn 16 is available in six frame sizes from S to XXXL, covering a particularly wide range in linear, small increments. Meaning all riders between 1.55m and 2.10m will be able to choose a perfectly fitting frame. To achieve a consistent character and identical handling in all sizes, the chainstay length grows with the increasing frame size through appropriate Mutators. However, it can also be ridden at the riders’ request to deviate from the basic setup: a large frame with a shorter chainstay, for example. The frame and wheel sizes always have an influence on the available options and tuning possibilities, the Tech Sheet in the appendix provides detailed information on this. However, there is room for a bottle cage on the down tube of any frame.

The Saturn 16 is available as a frameset or complete bike. Customers can use the online configurator on the NICOLAI homepage to piece together their dream bike or frame, individually choosing from a wide range of options, finish and equipment.

nicolai-bikes.com

While you’re here…

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/nicolai-goes-nathan-barley-or-somewhere-the-sun-doesnt-shine/

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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Home Forums Nicolai Saturn 16: did someone say water bottle?

Viewing 36 posts - 1 through 36 (of 36 total)
  • Nicolai Saturn 16: did someone say water bottle?
  • barney
    Free Member

    They cater to people 210cm tall, with a bike with a reach of 570mm (for the 29er – lets be honest, no-one a hair off 7ft tall will be running 27.5), and a wb of 1391mm.

    0_o

    Wonder how many of those they’re aiming to sell?

    granny_ring
    Full Member

    Not that I will get one but are the frame sizes missing from the top of the table shown?

    a11y
    Full Member

    Not that I will get one but are the frame sizes missing from the top of the table shown?

    They are indeed, full info on their tech sheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vTLbwN9LqbrNpG5BN9b5Iqwm45bmMFH0xbwFMi-ylaACQZ3tQ93VUP5_I0PgWiyBpRbEWGhQWL_QV0u/pubhtml#

    small – medium – large – x-large – xx-large – xxx-large

    Scary to think that at 187cm I’d not be on their biggest size (I’d go XL). Unlikely to be buying one, not because I don’t REALLY want one but because I’ve got a Saturn 14 and it’s more than enough bike for me.

    sillyoldman
    Full Member

    That looks AMAZING!

    fahzure
    Full Member

    Those reach numbers are ridiculous. Longer than the G series.

    bilbo
    Free Member

    Struggling to see where this fits in their line-up, if the main difference between the G1 is head tube angle why not just supply some headset cups?

    sillyoldman
    Full Member

    490 reach with a 440 ST and a 78.25 STA sounds pretty sensible to me. A long but not crazy long medium.

    augustuswindsock
    Full Member

    That’s stunning, thought they’d have gone for an eight pins dropper though!

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    That CNC machining is pure filth.

    At 6ft 3in, I’d ‘only’ be on an XL, I’m normally on the biggest size on most bikes!

    Knowing how few new models Nicolai release, this could be a replacement for my jeffsy in a year or 2.

    b33k34
    Full Member

    I’m loving the look of that – looks very ‘delicate’ for a 160mm enduro frame, though I suspect the weight savings are offset by the extra material and bolts of the mutators. Frame weight would be interesting to see (and to compare to the G1)

    It definitely sounds like there’s some customer feedback informing comments about ‘more universally applicable Geolution Trail concept” and “agility”. It would be interesting to ride as the reach and chain stays are still still huge – I’m on the cusp of XL/XXL and compared to, say, a Nukeproof Mega theres an extra 40mm on both reach and ETT(seated reach) and 13mm on the seatstays and 60mm on the wheelbase. It’s still going to feel like a big big bike.

    If the main difference between the G1 is head tube angle why not just supply some headset cups?

    Indeed – especially given all the other adjustability. Surprised that this doesn’t have more conventional fit measurements too.

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    Frame weight would be interesting to see

    3.6kg according to the tech sheet

    big_scot_nanny
    Full Member

    That just ticks all the boxes for tall people. Long reach/ETT, proper sized head tubes so decent stack, nice short seat tubes, proper seat tube angles (not stupid effective v actual)

    At 195cm (6’5″?) I think I would go for the XL rather than XXL – could have a 240mm dropper with no issues (might be able to squeeze it into the 520mm ST on the XXL, but need to go measure).

    it’s all fantasy though, still rocking my long black pole 🙂

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    proper seat tube angles (not stupid effective v actual)

    I don’t think it is actual is it? The number given is stated as effective and the tube runs from in front of the bb. Certainly better than many (no bends, not yards in front of the BB) but it’s not entirely “actual” either.

    (I’d very happily have another nicolai, I loved my cc, I’d also be tempted to go xl at 196cm, I’d like to try the xxl but can’t see it suiting me to pedal at all. I wonder if “buying yet another bloody bike” can be cited as unreasonable behaviour?)

    a11y
    Full Member

    After initially dismissing this as not figuring out where it’d work for me, thinking more it’d actually be the perfect replacement to consolidate my current FSers into one (Saturn 14 and a Geometron G15). The Nicolai/Geometron approach works for me but always been worried that the next logical step – a G1 – would be too much as a single-bike option for what I ride. A Saturn 16, however, with two setups: shorter-stroke, lighter air shock for 150 rear equipped with lighter wheels for general use, and a longer-stroke coil shock for 160 rear and heavier wheels for uplifts and Alps. Maybe in a couple of years.

    First ride review HERE.

    looks very ‘delicate’ for a 160mm enduro frame

    Apparently the same weight as a G1 frame – weights from Nicolai’s frames page:
    Saturn 14 130mm, 2.95kg
    Saturn 16 150/160mm, 3.6kg
    G1 162/175mm, 3.6kg

    At 195cm (6’5″?) I think I would go for the XL rather than XXL – could have a 240mm dropper with no issues (might be able to squeeze it into the 520mm ST on the XXL, but need to go measure).

    I reckon you’d j-u-s-t about manage 240mm dropper on the XXL/520mm ST. I’m 187cm (33″ inside leg) running a 200mm Brand X dropper on a XL G15 with 500mm ST and about 5-10mm to spare. A shorter-stack dropper (like the OneUp) and your extra height might just about be enough.

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    My current bike (XXL size… ha!) has a 485mm ST, the XL Saturn 16 has a 475mm, the big difference being insertion depth, I’m currently limited by a kinked seat tube on a carbon frame meaning 275mm max insertion. The Saturn 16 looks like it could take 400mm or more…

    Oh and last time I checked I had 290mm from collar to rail, so I’d still have 30mm spare on a oneup 240mm post.

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    I reckon you’d j-u-s-t about manage 240mm dropper on the XXL/520mm ST. I’m 187cm (33″ inside leg) running a 200mm Brand X dropper on a XL G15 with 500mm ST and about 5-10mm to spare.

    I’m not sure one of those numbers can be right – even at a teeny 160mm crank length and no extra stack for collar saddle etc…

    200mm seat post
    500mm tube
    160mm crank
    = 860mm to the bottom of the pedal stroke from your saddle

    33″ is 838mm

    Appreciate its angled back vs a near vertical for your pedal stroke but that sounds like a lot of extra length to lose to a steep angle. (860mm at 76° sa would give a vertical drop of 834, no saddle and no seat post stack)

    (as it is i’d get a 240 in my process* but not with masses to spare the St is only 482mm by comparison and I’m 4″ taller with another 2″ on my inside leg)

    *well I wouldn’t because bendy seat tubes but…

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    Going by my measurements you’d need to find another 20mm with a 240mm post on a 520mm ST – fairly easy to find with 5cm more overall height, slightly thicker pedals, lower stack saddle etc.

    I’m not sure one of those numbers can be right – even at a teeny 160mm crank length and no extra stack for collar saddle etc…

    200mm seat post
    500mm tube
    160mm crank
    = 860mm to the bottom of the pedal stroke from your saddle

    33″ is 838mm

    Not sure it works as simple as that – my current bike:

    290mm rail to clamp
    485mm ST
    175mm cranks
    = 950mm – 37.4″

    In traditional inside leg measurement I’m a 33″ but doing it the way with a book shoved up ‘there’ I measure at 37″.

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    In traditional inside leg measurement I’m a 33″ but doing it the way with a book shoved up ‘there’ I measure at 37″.

    4″? I hope for your sake the book in question is sized for a dolls house.

    b33k34
    Full Member

    Apparently the same weight as a G1 frame – weights from Nicolai’s frames page:
    Saturn 14 130mm, 2.95kg
    Saturn 16 150/160mm, 3.6kg
    G1 162/175mm, 3.6kg

    “delicate” – meant in a good way. Nicolai have never built with low weight as the priority so I’d expect this to be more than tough enough.

    I wonder if that’s with or without shock?

    Again, in comparison the Nukeproof Mega Carbon (I just bought one so have the figures to hand) is claimed at 3.82kg (which may or may not include the supplied X2 shock c660g and headset)

    I don’t think weight is especially important on this sort of frame, but interesting that there’s no real difference between carbon and ally now (although still possible to make alloy frames much heavier – Transition Sentinal I was looking at 3.2kg with shock in carbon, 4.4kg !! in alloy)

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    4″? I hope for your sake the book in question is sized for a dolls house.

    That’s a relaxed trouser inside leg Vs a proper bike inside leg book method. My point is they’re 2 different ways of measuring, so you can’t just take a trouser inside leg measurement and apply it to a bike.

    Better to measure based off your current bike anyway.

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    That’s a relaxed trouser inside leg Vs a proper bike inside leg book method

    Sorry I maybe should have put a 😉 or 😬

    But yes, I take your point

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    Again, in comparison the Nukeproof Mega Carbon (I just bought one so have the figures to hand) is claimed at 3.82kg (which may or may not include the supplied X2 shock c660g and headset)

    There’s a review on wiggle which gives the actual weight of a medium carbon Mega with shock of just over 4kg, so 3.3kg without shock/headset.

    If Nicolai’s weight is more accurate that puts it at 4.4kg with the same shock same headset, 3-400g more. Not too shabby.

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    Sorry I maybe should have put a 😉 or 😬

    But yes, I take your point

    I’m over 40 now, things start to erm… sag in certain areas 🤣😁

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    What’s the buying process like in the UK direct from Nicolai? Prices are in euros with 19% vat so I’m presuming that would be removed and 20% paid on import.

    Asking for a friend, of course… 🤨

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    UK Distribution is through Geometron isn’t it?

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    Thought that was just the Geometron G1?

    As in all Geometrons are Nicolais but not all Nicolais are Geometrons.

    dangeourbrain
    Free Member

    Not sure, nicolai list them as UK distributor but its entirely plausible they only deal with the g1

    cgocal
    Free Member

    I am 190cm and can fit a 240mm post on a xxl g1. (500mm seattube)

    b33k34
    Full Member

    It would be interesting to ride as the reach and chain stays are still still huge – I’m on the cusp of XL/XXL

    Of course easy enough to ignore the size guide and just ride a Large for 515reach with a massive long seatpost.

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    How big is too big? On a size XL I’d be able to run a 265mm one up dropper, if they made one that big.

    The wheelbase at 65mm longer would see me having issues hanging it in my garage too… 😆

    mboy
    Free Member

    Not sure, nicolai list them as UK distributor but its entirely plausible they only deal with the g1

    Popped in to see the Geometron guys this afternoon, expect to see their own version fairly soon I’d say. I had a quick look and pedal up and down the drive on their prototype, so hardly an extensive test, but looks and feels good. More of a direct successor to the G15 (a bike until recently I owned and loved) but with all the improvements in adjustability and adaptability that have come from the G1. Vertical shock is going to be a huge bonus for those of us who like to manage with just a bottle for shorter rides, and though it’s still in the LLS camp compared to most, it definitely feels quite a bit more manageable and “normal” for those of us not riding flat out on big terrain all of the time. Running a 230mm eye to eye EXT shock (with spherical eyelets still) they’re saying just over 140mm rear travel with a 57.5mm stroke shock and combined with a 150mm fork the BB looks and feels suitably low enough.

    Looking at the raw numbers, the geometry doesn’t look drastically different to the G15 (a slightly steeper seat angle aside), which in my book is no bad thing (the G1 is going nowhere for those who require the extra length and stability and get out of jail free attitude it brings). I’ve demoed a G1, and impressive as it was, I found after a while I started to feel more of a passenger on the bike than I wanted, and going back to my old G15 I could only put this down to it being longer/lower/slacker than my usual trails warranted or my riding ability could deal with. I’m sure given more saddle time on one I’d adapt and start to love it, but my G15 was a bike I jumped on and felt instantly at home on on my usual trails and though it didn’t have travel in reserve, it coped with anything I could throw at it and pushed my riding on somewhat too…

    If and when my knee recovers fully so I’m not reliant on an eBike indefinitely, then I expect I will order one sooner than later as it seems to address my only criticisms with the G15 (lack of bottle space, relatively tight rear tyre clearance, slight firmness off the top of the stroke) perfectly.

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    Ooh nice, I did see a couple of posts from Geometron that they have a new bike coming and it could only be their version of the Saturn 16.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CcGJGNUIv1_

    ta11pau1
    Full Member

    For anyone interested, looks like there’ll be some news over the weekend from Geometron:

    1
    the00
    Free Member

    Nice prices for Nicolai Saturn 14, 16 & G1 on Bike Components at the moment. Available off the shelf too. So tempting.

    a11y
    Full Member

    I didn’t think bike-components.de shipped to the UK though?

    https://www.bike-components.de/en/Nicolai/ – nice prices indeed and quite a contrast to the prices of SC, Transition, etc frames.

    I’ve had my Saturn 14 for 18 months now and it’s lovely to ride – nice stable partner alongside a burly Geometron:

    Saturn 14

    rootes1
    Full Member

    Anyone taken the plunge and got a Saturn16. As a taller chap the numbers are appealing to me.

     

     

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