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Am thinking of getting a Nicolai frame as I'm potentially going to come into enough money to get a nice frame and a few bits soon.
Anyways it'd be fair to say I'm somewhat torn in terms of choosing one. I have the overriding feeling I don't need a long travel AM frame e.g. in excess of 150mm as I've always ridden hardtails. However in saying that at present i'm riding a chameleon with 140mm forks and myself and my buddies do ride relatively aggressively. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has owned or ridden multiple different Nicolai Helius's (no interest in the 29er by the way) and if they can identify key differences in the characteristics between them. I know in an ideal world I should test ride first but i'm based in Dublin and there are no Nicolai dealers here. So gonna hold off on travelling to test ride one until I know i'll have the cash. In the meantime just looking for some opinions and pictures to help steer my interests.
Don't buy an am. I did and now have an ac29er.....
Do a search......
Dipper at gravity sports will help you select and buy.....
A friend of mine is about to sell his 2009 Nicolai CC frame (medium) if that is of any interest to you.
jfb01 - Member
A friend of mine is about to sell his 2009 Nicolai CC frame (medium) if that is of any interest to you.
If the size is right, (and the price) get this. I love mine. Will happily take a fork anywhere from 100 - 140 mm forks. Builds up nice and light. Mines got 140 floats and an RP23 shock on it, fairly average spec all round (hope pro 2's and 521 rims, a mixture of SRAM X9 and SLX) and although I've never weighed it, I'd be surprised if it weighs more than about 28lbs but it descends so well.
Second Bregante's comment on CC. The 2009 has the latest geometry and can be adjusted right up to 130mm travel on rear. Mine now sold, was built up with a 140 Pike an RP23 and Hope kit, awesome bike which pedalled really well. Build quality is superb and a 5 year warranty which is transferable should make this a good second hand buy.
Info/pics please to roofer1 AT btinternet DOT COMjfb01 - MemberA friend of mine is about to sell his 2009 Nicolai CC frame (medium) if that is of any interest to you
Cheers
The 2009 has the latest geometry and can be adjusted right up to 130mm travel on rear.
Closer to 140 with a 200x57 shock too!
I'd go with the AC too, the RC isn't much lighter and you get less suspension choices. The AC can be built as burly as you like, so unless you're into going downhill big time, the AM is probably overkill.
Which ever you go for dont think you would be dissapointed.
My CC today Nidderdale
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Soon to have a Reverb
Hi Holyzeus passed your email on , not sure when he will get it as he is supposed to be doing the Southdowns this w/e.
Cheers
Jeff
Had mail from him, cheers
I have an Ac and its a very good bike,shreds trails.You wont be disapointed.
Have also owned 2 x Fr's and an Ion.
Nicolai build quality is top notch.
Unless you are doing some quite big stuff or you have no skill,i would be suprised if you would need an AM.
Forget the AM if you want a 140mm fork, it's designed for Fox 36 type forks - 160/170 travel.
I've got an 09 CC with a 140mm fork and is around 27-28lbs with an XT build. Such a capable bike (more so than it's rider). Use it for everything from local bridleways/Lake District/Dales/NYM/trail centres and it just gets on with it. Pedals really well uphill. The suspension action is really neutral on rocks/roots etc (you don't really notice it, it just seems to smooth things).
I'm not really sure where the RC fits in or why it appears to have replaced the CC. The AC is somewhere between the AM and CC, probably better suited to a 150mm fork.
I've got a CC too, built up with Revelation RLT Ti's, RP3, big bars, short stem, hope wheels, 2x9 and a reverb
Haven't come across anything that troubles it yet all over Wales & the peaks. Weighs in at between 28&29lbs in that spec with proper tubeless tyres too.
IMHO it's more than enough bike for UK riding.
The CC is now special order only, the RC is a lighter built version with Ti axles etc and is a XC race bike really, the AC would make a good choice really
Yep, AC is undoubtedly the right choice for uk trail riding IMHO....
CC with 115 fork and longish stem:
[url= http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4058/4709755623_c055fd57b6.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/86995884@N00/4709755623/ ]HeliusMay10[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/86995884@N00/ ]woldspinner[/url], on Flickr
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Jfb01, not heard from Tim since Sat night.
My emails may have gone into his spam, can you get hold of him for me?
Cheers, Bal
RC is a great all round trailbike, easily take a 130 fork, its a good pound lighter than a CC, maybe a touch more. 100mm rear travel. It deos however make an excellent xc race bike.
Ive ridden mine down CwmCarn DH with a 120 lefty on it and none too slowly either. Stiffness is up there with other Nics.
Having said that I agree with the other posters. For what you're after, a CC would be spot on. They tend to go quite cheaply too as Nicolai's go.
The RC has become the CC+. Nicolai have made the RC an 'up to' 140mm bike front and rear but lighter than the old CC. Basically they knew the RC would take a 140 anyway.
A 130/150 fork with 515-525 a2c on the 2011 RC gives a nice 68.5 HA and a really fast trail bike. Smae as the current RC with a 525 a2c
sorry for my crap spelling/typing 130-140mm fork not 150mm and 'same' !
Why did my photo of my CC (above) disappear?. It was there when I posted it. 😕
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