…the CC and the chap who replied hinted that it was obsolete and I should think of a AC instead. I also noticed that the UK distributor is clearing CC stock and it’s not in the catalogue any more. So if it is about to disappear how does it compare to the AC?
The CC design is older than most of the rest of the range but while it still gets ordered they’ll keep making them. It’s in the 2011 catalogue and remains on the website. Our clearance has been of frames that are cosmetically different but have the same geometry – we overstocked a while back before Nicolai changed to bolt on cable guides.
The CC has true adjustable travel and can be run with forks from under 100mm up to 140mm – match the front and rear travel and the geometry stays largely the same whether you run as a 100mm racer with a low bottom bracket or a 140/130 trailbike with clearance for rock gardens. Running them unequal allows you to get a steeper or slacker head angle as you prefer.
The AC has a lower bottom bracket and isn’t intended to be run with forks shorter than 140mm. Adjusting the rear travel doesn’t change the geometry. The newer Nicolai frames work in this way as Nicolai found very few riders made use of the facility. However, those that do want the ‘one bike to rule them all’ are still choosing the CC.
Secondly what travel forks work well?
140 or 150mm for the AC.
Anything from 90mm to 140mm for the CC.