Nicolai Brings You The G1 Not Sure If You Want 650b or 29" It Doesn't Matter Anymore

Finally finished! After one year of work and many tests and optimization we are very proud to present our new Enduro Bike named G1. The completely new designed frame is modular and can be mounted with 27,5 or 29 inch wheels. The adjustment is done by the headset and different screw-in elements, which we call mutators. The round tubes made of high-strength 7020 aluminium underline the puristic appearance. The thicker down tube paired with a lower top tube provides an aggressive look and more legroom. Today we achieve more safety, traction and speed in all situations thanks to the GEOMETRON geometry. With the new EXT damper the suspension reaches a new dimension. All in all, the bike has an unrivalled and incomparably good riding performance. The reason lies in the sum of all the big small details, which we would now like to explain further:

EXT Shock

The new Nicolai G1 and its suspension is the result of co-operation between the manufacturer NICOLAI and two other European specialists, EXTREME Racing Shox and GeoMetron bikes. Italian company EXT are known worldwide in professional racing and motorsports for their high performance suspension and our friend and partner Chris Porter from GeoMetron Bikes is recognised for creating and being at the forefront of the current trends in geometry and kinematics.

Geolution

GEOMETRON is the geometry concept on which all current Nicolai models are based. In the last 4 years GEOLUTION was developed by Chris Porter and NICOLAI  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 GEOMETRON 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.

Pressure Strut Modulator

We can fine-tune the bottom bracket height and the steering head angle with the help of the so-called compression-strut-mutator. The mutators are available in lengths of 3.5, 6.5, 10, 12 and 15mm.  This new technology enables us to realize different strut lengths. The added value for the customer is explained as follows: Different wheel sizes can be mounted on a single G1 frame.

Swing Arm Modulator

The MUTATOR is a newly developed component on the rear swing arm, which combines many functions in a single component:

The mutators are available in different lengths (33, 41 und 47mm). In this way, only by replacing a mutator can the length of the swingarm “grow with” the frame height according to the GEOMETRON concept.

GI Shock Level

Another completely new development is the G1 suspension lever, which allows two different travel by moving the damper. Built into the upper hole, the bike offers 162 mm travel at the rear. 175 mm travel occurs when the damper is placed in the lower hole. As in aircraft engineering, all Nicolai components are CNC machined from a high-strength aluminum block to achieve maximum strength and minimum weight.

2019 Nicolai Geometry Chart

Find Out More On The Nicolai G1

Santa Cruz Announces The New V-10!

At the 2017 World Cup season opener in Lourdes, Loris Vergier, Luca Shaw, and Greg Minnaar qualified 1, 3, and 6 aboard the ‘controversy machine’—a V10 with a new swingarm rolling on 29-inch wheels.

The clouds broke open before the top qualifiers, soaking the track, and the question of technological supremacy would have to wait…for five weeks, when Greg Minnaar climbed to the top step at Ft. William for the seventh time.

The arms race was on.

Over the next winter, using what we learned during the 2017 race season, we set about designing an entirely new V10—longer reach, better shock rate, and better frame and cable protection. All three frame sizes (and Reserve carbon DH wheels) were designed and manufactured in time for a week of testing before the Ft. William World Cup in 2018. Greg crashed in those sessions, breaking his arm, and effectively ending his season. A few days later, Luca qualified first and Loris third on the new bike. Loris put down a scorcher in the finals that only fellow Frenchman Amaury Pierron could top, but Luca flatted high on course and had to cruise down.

The new school had arrived, and they had new wheels.  

Testing continued throughout the 2018 season, usually in the form of link sets designed to tweak the shock rate or make minor alterations in geometry. We had the big variables figured out, but fine-tuning the suspension under the Syndicate during World Cup season guaranteed regular, high-level feedback and lots of high-stakes puzzling. The result is perhaps the most refined suspension performance available outside of a World Cup pit.

That brings us to now—kind of.

Pairing 29-inch wheels with 215mm of travel makes a juggernaut of a race bike, but racing isn’t everything. Depending on the type of trails or riding style you’re into, breaking out the biggest artillery might not be ideal. Rider height also looms large when deciding which wheel size is optimal and a lot of people may opt for smaller wheels.

So we decided to make a 27.5 V10, too.

No compromises, no gimmicks, no shortcuts—it was designed in parallel to the 29er V10 as an original suspension platform and chassis. The 27.5 bike comes in Small, Medium, and Large, while the 29 comes in Medium, Large, and XL. Make your choice according to your size or riding style, and you’ll be the recipient of every bit of work and puzzling that’s gone into the Syndicate’s race bikes.

The most successful bike in downhill history shows no signs of slowing down.

More details for the realest puzzlers:

• Adjustable chainstay length to optimize front/rear balance
• Lower leverage rate for optimal shock performance
• Internal derailleur cable routing on swingarm to protect housing from chain damage
• Looking for some aftermarket DH wheels? Check out the new Reserve Carbon DH 29 Wheels
• Want an email when V10s are available at retailers? Sign up here.

Santa Cruz V-10 650B Geometry

Santa Cruz V-10 29r Geometry

Santa Cruz V-10 Builds

Learn more on new The Santa Cruz V-10 here.

Industry Nine Announces The A35 Stem

Taking name and shape from the A-axis in our five-axis machining centers, the A35 is an all-mountain stem demonstrating that every detail matters.

The A35 is machined, anodized and assembled entirely in our Asheville, NC facility and available in lengths of 32mm, 40mm, 50mm and 60mm. Add our expressive mix of 11 anodized colors, and you’ll discover the form and function to dial any ride.

Features

• Includes six high strength 316 stainless steel custom M5 bolts

• 180° Wrap

• Solid 7075 Machined Aluminum*
  *100% Domestically Sourced

• Eleven Anodized Color Choices and Color Combinations

  
  
  Single Color starting at $125

  Combo Color starting at $140

Sizes

I9 35 Stem

UNNO Bikes Website Goes Live

Unno Bikes has made their website live. Head over there to lust over some drool worthy frames!

UNNO BIKES

2018 YT Capra Announced

2018 YT Capra Pro Race 29"

Confidence, creativity, endurance: this G.O.A.T. will get you and it will turn you into the rider you have always aspired to be. And true to our core we keep pushing boundaries: the all new CAPRA is a full-on downhill machine crossed with the uphill performance of a trail bike.

Bomb proof tracking, a finely tuned responsiveness and railroad track cornering: the CAPRA has reserves keen to handle downhill minefields with the brutal ease of a trophy truck. A bike that just begs to be pushed hard, the perfect tool to unlock those big, wild rides.

On the trail the CAPRA flies, carves and thrills all the way down, giving you the light-footed pop and playfulness of a fawn that sees it’s first spring. While on the uphill it resembles its name giver, the G.O.A.T., the confident, effortless and most skillful climber out there. The real king of the mountain - the greatest of all time.

27 or 29 – not an easy decision. Because both CAPRAs are dialled into a perfect combination of aggressiveness, speed, agility, and handling, there's no obvious 'right' answer. Your riding style, preferred terrain, and - last but not least, personal preference are the deciding factors.

The CAPRA 29 offers unbeatable control and stability on fast downhills while being an efficient climber on the uphills. Planted low between the axles you form a unity with the bike that offers instant confidence. Thanks to the slack headtube angle, the long wheel base and those tall, capable wheels the CAPRA is the perfect tool to conquer the Megavalanche while at the same time giving you pedalling efficiency over long distances with plenty of up- and downhills. The outstanding grip provides unheard-of propulsion on those gruelling climbs and thanks to the FlipChip the geometry can be perfectly adapted to your needs.

The CAPRA 27 is for all of those looking for the playful agility of an enduro bike combined with the gravity genes of a downhiller. The extra suspension travel ensures it doesn't give any ground when dealing with rough terrain or soaking up sketchy landings. The slack headtube angle and long wheel base ensure perfect traction while the extra short chainstays make the bikes insatiably fast and addictively engaging - on the ground and in the air. You will ride longer and crazier than ever - and will never need a lift again. 

For the new generation of the CAPRA we have fine-tuned our much-acclaimed Virtual 4 Link suspension system even further. We adopt the downhill principle due to the low transmission and thus create the characteristics of V4L: an off-the-top sensitivity, even more ample mid-stroke support than before and a progressive ending stroke. 

V4L not only gives you the confidence to hit big gaps and rugged terrain at speed, it also makes pedalling super-efficient. Additionally we have optimized the kinematics to further reduce the influence of pedalling forces. The result is an outstanding climbing efficiency with optimum climbing position and neutral riding behaviour - providing the perfect riding experience. 

“The new CAPRA is just so f@#$%!* rad, you can really do EVERYTHING with it…It pretty sure can be as fast as on a downhill bike, so it’s my bike for every ride, every day. And the new bike geometry is gonna change the game of the enduro world. So let’s keep ripping trails and whipping through corners!”

Bryan Regnier

Our Frenchie definitely has the loosest style in the Enduro World Series and is a true fan favorite. As a foster son of Cedric Gracia, the former motocross racer knows how to combine good times and racing.

YT Capra Technology

2018 Capra 29" Geometry

2018 YT Capra 27.5" Geometry

Our focus in the development process has always been to create the perfect weight distribution and optimum rider position. So for 2018, YT Tailor Made is taking things a step further.
Throughout all CAPRA bikes sizes we offer a low seatpost height in combination with seatposts, that are specifically matched to each of the bike sizes. Therefore riders can now choose between 2 to a maximum of 3 different frame sizes for their body height. Whether you prefer a moderate or long reach - you now have true freedom of choice. It's like your frame has been tailormade for you. By opting for the longer reach, experienced riders can adjust the weight distribution more precisely while the standard reach will give you a bike with a little more pop out of corners.

The seat angle of the new CAPRA is perfectly adjusted to a well-balanced pedaling position, allowing for maximum riding efficiency and pedaling prowess. The slack headtube angle and short chainstays, which again are adapted for each frame size, deliver the most advanced combination of trail bike agility and traction at downhill standard.

2018 YT Capra 27.5 CF ProCheck out the full build kits and color option on the YT Website.