The G1 EBOXX E14 is the latest eMTB from the German cult brand NICOLAI. It features the 2020 Bosch Performance CX motor, a 625 Wh battery and lots of exciting new features. We’ve got the inside scoop!
The NICOLAI EBOXX is one of the most radical eMTBs on the market. Not only is its geometry extreme, but it also looks a bit like an alien spaceship. Everything about this bike from Kalle Nicolai and his team is a statement of German engineering. NICOLAI present the latest version of the EBOXX series just in time for the release of the 2020 Bosch Performance CX motor: the NICOLAI G1 EBOXX E14.
NICOLAI’s latest bike features the latest Bosch motor and a larger 625 Wh battery, and it now comes with mixed wheel sizes: a 29er up front and 27.5″ wheel at the rear. If you want, you can ride the G1 EBOXX E14 with a 29″ rear wheel by replacing the so-called mutators in the seat stays to adjust the geometry. The team at NICOLAI have gone back to their roots with the design, giving the bike a straight top tube. In general, the geometry has been tweaked, though it still resembles NICOLAI’s proven GEOLUTION concept.
Geometry of the NICOLAI G1 EBOXX
Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 415 mm | 438 mm | 455 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm |
Top tube | 623 mm | 636 mm | 651 mm | 665 mm | 687 mm |
Head tube | 120 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm | 150 mm |
Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
Seat angle | 78° | 78.5° | 78.75° | 79° | 79° |
Chainstay | 473 mm | 470 mm | 470 mm | 467 mm | 466 mm |
BB Drop | 7 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm |
Wheelbase | 1318 mm | 1338 mm | 1353 mm | 1371 mm | 1397 mm |
Reach | 485 mm | 502 mm | 520 mm | 535 mm | 555 mm |
Stack | 609 mm | 609 mm | 618 mm | 627 mm | 636 mm |
The new NICOLAI G1 EBOXX E14 in detail
Like its predecessor, the E14 version of the new G1 EBOXX is available with an electronic Rohloff geared hub and belt drive. Now that the new motor comes with a larger chainring, NICOLAI had to develop a new belt tensioner and they also used the space to position the chainstays higher up to increase heel clearance. Thanks to the smaller size of the new motor the resonating body of the frame is smaller too, supposedly making the bike quieter overall.
The new, large 625 Wh battery is integrated into a hollow chamber of the extruded profile down tube and the cables are routed through the hollow chamber. The battery can be removed through an opening in the bottom of the down tube which is sealed by a bolted on rubber flap, well protected from the elements.
A real highlight is that NICOLAI have increased the weight limit of the bike to a whopping 150 kg. This is not the gross weight limit, but the weight limit for the rider. They’ve achieved this, in part, by a putting a plastic bridge between the seat stays, which significantly increases the stiffness of the rear end.
The build specs of the new NICOLAI G1 EBOXX
NICOLAI offer the new G1 EBOXX in two trim levels: the E14 version with an electronic 14-speed Rohloff hub and the QLFINE version with a derailleur. Both models feature a FOX 36 Factory fork, a new FOX VAN RC coil shock, Hope Fortus 35 wheels and a MAGURA Vyron dropper post. The derailleur model will cost € 7,299, and the model with the geared hub is priced at € 9,199. Both versions are available in five frame sizes from S to XXL.
The build specs in detail
QLFLINE
Rahmen Nicolai EBOXX 4
Fork FOX 36 Float Factory 160 mm
Schock FOX Van RC 160 mm
Motor/battery Bosch CX Performance Line 625 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM GX 11-fach
Brakes Magura MT7 203/203 mm
Seatpost Magura VYRON
Stem Hope Am 35 mm
Handlebar Acros Gothic 780 mm
Wheelset Hope Fortus 35 W Pro 4 29″ 29″
Tires Continental Der Baron Projekt 2.4″ / 2.6″
Price € 7,299
E14
Rahmen Nicolai EBOXX 4 Gates E14
Fork FOX 36 Float Factory 160 mm
Schock FOX Van RC 160 mm
Motor/battery Bosch CX Performance Line 625 Wh
Drivetrain Rohlhoff Speedhub 14-fach
Brakes Magura MT7 203/203 mm
Seatpost Magura VYRON
Stem Hope Am 35 mm
Handlebar Acros Gothic 780 mm
Wheelset Hope Fortus 35 W Pro 4 Rohlhoff Speedhub 27.5″/29″
Tires Continental Der Baron Projekt 2.4″/2.6″
Price € 9,199
For more information on the new G1 EBOXX E14, feel free to visit NICOLAI’s homepage.
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl