The NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX hasn’t only been working out; it’s gone under the knife. But fortunately, it has remained true to itself. Read on to find out which innovations have gone into the 2018 ION-G16 EBOXX and why a complete overhaul was not necessary.
NICOLAI plays a special role outside of the conventions and constraints of the regular world mountain bikes. It competes in a class of its own. Instead of designing a new bike every year that is matched to the competition and the current trend, NICOLAI build something they believe in, then remain true to the concept for years. And their unconventional concepts have worked damn well.
True to this philosophy, the second generation of the NICOLAI EBOXX is similar to the previous one. You’ll notice the biggest difference immediately: The downtube has been made a lot slimmer. Instead of hiding an external 500-Wh Bosch battery in the frame, NICOLAI now uses the fully integrated InTube battery. This allows them to use significantly slimmer tubes, and the battery can still be removed or charged directly on the bike. Thanks to a multi-chamber construction, the frame should remain extraordinarily stiff and durable.
What hasn’t changed from the previous model is the GEOLUTION geometry and the unbelievable attention to detail. To really appreciate the details, let us take a moment to enjoy the following photos. We’ll get back to the geometry in a minute.
Features of the NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX QLFLINE in detail
You might be tempted to think the acronym “QLF” stands for “Quality Line Factory.” In reality, it refers to “Külftal,” to the home of the north German craftsmen. But the guys at NICOLAI have specced the bike with only the finest components so that “quality” and “factory” seem very appropriate. The QLFLINE includes high-end FOX Factory suspension with the 36 FLOAT HSC/LSC suspension fork and the FLOAT X2 shock, which is a dream when it comes to adjustment and tunability. For 2018, NICOLAI is increasingly relying on parts that are produced, manufactured or at least designed in Germany. Therefore the new EBOXX is slowed down by four-piston MAGURA MT7s, and the saddle pops up on a BikeYoke REVIVE dropper seat post. The 2.6″ wide Continental Der Baron Projekt tires made in Germany provide sufficient traction.
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory HSC/LSC 170 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X2 155 mm
Motor/battery Bosch Performance CX 500 Wh PowerTube
Drivetrain SRAM GX 1×11
Brakes MAGURA MT7
Seatpost BikeYoke REVIVE
Stem NICOLAI MTB 35 mm
Handlebar Renthal Fatbar 780 mm
Wheelset Hope Hoops Tech
Tires Continental Der Baron Project 2,6”
The geometry of the NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX
Compared to last year nothing has changed regarding the geometry, so that you can read all about the geometry in our first review of the NICOLAI ION-G16. For those who couldn’t care to know the exact details: The GEOLUTION geometry of NICOLAI is extremely long, extremely low and extremely slack – and that’s extremely cool. Why? We’ll explain when we get to the bit about how it rides.
Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 420 mm | 450 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm | 520 mm |
Top tube | 621 mm | 643 mm | 662 mm | 681 mm | 705 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 150 mm | 170 mm |
Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
Seat angle | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
Chainstays | 461 – 474 mm | 461 – 474 mm | 461 – 474 mm | 461 – 474 mm | 461 – 474 mm |
BB Drop | 0 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm |
Wheelbase | 1312 mm | 1333 mm | 1354 mm | 1376 mm | 1404 mm |
Reach | 485 mm | 502 mm | 520 mm | 535 mm | 555 mm |
Stack | 598 mm | 598 mm | 607 mm | 625 mm | 643 mm |
Riding impression from the perspective of various riders
You’re wrong if you think the NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX is only for a marginal target group. We not only rode the new EBOXX on our diverse test track, but also put it in the hands of various riders.
“The NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX was the first eMTB I have ever ridden. In short: It was a lot of fun! The bike inspired a lot of confidence in my riding, and I soon lost my fear of steep trails and large drops. It just rolls over and down everything! Besides that, I got up climbs I never thought possible. The guys said it was the long chainstays and the low stack height, but I think it’s the powerful motor.” Bilal, 30, has never been on an eMTB
“The long wheelbase suits me very well, especially through big rock gardens or over roots, because even at high speeds the bike doesn’t get too nervous, and I can easily hold my line. When it gets really steep, the super slack head angle means you can carry on going at full speed – there is simply no feeling of going over the bars. For a NICOLAI, the EBOXX also offers a lot of freedom of movement due to the relatively low standover height: this makes cornering much less painful, as I rarely hit the top tube with my knees. The enormous tuning options on the FOX suspension are every tinkerer’s dream. It allows me to adapt the EBOXX perfectly to any downhill track.” Felix, 26, likes it rough!
“For me a mountain bike has to do it all, performing as well on tours as it does on my evening ride or simply riding to the shop. Composed handling and a high level of riding comfort are particularly important to me. Regarding stability, I would give the NICOLAI 10 out of 10 points. The brakes as well as the fat tyres and the wide handlebars give me a lot of control on forest roads and trails. Unfortunately, the bike isn’t as comfortable as I would like. On longer tours, my hands start hurting first and then my back due to the aggressive and low riding position. However, the steep seat tube angle helps when cranking uphill. You pedal efficiently and effortlessly from above, like on a trail bike.” Manne, 60, mountain biker who’s been there from the start
“When things are fast and flowing, I’m happy. And if you throw in a few big jumps with a lot of air-time, I won’t be able to stop grinning. Of course, the NICOLAI EBOXX is a little overbuilt for tracks of that sort, but all that means is that there are virtually no limits for the NICOLAI on flow tails. Go into a steep turn at full tilt, brake hard with the MT7, hammer through the turn, thanks to the ingenious suspension, and then hit a ten-metre jump. The NICOLAI redefines speed for eMTBs!” Valentin, 22, likes spending time in the air
A detailed report of how the NICOLAI rides can be found at: NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX Review – Is this the world’s most radical E-MTB?
Pricing and availability
The NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX is available online from the NICOLAI webshop. There you will find three spec options ranging from € 6,699 with RockShox suspension and DT Swiss wheels up to € 8,999 for FOX Factory suspension and Rohloff hub gears. If you want, you can arrange a test ride on a model of your choice anywhere in Germany without any obligation, and the guys from NICOLAI will come and see you in person.
Conclusion
“Never change a running system” is a motto from the beginnings of the era of computers and it seems to apply just as well to the new old NICOLAI ION-G16 EBOXX. Even though it has “only” become slimmer and got some new components, the G16 EBOXX is still a really good eMTB that works for almost every type of rider.
For more information go to: nicolai-bicycles.com
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