Nicolai cracks the 10-kilogram mark with an aluminum down-country bike

Low weight is usually associated with carbon. Now Nicolai proves that this is also possible with aluminum and presents the Saturn 11 SL, a down-country bike that breaks the ten-kilogram mark. With exquisite parts, however, this elegant model is only available in a limited edition.

Nicolai knackt mit dem Saturn 11 SL die Zehn-Kilogramm-Marke.

Der Sitzthron besteht aus der Bike-Ahead-Sattelstütze und SQlab-Sattel.

Maguras MT8-Bremsen bringen das Nicolai zum Stillstand.

12 Bilder anzeigen

As a boutique brand, Nicolai was better known in the past for supplying high-quality frame kits, which then served as the basis for exclusive custom bodies. For several years now, however, the German manufacturer from Leinebergland has also been increasingly focusing on complete bikes, where you can choose from a number of predefined equipment options via an online configurator. With the Saturn 11 SL, Nicolai is now presenting a limited series model with uncompromising custom-built equipment for the first time.

Eleven kilograms are "too much"

The current Saturn 11 was presented at the 2022 Eurobike and was soon able to boast some very good test results: An agile full-suspension bike made of aluminum with small suspension travel but a flat geometry and trail qualities that spans the range from down-country to trail bike, cracking the eleven-kilogram mark.

But that was obviously not enough for the metalworkers from Lower Saxony, because with the Saturn 11 SL they have now even undercut the ten-kilogram mark. It goes without saying that this required a deep dive into the drawer of exclusive custom components. The result is a jewel with features never before seen on a production model.

Unusual standard equipment

The Saturn 11 SL is the first to feature the brand new, ultra-lightweight Samurai XC upside-down fork from Intend with 120 millimetres of travel. Like the Saturn frame, it is developed and manufactured entirely in Germany. At the rear, a DT Swiss "R 232 ONE" damper ensures composure, traction, comfort and 105 millimetres of suspension travel. Another highlight of this bike is the Pi Rope wheelset, also manufactured in Germany, which uses Vectran textile fibers as spokes and is presented in its new version exclusively on the Saturn 11. The latest generation of NonPlus hubs in combination with Bike Ahead's "Two Six" rim bring this wheelset to an incredible weight of 908 grams.

With these reference-class main components, it's only natural that a Sram AXS drivetrain of the highest category regulates gear selection and propulsion. The Saturn 11 SL continues on this level through the charts: Magura MT8 brakes with Oak Components levers, an extra-wide clamping Intend "Grace" trail stem, carbon flatbar and seatpost from Bike Ahead and a "612 R" carbon saddle from SQlab, to name just a few gems.

Function before weight

Large bearing support widths and load-optimized milled parts ensure high stiffness at the rear of the Saturn and direct, loss-free propulsion. The kinematics of the sensitively responding Horst-Link rear suspension have been specially designed for the progressive characteristics of small-volume air shocks, with a clear anti-squat characteristic so that the bike climbs efficiently and accelerates without loss. The geometry is inspired by Nicolai's Geolution concept, which can be simplified to the formula "long, flat, fast". The relatively long main frame with a 455 millimeter reach in size M and a 74.5 degree seat angle allow a moderately sporty, central body position for efficient pedalling and good bike control. The slack steering angle of 67.6 degrees ensures a smooth ride and offers safety reserves on fast descents and technically demanding trails.

Nicolai emphasizes that the Saturn 11 SL is not just about undercutting a certain target weight, but that function, reliability and performance always come first. "Many can be light," says CEO and founder Kalle Nicolai. "But for us, the most important thing was that this bike also delivers its performance on the trail when the going gets tough, that it's really fun and has real taker qualities."

As mentioned at the beginning, the Saturn 11 SL is only available in limited numbers. The planned 99 units can be ordered now.