You lost me at the 36-second mark with the €11,000 price tag ($12K USD or $16,500 CAD). Much of the problems currently being suffered by the bicycle industry are epitomized in this video and by this channel. Completely detached from reality.

@7996hobguy

12 күн бұрын

I see the same problem with the RV industry. Most reviewers never even mention the price, and for the consumer it's one of the most important specs. And the RV industry itself is just gouging their customers. Units that should cost about $15,000, have MSRP's 4 times that.

@whiteshark27

11 күн бұрын

Once we passed actual motorcycle prices, sanity ended.

@beerenmusli8220

8 күн бұрын

It's the wages that are detached from reality, not the prices. A normal income should be able to comfortably afford such an ebike.

@mateusztomczyk2899

8 күн бұрын

Price is completely insane. Should be like 2k euro tbh, not 11k. It’s just a frame, battery and a electric engine with some little gearbox. Bikes got crazy as f.

@lexscarlet

7 күн бұрын

'you lost me at [price tag] for this Bugatti. The automotive industry is out of touch.' Just settle into your income bracket and buy the Accord. Welcome to not the target demographic.

Its about time they put a gearbox in the e-motor! Seems like ages we’ve been waiting for. 12k for an e-bike is ridiculous i can buy a Ducati 900er for less

@gmatos123

20 күн бұрын

I hear you but you can't ride a ducati or dirt bike on MTB trails. It is expensive but hell, Trek and Santacruz will charge the same and more for some of their bikes (regular and e-bikes)

@spawnrcandbikes

17 күн бұрын

hey its less than a specialized ...lol

@downhillgroovy5859

13 күн бұрын

As a guy that's owned a Ducati and an eMTB, I can assure you these mtbs are way more fun

@dirttrackdemons5396

4 күн бұрын

i can buy a car for $500. apples and oranges

I'm sold on this bike, I already want one! Nicolai will be going frame only options soon, and its also availible in Mullet config. I'd run 180mm / MX - what a bike!! Well done Nicolai.

@chrisgregson3626

Ай бұрын

Looks fab. And by the by Rob, I recently bought a Strive On CFR, in no small way because of your review and subsequent purchase. Blown away, OK I've only ridden analogue hardtails for 18 years so a motorised baking tray would have impressed. But I'm totally sold. E-bikes are expensive, yes, but they do so much more than just being a mountain bike I believe it's worth the outlay. Not to mention, even switched off, the Strive is by far the most impressive frame I've ever used, I love it. Nice work on the vids, and thanks for the thorough review that influenced my decision. Now go buy that Nicolai!

@GC16199

Ай бұрын

I was thinking, @RobRidesEMTB should make a review about this Nicolai bike, and there it is! For me this Nicolai is the best ebike one could buy!

@bradboybradboy506

Ай бұрын

I would love to build this with abs brakes and intelligent front and rear shocks

@wm05eb

Ай бұрын

I keep holding off making the change to e bike, this is what I’ve been waiting for, hopefully uk import taxes don’t out price it for me!

@SsmAnyfeSt

Ай бұрын

Ahhh it didnt say mullet nowhere!!! Now I may need to sell a kidney! 😂

Hello, I am a gearbox developer. Your detailed MGU experience gives me a lot of inspiration. I developed a low-cost gearbox if I wanted the derailer system used around the world to be converted to a gearbox system. Currently, we have developed 7S, 10S, 12S, and 15S. Production is planned from this year. We will start selling it next year at the latest. If my gearbox is sold to Europe one day, I would like to hear your experience. ^_^

@jerryofthebikes

23 күн бұрын

Nice! Keep up the good work!

@ThiagoMarquardt

23 күн бұрын

You have a really good project.

@sigmann66

20 күн бұрын

The world needs creative people like you. Wishing you the best in your endeavors!!

@all-to

19 күн бұрын

@@sigmann66 thank you~

@zofiamolka1020

18 күн бұрын

At first I would change old square bracket to isis or similar as square is medieval

I really hope Orbea adds an MGU to a future Wild. I love the geo and everything about my Wild. But having an MGU would be another level! Awesome tech!

@kaseykohler1490

Ай бұрын

Headset cable routing on your wild? 😜

@KurtRWalker

28 күн бұрын

That is what I am thinking, I love my Rise but MGU on this or Wild would be amazing.

@brendan1

27 күн бұрын

@@kaseykohler1490 Ya, the only downside.

Finally! Makes much more sense than the derailleur.

@VR6Boki

8 күн бұрын

Yes it does, my only concern is what if you have no battery or the battery is flat completely. Can you still change gears and drive it? If not, then it has one big disadvantage compared to derailleur bikes.

As soon as Bosch jumps on the MGU bandwagon, I'll make the switch!

@crush1221

Ай бұрын

Yep me too... I want a big travel, long bike with a long rear end, no stupid suspension designs that are gonna break shocks, and build the thing like it's gonna last.

@Silverbeardedsurfer

29 күн бұрын

I'd get the Pinion e1.12 right now if I had the money. But probably the Bulls option. Gen2 will be interesting to see.

@do-ineedtosay723

26 күн бұрын

"As soon as Bosch..." Me too, in a different way: I'll jump on the bandwagon if Bafang comes up with an equivalent that includes a throttle. *

@wizzyno1566

23 күн бұрын

​@@do-ineedtosay723so an electric motorbike? You can already get them.

@do-ineedtosay723

22 күн бұрын

@@wizzyno1566 Nope. I don't need an electric motorbike. Most of the time I climb using my own power. But there are days when I need juuust a tad of help without switching to PAS. *

Great footage quality! Good review and solid content. Always a blast to watch.

Best For Riders tech vids i've seen... Super excited about Manufactures picking up the Pinion MGU tech in their near future builds.

Make no mistake this is clearly the future of emtb’s it just makes sense, probs to nicolai and pinion for leading the way! Other manufacturers need to up their game!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 thanks rob for another brilliant review 🫡

Great review as usual Rob, there are plenty of comments here about you loving the bike and it being a game changer, and you wanting one, isn't that what should happen? That's why i watch your channel, to find out what's coming and how good it is going to be. I have far too many bikes already but will be getting another with an MGU as soon as one becomes available, thanks for the great content.

I've never understood why Ebike manufacturers didn't go straight to the combined motor gearbox setup it makes so much more sense than an antiquated rear mech.. I know so many people have had the rear mechs ripped off their Ebike, mine included...

Looking forward to this becoming mainstream. Defo a step forward 👍🏻

Definitely the way forward, great looking bike, great review.

Right on! Glad you really dig in on the deets. Sooo many good things about this. I really do like some motor overun but i think id commit to the pinion mgu knowing theyll more than likely update the software to give it some overun. 28 minutes went by quick

This bike looks incredibly rad, and I kind of want one now... 🤤

Great video Rob. And its certainly interesting. Ive been on bike a long time and the quality of the Nicolais is amazing.

Internal drives are the future. I am sooooo tempted

Nice Test, hope we see it in one of your future Motor-noise compilations!? ❤

I’ve got a couple of their gboxx nucleaons from the mid 2000’s - was only a matter of time before they got on to the MGU’s - this is the one I’ll be pulling the trigger on almost did on their previous bike but the delays with Covid at the time and a good deal on a new Levo - well here we are 4 years on.

I'm really glad that this is finally coming along!!! I think I'll wait a season or two before the remove any kinks and buy v2 of a setup like this.

How about: weight, battery size/efficiency/removable, & climbing power compared to bosch cx?

@gerardcooney791

Ай бұрын

And repairability of that motor gearbox system

This bike is built 50km away from me - just visited Nicolai last year. Amazing company

thanks for your work

Give it a couple years until Shimano and Sram figure out a way to legally release their versions of the MGU, then all ebikes will adopt this model... makes so much more sense!

@TAZMON20

Ай бұрын

Legally release, Sram and Shimano are not prohibited from developing their own systems but until this technology becomes mainstream or bike manufacturers demand it then both companies are more than happy supplying millions of drivetrain components annually.

@streddaz

Ай бұрын

Yes, SRAM and Shimano both could make a gearbox if they wanted to but with a gearbox possibility lasting the lifetime of the bike, how are they going to sell thousands of chains, cassettes and derailleurs? Shimano does have a patent for a chained gearbox setup, but they have never built it.

@essexhertsmtb

Ай бұрын

They will never give up their derailleur and cassette cash cows unless they are forced to

@streddaz

Ай бұрын

@@essexhertsmtb I agree.

@g.wilsondh8407

27 күн бұрын

@@essexhertsmtb well, let's make them. I have been looking for a eMTB, but I won't buy one until they make a 170/170 bike with modern geo and MGU for less than 7K

What a Dream Drive Train.... Totaly love the leaps and bounds our Electrofrying Machines have done in last couple of years so exited and hard to imagine 5years from now Awesome another Gold star on the air board for Nicolai Many Thanks 😉😁🤣

Great intro video Rob! Would be curious what the noise comparison is to a Levo and how the walk mode is?

I love the sound of chain slap in the morning.

Excellent motor clearance as well!

Evolution to current modern EMTB. I’m for the future new tech. It will only evolve more. Never ending. Awesome @Rob

How many times are they planning on changing the case shape and bolt pattern in the next 5-10 years?

Love the bike and the review. Did you clear that section? Just watched the EMBN video and many competitors didn't !

We don't have many E-Bikes in Kenya...I really would love to have one, especially a mountain bike like this. The only problem is it's expensive for me now....Keep doin' what you're doing ❤

Good well balanced video Rob. I could certainly see me going for a MGU...maybe when a more mainstream brand with local LBS presence develops one.

Definitely the way forward 🥳 the bike I've been waiting for just as long as it capable of a respectable top speed so it can be a serious choice for day to day travel as well as the journey to and from your trail etc, without the need to start upgrading everything or making all those compresises. Love your channel by the way!! Smart fella keep up the good work!!. You obviously have the same things in mind when it comes to the perfect bike. I've been planning and researching the correct components for my Ideal build based around my X Frame kenevo, bigger battery belt drive internal gears etc, maybe even two wheel drive, and would love to speak to you hear your views Nice one Rob.. RESPECT bro..Jim.

I’m very happy with my Turbo Levo G3. But I’m very excited about the MGU concept and that’s growing as bikes start turning up. As a kiwi, I’m hyped to see what Zerode eventually come up with. But this Nicolai looks solid. Maybe too ‘solid’ as I’d prefer to keep my e-bikes under 25kg as an arbitrary preference. I’d love an mgu bike with the choice of a 4-500wh battery and a range extender. Most of my rides don’t need big range due to time constraints. But the option is nice for the once a month or so big rides.

@Peterpkart75

Ай бұрын

Yeah Zerode when are we getting this tech in NZ

@gwlcrew4027

Ай бұрын

I didn't tell you this but a Zerode with a pinion mgu drive is not too far away

@electric_boogaloo496

20 күн бұрын

Turbo Levo G2 owner here. I still cringe when the inevitable shift crunch happens. Being able to shift without spinning the pedals is also a great quality of life improvement, easier to be in the right gear after braking. I also own a motorcycle with a belt final drive (Ducati Xdiavel S) so I am already sold on the concept.

The display must be moved down into the frame 👀Brilliant technology 🤘

Great review Rob of a fantastic bike. I agree this is future of eMTB, so many advantages and not a single negative I can think of, except perhaps a bit of extra weight, but given the weight is low down and centered, even this not really an issue. The MGU is a lot more compact than I expected. I'm excited to see this technology develop. If I could afford it I'd be putting my order in for one of these!

This great bike aside... Rob, did you change anything? Your footage looks a lot more cinematic than before! Am I drunk? 😅 Other cameras? New cutter or cameraman? Anyway, love it!

@RobRidesEMTB

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, Will is now working on my projects and has done an amazing job on the recent videos, as well as this. He shot all the video and edited 90% of it! Will is also on the weekly podcasts (and edits that too!).

Great video, this is a dream bike for me!

For a commuter or touring bike this would be so reliable and maintenance free.

@headslash55

26 күн бұрын

Using a flyer tr:X here at 1650km. Yes, virtually no maintenance. Only needed a clean with water. For the rest no problems at all.

How well sealed is the MGU. Given the gearbox element is oil filled I assume that is fully sealed but what about the motor part?

They need to release this system to mainstream brands. This is the innovation we've been craving and they are teasing us at present only applying it to unheard of and relatively unavailable bikes. We need this on a 180mm platform like a trek, focus, or haibike

Is the belt tensioner vulnerable? Looks lower than the motor in the video so my concern would be ripping it off on large roots/rocks. Thanks

My current 'dream' eMTB is an Orbea Rise with a Pinion MGU and a belt and still stay at sub 20kg. That's enough power/battery, power and suspension for most folks who ride trails, not race or do huge drops/jumps/rocks. Also, do we really need 12 gear choices? With the motor, I find I am almost always going up/down 2 gears at a time.

@AL-sd5cs

29 күн бұрын

100% they also make an E.19 version, not sure why they don’t use that instead

@kanutecarson1

27 күн бұрын

Keep dreaming.

This is surely the future . I hope all serious manufacturing start developing one .

It looks great but having had my motor replaced on my first ebike after just 1100 miles riding all weather conditions (uk winter) I’d be keen to know if this system is designed for all weather UK riding. Hopefully there might be more affordable options in the future. I like the idea of less maintenance

I want one as well. I have been waiting for Zerode to announce their motorized gearbox edition; they already make a Pinion based bike, and they're carbon.

I was gonna say something sarcastic and 30 seconds into this video ...wow... that bike is SICK !!

4:46 This matches up with the non-electric Pinion gearbox and is the one major flaw with Pinion. For some reason the number of points of engagement in the gearbox is really low, like a low quality freehub, and it's worse the lower the gear you're in. I remember seeing that Pinion explained the reason for this, but I don't actually remember the reason itself nor where exactly I saw it. It's honestly not a big deal with road riding, when you're pedalling constantly, but I can imagine that it could be a bigger problem with more dynamic riding.

Awesome bit of kit! I want. What’s the battery range like compared to others?

@RobRidesEMTB

Ай бұрын

Need to run one on my local trails to work it out!

Defo the future, for serious MTB's, didn't understand some new tech like auto shift etc but Id love a gearbox and Gates belt.

I may of missed it but how big is the battery and does the gear box drain the system more than a chain and derailleur would?

I'm really curious how this compares with specialized turbo levo Brose motor at 90 nm of torque. It definitely has an extremely fast reaction to torque applied to the pedals and it also has that overrun that you talk about which I love as you can slam into a steep section and as you take weight off of your backend the wheel still spins a little bit which is just fantastic.

WOW, Almost the perfect Ebike,this is certainly the direction Ebikes are heading ❤

How is pedal engagement for the drive system? On the regular pinion gearboxes it’s nearly 20 degrees of slack I believe? Any chance to weigh it? Or at least a claimed weight?

@RobRidesEMTB

Ай бұрын

Claimed weigh is 26.7KG. There is some slack, I will need to have more time to understand if it’s too much - but there is definitely some.

@Dano71R

Ай бұрын

That's my only issue the weight. My 2021Focus Sam² 6.9 is 26.9 kilos. IMO they could have done a little bit better.

Yes intergraded motor gear box is the obvious way forward!!! Side note, Metal does not stretch in a perceived way, chains do not stretch, the pins get carved out, giving the illusion of stretch. I'm not sold on belts, they've been a failure in many other applications, those rings will get destroyed over time because of the grit and belt sands them down but time will tell...

I've had superb support for my Levo (including motor issues) from Berkshire Bikes... What's the LBS support likely to be for these new motor and belt drives?

A point I was hoping to hear is what is the drag like when the motor is off, ie when battery dies? I assume as well no gears too? Does it auto shift to an easy or mid gear on low battery to get you home?

@headslash55

26 күн бұрын

There is no drag when the motor is off or if you're riding above its limit. There is a slight area where the battery has enough juice to shift for quite a while but the motor disables itself

Sold. Nicolai make great hard wearing bikes and Pinion make excellent gear boxes.

One of the few bikes around that pricepoint that actually does something to justify its price.

Good job climbing that power stage climb.

Great review and a really neat bike. I'm moving on to a trike. Does Nicolai have any plans to adapt this Pinion drive system to a set up tadpole cargo bike like design?

in 20 years MGUs are going to be the norm in the eMTB industry. Just like eMTBs are not displacing mountain bikes, MGUs are not displacing rear derailleurs. They still hold a special place in people's' hearts and will remain a product of choice for years to come.

@lav1daloca

25 күн бұрын

derailleurs will be ancient stone age tech in 2 years

Do you have to split the frame to get the belt on? @rob I don’t expect they wear out quickly but would be a bit more faff. I defo want a MGU bike although this one seems a bit heavy speaking with no experience of e-bike I’m at the age where I need one to be able to enjoy riding again.

@r00kiet80

19 күн бұрын

Looks you can fit the belt true the rear shock linkage two bolts max i'dd say a 5minute job

@r00kiet80

19 күн бұрын

Way less work then a normal chain for sure

Great video Rob and agree it's the biggest change to ebikes and why would you not have a bike fitted with the gates carbon belt and Pinion MGU.

Reminds me of the belt drive system that KZreadr, I forget his name, uses on his long multi day long distance touring trips.

@stanmustard7292

19 күн бұрын

Ryan Duzer. Quite a character.

The price is fine. It is clearly aimed at the market segment that does not even consider price when making any kind of purchase. This doesn’t intersect the mountain bike market in big numbers, so the price has to reflect the low numbers of purchases made. Hopefully the experience of making this product and the feedback that they get (like this excellent video) will work down to more affordable gear.

What's that knocking sound you can hear in the first power stage you climbed @3:20?

Hey Rob, how reliable is the motor? What I am wanting is an emtb where you aren't having to constantly change the motor.

@boblatkey7160

21 күн бұрын

? I got 4500 miles out of my first motor.

Any details on the rear hub spec is it up to the long term job most rear hubs are not?

What is the service interval for the gearbox? Surely there must be lubrication in there..? Looking like a sweet package. When they start shipping and be ridden the quality of the product will be apparent. I’m not skeptical but it is first gen and kinks might have to be worked out. But seriously considering this as my next system. Great vid Rob 🤩

@RobRidesEMTB

Ай бұрын

Service interval is an oil change every 10,000KM which they say takes approximately 10 minutes, and can be done by the owner at home.

@remostrotkamp2439

Ай бұрын

saw as well "every 10k km or once a year, whichever comes first".. easily done at home..

The problem for me here is it's another thing we're reliant on the manufacturer for servicing of. Keeping the motor simple, reliable and easy to work with after warranty should be the main design goals. Derailleurs have their drawbacks but I can order a new drivetrain and it'll be here in the next day or two, and I can replace it myself in an hour.

100% would sell my gen3 turbo Levo if I could grab one of these locally to have some local warranty support. MGU will be in my next bike for sure 🤙😎👌

Hey Rob I'm getting one of these but not sure on the size to get I'm 6foot and my current bike has a reach of 485 . Do you think I should go whit a medium 490 or go whit the large 510. Because of the way the bike is setup! What you think 🤔

What’s the knocking noise while climbing ?

Very impressive

The bike looks very clean and clever designed!⚠⚠⚠ Do you have any info about the weight with the 720Wh accu?

Any chance shipping to USA? tried to check shipping cost…. Not available on website…

What cranks did you have? Look a bit long or am I observing things wrong?

For sure we headed this way(gearbox) but man that is super heavy!

This sounds like an awesome bike. Trying to figure out how to get one in the US (and oddly enough - if they'll offer a charger in US voltage).

This is the way. Game changer for sure.

Waiting when they add regen coupled with rear brake preassure sensor, it will be game changer

@boblatkey7160

21 күн бұрын

Regen? Adds weight and complexity for minor gain. Very few people run their batteries flat as it is.

This is definitely the future and just makes sense. We just need to get some sent to Australia. The low to no maintenance and replacement of parts will easily be offset by any extra cost of the setup. Love my Turbo Levo Comp Alloy but a bike with that sort of power with expensive lightweight components is just not fit for purpose.The bikes are already heavy so trying to save grams is just such a waste of money.

Can you put the shift control on the right side of the bars? what about battery removal and charging ports? where is that located?

@headslash55

26 күн бұрын

The shifting is on the right side. The motor control is on the left.

I'm so sold on the MGU- 510 reach in an L is crazypants tho. Once this gets integrated into more frames, I'm in.

What about adjustment of the gearbox/belt ? do you need any except chain tensioning ? Thanks

@headslash55

26 күн бұрын

There is nothing else needed

Definitely the way forward

it's a nicolai. of course it's top tear. amazing review rob

How water proof is the drive unit? Seems none of the motor manufacturers are unable to keep water out of the motors....lets add some gears so there is more to brake in the unit.....

Boa pedaleira 😊

That reach on the "small" is 468cm reach and a wheelbase of 1283 . That's crazy. The small is the equivalent of most Large bikes.

Random question. What brand is the clothing you ride in? I like the lack of excessive branding on them. Cheers.

Should I buy a new mountain bike or a new work truck? I think the work truck will be cheaper.

Will this be available in North America?

Still eagerly awaiting my Simplon Rapcon Pinion which is due any day now. I won’t be smashing any hardcore trails as I’m not physically able to, but it’ll serve well as my daily lap bike without the constant maintenance schedule my trusty Scott eStrike requires due to the high mileage it’s subjected to. At around 1,000 km per month, I’m getting through a lot of cassettes and chains, not to mention wheel bearings and overstretched cables and horrendously expensive eBike chain lube.

I want to get the frame only option when available, but I can't get this brand in the US.

Did you get more overrun on the Vitus Mytique

I am 6’3” would the large be a good fit or would I need an xl.