ARGON GTB PI

Even in times of better and better rear suspension, hardtails will always have a place in the hearts of many bikers. No matter whether it’s the weight, the direct driving feeling or the uninhibited propulsion – hardtails will never go out of fashion.

The NICOLAI Argon GTB is as classic as it is state-of-the-art race hardtail. What has remained is the unmistakable NICOLAI look, the high manufacturing quality for which we are known everywhere and the many options in which you can have our frame. With the finish you have a free choice between different powder coatings, anodising colours and our Extra Love parts. On the extra stiff Boost rear end you can choose whether you prefer an ultra-light dropout with fixed axle or the flexibility of sliding dropout, with which you can try out a Rohloff as well as the puristic life as a singlespeeder. No matter what you decide – your NICOLAI Argon GTB is always a very individual expression of your love of biking. For an additional charge we can continue to implement special requests and custom geometries.

But the unmistakable appearance alone has no value if it is not accompanied by a better function. The elaborately manufactured HOLLOW-WELD Yokes between the seat/chain struts and the main frame, the milled dropouts, the conical NICOLAI head tube and the artistic welding seams – all features that ensure exemplary rigidity and robustness with the Argon GTB, as with every NICOLAI frame. The tidy external cable routing and the proven squeak-free BSA bottom bracket for low maintenance requirements are of course still available. With a total of five standard frame sizes (S to XXL), we also cover a size range from approx. 1.60 m to over 2 m for the Argon GTB.

Completely new for 2019 is the modified 29 geometry. Derived from our groundbreaking GEOLUTION concept, the Argon GTB also has an unusually flat steering angle, long frame (with growing chainstays) and a very steep seat angle. Combined with a short stem this results in a better (more capable) bike in all areas. In the steep uphill you can sit longer in an ergonomically efficient position, manage your strength better, concentrate fully on the ascent and are ultimately also faster uphill. And because the GTB with its long wheelbase, smooth handling and 100-120 mm travel at the front is so good-natured even in the downhills and offers unusual control and safety (subjective safety imparted), you are also more relaxed and faster there. Your only task is to provide the propulsion….. and at the end to shine into the camera when you lift the trophy or pose for the summit photo.

In short, the Argon GTB is the perfect hardtail to take a marathon course under the galleries on the weekend, to drive a nice tour (a transalp) in the low mountain range the next day and to switch off after work on a lap over your hometrails.

MODELS

Type | P1.18
Gears | 18
Overall ration | 636%
Increments | 11.5%
Gearbox weight | 2700g

Type | P.12
Gears | 12
Overall ration | 600%
Increments | 17.7%
Gearbox weight | 2350g

Over the last 20 years, we have continuously optimized our production in order to further increase production quality and, of course, to be able to implement ever more sophisticated designs. Of course you can also outsource a production, but then you have to plan a certain additional effort to check the processes at others. We do not do this, because we manufacture everything in-house. However, this trivial fact leads to the next reason:

Customer-specific adaptation options
Since we only manufacture a NICOLAI bike when we have received an order from a customer, it is easy for us to implement different wishes such as colour, train guidance or even a special geometry. The possibilities and limits can be evaluated in a personal discussion with our sales and technical team. Oh, and here’s another reason:

Personal Advice 
Personal contact continues even after purchasing a NICOLAI bike. There are customers with whom we have been friends for 20 years and if after a few years of hard work a bearing needs to be changed or a frame needs a new coating, you can simply call the guys from the service department. Since we also manufacture all small parts on our machines, we can also produce all spare parts for older models if required. In three words:

10 years spare parts availability
We do not follow any trends, but test everything ourselves and come to our own convictions and that for 20 years. We have a great deal of experience. In my opinion, it borders on insulting customers to announce a bike as a novelty in one year and to discontinue the same model as a discontinued model next year. A NICOLAI is timeless. Straight drawn round tubes paired with elaborate CNC milled parts and beautiful detail solutions result in a frame design that will please even after many years. I call it that:

Durability and value stability
The manufacture of products close to the customer is environmentally friendly. This applies to bread, milk, meat and any other product. And it applies above all to large objects. I do not want to transport bulky bicycle frames, which consist almost exclusively of air, in containers across the oceans. I just want to produce the things that are needed. For more and more customers this sustainability and the jobs here on site is a reason to choose a NICOLAI bike. Worn phrase:

sustainability
But back to the bikes. Every NICOLAI frame is developed in Lübbrechtsen. The bike is designed, prototypes built and tested until we are satisfied. The feedback of our team riders, our customers and our own experience as bikers is incorporated. Our goal is always the same: To make best function, durability, reliability and the good better. And that’s the best reason:

The best bike 

regards
Kalle Nicolai