VCS - Various Cross Section; vcs-light Already in use on Nicolai bikes since 1998, these square tubes offer increased rigidity over common round and oval tubes. Traditionally, the wall thickness on round and oval tubes varies from beginning to end of a typical tube. The square profile increases the amount of stress the tube can handle at any given moment. We can therefore use less material on some sections, thus making the frame stiff, yet long term durable. MXG - Moto X Gussets Copied many times, you will find these gussets on Nicolai models since 1995. These head tube gussets help increase torsional stiffness on the frame. New for 2004 are integrated cable guides. RADO (Right aligning Dropout) In general, the quality of a frame can be judged by its "true-ness" along the vertical and horizontal axis. Similar to your car, you now have the option to adjust camber and toe-in through our newly developed drop outs (as an added bonus, all models feature replaceable derailleur hangers). Exchanging the right drop out allows for change of camber and toe-in, thus allowing you to perfectly align your rear wheel. All Nicolai frames leave the factory with a correctly adjusted drop out. TRUAX (Thru Axle Option) Optionally available for all Nicolai models is a thru axle, 12mm style. This allows for an even greater increase in rear end stiffness. DOBO (Double Crown Bumper Option) Using a double crown fork has its benefits, though the top tube is put at an increased risk for damage. In the event of a crash, the fork crown can leave nasty marks and dents on the top tube - to prevent this, we offer a new bumper option on select Nicolai models, which absorb the impact and minimize stress failures around the top tube. Warning: for the system to work as intended, you MUST communicate the type and fork model to be used on your bike! 24-0; 28-0 On certain Nicolai models which are marked with this option, you can use 24 or 28 inch wheels. A-Play-A (Axial Play Adjustment) Often overlooked, yet continuously improved: Nicolai's custom bearings. All radial loads are handled by special needle bearings which run on hardened steel shafts. In addition, all axial loads are handled by custom IGUS (www.igus.de) bushings which allow an adjustment of the axial play. This extensive system guarantees long lasting and durable bearing performance under various loads and weights. Our testing has shown that the only real danger to this ingenious system is the use of high pressure car wash style hoses blowing directly on the bearing system. NOTE: please make sure that you thoroughly dry off these areas after a wash or after riding in extreme conditions, such as snow, mudd, etc. Use of products such as CARAMBA or BRUNOX are highly recommended. ROCOMP (Rohloff Compatible) All Nicolai frames are compatible with Rohloff hubs, due to their special left dropout section, which eliminates the use of the special Rohloff torque adaptor. A quick wheel change is therefore possible, even with a Rohloff hub. Please note however, that you should inform your Nicolai dealer if you want cable guides for Rohloff only, Shimano only or both. SSC (Steel Set Compatible) Due to the increased stress around the head tube area resulting from hardcore downhill, street and dual riding, a head set with a least 1 inch cup depth is required a "must have". Chris King's SteelSet, or our own Nicolai Fett Set are good examples of acceptable head sets. Of course, any other headset is compatible with these frames as well, however, the warranty regarding ovalized head tubes will be void. 1-Point-5 (1.5 inch head set) Optionally available on some frames, the newly developed 1.5 steerer tube diameter. Please inquire about specific models with your dealer, or www.one-point-five.com 4LINX The most proven design in the history of full suspension mountain bikes has been available on select Nicolai models since our beginning. Already back in 1991, while working at AMP Research, Karl was developing these 4 link design rear ends for well known American brands. The idea behind this design is simple: minimize the influence the chain has on activating the shock under pedaling loads - the result is a full suspension design which has fantastic pedaling characteristics even with long travel frames. EASTON Easton tubing, made in the good old US of A has been at the forefront of tubing technology worldwide. Light weight, stiffness and structural integrity are all attributes of these tubes, which is why Nicolai has been using Easton Ultralight, Elite and FS tubes on select models. The wall thickness varies along the length of the tube - lets look at the Ultralight tube on the down tube: 2.3 mm thick at the head section, it varies down to 0.9 mm in the middle, and gets back up to 1.9 mm around the bottom bracket. CUSTOM - Tailor made Nicolai has always been known for offering the customer a multitude of color options, decals etc. However, unlike most other "custom" manufacturers, Nicolai also offers complete custom designs and alterations to any frame model we carry, of course as long as its technically feasible and the customer is willing to pay for the extra costs involved. HWT - Hollow Weld Technology All Nicolai frames with a frame weight of less than 4 pounds utilize this technology. What is it? All large frame parts are CNC'd to a specific wall thickness and welded together along their neutral sides - the resulting hollow body exhibits fantastic stress and light weight characteristics, which together with VCS and Easton technologies lead to light weight, yet durable frames. ACD (Anti-Chain Suck-Device) Over the past years, chain based drivetrain technology has given us easier shifting and more gears than ever to choose from. The downside is that chain tension has suffered, ie. gone softer and softer and as a result chain suck has become an increasing problem. To combat this problem, starting with 04 product, the following frames have a simple anti chain suck device built in - Helius, Bass, Nonius, BMXTB and 2MXTB. This device consists of an adjustable plate which is made to fit your small chain ring size and bottom bracket. An adjustment allows for you to close the gap between the smallest cog set and the rear stay mounting, thus minimizing the possibility of chain suck. ICMS Growing more and more popular is the optionally available ICMS mount for your chain guide device. This simple 3 bolt mounting system will ensure that your chain guide won't rotate up or down in case of impact or contact with your guide. Dirty Fingers The name of the game when it comes to our owners manual - check it out for detailed information about your bike, options and setup features. Comes stock with every frame! G-Boxx Riddle me this, riddle me that… what's been around since 1893 yet has not been utilized in any meaningful way? Answer: gearbox bikes! Due to the technological advances of recent years, we are now able to offer bikes based around this new gearbox standard. Check out our Nucleon TFR! The most obvious and immediately visible identifying mark of the G-Boxx is the missing primary drive, chain ring, secondary drive and rear chain - what's missing again? No, not missing - internal is the key word here - the primary drive is encapsulated inside the gearbox housing, the rear chain (secondary drive) is also housed inside the rear chain stays. Say good-bye to constantly lubing your chains, maintaining the drivetrain, etc. Check out www.g-boxx.org for more information! 04 Features 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10