Light, fast, electrifying - The new SWIFT models
With the launch of the SWIFT model range, we are presenting two electrified, lightweight, full-suspension trail bikes equipped with the brand new Bosch SX motor: the Saturn 11 SWIFT and the Saturn 14 SWIFT. The bigger Nicolai EBOXX EMTB models introduced in 2020 are primarily designed to be robust, powerful and long-range, with plush suspension and comfort, powerful CX motors with large batteries and designed for use anywhere from adventure bike-packing to e-enduro and bike park. With the new SWIFT series, on the other hand, Nicolai wants to appeal to riders wanting a more agile and, above all, lighter bike that is closer to a classic MTB in terms of handling and ride dynamics - riders who have high fitness ambitions but still want to benefit from the power, fun and range boost of a motor assist.
Pro-rider Frank Schneider has extensively tested the new Bosch SX drive system for us and is thrilled: "A Saturn SWIFT with SX drive is a different beast. It rides differently and as a rider you are moving more naturally than you’re used to with all previous e-bikes. And this difference is not just marginal, it's huge. In terms of handling, dynamics and power development, it is much more similar to a regular bike than to an e-bike, and this is not only due to the significantly lower weight. The key is the new Sprint technology, which is only available in the SX unit installed in the SWIFT. When the familiar Bosch CX motors with their ample torque take over and push you forward as soon as pressure is registered at the crank, the SWIFT demands significantly more physical input from you. As the power output is also dependent on the cadence, it feels much more natural. Only at a high cadence the full power of 600W is available. Your pulse easily goes up 15 beats, nevertheless, you don't want to stop, because you have never flown so fast through your favorite trail. The natural riding feeling is also supported by the fact that the power output of the SX motor levels out so smoothly when you reach the limit that you don't even notice it. You want to ride faster than 25 km/h? Then you can easily go faster. The typical feeling that a brake anchor is dropped behind you the moment the motor assistance switches off is completely absent with the SX drive. With the eBike Flow app, you can also tune and configure each of the four riding modes in terms of assist level, dynamics and torque until you find your perfect characteristics.”
SATURN 14 SWIFT
Trails are its Favorite Dish
The Nicolai Saturn 14 SWIFT replicates 1:1 the geometry and suspension kinematics of the regular Saturn 14: our take on a modern, radical trail bike with maximum all-round capabilities. With 150mm of travel at the front and 130mm at the rear, the Saturn 14 SWIFT is perfect for any playground, from a home lap to an epic all-day ride, from technical mountain trails to a spin in the bike park. The geometry of this 29er full-suspension bike follows the manufacturer's well-known Geolution Trail concept, with plenty of reach, 480mm in size M, a 64.8° slack head angle and relatively long chainstays. Due to the steep 76.5° seat angle, however, the bike feels more compact when seated than the reach would suggest. Thanks to the centralized body position, steeper climbs can be mastered while seated without the front wheel rising and wandering. When powering through single trails, the load distribution between the front and rear wheel is perfectly balanced, providing excellent bike control. And when it gets more technical on the downhill, you have plenty of clearance behind the saddle. The four-bar link rear suspension works sensitively, transferring the combined power of rider and motor to even the roughest terrains. The suspension offers well-defined support in the mid-stroke and always has some in reserve thanks to adequate progression. At high speeds and in rough terrain, the Saturn 14 SWIFT stays stable while the capable suspension flattens the ground, providing a high level of confidence for even the toughest and steepest trails. The Saturn 14 SWIFT is the Nicolai with the biggest hunger for trail miles.
SATURN 11 SWIFT
Aggressive Excellence
With the Saturn 11 SWIFT, we are introducing a light, fast, 29er EMTB to the trails, which plays out its strengths in an XC-focused sporty riding style, as well as hunting fast single trails and on cruisy but challenging, alpine tours. The Saturn 11 SWIFT, like its big brother, the Saturn 14 SWIFT, has adopted the geometry and chassis of its regular version. The relatively long front triangle offers 455mm of reach (Size M) and, in combination with a 67.6° slack steering angle makes for a perfect balance of sportiness and control. The steep 74.5° seat angle ensures a central riding position, typical for Geolution geometry concept, and allows for efficient pedaling while seated, even on steep climbs, as well as for ideal load distribution between the front and rear wheels. With a 754 mm standover height, the Saturn 11 offers sufficient clearance for technical sections. With its 106mm of rear travel and 120mm at the front, it covers the spectrum from down country to trail bike. As an agile, aggressive EMTB with XC genes and thanks to its slack geometry and efficient suspension, it’s also impressive on technical trails and descents. The kinematics of the sensitive Horst-Link four-bar linkage is designed specifically to match the progressive characteristics of small-volume, lightweight air shocks. This ensures that the Saturn 11 SWIFT does not bob when accelerating and always provides a direct riding sensation. It combines efficiency, comfort, control and safety in all areas of its spectrum. In total, this results in a light, agile trail rocket that combines high sporting demands and fun in the best possible way.
Smart Technology Design
Nicolai Engineering
The Saturn SWIFT series is an all-new development and continues the fresh design line we have pioneered on the recently launched Nucleon 16: Hydroformed top and down tubes, a front triangle brace and a reinforced seat tube with integrated clamp. The dropouts of the SWIFT series use the UDH standard, for mounting the robust SRAM T-Type derailleurs directly on the rear axle. Wide bearing supports and FEM calculated, load-optimized machined parts provide high stiffness at the rear triangle for direct, loss-free propulsion.
When calculating the suspension kinematics, we have taken into account that an EMTB has a stronger pull on the chain than a regular bike due to the motor assistance. The anti-squat characteristic was therefore slightly reduced compared to the standard Saturn models, so that the rear end is more supple and stays more active, optimally transmitting the combined electric and human power even on the roughest ground.
Verdict
SATURN SWIFT
The Saturn SWIFT is the perfect machine for all those for whom the previous EMTBs are too heavy, too sluggish and too far removed from the original concept of mountain biking - but for whom a minimal assist drive is also out of question because the benefit is simply too small. The fascinating and sporty appeal of the Saturn SWIFT is, in addition to the agile handling, action-ready geometry, high-performance suspension and comfortably low weight, above all the natural ride feel due to the dynamic, cadence-dependent power output. This absolutely reflects the spirit of mountain biking: the harder and faster you pedal, the more you enjoy the riding dynamics and the flow factor. The more you are rewarded. And when you really get your pulse racing, the SWIFT adds a whopping 600 watts of power - for the fastest trail attacks and summit raids of all time.
Configurations
SATURN 14 SWIFT
The Saturn 14 Swift is available in 3 variants named after popular riding spots in the German highlands. More elevation = Higher specification.
Hils 480 Meters
A low mountain range in Lower Saxony and Nicolai's home territory
The Saturn 14 SWIFT HLS is the entry into the SWIFT class and comes with high-quality components that combine sportiness, functionality and durability. With Fox Performance suspension, a DT Swiss M 1900 wheelset and Sram GX Eagle shifting, the electrified trail action with the HLS already gets off to a high-class start.
Taunus 881 Meters
The best riding zone in the Frankfurt metropolitan area
The Saturn 14 SWIFT TNS builds upon the HLS and comes with a configuration that leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled: With Fox Factory suspension, a premium Newmen cockpit and the excellent Sram XO Eagle groupset, there is little that could be improved here. This trail rocket meets exceptionally high standards.
Harz 1141 Meters
Highest mountains in northern Germany, trail and bike park paradise
The Saturn 14 SWIFT HRZ represents the spearhead of the series. In addition to the Fox Factory Suspension and Sram XO Eagle groupset, the high-performance DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels give the TNS yet another kick in terms of acceleration, while the Hope Tech 4 brakes not only guarantee the most precise control and deceleration, but also match the Nicolai CNC-art perfectly. To the top! - with this bike and on the trails.
Saturn 11 SWIFT
Custom
The Saturn 11 SWIFT is a custom showstopper with an exclusive build that includes only the lightest, finest and most advanced components, for maximum trail speeds and precision: Intend Samurai Fork, Pi Rope wheel set, Sram XX Eagle Transmission - you name it. This dream bike sets the benchmark for what is possible in terms of weight, dynamics and performance with the SWIFT series.
INTERESTED?
Order your new Saturn SWIFT now or book your personal test ride. Simply send us the completed form. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
