In 2025 the German brand Nicolai, founded in 1995 by Karl-Heinz Nicolai, exists 30 years. This relatively small (30 employees) bicycle manufacturer makes many a frame component themselves which is a rarety in the bicycle industry. Its official name is Nicolai Gesellschaft für Zweirad und Maschinenbau mbH.
They specialize in MTB / gravelbikes, whether electrified or not. Their website showcases the love for designing (CAD) and producing (CNC machined, welding, coating and assembling) bicycles.
About 2015 Nicolai presented its 1st speedpedelec: the so called EBOXX frame with full suspension was equipped with a Bosch middrive.
In 2025 Nicolai presents a speedpedelec version of its new model S16 MGU which is fitted with full suspension and a Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU). This is a combination of a 12 speed gearbox and a motor which enables also automatic shifting. Even during Your ride You can switch between manual or automatic shifting.
Click here for more info on the Pinion MGU.
A highlight for comfort is full suspension on the S16 MGU Speed 2025. Note that the rear carrier is not suspended as not attached to the seattube of the frame.
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The Pinion MGU. Note that the picture is from the e-bike version E1.12 of this bicycle as the speedpedelec version E1.12S was not yet available then. This one letter "S" makes all the difference in the bike.
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Steeringbar with all the controls from FIT: the colour display (central) and control unit (leftside).
Just look at this finely, from aluminium, machined "trunnion", the part connecting the suspended rear of the frame with the frame and the rear shock itself. It sits on its hinges attached to the seat tube.
Extra strong where it needs to be and minimalized where no strength is needed: that's called topology.
The next photo shows the trunnion installed on the frame.
