Product News / MTB / E-Performance: Gates carbon belts, electronic gear hub from Rohloff and proven frame construction from Germany - with the new Nicolai EBOXX E14, the traditional manufacturer throws a lot of technological innovation into the E-MTB ring.
Last season, the mechanical engineering specialists from Nicolai presented their first e-mountain bike, the ION G16 EBOXX. The Geolution geometry, which has been established for several years with its "analogue" bikes, meets the high processing quality here Made in Germany and a powerful Bosch Performance CX motor with integrated Powertube battery. The other key data? 160mm spring travel front and rear, elegant equipment variants and five frame sizes - these key data will not change for the 2019 season either, but with the new EBOXX E14 the E-MTB gets an additional equipment variant that does a lot differently with belt drive and Rohloff manual transmission the competition and especially frequent drivers should like it. Nicolai himself sees the answer to the question of the future of the E-MTB in the new EBOXX.
Let's get straight to the big highlight of the new Nicolai E-MTB: the Gates carbon belt in combination with the new Rohloff E14 gear hub. The latter is currently still an exotic item on the market anyway, on a 160mm fully like the new Nicolai it is even unique; with its range of impressive 526%, it even surpasses the most modern derailleur gears such as the Sram Eagle drives, while the 14 gears can now also be shifted under load - completely electronically. A novelty for the transmission pioneer from Germany. The compact trigger sits on the handlebars and changes gears in a rapid sequence of three when you hold down a button. As usual from Rohloff, not only are the data correct on paper, but special attention is also paid to low-maintenance operation. Fittingly, Nicolai combines the Rohloff E3 with a Gates carbon belt: In contrast to the classic chain, this does not have to be lubricated and cleaned much less frequently. In addition, it hardly lengthens and is therefore much less wear-resistant. So you get a drive on the Nicolai EBOXX E14 that should convince especially frequent drivers.
Nicolai EBOXX E14: Equipment
The proven Bosch CX motor is also retained on the EBOXX E14, but this is combined with the new Kiox display for 2019. The compact display sits flat on the stem and is optimized for the demands of sporty riders. When it comes to the other equipment, the motto is – big and not messy! The Rohloff-Gates drive duo is joined by Hope wheels, a SQlab cockpit, Magura MT7 brakes and Vyron dropper post and Fox Factory suspension. The 27,5″ tires come from Continental.
Nicolai EBOXX E14: Geometry
The frame still comes in five frame sizes, which should satisfy riders between 1,55m and 2,10m - given the dimensions, this could well be possible. Interesting: In the smallest frame size, the top tube runs differently to ensure a lower step-through and an overall more harmonious geometry for small riders. The other key geometry data are quite extreme, typical for Nicolai: 63.5° steering angle, 77° seat angle and a top tube length of impressive 662mm in size L are certainly unfamiliar to many riders at first, but have now proven themselves and are now also used by some other manufacturers picked up.
The Nicolai EBOXX E14 will be available at a price of 8.999 euros. If you are looking for something special and more individuality, you can also book the Extralove option for a surcharge of 400 euros: Here you can not only choose the frame color, there are also many options for the anodized color of numerous small parts such as dropouts and bellcranks.