Nicolai’s gravel bike is called the Argon GX. These German aluminium experts have long specialised in bespoke builds and customised solutions. At the Bespoked trade fair for bespoke frame building, the brand from Lower Saxony is presenting a very special dream build of the Argon GX. Its exclusivity doesn’t stop at the carbon rims manufactured in Germany or the drive belt. Here’s all the information on the Nicolai Argon GX GPI in the Bespoked build.
Conclusion
Wow, what a stunner! The golden Cerakote finish on the Nicolai Argon GX GPI sparkles as luxuriously as a bar of precious metal. The fact that this gem of a gravel bike also features an electronically controlled gearbox and stunning, locally manufactured carbon wheels from Lilienthal only adds to its appeal. Beneath all that glitz lies a gravel bike with a bespoke aluminium frame. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Information on the Nicolai Argon GX GPI
- Intended use: gravel bike
- Ground clearance: 45 mm
- Frame material: aluminium
- Fork material: carbon
- Weight: from 12.9 kg
- Price: from 6,499 euros
- Special features: electronic gearshift, belt drive, custom design and build available, made in Germany
Carefree thanks to an aluminium gravel bike
You’ll usually look in vain for aluminium frames on high-quality gravel bikes. Nicolai, however, is convinced that the material can offer the ideal combination of durability, stiffness and low weight. To this end, the German company relies on high-quality 7020 aluminium and intricate milled components, and manufactures its bikes domestically. The frame of the Nicolai Argon GX GPI is designed for long tours, gravel tracks and everyday use. The Argon GX combines Nicolai’s signature build quality with a sporty geometry designed to ensure controlled and agile handling both on tarmac and off-road. This makes the bike suitable for both fast gravel rides and longer adventures with luggage.
A distinctive feature of the GPI model is its Pinion gearbox. Unlike a conventional derailleur system, the gears are located centrally in the bottom bracket area. This provides better protection for the sensitive gear-shifting components against dirt and damage, which can be a particular advantage when cycling on gravel or travelling. The gearbox is considered to require very little maintenance and also ensures an even weight distribution.
Speaking of weight: Nicolai puts the extra weight of the gearbox compared to a derailleur system at half a kilo. Overall, the aluminium gravel bike in size M weighs from around 12.9 kilos. The gear unit from Pinion, another German manufacturer, is electronically controlled in the Smart-Shift version. Instead of a traditional bicycle chain, the Nicolai Argon GX GPI uses a belt drive. The carbon belt requires no lubrication and fits well with the image of a durable touring and everyday bike. The belt is tensioned via adjustable dropouts.
Made in Germany
In typical Nicolai fashion, the Argon GX GPI frame, manufactured in Germany, can be configured in a variety of ways. The special build for the Bespoked trade fair is intended to demonstrate the possibilities of the custom system. The carbon wheels from Lilienthal, which are also built in Germany, are a real eye-catcher, combining low weight with the aesthetic appeal of exposed carbon. However, this dream build also features components from the 8.0 series. These include, for example, shift-brake levers from TRP, which were developed specifically for Pinion’s Smart Shift system. The components are from Ritchey, whilst the saddle is from SQlab. Anyone wishing to use the Argon GX GPI for everyday riding will be pleased to know that it offers mounting options for mudguards and a luggage rack.
Ceramic coating for everyone
The special Cerakote finish in which Nicolai presents the Argon GX GPI show bike fits in well with the gravel bike’s ‘no-fuss’ approach. Cerakote is an extremely durable thin-film ceramic coating designed to provide surfaces with particularly reliable protection against corrosion, scratches and chemicals. Nicolai first showcased bikes with a Cerakote coating last year to mark the company’s 30th anniversary. The company is now expanding the colour range and incorporating it as a design option into its standard range. The Cerakote coating is set to be available for all Nicolai models in future.
What do you think: do you like the Cerakote finish, or do you think a Nicolai should shine in its raw aluminium look? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor