Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift in the test: Really “just” a trail bike?

Test / E-MTB: The Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift is one of the very few light E-MTBs with a Bosch SX drive that uses aluminum for the frame material. With its first lightweight e-mountain bike, the traditional German manufacturer is once again proving its knack for special concepts - even if it may not be the right one for everyone.

At the last Eurobike, Nicolai presented his first light E-MTB to the public, the Saturn 14 Swift. Powered by a Bosch SX motor, removable 400 Wh battery in the down tube, which can be expanded via the PowerMore 250 range extender and of course with an aluminum frame welded in Germany. So far, so expected. It's not quite so clear when it comes to the concept and the area of ​​application of the bike: At first glance, we're dealing with a sporty trail bike: The rear triangle has 130 mm of travel, plus 29 inch wheels and a slim look. But: A second look shows that you shouldn't be fooled by the low suspension travel at the rear: Depending on the equipment variant, there is between 140 and 160 mm of suspension travel at the front and Nicolai also uses the more robust ones for the other components Variants, which might suggest a slightly more downhill-oriented orientation.

Bosch SX with removable battery

Nicolai put a lot of effort into integrating the motor and especially the battery. The result is an initially somewhat clunky bottom bracket area that almost appears elongated. However, there is a good reason for this: the battery can be removed downwards from the down tube via a screwed flap. This meant that a large flap on the frame was saved in favor of weight, but it also allows the battery to be charged separately from the bike or changed on the go. However, you should allow some time for the latter, as the removal takes a little longer, especially the first few times. First, a screw must be unscrewed from the bottom of the flap, which then swings forward. You then remove a specially developed “interface” from the battery, which acts like an oversized connector. You can then pull the battery out of the down tube using a small tab. To prevent it from rattling while driving, it is secured with two fairly powerful magnets. Insertion is done in the reverse order, although inserting the battery is a little fiddly.

A lot of brainpower also went into the topic of charging ports. Because of the new PowerMore 250 Range Extender, the cover may have to remain open even while driving. That's why there is an aluminum cover that can be turned up or down. So there is no flap to the side, the range extender is plugged in and you still have good coverage if you are traveling without an additional battery.

We were a little surprised when we looked at the handlebars - this is where the Bosch Purion 200 control panel is located. Most light e-MTBs with Bosch SX rely on the system controller and the wireless mini remote instead. However, a look at the top tube reveals why Nicolai installed the Purion 200 instead (or optionally the LED Remote): The slim top tube simply doesn't offer enough space for the system controller. But no matter why Nicolai ultimately decided in favor of the Purion 200: we think it's good! Although the control unit is slightly larger, its shape means it is neither visually unattractive nor particularly at risk in the event of a fall and still has an easy-to-read color display that can display the most important information.

Sporty geometry and robust features

Nicolai has been known for many years for the unique geometry concept called Geolution. This is also used on the Saturn 14 Swift in the trail version, meaning: lots of reach, flat steering angle, rather little stack. However, the latter is not quite as extreme as with the older versions of the Eboxx E-MTB. What's really positive is the enormous size range between S and XXL, which means the bike should fit riders between 164 and 202 cm.

For the test, we received the bike from Nicolai with equipment that lies somewhere between the two top variants HRZ and TNS. That wasn't an "extra sausage" for us, end customers at Nicolai also have the opportunity to make adjustments to the equipment here and there - the best thing to do is simply get in touch with the guys. If you want to build it yourself and perhaps still have some components at home, the Saturn 14 Swift is one of the very few e-MTBs on the market and can even be obtained as a “naked” frame kit with motor, battery and electronics. You will then have to pay 6.299 euros (without dampers).

With its extremely robust features and frame size L, the bike weighs an impressive 21,2 kg. This makes it a good deal heavier than many other E-MTBs with Bosch SX and in a comparable suspension travel range. However, the vast majority of them come with a carbon frame and many with a permanently installed battery - the Nicolai is also on the heavy and robust side when it comes to attachments. Nevertheless: If you are looking for a particularly light E-MTB with Bosch SX, you are probably wrong with the Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift.

What's exciting is the large difference in suspension travel between the rear with 130 mm and the front with a whopping 160 mm. This also depends on the respective equipment - for example, the Saturn 14 Swift HLS comes with “only” 140 mm at the front. But a little spoiler to the driving report at this point: The 160 mm at the front suits the bike surprisingly well.

When it comes to the components installed, Nicolai has basically always reached for the highest shelf and has never sacrificed performance for lower weight. In the front there is a Fox 36 Factory with Fit4 cartridge. Either the Grip2 variant or the new GripX would be more suitable here, but if you want to put less time into your setup, you could also enjoy the slightly simpler Fit4 cushioning. In keeping with this, the Fox Float A wireless, electronic Sram X130 Eagle transmission changes gears, which comes with its own battery and is not powered directly by the internal Bosch battery. So it remains wireless, but you still have to keep an eye on the AXS battery.

The brakes are a little bit exotic: no Shimano, Sram, Magura or TRP, but the iconic Hope Tech4 E4 provides the necessary braking power, combined with floating, 203 mm discs. Wheels and tires match this overall clearly downhill-oriented orientation: Continental Kryptotal tires in the enduro version are mounted on the DT Swiss H1700, which has proven itself a thousand times over. With over 1.000 g per tire, these are in the same weight and puncture protection class as DoubleDown from Maxxis or SuperGravity from Schwalbe.

The Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift in practice

In order to test the Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift on different terrain, we took the bike on local trails in southern Germany as well as challenging, rocky and blocked terrain around Lake Garda. But regardless of the trail use, the striking and typical Nicolai geometry is immediately noticeable when you get on the bike: a long main frame in combination with the rather deep front takes a few meters to get used to and even then it might not be to everyone's taste. However, after we put a few spacers under the stem, the bike felt absolutely round, even in comfortable touring use.

However, the geometry concept only really comes into its own on the trail: The slightly front-heavy position means there is a lot of pressure on the front wheel, but thanks to the flat steering angle there is no feeling of rolling over. On the contrary: the balance on the bike is excellent, at least if you prefer a more aggressive position and are not afraid to ride with pressure over the front, even on steep terrain or in curves. In any case, the Saturn 14 Swift thrives where the terrain is not necessarily made for a bike with 130 mm of suspension travel at the rear. This is where the fork comes into play: Due to its position on the bike, you can make good use of the 160 mm at the front without reaching its limits too quickly at the rear. Nevertheless: With 10 or 20 mm more reserves, the Saturn 14 Swift would probably have been conceptually “more rounded” bike. Because even though the rear does well and you're amazed every now and then at how much you can get out of it, at some point you'll reach your limits.

That's a bit of a shame, because the bike could actually do more: As soon as you take your hands off the brakes, which are powerful and easy to control, you'll see how much enduro there is in this trail bike. On flatter trails and moderate terrain, the bike is fun, but not too playful and light-footed like other light E-MTBs in this area and needs a little more convincing, especially in curves. The equipment also matches this driving behavior, with not only the brakes but also the grippy and pleasantly damped Conti tires. Of course, the Sram Transmission gearshift also cuts a very good figure, as its reliable gear changes work absolutely smoothly even under load. This is also why the Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift cuts a good figure uphill - of course the Bosch SX motor also plays a part in this, which is not to be despised on technical uphills with great response and a lot of power with the corresponding performance. In addition, we have never experienced the engine as quiet as in the Nicolai: Of course, this may also be due to the massive bottom bracket area, which dampens the noise of the engine better than a light carbon frame.