Nicolai are upping their game for 2008 with new Helius FR and ST models. Last year's FR was a big hit aesthetically and ride-wise and according to Nicolai, the 2008 model has been uprated with a stiffer rear end and improved suspension performance.
There's a brand new model in the shape of the Ion-ST downhill bike, so read on for the details...
Helius FR 2008
The geometry and travel remains the same for 2008 on the Helius [click here for last year's review] - a 67.5 degree head angle, 165mm of rear travel and forks up to 170mm.
There's a new, more rearward, shock pivot location which, according to Nicolai provides a smaller, even stiffer, rear triangle and improved suspension performance.
The shock linkage now has just two positions - the top to give full rear travel with a 50mm stroke air shock and the lower position to give full travel with a 57mm coil.
See the images in the gallery for the new frame details for 2008. Nicolai are calling this the "extra love" they're giving their frames...
Helius-ST
The Helius ST is Nicolai's top-end Alpine bike. The head angle has been slackened by 1.7 degrees on the new model.
Ion-ST
Completely new for this year, the Ion-ST chassis is ideal for downhill use. It's a kilogramme lighter than the M-Pire frame it replaces and with more linear suspension the Horst-link 4 bar means fewer brake and drivetrain effects on the suspension. The frame allows for forks up to 200mm and rear travel up to 230mm.