The Nicolai NC-1 Cargo just made transporting braai wood so much easier. Say goodbye to those nasty splinters, or having to take two or three trips as you leave a trail of fallen wood behind you (because we always end up carrying more than we should to save time). But that’s only if you have R130 000 large to spend.
For a long time, cargo bikes were a niche product, but due to low sales figures, the interest of the industry also remained restrained, which strongly slowed down innovations in this segment.
The electrification of bicycles as well as the pedelec trend of recent years have brought with them widespread availability of powerful and reliable electric drive systems from established manufacturers.
The use of this technology in cargo bikes now ensures that even a fully loaded bike can be moved safely and almost effortlessly over longer distances and uphill gradients. This makes the cargo bike an attractive transport option in the local area and over medium distances.
The Nicolai NC-1 Cargo achieves a timeless, industrial aesthetic by following the same technical design that distinguishes the manufacturer’s mountain bikes.
If craftsmanship and manufacturing quality tickles your fancy, the NC-1 Cargo is a treat for your eyes. Elaborate milled parts, precision workmanship and innovative, detailed technical solutions provide an insight into the demanding manufacturing process of the frame and convey confidence in its construction.
The geometry and frame design of the NC-1 allows for safe, comfortable and easy handling in all riding situations. The battery position under the load platform ensures a particularly low centre of gravity and therefore an excellent balance and handling.
The steering geometry, or steering angle, fork offset and caster, are designed so that the NC-1 runs smoothly and balanced even at very low speeds and is stable and secure on the road at high speeds. This riding stability is supported by an exceptionally torsionally stiff frame, which is essential especially for riding with heavy loads (like your beloved braai wood).
Drawn aluminium rectangular tubes with large cross-sections are reinforced at neuralgic points by topology-optimised milled parts, while precise steering linkage with high-quality bearings ensures absolutely play-free steering.
The loading platform of the Nicolai NC-1 Cargo is 70 x 50cm and lined with a waterproof coated, birch plywood loading plate. It’s equipped with four parallel Airline fastening rails in longitudinal direction.
The NC-1 Cargo also has a stable double kickstand with a wide footprint. It rests folded safely beneath the load area under spring tension, then can be conveniently unfolded via a foot pedal and can be locked in place with a cylinder lock. It won’t roll when it’s jacked up on the stand, and locking it provides effective theft protection.
The lock also prevents the batteries from being pulled out. Additional digital anti-theft and tracking options are offered by the Bosch drive technology of the NC-1.
Bikes will be available from January 2022.
Picture/s: Nicolai Bikes