€4749 The German hardcore making all other hardtails look PG.
First, that name needs a little translation. GLF stands for Geometron Low Fat – Geometron indicating the radical geometry developed in conjunction with Mojo, and Low Fat because of its plus-sized tyres. QLFLINE refers to the finishing kit, though it’s not a range of ‘own-brand’ bits. It’s actually a reference to northern Germany’s Külftal valley – known locally as the QLF-valley – where Nicolai bikes are created and tested. The QLFINE spec consists of all the same parts the Nicolai riders favour in the QLF.
It’s an extreme bike even for an enduro hardtail. The 160mm Fox Float fork sits at 63 degrees, while the seat tube is a steep 74 degrees and the bottom bracket is low – dropping 37mm below the axles – for well-planted cornering and massive stability. The front centre is huge, too, dwarfing even the ‘radical’ competition, while stand over also remains low.
Despite the burly parts, the huge 2.8in tyre clearance and the crazed intent, weight is a manageable 13.5kg (29.8lb). The frame – not painted but anodised, in medium – represents 2650g (5.8lb) of that.
It’s available in four sizes, and each frame comes with a spare mech hanger – why don’t all manufacturers do this? – and the option of adding external routing for a dropper post (it’s Stealth as standard) and bottle cage mounts.
Tom’s Transition Scout Carbon £2800*
Mud’s posing no issues for the Scout
Bu hikaye What Mountain Bike dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye What Mountain Bike dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Head To Head
Our favourite rapid-rubber rated head to head for racing or just ripping up the trails.
Banshee Spitfire GX build
‎€3500 Big Fun Mind Travel ripper from ahead of the curve Canadians
Whyte 909
£2199 Full-gas aluminium trail hardtail
Cannondale Cujo 2
£950 A big tyred beast that strains to be let off the leash on fast trails
Vitus Sommet CRX
£3800 Lightweight trail/enduro shredder with a retro old-school feel.
Lapierre Overvolt AM 700 C
£5600 Does smart weight placement boost trail performance?
Seb's Pole Evolink 140 En €2350*
Long wheelbase copes admirably with slippery terrain.
How It Works Brakes
The importance of a good set of brakes can’t be overstated. But just what constitutes a “good” brake, exactly? First off, there’s the power on offer.
Does Racing Still Improve The Breed?
Big MTB Firms Pour Money Into The Factory Racing Programmes But Should We Care If The Bikes We Ride Felt The Heat Of Battle?
Nicolai Argon-GLF QLFLINE
€4749 The German hardcore making all other hardtails look PG.