Nordest first came to our attention due to the comic lost in translation press release it sent us for its first Kickstarter campaign, for the Bardino – a steel hardtail. The small Tenerife based company has since upped its language skills, and their latest press release contains none of the flowery romance that we’ve come to enjoy. However, there’s perhaps no need for frilly writing when you’re releasing a titanium hardtail with Pinion gearbox, as that’s going to arouse plenty of interest in certain quarters without any advertising waffle.
This titanium frame is based on the Bardino geometry – which is available in titanium or steel – but comes with either a 9 or 12 speed Pinion gearbox – you can decide whether you go for a belt drive or chain. It’s pitched as an enduro bike, ready to withstand whatever you can throw at it – or throw yourself down.
Designed for a 160mm fork, you can have your choice of wheel sizes. Thanks to the adjustable chainstays, you can choose between 27.5, 27.5×3.00, 29, or even 29×2.60 tyre sizes.
The bike will be available as either a frame and gearbox – prices start at €2,659 – or as a kit, which gets you the frame, fork, headset and optional dropper – from €3,599.
Gearbox bikes are definitely something we’re seeing more of – especially from smaller companies like Nordest. Only a few weeks ago we had another titanium gearbox bike on test from Pilot Cycles – an entirely different beast though, with much more XC orientated geometry.
What do you reckon? A lovely looking thing that will go on your ‘one day when the Premium Bonds come in’ list? A monstrosity that will never cross the threshold of your garage? Or has your finger already clicked the ‘order now’ button and you’re now moving on to ordering four different sets of tyres and appropriate wheelsets to go with them?
It’s lovely, but a lot of money to drop on a bike that you’re going to struggle to test ride.
Now that’s a bike for me! Shame I’m skint!
Sometimes you just see something and instantly want it. This is one of those times!!!!!
Wow it’s a stunning looking bike!!
Absolutely stunning. Just looks the business and the geometry numbers seem like they stack up pretty well too. Just need to find the money..
*heads off to buy Euromillions ticket and a couple of scratchies..*
The reason it looks similar to the Pilot Cycles bikes is because they’re probably both built in the same factory in Xiamen, China
Lovely! Needs a Lauf fork to make it superniche though, and even less maintenance.
I don’t think it would be that hard to test ride if you where serious about buying one. The company are based in Tenerife, and a quick check on the easyjet website shows that you could go there for a weekend for about £240 return. Considering the cost of the bike, I it would not be hard to justify a tenth of the cost on a weekend somewhere sunny to test ride the thing.