[Closed] Anyone owned a Geometron?

Not heavy really.

Unless your on the steep bits I found on my short test it was very understeeery but I reckon that was more my position on the bike n I needed to be more over the front.

My mate loves his in the alps but switch backs he found hard work.

I can imagine on tight single track , it might appear a little lorry like ...
And having lived in the Alps , I can se it working well - but perhaps over biked of the South Downs.

I am also guessing other bike manufacturers have sort of caught up

There’s a massive thread on the Geometron with absolutely loads of info, should come up in a search.

I've got 2 of em. A G13 and a G16
I like them, you might or might not.
No harder to get round an Alpine switchback than anything else I've ridden the same switchbacks on.
I suggest you try one out to see if you like it.
A few people who've tried mine out have ended up buying one.

I've been riding one for the last couple of years. This time has included six weeks in the alps last summer and another six ish weeks of riding in various mountain locations round Europe.

Mine is a first generation 650b (actually I think second batch), from autumn 2015 (I got the frame second hand).

In general I love it and the geometry works. That said, you do need to really weight the front wheel to get it to turn. What I mean by that is if on steep sections you push your weight back (rather than keeping your weight central/ over the front wheel) the bike under-steers like a pig. Once you've learnt to ride weighting the front wheel it corners like nothing else.

Addressing some of the comments above, I don't think it's particularly heavy. I also haven't had any problems with tight alpine switchbacks (although endo turns are one of my specialities).

As a general comment I would be careful about how big you go. Mine is a long (the smallest they do) with 485mm reach and I certainly wouldn't want it any bigger (I'm 175cm/ 5'9"). I don't doubt that Chris Porter would have me on at least one size larger. I also have an early generation which I run in the steep setting so about 64 deg head angle. I think that the newer ones are closer to 62.5 degree head angle.

I am also guessing other bike manufacturers have sort of caught up

Specialized Enduro S4
Raaw Madonna
Privateer 161
Yeti SB150

They arn't far away, a little more conservative.

I demoed two at eastridge, 650b and a 29er. Very impressive when the trails are steeper/faster, took a bit of getting used to on the tighter and slower sections.
The EXT Storia is something else, the traction and composure is impressive.
Other thing to consider with the Geometron, is that they will set the bike up properly. On the demo days they spend a good 20mins bouncing up and down, swapping springs out and fiddling with air pressure to get the bike running right. Megatower demo had nothing like the attention to detail.

I've ordered a Privateer 161 as a bit of an experiment, see if I can live with a bigger bike than the enduro, then contemplate a geometron.

@sirhc  shotgun if you sell the privateer!

Due to Coroan etc i cancelled my order. not many enduros to race anymore! Keeping the DH bike for one more year for uplift stuff then its a geomatron or a privateer

next season though!

There’s a massive thread on the Geometron with absolutely loads of info

This one innit - . https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/anyone-ridden-the-mojo-nicolai-yet/.

I just wrote a long and comprehensive reply, but some site bug has consigned it to the bin, so here's the short version

Basically, they're great - durable, no heavier than other alu bikes in the same class, suspension (ET) is amazing, service & support fantastic. No more of a handful than any other 160 bike, but the geometry does need an adjustment in riding style, won't suit you if you like to hang off the back.

PM me if you have any Qs.

I have a G16 running 155mm rear with a EXT shock and 180mm 36’s with a lufkappe up front.

It’s epic, fast as you like down and climbs as well as the T130 I had before and pretty much the same weight.

Thanks - I will read the mega thread. It didn’t actually come up in my (brief) search
At 6ft 3 in I would probably be on long-longest

the geometry does need an adjustment in riding style, won’t suit you if you like to hang off the back

+1 This is a much more succinct way of saying what I said in my earlier post.

I'm 6'1" on longest. Chris Porter is in and around the same height IIRC, but he's on an XL and plays with an XXL at times. But he's quite mad 🙂

I have a G1 coming today, well it should be but seems that the parcel is delayed in transit. This is much less frustrating than it would be if I was working from home with the sun shining like this under non-lockdown circumstances!

I can't comment on the bike yet, I taken something of a leap of faith and purchased it without a test ride but I will say that the service I've received so far has been second to none.

edd

+1 This is a much more succinct way of saying what I said in my earlier post.

Yeah - I waffled a bit more in the post that got lost, but the geometry has only ever been a good thing for me. That said, it won't be for everyone, there are folks who have tried the bike and not liked it, for some folks it's "at last, a bike that fits me" - I did give a guy a run on the G16 at a bike park once, he ordered one straight away after.

Hey Stu -

I’ve got 2 of em. A G13 and a G16

How do you find the difference between the G13 and G16 - do they have a different character?

I had one. The Nicolai made frame is a thing of beauty, especially in raw, and the EXT is a phenomenal shock but my issues were twofold. The first is technique, if it gets steep or out of my comfort zone then I push my weight back which, as mentioned above, doesn't help with handling. The second is how they ride. If you live somewhere with big, fast descents then it would be great. Finale is probably the perfect stomping ground that i can think of for a Geometron. If not then they're just not that fun to ride. I now have an XL Cotic RocketMax which for me is a better balance of geometry (not quite as long or slack) but is also up for sale because it falls foul of point two; on local trails (Surrey Hills) it's just not that fun to ride and I don't make enough trips further afield to justify having it. Definitely get a test ride before committing as its the geometry, not the travel, that gives the bike a very distinct feel.

I had one. The Nicolai made frame is a thing of beauty, especially in raw, and the EXT is a phenomenal shock but my issues were twofold. The first is technique, if it gets steep or out of my comfort zone then I push my weight back which, as mentioned above, doesn’t help with handling. The second is how they ride. If you live somewhere with big, fast descents then it would be great. Finale is probably the perfect stomping ground that i can think of for a Geometron. If not then they’re just not that fun to ride. I now have an XL Cotic RocketMax which for me is a better balance of geometry (not quite as long or slack) but is also up for sale because it falls foul of point two; on local trails (Surrey Hills) it’s just not that fun to ride and I don’t make enough trips further afield to justify having it. Definitely get a test ride before committing as its the geometry, not the travel, that gives the bike a very distinct feel

That probably answers my question.
I currently have a Flare Max and was considering Rocket. Big hill trips will be few and far between - maybe BPW or Morzine once a year. But at 59 & 11 months I am not looking at eating Gnarr.

BTW, I love the FlareMax - but stuck indoors you get wondering ...

So I bought a second hand mk1 g16 geomatron 2 years ago now and love it (but I have since built up a hardcore hardtail for my local rides which gets the most use now). There are big difference between the mk1 to the mk2 and now the even better g1 (in fact my mate bought one because of me raving on about it.

Weight wise it’s very good for an high end aluminium frame and not far off a burly carbon frame (mate went from carbon dune to g1 and was 100g difference for a bigger frame). I run carbon components which helps to get weight back down to 14.2 kg

I’m 5.9 and on a longer which is pushing it (run a 32mm stem and seat pushed forwards), new g1 seams to come up smaller.

I run mine as 170f/155r which is more than enough for me and trips to wales, Spain and Italy. The one thing I would of liked (but the newer frames have) is the ability to adjust everything to suit the rider (I like short chain stays, the new ones have mutator chips for this).

Mate has sold his second bike (tranny scout) because he is more than happy to ride his on big days out at FOD where he lives (30miles with 4000ft climbed).

I've got a G16 but I'm on my phone in the sun and can't be bothered to type an essay. There's pictures of mine in the mega thread.

I've had mine 2 and a half years and I've changed nothing but tyres since I built it. Used to be a bike swapper but now I'm stuck. Not sure what I'd swap it for other than a G1.

sharkattack

Not sure what I’d swap it for other than a G1.

I was the same, but the G1 is a bit better in every way, was worth the swap.

Anyone owned / ridden one – was are they like?

I’ve had my G13 for 2 and a bit years and was out on local trails today. I’m 6”4 with a 36” inside leg on an extra longest.

I am assuming heavy by the look of them.

Mine is, it’s an extra longest built for durability not weight. I also pile the tools and water on the bike rather than riding with a pack

– could they be an everyday bike – or is it specific for big days in the mountains?

I also have a hardtail as my local trails are pretty smooth with very few rocks. I could have it with a lighter build and have it as my only bike. I ride it in the peaks, trail centers and took it to whistler for a week

How would they be in comparison to the low, low and slack bikes of today ( now that everyone has caught up with Chris’s way of thinking ) – say a Cotic Rocket?

Mine has a 520 reach so that’s still pretty long even for an xl

It took a ride of two to get used to it. Then I sold my old hardtail as it was so different (2001 cove stiffee with a very short top tube) and replaced it with an orange clockwork with a 480 reach. That’s been relegated to the garage and now my hardtail is longer than the geometron 😀

If I was buying a replacement it would be a G1 in xxl, but I’m not about to change it. I might put some lighter wheels is lockdown continues. Other than that, it’s ace😀

Get a demo-oh
You can have a go on mine-oh

I bought mine blind based on it being the biggest bike I could find. I had a 30 second spin on a 27.5 one in largest and it felt awesome, but I’d not tried the g13 at all.

I have a XL G1 and I absolutely love it, I'm 6 foot and it feels like the best fitting bike I have ever owned. Everyone always talks about it being too long to go round switchbacks but I completely disagree it's no issue cournering it what so ever. I have ridden it over in Spain and in Surrey hills and it works for everything.

I know Chris Porter is a bit controversial but offers a great test ride and custom build, I really felt like his listened to what I had to say and was happy to demonstrate why he recommended products.

Book a demo and see for yourself

Plenty to think about...
Thanks all ...

I’ve had my G13 for 2 and a bit years and was out on local trails today. I’m 6”4 with a 36” inside leg on an extra longest.

I’m kind of a weird shape - tall - but short legs (32 tailors inseam)

I have a G13 in Large (Longest). Love it. Same weight as my previous Dune Carbon in XL. But much better with lower standover/seat tube. I'm similar to you Moofo - 6'2" with 32"inside leg. Hate any thing with more than 50cm seat tube length.
150 Lyric and either a 130mm Cane Creek IL or a 148mm DHX2. Great for local XC and for big days out.

okay - just off to the usual purveyors of second had bike bikes ...

Thanks

Hi
I was an early adopter. 2015. I just needed the test ride at FOD to say yes - and the 2 guys with me purchased also. And both are still owners.
I had 2 xG16 longest. (I’m 6’2”) the second was converted to “hybrid” with a 29 Lyric upfront.
A good improvement
Now I have a G1 extra longest. Still 650/29
I love it. Every ride is better. As I started mountain biking in the late 80’s, that’s saying a lot.
I just love it for ALL terrain. My Pivot 429 never got ridden even for XC once the G16 arrived
I think it’s great on local rides near Brighton such as Stanmer Friston, Leith AND of course for FOD DH tracks etc. ALl the FOD tracks are good fun on it.
It’s so nice to have a bike that fits and is balanced properly. Forget short chainstays if you’re tall
There’s no reason not to ride a capable bike everywhere when it pedals this well. Just put light wheel set on
I’ll mention that the EXT Storia on the G1 was a surprisingly big upgrade too. Pedals even better.
You must try one. Or given Cv19, just go for it.
It’s a new way of riding as you can simply stay more or less in the middle of the bike. A bit of weight is needed on the front to get great cornering but that’s easy to get used to. It carves so beautifully.
No turning the bars, just lean like Fabien Barel’s excellent cornering video!
Go for it
It’s an amazing upgrade to my cycling and I’d hope for yours too.
Forget carbon. German welded alloy is just so beautiful.
Get black. Lasts beautifully
Neil

“I think it’s great on local rides near Brighton such as Stanmer”

That’s a lot of wheelbase for turns this tight!

I would say they are a real Marmite bike & definitely worthy of a decent test ride to see if they work for you. Personally, they don't for me.

I know a few people who have tried, but none have stuck with them. Those who raced found they were noticeably slower too.

OP....I'm in a similar position to you. I've done a couple of demo's and spent some time with Sam at Geometron just before the lockdown kicked in.

Undoubtedly, the bike is a beast and the grip and suppleness from the Ext shock is like nothing I've felt before.

I don't neeeed such a big bike but I do love the look of them and the repeated reports from owners/users seems to be that despite the heft (some up at 17kg!....I think the dh downtube on the G1 makes them a bit heavier than the G16) they pedal well and are decent enough up as well as being incredible pointed down.

I tried the mullet first and found it over-steered a bit, if anything...very direct and rapid handling so I needed to recalibrate how I was cornering a bit. Didn't notice the same when I tried it in full 29er mode.

Sam was excellent. Give them a shout and I'm sure they would be glad to help.

With all the changes you can make with the mutators, I think this could be a keeper. I just need to get through the Corona crisis (and wait for the new Ext fork to be released) before I can justify taking a punt.

Happy shopping and let us know how you get on.

Jonswhite, or any other gurus. How are people getting 148mm from the G13? Long shocking with 190x57 shock? Where are you sourcing these shocks from? Slowly getting through the big thread, but no answers thus far!

Was hoping to do that to a new to me G13. Cheers in advance.

Those who raced found they were noticeably slower too.

They must be doing something seriously wrong for a Geometron to be slow. Did they take it to a velodrome or something?

They're not the right bike for everyone but they're properly rapid on rugged trails. They work in situations were regular bikes totally fail.

They must be doing something seriously wrong for a Geometron to be slow. Did they take it to a velodrome or something?

They’re not the right bike for everyone but they’re properly rapid on rugged trails. They work in situations were regular bikes totally fail.

They are/were guys who are very quick riders (top 10 category racers), so no, not at a velodrome...

Personally I found it fast in some situations, similar to my last big bike (Raaw Madonna) but a bit of a dog in others. So yes, they can work better in some situations, for some riders, but there are plenty of scenarios in which they don’t. Like all bikes, there is a compromise somewhere, it’s just where, and how much.

Most of the (really) fast guys ride bikes that are tiny compared to Geometrons (or similar).

Love my G1, 535 reach, 6/3. I had a G16 before with 520 reach. I’m better balanced and more comfortable on the 535 reach G1.

I thought the Fox X2 was good until I rode the EXT shock on the G1, it’s in a different league. The G1 was a really good upgrade from the G16 imo, something I didn’t think possible because I really liked my G16.

GM are excellent to deal with and they take a lot of care getting the right set-up for the customer. The G1 is very versatile, it can be easily set-up 27.5, 29, or hybrid. You have to test what is best for you. The staff at GM run both hybrid and 29. A friend has hybrid and really likes it. Somebody else I know runs 29 most of the time but switches to hybrid at bike parks. I’m old school on 27.5 but looking to go hybrid at some point soon.

Welds and finish are top class.

I’m kind of a weird shape – tall – but short legs (32 tailors inseam)

It’s exactly 4” from the the top of my seat post to the top of the dropper in my photo above. That’s with the 170mm reverb. I’m sure you could get a decent length dropper on

look like saving my ( retirement) pennies and buying a G1 rather than anything else ...
Thanks for all the input
Mr M

Resurrecting a thread as I'd like to know how are those who bought a G1 getting on with it?
(I was going to get a Norco Sight as it has very similar geo to the G1, but Evans made it impossible)