[Closed] Show me your Nicolai Helius CC

Would do but waiting on my new frame have all the bits sat waiting. Have a look over on mtbr Nicolai forum loads of pics and advice.

Where in the North East are you?

Here's mine - I swapped my XT chainset from another bike onto it since this picture and it's got a different fork and shock on now.

I'll upload a newer picture later.

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I have a Nicolai Ac.Very good bike.

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Here's a rubbish picture of mine.
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Not a single bit of it is new. You don't necessarily have to spend thousands to have a lot of fun!

Where in the North East are you?

You don't necessarily have to spend thousands to have a lot of fun!

Cheers guys. Keep them comming. Had a look at mtbr which was dangerous as it made me want a cool custom yellow frame, though the annodised black they have in is a lot cheaper!

Here is mine in anodized black, as with Duntmatter's, second hand frame and not a new bit on it,apart from the cables, all in less than a grand (apart from the wheels, which I share between 2 bikes) they are amazing bikes I would heartily recommend it.

all clean
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all dirty
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My old CC from 2005. Beautifully made but didn't really get on with it. Didn't like the high BB and short top tube. Bearings were ridiculously expensive when they needed replacing... Also swapped the DT shock for a Fox which made a huge difference (in a good way).

[url= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2266517967_17fa30fbfa.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2266517967_17fa30fbfa.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/jondouglas/2266517967/ ]Nicolai Helius CC[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/jondouglas/ ]alanach_d[/url], on Flickr

Jad-That frame looks very small for the seat position to be that high,and have a setback post.
I would say your frame was too small for you.

Here's my new one in Candy Red (no longer available) cost less than the RRP of a new 2011 frame.
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Here's my old one in Ano-black.
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Great bikes and most excellently fast & stiff & reliable & erm German 😆

Here's mine. The frame was purchased second hand off the STW classifieds (from Hicksville, I think). I had it fully refurbed by Nicolai including a new 'Fire Dept Red' powdercoat, then bought lots of expensive trinkets to hang off it. If I'm honest it's lately been an expensive ornament!

Pre Refurb -
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Post Refurb -
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Powdercoat black with Rohloff. [url= ]Here[/url], [url= ]here[/url] and [url= ]here[/url].

Okay, not exactly a perfect photo but does show it's quite a versatile bike!!

Rachel
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Rachel, are we twins or something? My Ano bronze CC on the Mossete lift up to the top of the GR5 descent, via possibly the best cafe in the Alps, Refuge de Chesery 🙂

[img][url= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2166424891_35fe36fc7f.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2166424891_35fe36fc7f.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

that is a little scary!!! lol

Rachel

Out there again this summer with three other Helius's? Heleeii? Heliues?

What is the plural of Helius?

You guys are selling these as good bikes. Personally was looking for something that out climbs my Trek EX8 (without a chair lift) but I get the idea. Lol!

Rachel - good to see another woman riding a Helius. What size do you ride? I am 5'9" and find womans bikes too small so end up with blokes bikes for the length in the seat tube (without a foot of seat post sticking out) but then find the reach in the top tube a bit long. I've read the Helius tends to have a slightly short reach which is appealing. How do you find it?

Cheers
Tasha

Tasha,

The Helius are relativley short in the top tube for a given size, the medium has an effective TT of 585mm.

I'm 5'10" and a bit with a 32.5" inside leg (shortish body) and it fits me fine without tons of seatpost sticking out, coupled with a slight lay-back post (Joplin) and a 65mm stem.

Climbing wise they are brilliant, as fast as my HT on smooth climbs and faster on rough stuff.

It may well end up heavier than your EX8, but the frames are seriously stiff and so well made.

BTW my older black one is for sale, it's the older geo so a degree steeper at the front, but still the same top tube length and suits 120/130mm forks great.

Hi Tasha - I do ride a Helius but I'm a bit taller than your average woman - 6'2" (yes, really)

I love it and the top tube is shorter than most, I would say. Mine is an older shape (I think) but I use a coil RS Pike and I think it works really well.

Rachel

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One very muddy CC, run in 100mm F&R. Ahsat, if you are interested in getting one you will not be disappointed. I rode HT for years, in fact my bike before the CC was a Cotic (hence my username) and that was/is a fantastic bike that reignited my passion for mtb'ing. But the CC is even better, there are times when I handle it like I did my Soul, and I am amazed that I am riding an FS, I really don't notice the rear end moving, except that all the corners arrive a lot faster!
As for the TT length, I'm 6'2" with a long back, and am now running a 90mm stem and mid rise 711mm bars. It feels great, and thats comparing the TT length to the long soul frame. For me this was a rare total eclipse of the sun moment. The CC was at a bargain price from the distributors and I was lined up to work 5 bank holidays in a row with double time. I spent the overtime before it arrived and I don't regret the purchase one bit.

Climbing wise they are brilliant, as fast as my HT on smooth climbs and faster on rough stuff.

I do ride a Helius but I'm a bit taller than your average woman - 6'2" (yes, really)

I think I am pretty much sold on it. I have been speaking to mojo about getting an RP23 shock set up for it. Keswick bikes are working out when I might be able to get a test ride (in reality not super urgent as still off the bike recovering from a knee fracture but now I have my heart set on it and all that....) and I have emailed Nicolai UK to see if they still have any CC's at the bargin price on thier website. I think it may be a pretty much done deal. So watch out, a bargin Trek EX8 2008 frame for sale in the not too distant future!

I'm about 10-15 miles south of Durham if you struggle to find a test bike at a dealer.

email in profile

Nicolai UK have a medium in Black Ano and a silver one left at the moment.

Great to deal with too.

You don't need alot of ProPedal on the Helius CC, I bought mine with a DT Swiss SSD190L and I also have a Push'd RP3 that I'm trying at the moment 🙂

so much rage about being 5'9" and never finding anything womans stuff that fits (not that I do pink or flowers or anything) and your much taller than me!

Oh believe me - you have no idea!!! Thank goodness for Top Shop jeans in 36" leg... (actually, I'm told they do a 38" leg, too - can't imagine who they are for!!!!)

I also have a DT shock and like it but I'm told those in the know go for a Rock Shox Monarch these days - supposed to work really well.

Rachel

A few folk say that they fit an RP23 shock and it improves the bike. The way I see it is that the frame with a shock at full RRP is 2K. Thats not a cheap FS frame, and being a German firm with slight OCD issues (hand sight and finish every frame) I'm pretty sure they wouldn't spec a shock that diminished the ride. I've ragged my CC in the middle and big rings while out of the saddle with the shock open and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the shock hardly moves.
I think the main issues with FS is not so much the shock but pivot location and stiffness of the frame, something that all the Nicolai's do well IMHO.

I'm about 10-15 miles south of Durham if you struggle to find a test bike at a dealer.

The way I see it is that the frame with a shock at full RRP is 2K. Thats not a cheap FS frame, and being a German firm with slight OCD issues (hand sight and finish every frame) I'm pretty sure they wouldn't spec a shock that diminished the ride.

On an aside:

Oh believe me - you have no idea!!! Thank goodness for Top Shop jeans in 36" leg... (actually, I'm told they do a 38" leg, too - can't imagine who they are for!!!!)

ha ha - I have a bit of a mix of guy/girl kit. It's a long story... 😉

Rachel

Lol - me too, particular as I nick the other halfs (padded shorts not included!). Thanks for the advice on the Helius.

ahsat - did you clock that Momentum UK (distributors for Nicolai) are selling their last two Helius CC frames at a price that will probably justify buying without even riding one?

Have a look here: [url= http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nicolai-Helius-CC-Size-M-SALE-/230583614856?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item35afdabd88 ]Brand New Helius CC for £1150[/url]

I'm personally not a fan of the DT Swiss cans myself. I test rode a CC with one and couldn't get the air pressure right; the right spring weight while riding meant the bike sat too high in its travel (only about 15% sag) and then when I set the spring rate according to the sag measurement, it was way too soft. Apparently (and I am just quoting someone else here), there is very little in the way of compression or rebound damping in these things, which makes it hard to control what it's doing. None of this stopped me from loving what the CC did though. It was a lovely bike and accelerated amazingly.

The Fox RP23 Boost Valve is much better IMO. I have a Helius AM myself with an RP23 and have owned one of their DH bikes as well. I am a bit of a 'fanboy' but what I love about the design of Nicolais is two things.

First it's their overall integrity; they track amazingly, go precisely where you want them, as stiff as bullets and hard as them also. All this translates to greater precision on the trail; the bike has telepathic like instincts to your input. That integrity of build quality also means your shock bushes and pivot bearings last a life time as well. Everything is rotating in the correct plain (plane?)!

The second thing is the suspension design works without any fuss or drama. It just ‘melts’ into the back ground. It has no quirks, no weird habits, no strange behaviours. It just does what it does without making its presence felt. There are, perhaps, more effective designs in certain situations, but they also tend to ‘add a lot of information’ when riding. The Nic’s Horst Link, just fades away.

Overall their Horst Link bikes (can’t comment on their single pivot designs) tend to be very neutral.

Oh and they are a joy to own.

did you clock that Momentum UK (distributors for Nicolai) are selling their last two Helius CC frames at a price that will probably justify buying without even riding one?

The second thing is the suspension design works without any fuss or drama

Arghhhhhh.....where is the credit card?!

Damn - I realise I am logged in as the other half! Ops! Sorry Jack!

Damn - I realise I am logged in as the other half! Ops! Sorry Jack!

LOL had me confused as all heck. I was trying to find P20 on the thread 😀

I could flog it at a pretty reasonable price with that much reduction on it

You [i]might [/i]be able to but here's the one thing about Nic's. They are a very individual choice. People buy them because of this and so consequently, they don't tend to buy them second hand because they want the oppportunity to spec it just the way they want it.

If Nic's appeal and you're seriously thinking about one, then it also stands to reason that you're not buying on price, so again, a cheap second hand one doesn't have as much appeal to a potential Nic' customer as say another brand will. I sold my Ion ST (DH fame) for about £1100 when it was a year old and mechanically excellent, just some chips in the paint here and there. The new price was £2400. I even considered myself lucky that I managed to find a buyer because there have been a number of Ions on eBay that haven't sold. The CC is more marketable though and again, at the price you'd be paying you're not going to lose a heck of a lot.

In their favour, the five year warranty that comes with them [i]is transferable[/i], which I think is pretty much unique in the MTB world (or anywhere else outside of cars for that matter!)

Also none of this should stop you from getting what is basically the bargain of a lifetime with those CCs if indeed you had already set your heart on one.

What's stopping you?

At 5ft 9" a medium is pretty much bang on the money. A 585mm/23" top tube is going to feel just right I think for your height and while that is shorter than a lot of other 'medium' sizes, it's not exactly cramped.

So - response to a few points on here....

Short, tall and high bottom bracket....

Pre 2006 they were a bit short and a bit tall. From 2006 onwards we lowered the top tube by over 25mm (joined lower down the seat tube) AND lengthened the top tube by about 25mm and adjusted the frame for longer forks. The pre-06 bike was much better with 100mm forks, post 06 is warrantied up to 140mm and would have a lower bb with 130's than the earlier frames.

The CC still has a relatively high BB but that has advantages - particularly somewhere like Cumbria - as it means that it's a lot more flexible. Run with shorter travel front and rear - say 120mm - and you'll have a 'short' travel trail bike with a reasonably low BB. At 140/130 you get a higher BB. Run it 100mm front and rear and build it light and you can run it as a race bike.

If you want a low BB'd long travel trail bike we have the Helius AC.

We think that Fox or RS offer much better performance for most riding than the DT. The DT works well set up firm on a race bike but isn't that plush for trail riding - however, we were offering them at a price too good to turn down (even if only as a spare). Not sure if they've all gone now though.

Lots of interest on these last few bargain CC's now so don't hang about.

Sorry, signed in as the correct person now!

Not sure if they've all gone now though

Now just to tell the other half! 😀

My old CC from 2005. Beautifully made but didn't really get on with it. Didn't like the high BB and short top tube. Bearings were ridiculously expensive when they needed replacing... Also swapped the DT shock for a Fox which made a huge difference (in a good way).

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...and that frame is now mine. It did eventually get rebuilt with Black Revelations, XT Discs, Gold Hope Headset, Thomson stem and a few other bits. It has barely been ridden though 😳 (but it is a thing of beauty IMO)

Tasha - you're gonna love it if what you're after is a neutral trail thrashing work of mechanical art 😆

Mine's built pretty trail orientated with 140mm QR15 forks, short stem, dropper post and a double & bash up front. My previous one was a couple of pounds lighter and a more XC build with carbon bars, 130mm QR forks etc.

Either way the bikes are great, the new geo (which is what you'll be getting) has released the inner descender in me to the point where my regular riding buddy (Orange 5 with nice new FiT forks) was flat out & on the edge behind me down the blacks at Llandegla on Saturday in the damp slippy conditions - he was miles quicker than me before i built my new one up.

He even commented if I was meaning to have the back end stepped out over the jumps etc (yup so I was pointing the right was rally car style on the landing) and that I was a lot quicker than him through berms 8) and the bike never flinched off line or felt sketchy 🙂

Have I mentioned they climb well too, we had a nice long (about 12km from bottom of valley to peak on my GPS) climb gentle'ish but techy climb on the trails outside of the center too.

If you do get one of those last 2 bargain frames and need a cheap shock to tide you over I have an SSD190L I swapped for an RP23

Wooooohooooooo! You are looking at a new Nicolai owner! RP23 on order from Merlin! It is going to be awesome 😀 😀

I can't believe how mental I must be! 48 hours have passed looking at new toys - some chat on STW, a couple of phone calls and I have just bought a bling German bike frame! I am officially mad! And whats more I trusted you lot! Bring on the end of knee recovery and the riding 😀

I am on my 3rd Nicolai,Had an FR,Ion and now an AC,I wont buy any other brand.Thinking about something to compliment the AC,maybe an AFR.

Welcome to the fold, ahsat!!!

Rachel

Nice one - you'll love it.

I bought one blind like yourself and was astonished at how much faster it made me on descents but with seemingly no penalty on the way up.

ahsat. Welcome home, it's good to see you 🙂 Now all you need to do is to spec it out properly. If your knees are a bit iffy perhaps consider Time pedals. Work for me, never going back.

You must post up pics as you build the bike up, it's the law you know.

Ahsat, I bought mine without demo'ing it. Went off all the rave reviews on t'internet and it is the first FS I have owned (and maybe the only one) I wanted the equivalent in the FS world that the Cotic Soul was in the HT world (I couldn't afford a Hemlock as I would have to splash on new forks) I suppose thats why I get on with the DT shock being firmer, recently coming from a HT and my other bike is rigid.

It was so good that my mtb'ing other half rode it and then bought herself one the following day! Unfortunately she then got pneumonia and is recovering while the frame and new forks are in the loft 🙁 But it will soon be built and we will be Mr & Mrs Nicolai!

Cheers all.

Now all you need to do is to spec it out properly.

If your knees are a bit iffy perhaps consider Time pedals. Work for me, never going back.

Must say thanks to Simon at Nicolai UK. He has been fantastic.

Welcome to the fold ahsat - great to have a new recruit!

If you're after a set of bars I have a pair (why do we call them a pair of handlebars?) of Burgtec Ride Wides that are used but in 'good' condition. They are 750mm wide (so most likely you'll want to cut them down) and 31.8mm clamp. They've not been crashed or anything daft, just the usual wear marks etc.

If you're interested mail me (email is in profile) and I will let you have them on the basis that you make a donation to charity (I'll explain how that works off line).

congratulations, they are amazing this bike totally sold me on full sus. enjoy building it and post up some pics when done.

Nice, another Nicolai owner, I'm on my forth, and I have to say they are brilliant.

I, like geetee have an AM and it's the best bike I own, just two upgrades left then it will be perfect. Strong, light (ish), feels indestructable, fast etc......

Thinking of getting a fifth, something like an argon cc 29er....

Enjoy it.

I bought mine without demo'ing it. Went off all the rave reviews on t'internet and it is the first FS I have owned (and maybe the only one)

Same here. Well chuffed with it.

Looking forward to seeing build pics.

If you're after a set of bars I have a pair (why do we call them a pair of handlebars?) of Burgtec Ride Wides that are used but in 'good' condition.

Just want it to arrive now! 😀 hehe. Must be patient - more physio first!

Does just show the power of the word of mouth. Mag reviews and forums totally change how things are sold.

If you're after a set of bars I have a pair (why do we call them a pair of handlebars?) of Burgtec Ride Wides that are used but in 'good' condition.

Just want it to arrive now! 😀 hehe. Must be patient - more physio first!

Does just show the power of the word of mouth. Mag reviews ad forums totally change how things are sold.

Want to get a Chris King headset (if appropraiate)

[holding my tongue for once]......... 🙂

Oh dear. Sorry p20!! I now feel really bad. Thought it was just on the hardtail! Going home with tail between my legs.

Lecth I hear you but if someone very kindly buys you two, you certainly don't say no 😀

I got the large one that was left!!

Welcome to the family Candodavid 🙂
You will not be disappointed.

Nice one Candodavid. Mine arrives at the in laws tomorrow and I will get it on Friday! Mmmmmm shiny!

Mmmm...lucky ahsat and candodavid!

I ride a Superlight (current shape) with rp23 and 120mm Reba Maxle. I’ve really loved this bike - even more than my previous Cotic Soul (hello soulwood). Alas, however, I made the mistake of trying the Helios CC belonging to my buddie ‘10 Bikes Jeff’. We did 90 minutes round Thetford on our own bikes before lunch, and then swapped bikes for the afternoon. I hate to admit it, but Jeff's Helios kicked the Superlight’s ass whilst at the same time Jeff was complaining that my Superlight was kicking his ass (he’s such a wimp)!
Seriously though, I just felt the Helios did everything smoother, faster and with less fuss. I was going faster whilst not having to work as hard. I still really enjoy my Superlight but now I’m on the lookout a nice used Helios. I turned one down about 10 days ago because it was the older geometry, but after reading Simon’s post just now, I see that it would have had the lowered stand-over, even if it didn’t have the latest and longest travel options. Anyway, I loved all your piccies - keep ‘em coming so I can drool.
Tim (Southampton)

Mojo have no shocks left, 2 weeks till the RP23 arrives.
Reba maxle lite up front with middleburn duo sq taper.
Anybody know the correct BB axle length ?

They have a 68mm BB shell and need 2 drive side & 1 non-drive side spacer on a HT2 BB

BTW I have an older geo frame for sale if you're interested

Mojo have no shocks left, 2 weeks till the RP23 arrives.

2011 RP23 on order

Candodavid, I read recently somewhere in a mag, an interview with an Orange top bod. He was asked about dual chainsets affecting pivot location on FS, something I hadn't thought about. He replied that his frames were optimised using the current 22/32/44 setup to minimise pedal bob when climbing and using the new dual chainsets would upset this. Might be worth looking into?

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Its arrived! This is all down to you lot! Thank you - its stunning! I got the 2009 RP23 for £158 with Merlins extra bonus discount! Now thinking red grips and red walled tyres! Bike tart.....!

Nice frame, red-walled tyres is a bit Euro OTT IMHO, but hey it's your frame 😆

Defo a red seat-clamp & [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-nicolai-helius-cc-frame-slx-cranks-red-hope-headset ]Head-Set[/url] though 😉

red-walled tyres is a bit Euro OTT IMHO, but hey it's your frame

Red headset is a no go I'm afraid - already have a black King! Nice try though 😛

Already looking for red seat post clamp! 😛

That looks lush

If you need shock bushes/spacers, BETD do heavy duty ones with hula hoop bushes - I got a set for my RP23 from them earlier in the year. Good service, they had to machine them for the correct size for the Helius but I still got them next day.

I've got a Fox bush fitting tool if you are down Durham way and want to borrow it.

I've got a bolt up Hope one, (if I can find the bolt :oops:)

Red trimmed Nobby Nics wouldn't be bad 8)

That looks lush

If you need shock bushes/spacers

I've got a Fox bush fitting tool if you are down Durham way and want to borrow it.

Red trimmed Nobby Nics wouldn't be bad

Red lizard skin grips and salsa seat post clamp if I can find one at the right size in red! Of to the pub armed with photos on my phone to make my mate jealous!

BTW it's a 34.9mm seat clamp

Only a tune seatclamp would fit the bill

He replied that his frames were optimised using the current 22/32/44 setup to minimise pedal bob when climbing and using the new dual chainsets would upset this.

Which chainring are they 'optimised' in? It can't be all three.

Down to the final few of these bargain frames now - only 1 large left, and just 2 mediums (one on Silver, one in Black ano). Perfect match for those Merlin shocks if you're looking to keep the total cost down.

It'll be the 32 with plenty of PP otherwise they bob like a kid on Hallowene 😉