Nicolai’s new and monstrous R20 MGU AON Edition is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Made in collaboration with Gamux, the bike is a heavy-duty electric downhill mountain bike that isn’t meant to make sense.
“The R20 MGU AON Edition is not meant to be rational, nor does it try to compromise, solve a problem or define a new category,” Nicolai says. “It is the focused execution of a very specific idea: What happens when you equip a proper downhill bike with an e-drive system so it can get back to the start of the next descent under its own power?"
Nicolai and Swiss mountain bike manufacturer Gamux have been working together since 2024 while supporting the AON Racing Team, which includes former World Downhill Champion Reece Wilson and World Cup Enduro series winner Hattie Harnden.
Ebikes are illegal in downhill racing but AON Racing has decided to work with Nicolai and Gamux to create this €14,999 electric mountain bike which the recreational rider can use for downhill, but also as their own personal uplift service.
The R20 has the same suspension platform as the Gamux Sego DH bike, and it’s designed to be ridden on downhill tracks with brakes, 200mm suspension travel, wheels, and geometry to match modern downhill bikes. It then uses its motor and 12-speed gearbox to power you back to the top for another run.
Electric motor and gearbox combined
The bike uses the Pinion E1.12 MGU which combines an electric motor and gearbox together to offer a 600% gear ratio spread. The motor offers 85Nm torque with 600w peak power, and either an 800Wh battery or a whopping 1060Wh Fit Tubepack battery option.
The bike has a Manitou Dorado inverted fork with 203mm travel in a limited edition silver colour, just like the AON team riders Reece Wilson and Hattie Harnden use.
The rear suspension system is a single pivot design with a linkage activating the Manitou Mara Pro rear shock. It follows a high-pivot axle path with an idler running under the belt-drive to control the anti-squat.
R20 Spec
The R20 has carbon Reynolds Blacklabel 309/307 DH Expert wheels, a Manitou Jack dropper post, and Hayes Dominion brakes.
It has a Protaper direct-mount stem with 45-50mm reach, unlike the negative reach stem used by Reece Wilson and the team on their DH race bikes.
R20 Geometry
The R20 has modern DH geometry with a 63.3-degree head angle, a 480mm reach (size L) and a 462mm rear centre.
The DH geometry is combined with the steep seat angle of an enduro bike 78deg for traction when climbing in the saddle.
Perhaps the closest comparison is the Orbea Rallon which does double duty as both the brand’s flagship enduro and DH bike (with a different shock shuttle and angle-adjusting headset fitted).
The R20 uses a mixed-wheelsize setup with no option for a 29in rear wheel.
Price and Availability
The R20 is available on the Nicolai website now starting at €14,999, with various options available, most notably the huge 1060Wh battery for an extra €200.
