Nicolai Argon FR & Rohloff Speedhub

For the last two winters I have been researching ways to eliminate the effect of South Downs mud on my MTB. After many months deliberation I came to two conclusions; 1) use a hardtail frame and 2) eliminate the rear and front derailleur. The obvious solution is a single-speed; however my aging legs together with my lack of masochism eliminated this choice. The only other solution I could find was a Rohloff Speedhub. After many telephone calls and searching I was advised / told to get a frame that is designed specifically for the Speedhub (sliding rear disc-brake mounts, Rohloff cable routing and symmetrical seat-stays). I opted for the Nicolai Argon FR for three reasons; 1) it can be specified as Rohloff Specific, 2) it is a hard hitting frame that will take my weight and lack of finesse and finally 3) it is available in some amazing colours at no extra cost, I also got a belting deal from Ed at iBike in Crowthorne Berkshire. I ordered the large frame in red/orange colour with glitter. I had to wait 7 weeks for the frame to arrive from Germany and a further week for iBike to build it, not too painful as the trails were dry and my FS bike was in constant use.

I have been riding the Argon for 2 months (I had it in my hand at the beginning of March 06) and so far I have nothing but praise for it. The geometry is relaxed for a hardtail (68deg head-angle and 73 deg seat-post angle) and the frame is compact rather than long and rangy. In view of this I think the bike is more suited to fun and play than long all day epics. On single-track it is a blast the neutral riding position is very central over the bike which makes digging into corners a breeze, leaning back slightly makes it much more relaxed and the front wheel is very easy to lift over obstacles and holes. In a word the bike is ‘fun’. The speedhub is simple to use and is much more intuitive than a derailleur system. The gears can be changed while the bike is stationary for example at the bottom of a hill or through a gate and then just pedal off. I was advised to ‘relax’ the pressure on the pedals while changing gear which on up-hills means going slightly faster than expected due to the loss in momentum while changing gear, not a big problem but worth mentioning. Going from a FS bike to a hardtail has required a modification of my lazy technique as there is no increased traction from the suspension movement; I find all the hills need to be gently cruised while trying to avoid any bursts of power as this causes the rear wheel to slip. The maintenance of the bike is very simple, a quick wash / hoze with water and the job is done!

So far I am very pleased with the bike; however the coming winter, and the South Downs mud-baths around Brighton single-track will be the real test. Oh yes, red/orange with glitter the utter bollocks!

Bike Build

Frame: Nicolai Argon FR (Rohloff Specific)

Forks: Fox Vanilla R

Wheels: Mavic 717 disc rims on Rohloff and Hope hubs

Brakes: Hope M4 Mono-mini 180 mm rotors front and rear

Crankset: Shimano LX Hollowtech

Headset: Chris King

Bars: Easton DH

Stem: Thomson Elite

Seat-post: Thomson Elite

Tubes: Dr Sludge (slime tubes)

Tyres: Continental Gravity 2.3 inch