Nicolai and Gamux R20 MGU: Downhill Travel with Motor Assistance

By MTBSA contributor

The Nicolai R20 MGU AON Edition combines a downhill-style chassis with pedal assistance and a gearbox. Developed with Gamux and linked to Reece Wilson’s Aon Racing project, it is intended to offer downhill training without relying entirely on an uplift.

A full 200 mm platform

The aluminium mixed-wheel bike provides 200 mm travel at both ends. A high-pivot rear suspension layout drives a 250 × 75 mm Manitou Mara shock, paired with a Manitou Dorado Pro fork. The frame combines Nicolai fabrication with Gamux input on the swingarm.

Sizes are medium, large and extra-large, with reach figures of 460, 480 and 500 mm. Published geometry includes a 63.3° head angle, 78° seat angle and 462 mm rear centre. An adjustable forward shock mount provides some geometry variation, but exact increments were not supplied.

Gearbox, belt and battery

A Pinion motor gearbox unit supplies 12 gears through a Gates Carbon belt. The announcement lists up to 600 W peak power and 400% assistance. Maximum torque is given as 160 Nm in gears one to four, rather than a constant figure across every gear.

An 800 Wh removable battery is standard, with a 1,060 Wh option listed at an additional ≈ R2 257. The claimed large-bike weight is 29.5 kg with the smaller battery, making handling and transport important practical considerations.

Price and support

The announced price is ≈ R282 148. The frame carries a stated five-year warranty, while the Pinion system has a two-year warranty and a recommended oil-change interval of 10,000 km. The supplied report also describes long-term frame replacement-part support.

For South African riders, confirm local motor and gearbox servicing, battery transport arrangements and whether the seller can supply your region. The announcement does not establish South African availability. Check trail access rules for assisted bikes at the places you intend to ride. This is launch coverage, not an MTBSA ride test or a promise of unrestricted access.

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About these rand prices

Amounts marked ≈ are approximate rand conversions of overseas prices, using SARS reference rates dated 12 October 2026, rounded to the nearest rand. They are not South African retail quotes and exclude additional shipping, import charges and local retailer costs. Confirm current local pricing with a South African dealer. Unqualified dollar prices in US-market reporting are treated as US dollars; explicitly identified currencies use their corresponding rate.