The suspension design on the Helius has been optimised over many years. It results in a a bike that tracks the ground superbly with minimal bob when climbing and fully active suspension when descending. It works on a range of travel from race bikes through to downhill.
Unfortunately the main pivot point on the Helius is exactly where a direct mount front mech is normally mounted. While other companies work around this with bent seat tubes or asymmetric swingarms this is not the Nicolai way.
On Helius frames and on the ION18 a customised SRAM direct mount mech is mounted to the swingarm. This has the advantage that the mech stays optimally positioned relative to the chainring as the suspension compresses.
SRAM mechs can be specified when you order your frame – X9 or XO in either 36T max or 39T max. These mechs are for 2×10 drivetrains.
If you wish to use a standard, clamp on, front mech for the 26″ frame you can alternatively specify a cable stop which mounts to the back of the bottom bracket using the axle set screws. The offset seat tube on the 29″ and 650b versions means that only a Nicolai direct mount mech can be used.
The ION16 will use a high direct mount. If FD+RD is specified a direct mount clamp will be delivered with the ION frame. The ION must use this clamp to correct for the seat-tube offset. The part is specific to the ION16 and cannot be used with Helius frames.
