Nicolai R20 MGU AON Edition: An Electric Downhill Bike That Defies Convention with 12-Speed Gearbox and Massive Battery

Nicolai has unveiled something truly extraordinary with its R20 MGU AON Edition. This heavy-duty electric downhill mountain bike, developed alongside Swiss manufacturer Gamux, was never designed to follow conventional logic.

According to Nicolai, 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.” Instead, the company describes it as “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?”

The German brand and Gamux have been collaborating since 2024, supporting the AON Racing Team that features former World Downhill Champion Reece Wilson and World Cup Enduro series winner Hattie Harnden. While electric bikes remain prohibited in downhill racing, AON Racing chose to partner with these manufacturers to develop this €14,999 machine. The result is a bike that recreational riders can use for downhill runs while enjoying their own personal uplift service.

The R20 shares its suspension platform with the Gamux Sego DH bike. It is purpose-built for downhill tracks, equipped with brakes, 200mm of suspension travel, wheels, and geometry that align with contemporary downhill bikes. The motor and 12-speed gearbox then handle the task of getting you back to the top for another descent.

At the heart of this machine is the Pinion E1.12 MGU, which merges an electric motor with a gearbox to deliver a 600% gear ratio range. The motor produces 85Nm of torque with 600w peak power. Riders can choose between an 800Wh battery or the substantially larger 1060Wh Fit Tubepack option.

Up front, the bike features a Manitou Dorado inverted fork offering 203mm of travel in a limited edition silver finish, identical to what AON team riders Reece Wilson and Hattie Harnden use in competition.

The rear suspension employs a single pivot design with a linkage that activates the Manitou Mara Pro rear shock. It utilizes a high-pivot axle path with an idler positioned beneath the belt-drive to manage anti-squat characteristics.

When it comes to components, the R20 comes equipped with carbon Reynolds Blacklabel 309/307 DH Expert wheels, a Manitou Jack dropper post, and Hayes Dominion brakes. A Protaper direct-mount stem with 45-50mm reach is fitted, which differs from the negative reach stem that Reece Wilson and his teammates use on their DH race bikes.

The geometry of the R20 reflects modern downhill standards, featuring a 63.3-degree head angle, 480mm reach in size L, and a 462mm rear centre. This downhill-focused geometry is paired with the steep 78-degree seat angle typically found on enduro bikes, providing traction when climbing in the saddle.

Perhaps the most apt comparison would be the Orbea Rallon, which serves double duty as both the brand’s flagship enduro and downhill bike when fitted with a different shock shuttle and angle-adjusting headset.

The R20 runs a mixed-wheelsize configuration, and there is no option to fit a 29-inch rear wheel.

Those interested in acquiring this machine can find it on the Nicolai website now, with prices starting at €14,999. Various options are available, most notably the enormous 1060Wh battery for an additional €200.

This electric downhill bike represents a bold statement from Nicolai and Gamux, demonstrating what becomes possible when manufacturers abandon conventional thinking and pursue a singular vision without compromise.