This started off as a quest to design the most weather-proof Mountain bikes for Great British weather. All OLSEN bicycles can be designed to run a derailleur, however my frames have been designed to primarily to accommodate the Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive, Kindernay XIV and the Rohloff Speedhub . At OLSEN HQ we believe in developing bikes around drivetrains and systems that have more long-term benefits for mountain biking than an exposed rear derailleur system. Years of maintenance free cycling. 10000 quiet belt drive miles.
The derailleur drivetrain was invented in 1928 and works perfectly fine for road bikes where precision shifting is not impaired by mud sand and more mud. A lot of design and engineering has gone into improving the rear derailleur, but this system is still exposed to the elements and mud. The derailleur has become the mechanical Achilles heel when long distances and trail conditions turn bad. Why do electric bikes still use derailleurs? Why are we chasing the 1 extra gear 1x12 Eagle dream?
The N-1 will not run derailleur, it has been designed to accommodate the Pinion gearbox only and Gates Carbon Drive. Gearboxes have more long-term benefits for mountain biking than an exposed rear derailleur system. Years of maintenance free cycling. 10000 quiet belt drive miles.
The N-1 is designed around the Pinion gearbox and 2 tyre sizes. Both 29 x 2.4" and 27.5 x 3.0" (plus sized) tyres without affecting the handling. This design uses the benefits of carbon monocoque construction from one huge tool. However the "reach" (top tube) can be changed from between 420 - 485mm by using tool sections to lengthen the frame. Fully custom options are available, allowing the head angle can be anything from 65 to 70 degrees. Bottom bracket drop can also be custom made by changing the mounting plates.
The N-2 takes design elements from the N-1 and pushes the great british weather concept further. A low chainstay and Salsa Alternator dropouts take the N-2 into areas of Singlespeed, Sturmey Archer, Alfine, Kindernay and Rohloff hubs before even thinking about derailleurs. The N-2 has also been designed around 2 tyre sizes. Both 29 x 2.4" and 27.5 x 3.0" (plus sized) tyres without affecting the handling. This design uses the benefits of carbon monocoque construction, sharing the same geometry as the N-1. There is also a Pinion option and the dropouts are split to accommodate Gates Carbon Drive belts.
The N-3 has been designed around short travel and rigid forks, 700x40c and 29x2.35 tyres. The geometry option on the N-3 are endless. Any geometry from Cyclocross, Gravel to XC Mountain bike. With 68 or 70 degree head angle this geometry will feel balanced with an Axle to Crown measurement to suit your fork of choice. This make the bike ideal for light bike-packing and long distance adventure racing.