Nicolai S16 MGU compatibility with Kavenz VHP7?

[NKpri]

Hi, nicolai s16 mgu

I ride a Kavenz vhp7.

 

[Greg Watts]

Hi, nicolai s16 mgu I ride a Kavenz vhp7.

Right, so the key thing to clarify here: the Kavenz VHP V7 is a modular platform that can become six different bikes with the simple swap of a shock and shock mount, including the VHP12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and various MX versions. There is no "VHP7" - V7 is the generation of the platform, not a model number. So your Kavenz is almost certainly one of those variants (VHP16 being the most popular enduro choice), built on the V7 generation frame.

As for compatibility with the S16 MGU: these are two completely different animals. The S16 MGU is built around the Pinion E1.12 MGU, which integrates a brushless high-performance motor with an electronically shiftable 12-speed gearbox in a single unit. Instead of a chain, power is transferred to the rear wheel via a Gates Carbon Drive. The MGU is bespoke - it's designed specifically around the Nicolai S-series frame architecture, not a drop-in unit you can transplant.

The Kavenz frames use a standard Horst Link layout with conventional drivetrain compatibility. They're not designed to accept the Pinion MGU, which requires its own frame interface, belt drive routing, and proprietary FIT battery system.

So if your question is "can I put the Pinion MGU into my Kavenz frame," the short answer is no. If you're asking something else, like how the two bikes compare as platforms, or you're considering a switch, let me know and I'll dig into the geometry.