Nordest Gimonde 32er Titanium Frame for Big-Wheel Bikes

Experience the Trail with Unmatched Geometry: Nordest Gimonde 32er Titanium Frame

Unveiling the Nordest Gimonde: A New Era in Titanium 32er Frames

The cycling world welcomes another titanium 32er, the Nordest Gimonde, positioned as a downcountry frame with versatile bikepacking capabilities. Hailing from Galicia, Spain, Nordest has been making strides since 2016, fabricating its steel and titanium frames in Taiwan before final assembly in Spain, delivering quality and innovation to the market.

Distinctive Geometry and Advanced Frame Specifications of the Nordest Gimonde

While many recently released titanium 32ers may share a similar aesthetic, their geometric configurations often diverge significantly. The Nordest Gimonde distinguishes itself with an exceptionally relaxed head tube angle of 66°—a notable deviation from the norm for 32er bikes. This contrasts sharply with models like the Twin Six 3x2, which features a steeper 69.5° head tube angle, highlighting the Gimonde's unique handling characteristics. Furthermore, its generous reach, measuring 500mm for a size-large frame, aligns perfectly with the demands of modern trail riding.

Wheel Specifications and Tire Compatibility for the Nordest Gimonde

Given the larger 32-inch wheel diameter, an extended chainstay is a design necessity. The Nordest Gimonde incorporates 468mm-long chainstays, and the manufacturer confirms compatibility with tires up to 32×2.4″, ensuring robust performance and clearance for diverse trail conditions.

Sizing and Rider Recommendations for the Nordest Gimonde

Nordest offers the Gimonde in two sizes: medium-large and large. The brand advises that riders should be at least 5'10" (approximately 178 cm) in height to comfortably fit the smaller of the two available sizes, ensuring an optimal riding experience tailored to specific rider dimensions.

Premium Materials and Integrated Features of the Nordest Gimonde

The Nordest Gimonde is meticulously constructed from double-butted TI-3Al-2.5V titanium tubing, renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio and resilience. The frame is thoughtfully equipped with seat-stay eyelets for convenient attachment of racks or panniers, two sets of water bottle mounts within the main triangle, and UDH dropouts for enhanced compatibility and functionality. The claimed weight for the medium-large frame is 1,900g, while the large frame weighs in at 1,980g, reflecting a balance of durability and lightness.

Suspension Versatility: Rigid or Suspension Fork Options for the Gimonde

Although the Gimonde is frequently depicted with a rigid fork in promotional images, its design inherently accommodates a variety of suspension forks. Pedro Jerónimo from Nordest confirms that the frame is compatible with 32-inch suspension forks with an axle-to-crown measurement up to 580mm, such as the Intend Samurai XC 32. Moreover, Nordest offers customized geometry adjustments based on the customer's fork preference (rigid or suspension) at no additional charge, ensuring a tailored setup for each rider.

Pricing and Availability of the Nordest Gimonde Frames

The Nordest Gimonde frames are priced at €1,799 (approximately $2,060 USD), inclusive of complimentary shipping within the European Union. A comprehensive frameset, featuring a carbon fork and a Chris King headset, is available for €2,189. Nordest anticipates a delivery window of 12 weeks for frame orders, reflecting their commitment to quality craftsmanship and timely production.

The Evolution of 32er Mountain Bike Frame Materials

With the exception of the Thömus Lightrider, which debuted at the World Cup, the majority of 32er mountain bike releases thus far have utilized metal construction, specifically titanium, steel, or aluminum. The rationale behind this trend is the inherent flexibility and cost-effectiveness of working with metal, allowing early 32er frame builders to rapidly prototype and produce limited batches. In contrast, carbon fiber frames necessitate expensive molds that are less amenable to swift modifications, making metal a preferred choice for innovation and responsive market demands in this emerging segment.