The response to a reader test has never been so great. A few minutes after the invitation left my mailbox, the first responses started flashing up. Soon half of the participants of our EMTB-Trail-Camp (here to the event) pre-registered for a test bike. The reason is perhaps the hottest piece of technology on the market: the motor-gear unit MGU from Pinion (here in the EMTB test). But how does the gearbox ride on an e-mountainbike? And does Pinion meet the end user's expectations when it comes to power, volume, range and modulation? We put it to the test with our reader test.
How the technology works: Pinion MGU E1.12
The highlight of the Pinion MGU is the combination of a classic e-bike motor (85 Nm, 600 watts peak power) with a twelve-speed gearbox, integrated in an amazingly compact housing. This promises almost zero wear on the gearbox, just like in a car.
Another advantage: the chain or belt always runs in a single line to transmit power to the rear wheel and is less stressed, eliminating the need for exposed derailleur gears on the rear wheel. To ensure maintenance and service for the new technology, Pinion is working together with Flyer's sister company Biketec, whose FIT brand also supplies the displays, apps and batteries for the Pinion system.
Exciting: The system can be updated via firmware now also fully automatic switching. Pinion offers both a pure automatic mode and the so-called pro mode, in which the rider can override the shifting decisions of the automatic system using the shift lever. Unlike with most automatic systems (here to the reader test with Sram and Shimano) the Pinion MGU should even learn from the rider's decisions and thus adapt better and better to the rider's preferences. Unfortunately, the automatic feature was not yet available for this reader test with the Pinion MGU on Lake Kaltern in April 2024.
Pinion MGU: The facts at a glance
- Gearstick and motor in one unit
- 4100 grams, 12 gears, 600 per cent range,
- 85 Newton metres, 600 watts peak power
- Works with more durable Drive belt or more robust Single chain.
- Gearbox needs an oil change every 10,000 kilometres
- Switching possible at standstill and while rolling
- Automatic gearshift via firmware update
First contact at the EMTB Camp: "The system is brilliant!"
It is the 22nd of April. On the shores of the otherwise warm Lake Kaltern, a cool wind is making the beach flags rattle. The thermometer barely registers ten degrees, but the mood of the almost 40 camp participants is exceptionally good. North of the Alps, winter has just arrived with a thick blanket of snow. In contrast, South Tyrol with its dry trails seems almost paradisiacal.
The first readers set off straight away on a Simplon test bike with MGU - the curiosity among the participants is great. Reader tester Gerd turns left after a first lap on the Rapcon Pmax Pinion back into the car park. "The system is brilliant," he says. I want to know why. "The snappy gear changes", but also additional features such as "shifting when stationary" convinced him of the MGU straight away. Individual opinion or already a trend?
Because the reader test will certainly not be a sure-fire success for Pinion. A lot has already been written about the pros and cons of the MGU. The fact that the system is not one of the quietest and that shifting delays occur with the double shift had also got around to some of the camp participants. The major advantages of the MGU in terms of maintenance and wear, on the other hand, can only be emphasised to a limited extent in such a test over a few days.
Starting off with push assistance, shifting gears when stationary
The Pinion motor dispels some of the concerns of some readers on the very first climb. On a slightly muddy and steep uphill, where hardly anyone thinks about starting off again, I simply press the button for the push assist on my test bike. This gently pushes the bike even without turning the pedals until there is enough momentum to be able to pedal normally again. Astonished looks from all sides.
"Really practical", says reader tester Gerd. "Especially if you don't know the trail yet!" Features like these, which go far beyond the range of functions of classic motor and derailleur combinations, particularly impressed him and many other readers. For example, you can shift into a high gear before setting off on a descent or preselect easy gears for starting off.
Change gears with a bang, even under load & on steep terrain
And professional guide Vivi from the camp team is also delighted: "I can simply always change gear, no matter what situation I'm in." No more cautious gear changes on the mountain, where you just hope that the chain doesn't fly around your ears. Also noticeable: In terms of quality, the MGU makes a good impression almost everywhere. No more jerking when changing gear, no creaking if the setting is not perfect and the chain has to engage properly on the sprocket.
And what about the delay with the double-shift, what about the loud engine noise in the first four gears? I always raise the points of criticism from our tests at EMTB directly with the participants. Reader tester Nicolas waves it off: "The Pinion just has a lot of power. You can hear that," he says, who normally rides a Cube with a Bosch motor. Camp participant Reiner sees it a little differently: "On a long tour, that might bother me."
The delayed shifting between gears four and five as well as eight and nine, which the EMTB test team noticed negatively in comparison with conventional drives, hardly played a role for our test subjects. Many of the participants also see the issue of weight as a general problem with e-mountainbikes. "Of course, lighter is always better," says EMTB reader Gregor, who normally rides a Specialized Levo Carbon. This does not detract from his interest in a bike with a Pinion MGU.
In a nutshell: How the MGU performs in the reader test
Tough terrain: Uphill fun even with a geared motor?
Shifting while stationary and additional features such as Pre-Select (shifting while rolling) and Start-Select (fixed starting gear) make the Pinion MGU the superior system compared to derailleur gears in the eyes of many reader testers. Almost every tester also praises the fact that you can change gears safely even on nasty ramps. The modulation and motor power are convincing. The motor remains quiet downhill and nothing rattles, which is a positive aspect. For demanding trails in particular, many testers would prefer a bike with a Pinion MGU to a classic derailleur in the future.
On tour with the Pinion MGU
In moderate terrain, there is little criticism of Pinion's MGU from readers. On the contrary: Pleasant and fast shifting, successful engine tuning, plenty of power - it's just right! The displays and operation are impressive, the higher noise level in the first four gears only disturbs a few testers, and only one criticises the large gear jumps. The fact that the range is slightly less than that of many common motor-battery combinations is the closest thing to an argument. All in all, however, it is clear that enthusiasm prevails.
Pinion MGU range: Powerful, but also an energy guzzler?
By now, the third day is slowly heralding the end of the trail camp and our reader test. The last big tour is on the agenda today, but it's a tough one with a gruelling up-and-down trail between Kaltern and Eppan. Perfect for powerful e-MTBs, which can really show off their strengths on the short and extremely steep climbs.
But saving battery power is out of the question here. Tester Uli, who is actually enthusiastic about the MGU, keeps checking the battery level anxiously. The retired sports teacher has to call on a lot of support due to problems with his joints and, after a good 1300 metres in altitude, drags himself along the last few per cent to a refreshment stop with charging facilities.
Tester Reiner also speaks up again: "I'm sure I'll get a bit further with my 750 Bosch." This is consistent with our experience: In controlled tests, we rode 20 to 25 per cent further with the high-range Bosch system; standard Shimano batteries with around 720 watt hours manage around ten to 15 per cent more. Many reader testers would therefore grudgingly opt for the large 960 battery, even though it makes the bikes with MGU even more expensive and heavier.
Broken belt: Embarrassing breakdown for the Pinion MGU?
The first groups are already enjoying their ice cream when reader tester Marcus rolls up. The man from Munich pushes his test bike into the bike stand somewhat helplessly and shrugs his shoulders: Broken drive belt! A disaster for the supposedly puncture-proof Pinion system? Not even the professionals at Pinion and Simplon can provide a satisfactory explanation for the defect. Production, transport or assembly error, twisted or damaged by stone chips on the trail? It is no longer comprehensible.
Independent experts say that belts are actually more durable than chain drives. However, the extremely tensile fibres in the belt are sensitive to some specific loads. Although the defect dampens the euphoria of the reader testers somewhat, no one sees a real problem in the broken belt. Just a wearing part, say most of them.
The main reason why so few people would buy an MGU bike is the price. "Almost 10,000 euros for a bike - that's out of the question for me," says tester Nicolas. Tester Gerd, who was so impressed with the function and shifting speed of the MGU on the first day, draws a similar conclusion. "Six or six and a half thousand euros, okay. But I'd rather wait a little longer. Sooner or later the prices will come down."
Readers' verdict: "All in all, a really strong system"
What the EMTB editors say
Pro:
- Low-wear and low-maintenance gearbox, shifting possible even under full drive load
- Also shifts when stationary and rolling. Auto-shift available via firmware update
- Performance, weight, dimensions and modulation on a par with Bosch, Shimano and Co.
Contra
- High entry-level price. E-MTBs with Pinion MGU cost around 7500 euros upwards.
The feedback from our reader testers on the Pinion MGU was overwhelmingly positive. The different shifting feel compared to derailleur gears and the double shift were hardly perceived as annoying. Additional features such as shifting when stationary are strong arguments for many readers, along with the lower maintenance requirements. The belt defect does not change this. However, the high price remains a serious obstacle for many. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor for BIKE and EMTB
Belts better than chains? - Strengths & pitfalls: "A challenge with the Fully"
So which is better - belt or chain? We discussed the question with an expert in an interview. Marco Rauch is a product manager at Rohloff. The company from central Hesse has been using both chains and belts in its gear hubs for years. They know the strengths and pitfalls of both drive systems.
EMTB: Drive belts are considered to be particularly low-maintenance and durable. Is that true?
Marco Rauch: Belts can be extremely durable. However, as with the chain, external factors such as load, dirt and area of use determine how durable the belt really is.
Can you be specific about durability?
The best you can say is that under similar conditions, the belt lasts two and a half to three times as long as a chain. However, certain requirements must be met on the frame beforehand.
What exactly is this about?
A belt behaves fundamentally differently to a chain when transmitting power. It tends to rise upwards on the pulley. On the Fully, it must therefore be meticulously kept under tension by a tensioner. In addition, the belt must always be well aligned for a long service life. The tolerance here is +/- 1 millimetre. This is a challenge for manufacturers, especially with the potentially less laterally stiff Fully. However, modern belts with a centre guide groove are much less susceptible to kinking and twisting.
With a view to E-MTB use: Can collisions with sticks and stones also become an issue?
Belts do not like coarse mud in the teeth or impacts from bumps or sharp stones. Correct handling and appropriately informed riders or trained workshop personnel are also required for servicing or breakdowns involving HR removal/installation.
Sounds complicated. Why do you install belts anyway?
The potential durability is one argument. But the belt also requires less maintenance, doesn't get dirty without lubrication and doesn't rattle. That's a great thing! You can also easily control the alignment and tension on a rigid rear end. For sporty E-MTBs with a lot of motor power, however, Gates has a limit of 100 Nm. This is not the case with chains.
More about Pinion & belts on E-MTBs
- Pinion MGU E1.12 engine test - how the geared motor fares against the established competition
- New Pinion MGU - Motor revolution with integrated 12-speed gearbox in a detailed check
- How the Pinion MGU is made - A visit to the transmission specialist in Denkendorf
- Nicolai chain vs belt: How does an E-MTB with belt drive perform off-road?
Adrian Kaether
Editor
