Intradrive GD8 motor-gearbox unit: Series production is underway, the first e-MTBs are ready

The race to develop the perfect engine-gearbox unit has been underway since at least the Eurobike 2026, where the two major Asian manufacturers, Gobao and Avinox, will be showcasing their e-CVT systems caused a sensation. And now a Scottish manufacturer has announced that it has achieved this: at Eurobike, the Intradrive GD8 has already been seen on several occasions. Intradrive is now taking the next step: series production of its motor-gearbox unit is underway. At the Roc d’Azur in Fréjus, Obscur and Alutech are showcasing the first e-mountain bikes fitted with the drive system. The first GD8 units are due to be delivered to bicycle manufacturers from December 2026. This means it shouldn’t be too long before the first bikes reach end customers.

Eight gears instead of a derailleur and cassette

The GD8 combines an electric motor and an electronically controlled eight-speed gearbox within a sealed housing. There is no derailleur, cassette or hanger; power is transmitted to the rear wheel either via a chain or a belt. Intradrive specifies a gear ratio range of 480 per cent, a rated power output of 250 watts, a peak power output of 700 watts and a weight of 4.5 kilograms for the unit. Gear changes are said to be possible via a wireless switch, even under load and when stationary, and to take around 0.1 seconds. The manufacturer recommends an oil change for the transmission every 10,000 kilometres. Independent tests will have to show just how quickly the GD8 actually shifts whilst riding and how durable it is in the long term.

Of interest to bicycle manufacturers: according to Intradrive, the GD8 uses the same mounting interface as the Shimano EP8. This means that existing frame platforms could be adapted to accommodate the gear motor with relatively few modifications. However, a readily interchangeable retrofit solution for ready-made e-bikes is likely to remain the exception.

Obscur and Alutech unveil their first bikes

The French brand Obscur is unveiling its first all-mountain e-MTB, the GD8. The carbon bike offers 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel, 160 millimetres at the front, wheels in various sizes and a removable 840 Wh battery. Two spec variants are planned: Ride and Max; prices have not yet been announced. Alutech is showcasing a GD8 version of the ePelmo with an aluminium frame and a Gates belt drive. The manufacturer has set a price of 11,499 euros for this model.

Intradrive reports that 70 units have been firmly ordered for the first production run. Twelve further bicycle brands are reportedly currently evaluating the drive system. This is finally a concrete step towards market launch, following Eurobike appearances which, until now, have failed to result in any real relevance or availability. However, large production volumes or widespread availability in shops are not yet on the cards.

Competition for Pinion; a different technology to E-CVT

With the start of production, Intradrive is moving closer to the established Pinion MGU The Pinion unit, in its E1.12 version, offers twelve gears and a 600 per cent gear ratio range, whilst the GD8 offers eight gears and a 480 per cent range. However, for a meaningful comparison, it is not just the figures on paper that count, but also shifting behaviour, noise, efficiency and reliability on the trail. An initial test in the car park at the exhibition centre revealed that the GD8 already offers surprisingly smooth gear changes and a rather pleasant noise level.

Also in the running for the perfect engine-gearbox unit are Gobao and Avinox E-CVT drives on display. Their continuously variable transmission concepts are still at the pre-production or prototype stage. The GD8, on the other hand, relies on fixed gears and, according to Intradrive, has already entered series production. Whether this will prove to be a genuine alternative for e-mountain bikers will be determined once the first bikes are delivered and practical tests have been carried out.