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Pinion MGU E1.12 in laboratory and practical testsPowerhouse with that certain something

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 21.05.2024

The Pinion MGU E1.12 is a unit consisting of an e-bike motor and manual gearbox.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Pinion's MGU motor-gearbox unit is revolutionising the e-bike market, as it makes vulnerable derailleur gears superfluous. But how well does the electric motor work in this design? Can the drive keep up with the competition from Bosch, Shimano and Sram? The EMTB test in the lab and in practice sheds light on this.
Topics in this article

MGU stands for Motor-Gearbox-Unit - Motor-Gearbox-Unit in German, therefore short for us: the MGU. The outstanding expertise of the Pinion drive lies in the integrated gearbox. Instead of a chain drive, which is susceptible to defects and wear, the gear changes are protected inside the gearbox, which is briefly described below. the MGU drive block. Fewer defects, less maintenance, shifting when stationary and ideal weight distribution are the major advantages. How the complete system performs and what advantages and disadvantages it offers, can be read here in our detailed article on the Pinion MGU. But this test article is about the engine of the MGU. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of performance? And what is the drive character of the unit?

12 gears and a range of 600 per cent are packed into the compact housing of the Pinion MGU.Photo: Georg Grieshaber12 gears and a range of 600 per cent are packed into the compact housing of the Pinion MGU.Instead of a chain, cassette and rear derailleur, only a belt runs to the rear of the bike. Quiet, light and low-maintenance.Photo: Georg GrieshaberInstead of a chain, cassette and rear derailleur, only a belt runs to the rear of the bike. Quiet, light and low-maintenance.

The facts about the Pinion MGU E1.12

  • Weight: 4.1 kilos (incl. 12-speed manual gearbox)
  • Battery sizes: 962 Wh (4.7 kg) or 720 Wh (3.7 kg)
  • Optional: range extender with 535 Wh
  • Speed levels: Eco, Flow, Flex, Fly
  • Performance data (max.) from the laboratory: 80 Newton metres, 552/642 watts
  • Integrated manual gearbox: 12 gears, 600 % range
  • System updates only possible at the dealer
We measured all drives on a roller test bench in the PT Labs test laboratory. The comprehensive laboratory analysis supplements our practical experience and tests with objectively comparable data.Photo: Adrian KaetherWe measured all drives on a roller test bench in the PT Labs test laboratory. The comprehensive laboratory analysis supplements our practical experience and tests with objectively comparable data.

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The character of the Pinion MGU E1.12 motor

The driving experience is powerfully dynamic and, with the latest software, not unpleasantly rough even in the highest mode. However, the engine does not try to hide its high power. The pedalling in and out is very smooth and direct, which is pleasing. On technical climbs, the lack of trail is criticised. This is the name given to the slight overrun of the motor when the rider is no longer pedalling. On technical climbs, this helps to push the bike over steps and larger obstacles even better. The late engagement of the motor when starting off is also a disadvantage on hills. On the other hand, the push assist shines. With the enormous internal torque provided by the gearbox integrated in the motor, it is more powerful than on any other test bike. The speed can also be adjusted when pushing. Simply via the electronic gear lever. That's really helpful. Incidentally, the Pinion push assist can also be used for starting off. Simply sit on the bike, activate the push assist and pedal along as soon as the situation allows. An exciting idea in principle, but our testers had different experiences as to whether the feature is really useful in practice when setting off.

Super powerful thrust and good traction make the Pinion MGU a good partner on steep climbs. However, there is still potential for optimisation in the set-up.Photo: Thomas WeschtaSuper powerful thrust and good traction make the Pinion MGU a good partner on steep climbs. However, there is still potential for optimisation in the set-up.

In terms of background noise, loud and quiet are very close together. Due to the integrated gearbox, the drive noise differs enormously depending on the gear. In fifth gear, the MGU is one of the quietest power motors. Here it sounds significantly quieter than Bosch and Shimano. The uphill gears four (especially!) to one howl significantly louder than all other test specimens in the comparison. Most of the testers criticised this. What a pity. Because an intrusive motor noise is particularly annoying when travelling slowly uphill, as there is less airflow and more time to chat and relax. Downhill, the tide turns, as there is no rattling from the engine. This is all the more true with the drive belt, as this is also significantly quieter than a chain drive. A clear advantage over the top dogs from Bosch and Shimano.

Even if a twelve-speed gearbox is already integrated in the MGU E1.12: Overall, the system is clearly heavier than a classic mid-engine with external derailleur gears. The advantage of Pinion: The weight sits low and in the centre of the bike, reducing the unsprung mass on the rear wheel.Photo: Georg GrieshaberEven if a twelve-speed gearbox is already integrated in the MGU E1.12: Overall, the system is clearly heavier than a classic mid-engine with external derailleur gears. The advantage of Pinion: The weight sits low and in the centre of the bike, reducing the unsprung mass on the rear wheel.

The power delivery of the Pinion MGU E1.12

In terms of power, the powerful drive has nothing to hide. Torque and performance are on a par with the strongest power motors. Strikingly good: even at very high pedalling frequencies, the MGU pulls right through. Due to the internal gearbox, the power delivery differs slightly from gear to gear. In our lab test, fourth gear delivered significantly more thrust than gear 5, with a peak value well above Bosch and Shimano.

Harmonious power delivery with plenty of power over a wide cadence range. In gear four, the power even increases at a very high cadence. X-axis = cadence in rpm. Left ordinate = power in watts. Right ordinate = torque in newton metres.Photo: PT LabsHarmonious power delivery with plenty of power over a wide cadence range. In gear four, the power even increases at a very high cadence. X-axis = cadence in rpm. Left ordinate = power in watts. Right ordinate = torque in newton metres.High torque, high peak power: the MGU is a real powerhouse that also pulls away at very high cadences. In fourth gear, there are even absolute top values here.Photo: EMTB MagazinHigh torque, high peak power: the MGU is a real powerhouse that also pulls away at very high cadences. In fourth gear, there are even absolute top values here.

Over long distances, the power curve of the Pinion MGU is almost congruent with Bosch's Performance CX. However, the maximum is already reached at a slightly lower cadence. In gear four, the Pinion motor is extremely powerful when pedalling fast and reaches absolute peak values.Photo: PT LabsOver long distances, the power curve of the Pinion MGU is almost congruent with Bosch's Performance CX. However, the maximum is already reached at a slightly lower cadence. In gear four, the Pinion motor is extremely powerful when pedalling fast and reaches absolute peak values.

Display & Remote

Pinion uses components from FIT for the displays and remotes. The parts are already familiar from some e-bikes from Flyer and Bulls. There are various solutions for the display, from the slim LED panel called Master Node LED in the top tube to the really large screen in the centre of the handlebars. The FIT Remote Display is most commonly used on e-MTBs as a combination of a small screen and a control element directly on the handlebar.

Display Comfort, Display Compact and Remote Display (from top to bottom) offer a wide range of options from large information systems to compact combi solutions.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhDisplay Comfort, Display Compact and Remote Display (from top to bottom) offer a wide range of options from large information systems to compact combi solutions.The simple Master Node LED is currently only fitted to the Bulls Vuca Evo. Readability is not optimal in sunlight.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe simple Master Node LED is currently only fitted to the Bulls Vuca Evo. Readability is not optimal in sunlight.The slimline solution is the Remote Pure rotary switch. Accessibility and feel are great. The "F" function button can be freely assigned.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe slimline solution is the Remote Pure rotary switch. Accessibility and feel are great. The "F" function button can be freely assigned.

The batteries for the Pinion MGU E1.12

The FIT batteries have a wide range from 480 to 960 watt hours. The weight of the batteries is good. Some models come with an optional large range extender (535 Wh, 2.9 kg) for the frame triangle. The range of the MGU with the FIT batteries is currently slightly below the level of other drives with a similar capacity.

Wide selection of batteries with different capacities. The semi-integrated variants with 720 or 960 Wh are usually installed on e-MTBs (2nd and 3rd from left).Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhWide selection of batteries with different capacities. The semi-integrated variants with 720 or 960 Wh are usually installed on e-MTBs (2nd and 3rd from left).

A bug in the software of the battery management system was revealed by our Practical test with the Bulls Vuca Evo AM. It was no longer possible to shift gears with an empty battery. A no-go if you actually run out of juice on a tour. According to Pinion, they are currently working on a solution to this problem.

App & Connectivity

If you like to have a lot of information at a glance, you can use your smartphone as an extended display via the FIT E-Bike Control app. The drive screen displays information such as the selected assistance level, speed, gear selected and a predicted range. Unfortunately, the app still had a few teething problems during our test period. For example, we did not get any data displayed on the Drive Screen when we connected to the system several times. FIT is aware of the problem and a solution is said to be in the works.

The FIT app can optionally be used as a drive screen, i.e. an extension of the display.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe FIT app can optionally be used as a drive screen, i.e. an extension of the display.

The four assistance levels can also be fine-tuned via the FIT E-Bike Control app. The three parameters of assistance, torque and dynamics are available for this purpose. However, Pinion riders currently have to visit the dealer to update the system components. Over-the-air updates via smartphone, as offered by most other motor systems, are not yet available with Pinion.

Powerful and direct or rather discreet? The motor support can be set via the app.Photo: Georg GrieshaberPowerful and direct or rather discreet? The motor support can be set via the app.

Other features of the app include navigation functions and a digital key. The mobile phone can optionally be used as a lock for engine assistance. The MGU system can only be started when the app is connected.

EMTB evaluation of the Pinion MGU E1.12 motor

More of a powerhouse than a petrol engine, rather loud in terms of drive noise. On the other hand, the MGU has the potential for whisper-quiet descents.Photo: EMTB MagazinMore of a powerhouse than a petrol engine, rather loud in terms of drive noise. On the other hand, the MGU has the potential for whisper-quiet descents.

Strengths

  • Powerful thrust and pulling power
  • Super push aid
  • Integrated switching, switching possible at standstill
  • Quiet in high gears

Weaknesses

  • Heavier than classic systems
  • Very loud on the mountain
  • No overrun
  • Partially inharmonious gearshift jumps (gear 4 to 5 and 8 to 9)

Conclusion on the motor of the Pinion MGU E1.12

The drive with integrated twelve-speed circuit is a revolution in itself. Viewed in isolation, the motor is impressive with plenty of power and good modulation. Very loud in some gears, pleasantly quiet in others. Overall, heavier than conventional systems. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.Photo: Max FuchsFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.

Bikes with Pinion MGU

The selection of mountain bikes with Pinion drive is currently still limited. The latest addition is the Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU. At the launch last year, there were e-MTBs from Bulls, Flyer, Simplon and Rotwild. You can find all the information and details about the bikes in the following links:

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Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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