Standard hub like the Shimano Nexus
Shimano's Nexus gear hubs were around even before pedelecs shook up the bicycle market. They are available with three, seven, eight and eleven gears. The Inter-5E five-speed hub is available especially for pedelecs. In combination with Shimano motors, the Di2 version shifts fully automatically on request. Depending on the cadence and speed, it automatically selects the optimum gear.
Enviolo - Comfort gearbox
The gear ratio on the Enviolo gearbox can be infinitely adjusted using the handlebar twist grip. Incidentally, the power connection between the crank and rear wheel is not interrupted when changing the gear ratio. In the automatic version of the gearbox, the rider can electronically set a cadence that the gearbox keeps constant regardless of cadence and speed. It couldn't be more comfortable.
Bottom bracket derailleur
The Pinion bottom bracket gearbox shifts up to 18 gears where a mid-engine would normally sit. The gearbox requires a frame with an interface to accommodate the housing. It can therefore only be combined with a hub motor. On the other hand, the Pinion gearbox is virtually maintenance-free. It only requires an oil change every 10,000 kilometres. With Gates belts, the Pinion drivetrain becomes a carefree package.
Glossary
- Pedelec stands for Pedal Electric Bicycle and refers to a bicycle whose motor is activated solely by pedalling. Pedelecs are legally recognised as bicycles. The rated power of the electric drive may not exceed 250 watts and the motor may provide assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h.
- E-bike is a collective term for electrically powered bikes. This includes pedelecs, S-pedelecs (max. 500 watts, 45 km/h) and electrically powered bikes without pedals and without limits on power and speed. It also includes electrically powered mopeds and motorbikes.
- Gates carbon belt: It has been around for a long time on motorbikes, but only for just over a decade on bicycles: the carbon-reinforced toothed belt replaces the bicycle chain on many pedelecs with hub gears. Advantages: The belt is extremely low-maintenance and smooth-running. Friction losses are similar to those of bicycle chains.
