TRP E.A.S.I meets Avinox: What can the Avinox electric gear system do?

Editorial view

The Amflow TL Carbon, on which TRP’s new Avinox gear system was unveiled, demonstrates what Avinox aims to achieve with its ‘own’ gear system: offering high-quality technology at an affordable price. The Chinese manufacturer’s aggressive pricing strategy works better with this philosophy than with third-party products. E-bike riders benefit from low prices and fierce competition. Technically, Avinox’s products have always been impressive so far, and the E.A.S.I. gear system also makes a good first impression.

With its electronic TRP is exploring the E.A.S.I. system and a partnership with Bosch to gain a foothold in the circuit segment. Now the Taiwanese components giant is taking the next step. This is because Avinox, the up-and-coming motor manufacturer, is now also opting to integrate the TRP E.A.S.I. electronic circuit.

The new system was unveiled at a Amflow TL Carbon, that is, a bike from Avinox’s sister brand. It is the first – and currently the only – bike announced as coming with this combination as standard. The rear derailleur bears Avinox branding and is specifically designed to cope with the performance specifications of the new Avinox M2 and M2S motor systems. As is well known, these are significantly more powerful than other e-bike motors, presenting a real challenge for the gear system and drive components. A special feature: at €3,499, the Amflow TL Carbon is extremely good value for money given its key specifications. And alongside the carbon frame and Fox suspension, Amflow has also included an electronic gear system in the package – something unthinkable on other e-full-suspension bikes in this price range.

Technical details: How the system works

The TRP E.A.S.I. rear derailleur for Avinox is technically comparable to the components from the TRP-Bosch range. However, the derailleur has been redesigned and constructed using different materials. According to the manufacturer, particular attention was paid to the higher power and torque ratings of the Avinox motors.

The rear derailleur is connected directly to the drive system via a cable and is powered by the e-bike’s battery. Gear changes are operated using the Avinox buttons on the right-hand side of the handlebars, with the shift signal itself being transmitted wirelessly. The close connection between the rear derailleur and the drive unit is not merely a technical detail – it forms the basis for one of the system’s key functions.

Avinox calls this feature ‘SmoothShift’, which was developed jointly by Avinox, TRP and Amflow. When the system detects an incoming shift signal, the Avinox motor intelligently reduces torque for a fraction of a second to facilitate the gear change. The result: the cassette shifts smoothly and in a controlled manner, even when the rider is pedalling hard. Conversely, shifting is also possible whilst coasting. This means riders do not need to pedal during the shifting process. The Avinox system drives the chain, allowing it to move from sprocket to sprocket. As well as improving comfort, this approach is also designed to protect the chain, which in Avinox systems is a specially adapted version designed to cope with the high torque levels.

It should also be possible to customise parameters such as the switching speed via the Avinox controller’s system settings.

Two versions for different applications

The E.A.S.I. rear derailleur for Avinox is available in two versions, with either a short or long cage:

• 10-speed version – compatible with cassettes with a maximum sprocket size of 43 teeth
• 10/11-speed version – designed for cassettes with up to 50 teeth

Both variants are electronic in nature and benefit equally from the SmoothShift function and the other system integrations.

Automatic gear-changing: Still under development

In addition to the features currently available, Avinox states that it is working on an automatic switching function, which is set to become part of the system in future. The company has not yet provided any details on this, such as the exact operating principle or a possible launch date.

Availability: Currently only available as a complete bike

Anyone wishing to retrofit the new TRP E.A.S.I. rear derailleur to an Avinox bike will be disappointed at first: at present, the system is only available as part of complete bikes and cannot be purchased separately. It is not yet clear whether or when it will be available for individual purchase. For the time being, the Amflow TL Carbon therefore remains the only bike on which the system can be found. However, Amflow’s latest model is not yet available.

Integration continues

At TRP and its parent company Tektro, the Avinox integration is not limited to the gear system. The Taiwanese manufacturer now also offers brake discs with an integrated tone wheel for Avinox drivetrains. This eliminates the need for a separate perforated disc, which has to be attached to the rear brake disc. With the introduction of the Amflow PX Carbon Magura had already unveiled discs with an integrated tone wheel for the Avinox position sensor.