Excess weight and low efficiency make geared bikes as sexy as Birkenstock sandals. And yet Rob Metz, founder of Zerode Bikes, believes that gears are the next evolution of the mountain bike. Rim brakes have become disc brakes, elastomer forks have been replaced by air suspension elements with oil damping, and steel frames are now considered retro. Only the basic function of derailleur gears has changed little. But it's high time, because defective or torn derailleurs and the high wear and tear on sprockets and chains are annoying many people. The Zerode Taniwha made of carbon breathes new life into the discussion about geared bikes and, above all, a good dose of sex appeal.
We have chased the hope of the lateral thinkers over a Czech race track to see whether a gearbox can really give the overpowering derailleur a run for its money. The first doubts already arose in our test lab. The extra kilo weight of the Pinion P 1.12 gearbox (compared to a Shimano XT drivetrain) is mercilessly reflected in the overall weight. Despite the 2600 gram lightweight carbon frame and exquisite components, the bike from New Zealand weighs 15.3 kilos ready to ride. A value that demands everything from even tight calves. Thanks to the 600 per cent range of the 12-speed gearbox, however, there is an easy climbing gear that makes the climb bearable. Once at the top, things get serious for the Taniwha.
Three, two, one and the sprint out of the starting gate begins. The faster you turn the cranks, the greater the feeling that a certain percentage of your muscle power is stuck in the gearbox. In addition, any attempt to change gears with the twist grip fails under full load. Instead of hammering in the gears in a sprint as usual, you have to take a lot of pressure off the pedal to change gear. On the other hand, the bike really blossoms on the technical sections of the race track.
Despite its 64.6 degree head angle and high weight, the Taniwha rides playfully. The central weight distribution and the outstanding suspension with 170 millimetres of travel ensure maximum grip on root carpets and bumpy sections. The Zerode masters steep sections and fast bends like it's on rails. This is where it really scores points. Nevertheless, the Zerode is still too heavy for sporty racing and the gear changes with the cranks too complicated. On leisurely tours you can come to terms with the disadvantages. Those who don't like tinkering will even love the Taniwha, because apart from an oil change after 10,000 kilometres, the gearbox is maintenance-free. But in terms of functionality, the gearbox can't quite hold a candle to the derailleur. Yet!
Ludwig Döhl, BIKE test editor:
The Zerode Taniwha is a first-class bike with great geometry. The centralised weight distribution in particular makes downhill handling fun. Frequent riders for whom a carefree bike is important will be happy with the Pinion gearbox. Bikers with a sporty focus will be bothered by the extra weight and the shifting function under load.
INTERVIEW WITH ROB METZ, FOUNDER OF ZERODE BIKES
BIKE: You've been building geared bikes exclusively for 12 years. Do you see yourself as a pioneer for geared bikes?
I didn't build the first bike to proselytise anyone, but simply because I wanted to have the perfect mountain bike for myself. After the first ride on my own geared bike, I was so convinced of the advantages that I immediately knew I would never buy a rear derailleur or front derailleur again. The improved function of the suspension, the low centre of gravity and the lack of chain clatter on the downhill make me enjoy my time on the trail perfectly.
You say that a gearbox is clearly superior to a derailleur. So why are geared bikes still a niche product?
Give me half a million euros in marketing budget and I'll help the gearbox make its big breakthrough. If I hired the best mountain bikers in the world tomorrow, geared bikes would be accepted immediately. You only have to think back to when Greg Minnaar rocked the World Cup on a Honda geared bike.
Will the time come when more manual gearboxes are sold than derailleur gears?
This will certainly happen for certain parts of the market. At present, only a few people have experience with derailleur gears, which is why many who have not yet tried them seem suspicious. Anyone who buys a derailleur, on the other hand, knows what to expect. Every technology needs time to establish itself. The more bikes there are on the market, the greater the acceptance will be. In this respect, my customers are willing to take risks, but according to feedback, no-one has ever regretted buying a Taniwha. Once you get used to the gears, the advantages are simply superior. On the other hand, there are few alternatives to derailleur gears on inexpensive entry-level bikes.
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