e-bikes just changed forever

Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU - Pinion 12 Speed Electric ebike Motor and Gearbox combined into a single unit.
Check more here: bit.ly/3Ve99rA
ETHICS, DISCLAIMER and TRANSPARENCY: Nicolai hired me to test the bike, review it and to produce a video for on my KZbin channel, and is such labelled as a paid partnership on KZbin. Nicolai have had no direct input on this content or any editorial or narrative control over the video. Nicolai do not see the video before it goes live. This paid partnership with Nicolai has allowed me time to test the bike and also film and edit working with an independent film crew to help capture the bike shots and produce the video content.
0:00 Introduction
1:03 Testing Grounds
2:02 Climbing Performance
4:13 Technical Climb Insights
7:15 Quiet Ride Experience
9:03 Motor Noise Analysis
13:01 Descending Performance
15:21 Gearbox Benefits
19:45 First Ride Impressions
22:23 Future of MGU Bikes
23:06 Conclusion

[@lav1daloca]

Its about time they put a gearbox in the e-motor! Seems like ages we’ve been waiting for. 12k for an e-bike is ridiculous i can buy a Ducati 900er for less

[@gmatos123]

I hear you but you can't ride a ducati or dirt bike on MTB trails. It is expensive but hell, Trek and Santacruz will charge the same and more for some of their bikes (regular and e-bikes)

[@spawnrcandbikes]

hey its less than a specialized ...lol

[@downhillgroovy5859]

As a guy that's owned a Ducati and an eMTB, I can assure you these mtbs are way more fun

[@dirttrackdemons5396]

i can buy a car for $500. apples and oranges

[@TroggyPK]

@@dirttrackdemons5396 not really, a £12,000 ducati has ohlins suspention (way better and more expensive than fox mtb, and brembo brakes (which shit all over shimano/sram) and that JUST THE START of the value for money comparison.

[@pjweds]

I've never understood why Ebike manufacturers didn't go straight to the combined motor gearbox setup it makes so much more sense than an antiquated rear mech.. I know so many people have had the rear mechs ripped off their Ebike, mine included...

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I'm sold on this bike, I already want one! Nicolai will be going frame only options soon, and its also availible in Mullet config. I'd run 180mm / MX - what a bike!! Well done Nicolai.

[@chrisgregson3626]

Looks fab. And by the by Rob, I recently bought a Strive On CFR, in no small way because of your review and subsequent purchase. Blown away, OK I've only ridden analogue hardtails for 18 years so a motorised baking tray would have impressed. But I'm totally sold. E-bikes are expensive, yes, but they do so much more than just being a mountain bike I believe it's worth the outlay. Not to mention, even switched off, the Strive is by far the most impressive frame I've ever used, I love it. Nice work on the vids, and thanks for the thorough review that influenced my decision. Now go buy that Nicolai!

[@GC16199]

I was thinking, @RobRidesEMTB should make a review about this Nicolai bike, and there it is! For me this Nicolai is the best ebike one could buy!

[@bradboybradboy506]

I would love to build this with abs brakes and intelligent front and rear shocks

[@wm05eb]

I keep holding off making the change to e bike, this is what I’ve been waiting for, hopefully uk import taxes don’t out price it for me!

[@SsmAnyfeSt]

Ahhh it didnt say mullet nowhere!!! Now I may need to sell a kidney! 😂

[@all-to]

Hello, I am a gearbox developer. Your detailed MGU experience gives me a lot of inspiration. I developed a low-cost gearbox if I wanted the derailer system used around the world to be converted to a gearbox system. Currently, we have developed 7S, 10S, 12S, and 15S. Production is planned from this year. We will start selling it next year at the latest. If my gearbox is sold to Europe one day, I would like to hear your experience. ^_^

[@jerryofthebikes]

Nice! Keep up the good work!

[@ThiagoMarquardt]

You have a really good project.

[@sigmann66]

The world needs creative people like you. Wishing you the best in your endeavors!!

[@all-to]

@@sigmann66 thank you~

[@zofiamolka1020]

At first I would change old square bracket to isis or similar as square is medieval

[@francoinvisser4058]

Great footage quality! Good review and solid content. Always a blast to watch.

[@brendan1]

I really hope Orbea adds an MGU to a future Wild. I love the geo and everything about my Wild. But having an MGU would be another level! Awesome tech!

[@kaseykohler1490]

Headset cable routing on your wild? 😜

[@KurtRWalker]

That is what I am thinking, I love my Rise but MGU on this or Wild would be amazing.

[@brendan1]

@@kaseykohler1490 Ya, the only downside.

[@danOShaughnessy-jf5pm]

Best For Riders tech vids i've seen... Super excited about Manufactures picking up the Pinion MGU tech in their near future builds.

[@Amphibax]

One of the few bikes around that pricepoint that actually does something to justify its price.

[@he2692]

Finally! Makes much more sense than the derailleur.

[@VR6Boki]

Yes it does, my only concern is what if you have no battery or the battery is flat completely. Can you still change gears and drive it? If not, then it has one big disadvantage compared to derailleur bikes.

[@gwlcrew4027]

Great review as usual Rob, there are plenty of comments here about you loving the bike and it being a game changer, and you wanting one, isn't that what should happen? That's why i watch your channel, to find out what's coming and how good it is going to be. I have far too many bikes already but will be getting another with an MGU as soon as one becomes available, thanks for the great content.

[@Euro2024champs]

get daddykins to get you another bike, Tarquin.

[@gr1809]

Definitely the way forward, great looking bike, great review.

[@sarcritchlow]

Right on! Glad you really dig in on the deets. Sooo many good things about this. I really do like some motor overun but i think id commit to the pinion mgu knowing theyll more than likely update the software to give it some overun. 28 minutes went by quick

[@artificialgrassspain30]

Great video Rob. And its certainly interesting. Ive been on bike a long time and the quality of the Nicolais is amazing.

[@vegaone571]

This bike is built 50km away from me - just visited Nicolai last year. Amazing company

[@alienbrain7513]

Nice Test, hope we see it in one of your future Motor-noise compilations!? ❤

[@moto-rambler]

You lost me at the 36-second mark with the €11,000 price tag ($12K USD or $16,500 CAD). Much of the problems currently being suffered by the bicycle industry are epitomized in this video and by this channel. Completely detached from reality.

[@7996hobguy]

I see the same problem with the RV industry. Most reviewers never even mention the price, and for the consumer it's one of the most important specs. And the RV industry itself is just gouging their customers. Units that should cost about $15,000, have MSRP's 4 times that.

[@whiteshark27]

Once we passed actual motorcycle prices, sanity ended.

[@beerenmusli8220]

It's the wages that are detached from reality, not the prices. A normal income should be able to comfortably afford such an ebike.

[@mateusztomczyk2899]

Price is completely insane. Should be like 2k euro tbh, not 11k. It’s just a frame, battery and a electric engine with some little gearbox. Bikes got crazy as f.

[@lexscarlet]

'you lost me at [price tag] for this Bugatti. The automotive industry is out of touch.' Just settle into your income bracket and buy the Accord. Welcome to not the target demographic.

[@davidpinnington213]

I’ve got a couple of their gboxx nucleaons from the mid 2000’s - was only a matter of time before they got on to the MGU’s - this is the one I’ll be pulling the trigger on almost did on their previous bike but the delays with Covid at the time and a good deal on a new Levo - well here we are 4 years on.

[@Zarcoil]

thanks for your work

[@mrclivejames8898]

What a Dream Drive Train.... Totaly love the leaps and bounds our Electrofrying Machines have done in last couple of years so exited and hard to imagine 5years from now Awesome another Gold star on the air board for Nicolai Many Thanks 😉😁🤣

[@SDK2006b]

Looking forward to this becoming mainstream. Defo a step forward 👍🏻

[@hein_mcleod]

As soon as Bosch jumps on the MGU bandwagon, I'll make the switch!

[@crush1221]

Yep me too... I want a big travel, long bike with a long rear end, no stupid suspension designs that are gonna break shocks, and build the thing like it's gonna last.

[@Silverbeardedsurfer]

I'd get the Pinion e1.12 right now if I had the money. But probably the Bulls option. Gen2 will be interesting to see.

[@do-ineedtosay723]

"As soon as Bosch..." Me too, in a different way: I'll jump on the bandwagon if Bafang comes up with an equivalent that includes a throttle. *

[@wizzyno1566]

​@@do-ineedtosay723so an electric motorbike? You can already get them.

[@do-ineedtosay723]

@@wizzyno1566 Nope. I don't need an electric motorbike. Most of the time I climb using my own power. But there are days when I need juuust a tad of help without switching to PAS. *

[@zebedeemk12]

Internal drives are the future. I am sooooo tempted

[@teppopierune5520]

Great video, this is a dream bike for me!

[@clint3099]

I love the sound of chain slap in the morning.

[@joet2463]

Evolution to current modern EMTB. I’m for the future new tech. It will only evolve more. Never ending. Awesome @Rob

[@dae3xt]

i just realized that you have to take the rear traingle apart to put in a new belt since belts are not breakable.

[@ChezzyDirt]

Excellent motor clearance as well!

[@wm05eb]

Make no mistake this is clearly the future of emtb’s it just makes sense, probs to nicolai and pinion for leading the way! Other manufacturers need to up their game!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 thanks rob for another brilliant review 🫡

[@Charles-iu8xz]

Definitely the way forward 🥳 the bike I've been waiting for just as long as it capable of a respectable top speed so it can be a serious choice for day to day travel as well as the journey to and from your trail etc, without the need to start upgrading everything or making all those compresises. Love your channel by the way!! Smart fella keep up the good work!!. You obviously have the same things in mind when it comes to the perfect bike. I've been planning and researching the correct components for my Ideal build based around my X Frame kenevo, bigger battery belt drive internal gears etc, maybe even two wheel drive, and would love to speak to you hear your views Nice one Rob.. RESPECT bro..Jim.

[@lechprotean]

I'm really glad that this is finally coming along!!! I think I'll wait a season or two before the remove any kinks and buy v2 of a setup like this.

[@DaleStone]

This bike looks incredibly rad, and I kind of want one now... 🤤

[@bluestraycat]

Great review Rob of a fantastic bike. I agree this is future of eMTB, so many advantages and not a single negative I can think of, except perhaps a bit of extra weight, but given the weight is low down and centered, even this not really an issue. The MGU is a lot more compact than I expected. I'm excited to see this technology develop. If I could afford it I'd be putting my order in for one of these!

[@rannyryan]

We don't have many E-Bikes in Kenya...I really would love to have one, especially a mountain bike like this. The only problem is it's expensive for me now....Keep doin' what you're doing ❤

[@mikerbwind]

Good well balanced video Rob. I could certainly see me going for a MGU...maybe when a more mainstream brand with local LBS presence develops one.

[@CodSmashingPasty]

They need to release this system to mainstream brands. This is the innovation we've been craving and they are teasing us at present only applying it to unheard of and relatively unavailable bikes. We need this on a 180mm platform like a trek, focus, or haibike

[@Studiotreshold]

Hi Rob, amazing video, great editing and beautifully composed. Congratulations for the Full Test, is one of the best I've ever seen in years. I am subscribed already!. Talking about Pinion, definite the future, I wonder if Orbea will sign for 2026 it will be and amazing big step for the brand to introduce this on USA market and of course Europe and Spain my home country.

[@joshua_isaac-]

Great intro video Rob! Would be curious what the noise comparison is to a Levo and how the walk mode is?

[@juleskayak]

Love the bike and the review. Did you clear that section? Just watched the EMBN video and many competitors didn't !

[@nickclarkuk]

This is surely the future . I hope all serious manufacturing start developing one .

[@boblatkey7160]

I'm really curious how this compares with specialized turbo levo Brose motor at 90 nm of torque. It definitely has an extremely fast reaction to torque applied to the pedals and it also has that overrun that you talk about which I love as you can slam into a steep section and as you take weight off of your backend the wheel still spins a little bit which is just fantastic.

[@themuellers5384]

This great bike aside... Rob, did you change anything? Your footage looks a lot more cinematic than before! Am I drunk? 😅 Other cameras? New cutter or cameraman? Anyway, love it!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks! Yes, Will is now working on my projects and has done an amazing job on the recent videos, as well as this. He shot all the video and edited 90% of it! Will is also on the weekly podcasts (and edits that too!).

[@strutstipher]

Defo the future, for serious MTB's, didn't understand some new tech like auto shift etc but Id love a gearbox and Gates belt.

[@TLATRADER]

The display must be moved down into the frame 👀Brilliant technology 🤘

[@01superhands]

Sold. Nicolai make great hard wearing bikes and Pinion make excellent gear boxes.

[@glencompton2949]

I’m very happy with my Turbo Levo G3. But I’m very excited about the MGU concept and that’s growing as bikes start turning up. As a kiwi, I’m hyped to see what Zerode eventually come up with. But this Nicolai looks solid. Maybe too ‘solid’ as I’d prefer to keep my e-bikes under 25kg as an arbitrary preference. I’d love an mgu bike with the choice of a 4-500wh battery and a range extender. Most of my rides don’t need big range due to time constraints. But the option is nice for the once a month or so big rides.

[@Peterpkart75]

Yeah Zerode when are we getting this tech in NZ

[@gwlcrew4027]

I didn't tell you this but a Zerode with a pinion mgu drive is not too far away

[@electric_boogaloo496]

Turbo Levo G2 owner here. I still cringe when the inevitable shift crunch happens. Being able to shift without spinning the pedals is also a great quality of life improvement, easier to be in the right gear after braking. I also own a motorcycle with a belt final drive (Ducati Xdiavel S) so I am already sold on the concept.

[@kilolima2776]

It looks great but having had my motor replaced on my first ebike after just 1100 miles riding all weather conditions (uk winter) I’d be keen to know if this system is designed for all weather UK riding. Hopefully there might be more affordable options in the future. I like the idea of less maintenance

[@erik2k09]

How about: weight, battery size/efficiency/removable, & climbing power compared to bosch cx?

[@gerardcooney791]

And repairability of that motor gearbox system

[@NBMBC40]

Great video Rob and agree it's the biggest change to ebikes and why would you not have a bike fitted with the gates carbon belt and Pinion MGU.

[@TerryGriebel-cb1wl]

Good job climbing that power stage climb.

[@petersauer94]

WOW, Almost the perfect Ebike,this is certainly the direction Ebikes are heading ❤

[@slickrock1371]

I want one as well. I have been waiting for Zerode to announce their motorized gearbox edition; they already make a Pinion based bike, and they're carbon.

[@JCreole]

Reminds me of the belt drive system that KZbinr, I forget his name, uses on his long multi day long distance touring trips.

[@stanmustard7292]

Ryan Duzer. Quite a character.

[@mikerbwind]

How well sealed is the MGU. Given the gearbox element is oil filled I assume that is fully sealed but what about the motor part?

[@RobHill00]

I may of missed it but how big is the battery and does the gear box drain the system more than a chain and derailleur would?

[@lukenukem1164]

This system interests me more than any other. I'm due a new eeb but will hold off until hopefully a more affordable brand adopts the pinion

[@darylgwyn5013]

I've had superb support for my Levo (including motor issues) from Berkshire Bikes... What's the LBS support likely to be for these new motor and belt drives?

[@graphicsorders6536]

I was gonna say something sarcastic and 30 seconds into this video ...wow... that bike is SICK !!

[@g.wilsondh8407]

Give it a couple years until Shimano and Sram figure out a way to legally release their versions of the MGU, then all ebikes will adopt this model... makes so much more sense!

[@TAZMON20]

Legally release, Sram and Shimano are not prohibited from developing their own systems but until this technology becomes mainstream or bike manufacturers demand it then both companies are more than happy supplying millions of drivetrain components annually.

[@streddaz]

Yes, SRAM and Shimano both could make a gearbox if they wanted to but with a gearbox possibility lasting the lifetime of the bike, how are they going to sell thousands of chains, cassettes and derailleurs? Shimano does have a patent for a chained gearbox setup, but they have never built it.

[@essexhertsmtb]

They will never give up their derailleur and cassette cash cows unless they are forced to

[@streddaz]

@@essexhertsmtb I agree.

[@g.wilsondh8407]

@@essexhertsmtb well, let's make them. I have been looking for a eMTB, but I won't buy one until they make a 170/170 bike with modern geo and MGU for less than 7K

[@mickpowell8503]

I have a Cube E160 that I Paid £4k for, It is the 625wh version but an amazing bike, this was at the end of my affordability. I read a lot about people wanting to derestrict bikes but why get an Ebike? For me at 63 its climbing. That is the reason to go E. I can go fast enough downhill so it's all about the climb. The components on the Cube are worthy for the job and I have my bike in France where there are proper mountains so I get the most benefit. To my point, this bike is amazing, I can't afford it but one day the components will become mainstream and hopefully affordable, with my riding level, I cant see, apart from the larger battery/range, how this would make any difference to the type of riding I do. I can see that they would want to recoup the costs of RnD associated with development of this amazing bike but it's way out on price and you would have to say what will this give me above a 4k bike. Also, would servicing be an issue? I have found one dealer in Wales, I am in London.

[@beardedraleigh1649]

100% would sell my gen3 turbo Levo if I could grab one of these locally to have some local warranty support. MGU will be in my next bike for sure 🤙😎👌

[@robinireland810]

Still eagerly awaiting my Simplon Rapcon Pinion which is due any day now. I won’t be smashing any hardcore trails as I’m not physically able to, but it’ll serve well as my daily lap bike without the constant maintenance schedule my trusty Scott eStrike requires due to the high mileage it’s subjected to. At around 1,000 km per month, I’m getting through a lot of cassettes and chains, not to mention wheel bearings and overstretched cables and horrendously expensive eBike chain lube.

[@cameratool]

How many times are they planning on changing the case shape and bolt pattern in the next 5-10 years?

[@Ostsol]

4:46 This matches up with the non-electric Pinion gearbox and is the one major flaw with Pinion. For some reason the number of points of engagement in the gearbox is really low, like a low quality freehub, and it's worse the lower the gear you're in. I remember seeing that Pinion explained the reason for this, but I don't actually remember the reason itself nor where exactly I saw it. It's honestly not a big deal with road riding, when you're pedalling constantly, but I can imagine that it could be a bigger problem with more dynamic riding.

[@unclegeorge7845]

Great review and a really neat bike. I'm moving on to a trike. Does Nicolai have any plans to adapt this Pinion drive system to a set up tadpole cargo bike like design?

[@davidavison5533]

Is the belt tensioner vulnerable? Looks lower than the motor in the video so my concern would be ripping it off on large roots/rocks. Thanks

[@DrCrimp-sg5pb]

it's a nicolai. of course it's top tear. amazing review rob

[@MacRogersrealestatebroker]

For sure we headed this way(gearbox) but man that is super heavy!

[@rraymakers]

Time to sell a kidney again

[@grantnewby3756]

This is definitely the future and just makes sense. We just need to get some sent to Australia. The low to no maintenance and replacement of parts will easily be offset by any extra cost of the setup. Love my Turbo Levo Comp Alloy but a bike with that sort of power with expensive lightweight components is just not fit for purpose.The bikes are already heavy so trying to save grams is just such a waste of money.

[@joeclutchless1944]

For a commuter or touring bike this would be so reliable and maintenance free.

[@headslash55]

Using a flyer tr:X here at 1650km. Yes, virtually no maintenance. Only needed a clean with water. For the rest no problems at all.

[@skipsmoto]

Very impressive

[@AaronMcGrouther]

What’s the knocking noise while climbing ?

[@jasonashley1632]

Definitely the way forward

[@VadikRamm]

in 20 years MGUs are going to be the norm in the eMTB industry. Just like eMTBs are not displacing mountain bikes, MGUs are not displacing rear derailleurs. They still hold a special place in people's' hearts and will remain a product of choice for years to come.

[@lav1daloca]

derailleurs will be ancient stone age tech in 2 years

[@offroadtrailrider77]

This is the way. Game changer for sure.

[@AlphaJ369]

Nice bike. Just bought a used Luna X2 for $2200 for my first EMTB.

[@EMTB_FTW]

What is the service interval for the gearbox? Surely there must be lubrication in there..? Looking like a sweet package. When they start shipping and be ridden the quality of the product will be apparent. I’m not skeptical but it is first gen and kinks might have to be worked out. But seriously considering this as my next system. Great vid Rob 🤩

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Service interval is an oil change every 10,000KM which they say takes approximately 10 minutes, and can be done by the owner at home.

[@remostrotkamp2439]

saw as well "every 10k km or once a year, whichever comes first".. easily done at home..

[@canieto1]

This is the way

[@m4ximusprim3]

I'm so sold on the MGU- 510 reach in an L is crazypants tho. Once this gets integrated into more frames, I'm in.

[@heiderider1382]

The bike looks very clean and clever designed!⚠⚠⚠ Do you have any info about the weight with the 720Wh accu?

[@mnswamp]

My current 'dream' eMTB is an Orbea Rise with a Pinion MGU and a belt and still stay at sub 20kg. That's enough power/battery, power and suspension for most folks who ride trails, not race or do huge drops/jumps/rocks. Also, do we really need 12 gear choices? With the motor, I find I am almost always going up/down 2 gears at a time.

[@AL-sd5cs]

100% they also make an E.19 version, not sure why they don’t use that instead

[@kanutecarson1]

Keep dreaming.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

This sounds like an awesome bike. Trying to figure out how to get one in the US (and oddly enough - if they'll offer a charger in US voltage).

[@chris53small]

Nicolai , Great review the tech is moving along really nicely and if the Biggest bug bear is the price well thats not because of you but the average man is the street wont be rushing out to purchase one and 100% a Chinese version will follow 😉. But well done you for demonstrating all that this machine has to offer🚴‍♀

[@Brockthedog315]

What a shock. Another bike, not affordable. Bike industry just can’t get out of their own way.

[@StepDub]

The price is fine. It is clearly aimed at the market segment that does not even consider price when making any kind of purchase. This doesn’t intersect the mountain bike market in big numbers, so the price has to reflect the low numbers of purchases made. Hopefully the experience of making this product and the feedback that they get (like this excellent video) will work down to more affordable gear.

[@richslaney]

A point I was hoping to hear is what is the drag like when the motor is off, ie when battery dies? I assume as well no gears too? Does it auto shift to an easy or mid gear on low battery to get you home?

[@headslash55]

There is no drag when the motor is off or if you're riding above its limit. There is a slight area where the battery has enough juice to shift for quite a while but the motor disables itself

[@teabagNBG]

got me a orbea rise m20 and added di2 ... i wish i would have gotten a mgu bike... carbon gates is just awesome... i got a road bike with a carbon belt and a bosch motor , my next bike def will have integrated gears...

[@niczoom]

IVe been waiting for this review. Seems to be perfection. I'd go for the 960Wh version. Just gotta get past the price ...

[@jimj8300]

Any details on the rear hub spec is it up to the long term job most rear hubs are not?

[@zonoskar]

What's that knocking sound you can hear in the first power stage you climbed @3:20?

[@syncroG60golf]

Random question. What brand is the clothing you ride in? I like the lack of excessive branding on them. Cheers.

[@Chretze]

Ever since I first learned about Pinion and their gearboxes I've never looked at rear derailleur systems the same way. They just seem so antiquated, fragile, high maintenance in comparison. And then they came out with the e-motor version and now I can't even look at e-bikes that don't have this the same way hahaha

[@matthewxxxxiv]

Boa pedaleira 😊

[@romanrubaj2109]

Dream bike for me.

[@andrewford9974]

I want to ride one bad. It would be cool to see someone do a side-by-side with like Bosch or Shimano on a Hill climb

[@brucemac-kn6og]

I think you missed an important feature - it has a relatively high pivot. In my opinion, all electric mountain bikes should have a high pivot. It makes the rear suspension work like it should (example: All motocross bikes have high pivots, or else they would have terrible rear suspensions). The only reason we do not see more of them on pure human powered mountain bikes is that the added weight and extra rolling resistance makes them a tad harder to pedal. That problem goes away with an E-bike having a high pivot.

[@mik1037]

Yes intergraded motor gear box is the obvious way forward!!! Side note, Metal does not stretch in a perceived way, chains do not stretch, the pins get carved out, giving the illusion of stretch. I'm not sold on belts, they've been a failure in many other applications, those rings will get destroyed over time because of the grit and belt sands them down but time will tell...

[@andrewausterfield6710]

If a toothed rubber belt can do 50,000 miles in a high torque, high rpm engine environment you'll be ok for a few miles pedalling

[@McNulty030]

Damn, that looks good!

[@user-xq4tz2gt1b]

AT LAST! ONE BIKE MANUFACTURE IS FINALLY GETTING IT

[@rewind9536]

And how do I repair the gearbox? I have an allen key and a hammer. Let's go!