PINION E1.12 REVIEW - First Integrated EMTB Gearbox & Motor !

[@SamsBikes]

well there you go riders.... a very busy 4 days 400km and loads of camera work! I hope you like it and like always got a questioned just ask

[@federaldelii]

How is the ride with the motor shut off riding only pedals? Because the point of e-bike is to pedal without the motor at straight trail and to turn on and use the motor at hills more. And the battery can be used longer in a day 👍🏻

[@Raumance]

The fact that the range matches with Bosch, Brose and Yamaha makes the Pinion gearbox clearly the best option. Went through 3 derailleurs and 3 hangers last year. This year went through a derailleur, 2 hangers so far. Friend 1 destroyed 1 derailleur, 2 hangers this year. Friend 2 destroyed a derailluer, a stack and a hanger and had the shifting cables swtiched out as well. So much trouble, money, wasted time and ruined rides.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate! Honestly I was so busy in the 4 days there was so many more things I wanted to add like you just said so thanks for adding them! And for the range tests they are not fun but very needed I feel! Thanks for the kind words

[@johnexpotech]

Totally agree, the derailleur concept is from the steam age, this industry needs to move on especially the money we have the privilege of paying for these bikes

[@wildgoatmtb5361]

Rider errors... learn from your mistakes maybe.

[@Raumance]

@wildgoatmtb5361 How to say you only ride to grocery store and back without saying it. You have to ride like a granny.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

You MTBers are nuts....

[@roddas26]

Staight up honest review. Wouldn't expect anything else from you Sam. Thanks for all your work.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏 rider!

[@mightywallaby]

First to the tube with a pinion gearbox review. Loved how honest it was. Great bike to just get on and ride. If you don’t maintain your own bike it will also save you a fortune. Looking forward to your Bosch SX review as well. Keep up the great reviews!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Michael I really appreciate the kind words this one was like 10 days of work and I’m smashed now haha

[@theinquisitive4803]

The review was not as bad as I had feared. It came across as honest and straightforward.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I was over all very impressed better than I expected

[@stevenreyes3680]

I’m spoiled with my BBSHD hardtail with a 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub...and a throttle. You can spend however much you want, and you will never get uphill as fast with less effort. I only have to pedal,assist the motor, on the very steepest sections and maintain like around 10 mph. Plus I’ve got PNW Coast dropper with suspension. Nice for sections you can remain 9:16 seated for a little rest, or on the road. My local trails, which I’m doomed to ride, no transportation, do not need a FS bike. After 5 of them, I went back to a hardtail 15 years ago. That should date me, I’m 71 now, and more than a little lazy.

[@holger_ger3391]

Looked your video twice. Thanks for the work. Especially the Range test! Like your honest style! I tested the MGU by my self. And i am in with a Bulls Vuca Evo AM2 in pre order. Best buy for money i think. I also like the Rotwild and the Simplon very much.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate

[@robbief1]

Big shout out to you Sam, for bringing us the best emtb reviews!

[@SamsBikes]

I appreciate that brother so much! This one was 10 days of my life I love it but man it’s not easy

[@steveg2417]

Great review!! I definitely fell into the 50ish% that is remiss on maintenance. I hope in future bikes there is a belt option. For me, that is the perfect setup!!

[@stephenbrown5844]

There is now

[@g.wilsondh8407]

I have been saying that I will be getting an ebike when they evolve into a more refined version. Integrating the motor and gearbox seems like they are finally there! I would love to try a long travel enduro version with a belt drive.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep they are here! I’m pretty sure there are only trail bike right now

[@TypicalGuy84]

Surron makes one.

[@SsmAnyfeSt]

Same for me!! Only waiting for an enduro with super good rear suspension and maybe lighter and more powerful battery and then, I'll make the switch! :)

[@eaze7324]

Simplon rapcon pmax pinion, 165/170mm, you can choose the 720wh battery

[@humzilla707]

4-5 and 8-9 the gear box has to make a big transition to the next gear. I get so many redwood branches in my derailleurs I need one of these.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep 👍 but once they get it right wow 😯

[@robinireland810]

Think of the pinion gearbox as a 4 speed with a triple chainring. From 4th to 5th the clunk is coming from the 1st Chainring changing to the 2nd, and likewise 8th to 9th is when the 2nd chaining moves to the 3rd. In those two instances there’s a lot happening in the gearbox. I’m lucky enough to have pre ordered the Simplon Rapcon with this system, including the belt drive as well as the auto shift, which I understand is well refined now. Pinion are going to want this to be bang on right from the start. There’s a lot riding on this, pun intended. 1st batch arriving in the UK late January. Can’t wait

[@misty671]

Thanks Sam. Looks like break through bike. Always like your enthusiasm. 🇨🇦

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Rider I really appreciate your response

[@IM-nc4vb]

Very informative, I love all your range test videos. That is my first information I considered when I bought my first eMTB.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I hate them haha 😂

[@nickclarkuk]

I fall into the meticulous with maintenance category but I don’t want the hassle unless necessary. Anything that reduces maintenance time and cost is a win for me .

[@EddieSmitBarefoot]

game changer! Who wants a derailleur with al the wear and tear. With this system maintenance is almost zero. finally!

[@SamsBikes]

Totally the future is here

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

It’s 10k for a 9 speed. For comparisons sake an Cube stereo similar specs with an Bosch CX is 4K-5k That’s a lot of chains/casettes. If you keep it 11 speed linkglide you can get 3000km easy for 150 ish in parts. That is pessimistic 30 of those is easy 100k before breakeven. And let’s be honest a single speed chain can’t make 100k either. Nor does a belt nor the battery or Motor. So cost wise it will never pay for itself.

[@beatrizgasco4776]

Sam! Riding the new pinion E1.12!!!! How great!!!!Testing and feeling the new technology

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks my love for all your amazing work on the camera

[@JeepingNet]

I still don't understand how you give a review, stay on point better than most reviews and ride at the same time. If I even let my thoughts slide on a downhill I'm in the trees. I'm a bit upset to see the chain but the reason totally makes sense.

[@SamsBikes]

Hahaha I have ridden my whole life and it’s just same crazy skill I have but remember I do Edit out the oh shot moments haha

[@Krillekris]

Thank you for being honest 🙂 Exciting technology.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider

[@hanselsanjuan8003]

Cant wait for Specialized to adopt this motor/gearbox system with a Belt Drive. Add the Gen 3 Levo Geometry features and that would be my Dream eBike.

[@FlyingFun.]

Awesome tech at last getting rid of that derailer, obviously 10k put it out of reach for most of us right now but I hope it catches on and cheaper options come out

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏 mate yep pretty amazing tech and I’m sure it will trickle down in the future

[@garyjohnson4575]

...way out of range, at $10,000!

[@beatrizgasco4776]

I tried it and I love that I can change the gears back on the hills without spinning the wheel!!!

[@SamsBikes]

I knew you would love it!

[@eRidersBR]

I really want one of these. No more cassete and chain change every year. The future is now! Thanks for you honest oPinion on this Sam. Regards from Brazil

[@Adreno23421]

It will only cost you 8k euros in Europe, plus 5-6k euros on shipping and taxes to Brazil. Your choice, a brand new decent car or one of these.

[@charleswhite7612]

Great video, informative & honest. This is the future.👍 (about time!) Where in Austria are you? Beautiful!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider.... Hinterglemm, Austria,

[@bikernaut1]

I believe this is the future of e-mtb because I have been riding e-mtb for last 2 years and I have weared many smallest 11t cogs with 38t front chainring and only 70 Nm motor.

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Great review that's what we want all spec and total honesty subscribed.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate

[@EndoMTB]

Absolutely love the benefits of a gearbox. I think if they can keep refining it and making it better it could be the future. I would absolutely consider a gear box bike.

[@jeremygibb9167]

Good information. Thought it was going to a firework show! Definitely the way of the future but I’ll wait for some more refinement.

[@SamsBikes]

thanks mate

[@andersjefsenrasmussen3003]

The klonk is just from the gears, the are moduls or planets. You can hear that as well on a ordinary gearbox without motor. I got a trekking bike with C1.12 and I love it. My next one will be with E.12 and also gates belt.

[@trapptours6679]

No question, I think you have covered everything i wanted to know very well 👍

[@hjacobsen9306]

Overall great review! Been waiting for this from the SF, CA usa area with great anticipation! For older folks(im 51) who have ridden Sturmey Archer planetary gear systems we know there is going to be a brief lag with certain gears which I believe is just inherent with the planetary gear system. One other big side benifit of this single cog system in the rear would be the ability to reduce or eliminate rear wheel dish which will make a stroger more stable rear wheel which is great for durability. Can't wait for a test ride myself to experience what you are saying about the 2 gear change "issues" between particullary 4&5. Did you say in your review that the shifting has a delay going into lower or higher gears? I didn’t quite catch what you were saying about that in the video. Thx again for the review😜🚵‍♂️

[@MTB-Swiss]

Thank you Sam for this really nice and informative "real world" Test on the trails. Personally I never think to get an Ebike, because of the normal SRAM, Shimano Shifting Technology. I drive since 2012 Pinion on my MTBs and my opinion is: never go back to a classic shifting bike, because of the No-Mainantance approach and the plus to shift in the stand without move. I never had/have problems (with chain and Gates version) in the Winter. So for Ebikes I would say Pinion MGU is the game changer like 11 years ago the gearbox P1.18 was. The one real problem I see here is the price of the bikes, which come into a region of an KTM of Husqvarna Enduro or SM. But Ebike you can driver everywhere... P.s. the clunk in 2 gears comes from the 2nd shaft. You have the gears distributed to 2 shafts. 3 wheels on the2nd shaft the rest on the first. When you shift to the 6 or 12 gear (for P1.18 with 18 gears) you shift to the first cogwheel on the first shaft and in the same step into the 2nd cog wheel on the 2nd shaft. Then for the next gears you just shift on the next cogwheel on the first shaft, until you change again in gear 12 (for P1.18). That is also the reason why you feel the change and cannot have full force on the pedals for some milli seconds. But on the trail it is just a short time where you noticed it, then you just use it. For E1.12 I don't know it Pinion is using 2 or 3 cogs on the 2nd shaft....maybe they will explain it in a video somewhere.

[@bogusawdyka6529]

It's a great review, but I'd like to know a little bit more, if possible: What was your average power while doing the extreme range test, does the computer keep track of that?

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate... Sorry I can only tell you my average heart rate was 132

[@Pete68T]

Rohloff E14 is Noisy in Some Gears and Can Jump When Changing,Having had one I Did Not Like the Weight in the Back Wheel,So if this Gets Better over the Next Couple of Years it Will be a Winner in my View,I Did Not Realize Chain Was Better than a Belt ,I Have Had a Rethink After Watching again and I Changed my View As Well As The Belt Drive Needs Massive Tension on it to Work and Causes Drag When Not Using Motor,So Chain does Not ,And As its Not Moving From side to side Only in Line it should Last a Long Time If its Looked After.

[@streddaz]

The chain is a bit more efficient than a belt, is easier to repair and because the chain is not doing shifting duties, it will last a whole lot longer. There's pros and cons for the belt VS chain, just depends what's important to you.

[@Belifranko]

Chains are only more efficient when perfectly clean and lubed. Otherwise belts are. On ebikes belts are a no brainer anyways, no derailleur to tear off or bend, no chain that gets rusty or loses performance in adverse conditions.

[@stuartpike3974]

With no derailleur, how do the chain, front and rear sprockets wear in comparison? Would like to see a longer test with little or no chain maintenance.

[@SamsBikes]

I would like to do a longer test...

[@SkarTisu]

I’m thinking the wear will be significantly reduced since the chain won’t have to be subjected to high loads at angles anymore.

[@dumpyosaurus6765]

Great review, thanks Sam

[@SamsBikes]

My pleasure!

[@brendan1]

Did you weigh the bike yourself? Would be interested to know what that configuration weighed. Really great review Sam. I was very much looking forward to it and you delivered in spades! Great review!

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Brendan thanks for the kind words, no I didn’t weigh the bike but I’m very sure it’s 24.6 because it was totally stock

[@Todd66]

I wish it was quieter, but def not a game changer. I think they did a good job…4 kilo with a gear box?! Awesome sauce! The future is looking good people!! I would want a belt instead of the chain, maybe shorter crank arms to combat the stretch/delay?! Awesome job as ALWAYS Sam.

[@kevinmortimer1883]

very interesting review. whats a bit wierd is the camera angle from the front. You like like an animated rider!!

[@SamsBikes]

Sorry mate you didn’t like the camera angle 📐 it was a very very busy 4 days

[@stephengeddis7364]

Best review to date

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate!

[@DragonNova]

Definitely the future, let's get integrated baby

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

I don't think the pros on that system are only about zero maintenance, the fact that you can shift gears without pedaling is a game changer, especially on climbs, the choice about the chain in my opinion is a cons, but the rear suspension must be designed ad hoc to be used with belt, in terms of reliability a belt lasts 30k km not far comparable with a chain that in the most optimistic ways can last 4k on a ebike with singlespeed setup... the noise is not a problem considering the advantages this motor can give and the range is really good. We have to see how this motor will develop and improve and the same for the Rotwild that's still a prototype, but in my opinion that's the future.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for the comment mate! Totally agree this gearbox motor thing is the going to be apart of the ebike future

[@nicolapellegrino1072]

@SamsBikes you're welcome I always follow your videos 😉 I suggest you to make a comparison between a traditional transmission and a gearbox in shifting under load conditions with high assistance, on regular transmissions is not even possible to do that, new T type sram groupsets works better but I think is not comparable with pinion, at least after seen the tests. Anyway let's hope many brands will support this new tech, we need that. 🙏

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for the feedback mate! To be honest it was a crazy 4 days of testing I missed a few things; what I might do is do a follow up Q&A video

[@topheavy7616]

Thanks for the honest review. 👍🏽

[@SamsBikes]

Always! Thanks for the kind words

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great review and super interesting tech. I’m still happy with my Turbo Levo Comp, however I suspect this will be the last traditional ebike I’ll own. 960w battery is definitely the way to go. A 65 degree head angle and a 160mm forks and it would be spot on.

[@chucknoob7041]

Will the US version have a 750watt motor? Great location and enjoyed the review

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate! I don’t think we will see a 750watt motor but you never know

[@samo8204]

Sam is there a sweet spot for the travel on bikes for heavier riders or is more always better?

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate yes I would say a little more travel couldn’t hurt, send me a PM on instagram and we can chat

[@amitshivkumar2561]

Great video. Are these available in UK?

[@SamsBikes]

No a problem mate no I don’t think you can but Rotwilds in the UK right now

[@Guesswhokk]

3:04 it a shame you can't change to a bigger chain ring if for urban or faster rides. 13:30 can you actively switch off motor assist and become a normal bike? e.g. down hill pedaling doesn't need motor assist. Did Pinion solve the 'engagement angle' problem? Please compare Gold standard Rohloff, I'm not a fan with large 'gear steps'.

[@deanfenner1]

Would you say this is a game changer Sam and worth the money , would u recommend purchasing this tech now or leaving it for a couple of years ?

[@SamsBikes]

As I said in the review I feel it amazing for more than 50% of ebike riders that just want hassle free riding

[@kcinelad]

Sam, do you know if this gearbox motor will able to be fitted to say, existing ebike setups with a bosch motor etc? They look so similar and I think it would be a good way to go for the box. Do you also know if this is going to be just on 1 or 2 brands of bike rather than across the field? Cheers. Good video.

[@SamsBikes]

Mate I wish all the motors could swap around but that’s never going to happen so I don’t think you can mount this on another mount

[@TracySwenson]

Very Intriguing. I'm 2 seasons away from a new whip ( I ride a Giant Trance e+1 now) and I'll be looking for something similar to this in the USA. ? does it have the walk mode like many other eMTB motors have?

[@SamsBikes]

It has the coolest walk mode it actually can push you up the hill on the bike

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Very informative video. Thanks so much for posting! I have the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS system on my Levo and it's great when it works but like you said, it is often a bit out of adjustment or sluggish. Wondering if the new SRAM Transmission derailleur is better. I feel like internal transmissions are the future for electric mountain bikes, but based on your review I am not going to get in a rush to buy one.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for the kind words.... I totally think Gearbox are in the future for ebikes... lets see the next gen

[@senior_java]

Have you ever smashed your derailleur during the ride? The pinion gearbox is no brainer for me. After I smashed 3derailleursr at a cost of 400$ - 800$, pinion is a blessing for me :D

[@PeteMac69]

The derailleur is dead! Wait, then fit a big tensioner hanging down just like a derailleur!?🤯 Can't wait for Zerode to adopt this unit and knock it out of the park🤘Thanks for a straight review.

[@streddaz]

Yes, I think using the Pinion tensioner, like Zerode do is a better idea.

[@Adreno23421]

The cost of these gearboxes is the cost of several full MTBs. The derailleur is not dead. This thing is almost dead on arrival. 8 thousand euros for a bike is the cost of a lightly used car in most countries. Nah.

[@PeteMac69]

@@Adreno23421 8k is the start point for a lot of top end bikes in any case, derailleur or gearbox. The cost of the new SRAM transmission is also the same as many new bikes (especially in ebike, auto shift form). Cost will come down as gearboxes become more numerous. DOA? Zerode (and others) have been running them for years and reliability is always improving. Embrace the future🤘🤘

[@Adreno23421]

@@PeteMac69 True. I'm not in that price range yet. Maybe one day. Specially cuz my country would charge another 77% of taxes (plus reseller mark up), so close to 15k is too salty for me. But it will come down.

[@PeteMac69]

@@Adreno23421 haha, true that! It’s all hypothetical until we have that cash to burn, which I don’t! I guess it all filters down eventually🤞😅

[@stephenbarnes5850]

The controller looks as bad as the Bosch old Star ship enterprise one why didn't Pinion go for one integrated into the top tube and a small optional one for the handle bars for the cost of the system it's interface should look more premium, that control looks cheap and not very functional with the buttons on the top , hope they sort it for gen 2 , great review Sam as always

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the kind words... yep agree the remote is too big.

[@thewaldfe9763]

They are using batteries and controllers by a supplier (FIT), rather than producing their own ones. There are 2-3 different ones the bike manufacturers can choose, but this one really looks very clunky!

[@heinerda4768]

Sorry, Pinion sind nicht die ersten, die Motor und Getriebe in einem Serien-E-Bike kombiniert haben. Das war Continental mit der integrierten stufenlosen NuVinci. Leider hatte diese Qualitätsprobleme und Continental hat sich später komplett aus dem E-Bikemarkt zurückgezogen. Davon abgesehen ist Pinion technisch super entwickelt und umgesetzt. Befürchte nur, dass die Räder für Normalverdiener viel zu teuer sind.

[@joaoesdevao461]

maybe this system is the gamechanger,but 2 big ones dont like the idea of not selling milllions of rearmags,k7,chains etc. -greetings from sunny Algarve

[@Gallardo6669]

Great review. Thanks

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider

[@BSE75]

great test is the remote wireless ?

[@SamsBikes]

No I don’t think so but not 💯 sure

[@scottwhyte2772]

When are these coming to Australia?

[@SamsBikes]

Not sure later in the year possibly

[@timbeard8457]

Re leasing in Germany, I can confirm that keys for the battery are not a requirement, at least not with the company I leased my Levo from. For any readers in Germany, leasing is well worth looking at if your company is willing to do a little bit of paperwork.

[@johnpashos1257]

I am so into this. Is going to be my first ebike. I hope the motor will be reliable more than the boss units. Your reviews are amazing and detailed and 100% honest. This is what we need and what new people need that are new to mountain bike. Thank you so much for your efforts and hard work. You are by far the best ❤❤❤❤

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Rider John thanks for the kind words mate! I really appreciate it and any help you need just ask!

[@johnpashos1257]

​@@SamsBikes thank you very much for your time. I have actually a very important question. In my normal bike (Santa Cruz nomad 2020) I usually make with friends about 39-40 kilometers ride. What is the best motor in reliability in your opinion than can support my biking needs. The reason I go to ebikes is my age. I need to save more energy from now on😂😂😂😂

[@johnpashos1257]

I meant 30-40 kilometres

[@markwebster243]

Yep I’m up for my first pinion once they sort out that display they need the specialised display and shifter.

[@apfelfred1]

Would love to see an light version of this unit. Maybe some hightec plastic gear and half the motor power.

[@Raumance]

960Wh is great because you can do almost a 4 hour FTP endurance ride with it. 750Wh on a Bosch with xc rear tire lasts almost 70km. I'm assuming Pinion is similar battery performance.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I was very impressed with the range! Also keep in mind if you don’t ride it in full power you will get even more

[@Raumance]

@@SamsBikes Had not watched the video when I commented. This makes practically certain I'm buying a Pinion next year. No way I'm using a derailleur anymore. Tend to only ride on full power. Only use other modes when I have to extend the range. With endurance FTP rides I aim to just get it over the limiter whenever I can and then keep it there as long as reasonable. Usually around 180-220watts on fairly even to keep the bike going over. It's not optimal for training but I just can't do 3hour+ asfalt rides. I need some trails. The bigger batteries will solve this problem. Well you could just lower the assistance but it's boring crawling along. The fun of ebikes is that everything becomes fun. Use to dread losing altitude on roads wasting it. But on ebikes it's just fun to train cornering.

[@akselimuraja9227]

Looking at the numbers on range test the Bosch system is still bit more efficient. We get approximately 2000m of elevation in our local trail center on 750wh battery on our heavier Pole Voimas. The climb is more technical and steeper than the one used for the test on this video.

[@graememcinnes]

Couple of questions and a comment, this is a bit personal but approx how much do you weigh? I ride with a bunch of mates with the same motor/battery and some of us get much more range than others simply because of size. Also, have had a Zerode with the Pinion gear box which I love, they recommend changing the gear box oil once every 12 months, is this the same for the E1.12 and is it a DIY job or do you need a bike shop job. Finally, not sure I agree with Rotwild on the chain v belt thing, I understand Zerode are looking at a belt option and they've been doing Pinion for a long time. Thanks in advance

[@streddaz]

The MGU has the same servicing intervals as Pinions other gearboxes and like those ones you can do it yourself.

[@gavinsullivan9015]

These are super interesting - and if I hadn’t just swapped from a full fat ebike to an SL I’d definitely be looking at one of these for my next bike. I think once you get to 750Wh and this set up most every day riders really wouldn’t need anything else. Then it comes down to cost… In Australia with the dust and the Europe with mud lot to be said for it…

[@SamsBikes]

Mate I was shocked in Adelaide how that fine dust eats chains for breakfast...

[@Zetler]

Great review.

[@SamsBikes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joschmoyo4532]

Yes, it could have and should have happened many years ago BUT there is one thing missing from this timely leap forward. A regenerative braking system in the motor. When they come out with that and the rubber belt drive I will get one. It will only require a clutch mechanism to disengage the pedals et Voila !

[@johns9974]

Sam Can we have another review of a production bike in the new year once they are available. Great review, thanks.

[@SamsBikes]

Absolutely but not sure it will happen

[@jokermtb]

Gearboxes- It’s going to be a $$$$$- end option for the next few years no matter what. The motor gearbox combo is the inevitable destination of ebike evolution

[@8664antonio]

sweet. but you have to add a heavy chain , sprocket and a chain tension.. 700gr?

[@SamsBikes]

I can’t really comment because I haven’t ridden a belt drive pinion

[@pgee70utube]

clunking gears doesn't mean anything if the gear changes are perfect every time. you are used to a bike sounding a certain way and are comparing something new to something you are used to, and making an observation it is somehow wrong. you didn't mention you experienced missed shifts, or grinding/slipping in the gearbox. my pinion 12 speed (manual) gearbox has positive clunks when gears engage, and i think it sounds cool. i agree with the less weight on the back wheel improves the bike handling, i have a zerode katipo with a pinion 9sp. gearbox and it rides really well. + agree with your points about total cost of ownership and maintenance.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for your comments and I’m glad you are enjoying your pinion

[@davemorgan4524]

Was really looking forward to this one! Great job on a totally honest review. I don't think id be put off by the clunk on changes. It seemed very quiet on the descents.....no motor chatter like the ep8? That would be a real plus. Belt drive requires a break in the rear triangular right? Although a belt is appealing on maintenance a tried and trusted chain may be better - very few motorcycles run belts either. Head angle a bit steep? A 180 zeb would slacken that nicely! Still, if i can get one im in.....

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Dave, it doesnt chatter like the ep8 but there is a clunk on big compressions not sure what it was maybe the battery.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

I am not a MTBer, but i want this system for a recumbent trike....when are they going to make it available??? Sounds like you need to relieve pressure when changing 4th to 5th gears...

[@BradJohnson60464]

Why would they put the chain tensioner in the back like a derailleur? Put it next to the bottom bracket/motor/gearbox, and point the tensioner up. Better rollover clearance. Lower weight in the rear. Less chance of mangling the tensioner.

[@fzr1000981]

The hype over this is off the charts but expect it will be several years before all the bugs are worked out. In the meantime I love the new SRAM drivetrain

[@SamsBikes]

I think it’s a very interesting system but Maybe not there yet for a performance ebike but there are so many benefits. The new sram system is very cool as well

[@holger_ger3391]

The Sram Sytem is built around a poor brose engine. It will take several years or at least until the new brose peak will hit the market...until this system will be as reliable as we expect 😉 meanwhile i give pinion a chance!

[@fzr1000981]

@@holger_ger3391 I have a SRAM drivetrain with a Bosch race motor. Win.

[@TrzCinA122]

Cool thing, if it wouldn't be e-bike. Hope that Pinion will dominate derailleurs in the future.

[@mavallarino]

Is the “clunk” caused by a range change in the box?

[@SamsBikes]

I’m not sure

[@Gallardo6669]

Stunning technology but using still a chain😂😂😂😂belt!!!??? Great review/background

[@crush1221]

That motor and battery setup looks like it could accomodate a laid down shock and linkage setup. Gimme that and some R&D longevity testing on the motor, 160mm and 29er front and rear and i'm down.

[@sdigsy4414]

@SamsBikes great job Skipp 👍🙏

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks bro

[@BradJohnson60464]

if you don't need a derailleur anymore....why would you have a stupid tensioner hanging off the back end?

[@tomquimby8669]

I tried the flyer up a steep hill and I found the gear changes 4 and 8 disconcerting plus that dead feel just after the change as you experienced. I really wanted to love this MGU but I am now wondering if it can be improved or I just take on the more powerful sachs RS from NOX and live with the chain and derailleur. Ummm wake up pinion and sort it out (maybe easier said than done.)

[@SamsBikes]

I thought it was better than I expected yes not perfect yet but it’s only Gen 1

[@tomquimby8669]

@@SamsBikes I think one of the ways this transpired is pinion have been supplying their gearboxes for a decade and nobody complained but they did not factor in that their products where being powered by weedy humans not a powerful motor. Add a motor into the mix and present that to ebike users and new to the market customers enticed by the clean belt and enclosed gearbox. then the complaints come thick fast and loud. Fantastic that they are trying though looking forward for gen sorted.

[@germantoledano1104]

15:40 🤣🤣🤣 He is a powerful guy!!

[@SamsBikes]

haha you know it

[@rawmancemtb]

Hey Sam I would've liked to see shifting under load. Like 400-600 watts on pedals.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I did do that but totally forgot to add it in to the review! It’s very good under power but the problem gears are not.

[@rawmancemtb]

@@SamsBikes You could just make a separate video about the shifting performance because it's a question many people have. Just was having a conversation about the Pinion on a forum where your video was linked. There really isn't info available. You are the primary source of it.

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Nice! In the US market, I would like to see a throttle version of this unit. *

[@SamsBikes]

Maybe one day!

[@gearhigher2027]

Well, Done...PINION would be more marketable if they paired with a frame manufacturer that will appeal to the former XC riders looking for a maintenance-free short travel sub-15 kg rider.

[@thim8009]

I wonder if between gear 4 and 5 is kinda like switching the way a front derailleur does?

[@ThiagoMarquardt]

Yes! This gearbox is 3x4 inside. Two groups of gears. This noise is only when change the second set of gears. Similar to high low transfer case

[@silv612]

Why would they use a chain? Isnt a key benefit of this getting rid of the chain moving to a maintenance free belt?

[@dariuslankarian3282]

This would be great for commuters especially with a belt.

[@SamsBikes]

I really need to try the Belt over the chain but Rotwild know how to make a bike and they say the chain is better

[@TypicalGuy84]

Surron makes a pedal kit for their EV bike if you want to pretend you're on a bicycle

[@photobooksandrecords]

Nice looking bike!

[@SamsBikes]

Sure is!

[@MTBrVK]

this one going to be important

[@SamsBikes]

Agreed

[@wouldyoudomeakindnes]

12 grand for this is a bit on the expensive side. I would love to see the price to come down and compete with Bosch. Perhaps can benefit from further revisions and refinements like the bosch system did over the years

[@SamsBikes]

Yep it’s not that affordable yet but if you look at high end e-bikes it’s not anymore expensive

[@TypicalGuy84]

If you want to spend 12k on an EV KTM makes some great bikes.

[@roberttony001]

The noise would not be from the motor but the gearbox under strain, to be quieter the gear teeth need to change rather than flat, more chevron shaped or at a angle depending how the transfer from one gear to another, to gradually put load on the gear teeth, especially at low gears under load from the motor.

[@tjeers3098]

Only have one question, Why does it have a chain? I think suspension has chain grow or something in it that just doesn’t work with the belt and tensioner they had before

[@martinschwartz7342]

Are there any bikes coming to America that have the Pinion gearbox/motor system?

[@SamsBikes]

I don’t think this year

[@norm8380]

Does this opinion 12 com in different bikes like a commuter or fat tire bike ?

[@lav1daloca]

Sounds like a promising development not quite there yet in implementation but def doable in version 2 or 3. For now ill be watching on the sideline still😂

[@stephenbrown5844]

The reasons this motor makes noises at 4,9, is because it changes two cogs at once in thise two gears only. 🙄Come on my friend give us some knowledge if your reviewing this motor ❤😉👊🇬🇧❤️

[@jacopogranata7273]

Where r u in Austria exactly? If u r in Vorarlberg I'll be happy to show you few of my hometrails! Keep shredding 🤙

[@SamsBikes]

Hinterglemm, Austria amazing place next time I will take you up on it...

[@jacopogranata7273]

@@SamsBikes yeah...watching the video I realize it was not a skiresort/lifts/trails which are familiar to me...😀 I'll wait for the invitation next time then 😂