Pinion combines an ebike motor and sealed gearbox in its new MGU - My King Money

For 11 years, German company Pinion’s sealed mid-shift gearbox has offered a stronger derailleur alternative. It is now combined with the motor to form a 2-in-1 e-bike module called Motor.Gearbox.Unit – or MGU for short.

The main component of the new pinion electric drive system – a competitor to Valeo’s existing gearbox/motor unit – the MGU is positioned near the center axle, keeping weight low and central.

It still incorporates the company’s existing gearbox, which is less prone to damage than conventional rear derailleurs and requires little to no maintenance – just an oil change every 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles). It can also span multiple gears in one shift, and it can change gears even when the rider isn’t pedaling.

The MGU keeps all those features and adds an electric power assist motor to the mix.The entire module is said to be similar in size and weight to other mid-drive systems External Mobile components.

The MGU must be mounted on the bike - it cannot be retrofitted — The MGU must be mounted on the bike – it cannot be retrofitted

Bike builders who incorporate MGUs into their bikes can choose between the E1.9 and E1.12 models. The former weighs around 4,000 grams (8.8 lbs) and offers nine gears and a 568% gear ratio, while the latter weighs around 4,100 grams (9 lbs) and has 12 gears and a 600% gear ratio.

Both models feature a brushless electric motor with peak power of up to 800 watts, producing a competitive 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) of torque – up to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at the rear wheels. Power is provided by the downtube integrated battery.

Several manufacturers have included the system in their upcoming e-bikes

Using a handlebar-mounted controller, riders can choose between four levels of support. These include Eco for maximum range, Fly for maximum power (when needed), and Flow and Flex, which “adjust the amount of support perfectly to each riding situation and the terrain you’re facing.”

The electronic shifting system includes functions such as Pre.Select and Start.Select, where the MGU automatically shifts to a pedaled gear for easy recovery after coasting downhill, where the MGU automatically shifts to a preselected easy-start gear when the bike comes to a standstill.

The pinion electric drive system should appear on select bikes starting next year. More info in the video below.