Pinion MGU
Everything You Need to Know About the Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit
Pinion MGU - Motor Gearbox Unit
What is the Pinion MGU?
The Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU) is an exciting advancement in e-bike drive technology, combining the ebike motor and gearbox into a single, compact unit in the crank area of the bike. This design addresses common issues found in traditional e-bike drivetrains, which typically consist of separate motor and shifting systems from different manufacturers, sometimes resulting in poor shifting performance, high wear, and increased maintenance.
How the Pinion MGU Works
Core Specifications
Gearbox:
- Gear Options: The Pinion MGU comes in versions with either 9 or 12 gears. Riese and Muller only use the version with 12 gears.
- Gear Range: The system offers up to 600% gear range (12 gears). This means the difference between the easiest and hardest gear is six times. We’ll cover this in comparison to other gear systems later but in short, this is a huge range of gears that’ll cover you for riding up and down the steepest of hills.
Sensor Integration: The Pinion MGU uses torque and cadence sensors to monitor the rider’s input and adjust the motor’s assistance and gear selection accordingly. This results in a responsive, dynamic riding experience where the system adapts to the rider’s needs in real time.
- Electric Shifting: Shifting is electrically actuated, with the option to choose manual or automatic shifting modes. The Smart.Shift technology allows for multiple gears to be shifted simultaneously, even under load, and ensures rapid, smooth transitions.
Motor:
- Power Output: The Pinion MGU has a motor that delivers up to 85 Nm of continuous torque, with a peak output of 160 Nm at the wheel in first gear. The motor can generate up to 600W of power in standard e-bike applications and up to 800W for speed pedelecs.
- Power Delivery: The motor’s power is transmitted directly through the gearbox, optimising torque and speed according to the selected gear. The high torque in lower gears makes it easier to start from a stop or climb steep hills, while the higher gears allow for greater speed on flat terrain.
- Support Levels: The motor offers four levels of pedal assistance, capable of providing up to 400% of the rider’s input, making steep climbs and heavy loads easily manageable. Essentially, you’ll cruise up 20% hills without breaking a sweat!
Integration and Design:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Pinion MGU is designed to be compact and lightweight, with a low center of gravity. This not only improves the bike’s handling but also contributes to its overall stability and agility, particularly in off-road scenarios.
- Belt Drive Ready: The MGU is fully compatible with belt drive systems, which are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements.
- Virtually Wear-Free: The Pinion MGU’s integrated system is designed to be nearly wear-free, requiring only an oil change every 10,000 km. This reduces the long-term maintenance burden and ensures consistent performance over time.
Smart.Shift Technology:
- Automatic Shifting: The Smart.Shift system can automatically select the optimal gear based on speed and terrain, making riding more intuitive and less demanding. Features like Pre.Select ensure the bike is always in the right gear when coasting or after stops, enhancing the overall riding experience.
- Instant Shifting: Shifting occurs in as little as 0.2 seconds, ensuring that the rider experiences virtually no lag during gear changes, even under heavy load or during rapid acceleration.
Durability and Maintenance:
- Low Maintenance: With its robust construction and integrated design, the Pinion MGU requires minimal maintenance. The integrated oil bath ensures that all moving parts are properly lubricated, reducing wear and tear. The primary maintenance task is a simple oil change every 10,000 km, making it a practical choice for long-term reliability. With the Pinion MGU and a belt drive, you won’t need to index the gears or oil a chain.
- Environmental Protection: The Pinion MGU is built for riding in tough conditions, including exposure to dirt, water, and debris.
How does the Pinion MGU Compare with Other Drivetrains?
Rohloff vs Pinion Gearing
The Rohloff offers a gear spread of 540% on the new Riese and Muller bikes, whereas the Pinion offers a range across 600%. There are 14 gears on the Rohloff and 12 on the Pinion, so this does mean that the gaps between gears are slightly larger. The average jump between gears is 13.6% on the Rohloff as opposed to 17.7% on the Pinion system MGU. So if you prefer having closer ratio gears then the Rohloff may be your favourite.
The lowest gear on the Pinion is actually slightly smaller and therefore easier to pedal with low assistance than the Rohloff. To keep things metric, we’ve chosen to measure them in metres developed per crank turn over the Gear inches of old. The Pinions lowest gear or gear number 1 on both systems measures 1.7 metres developed and Rohloff 2.0. The highest gear on the Pinion is 10.3 metres developed per crank turn and Rohloff 10.4, meaning the Rohloff has a slightly larger gear than the Pinion gear box.
Gear Ratios and Pedalling Effort
Lowest Gear:
Pinion: The easiest gear to pedal (gear 1) moves the bike 1.7 meters with each full crank turn.
Rohloff: The easiest gear moves the bike 2.0 meters per crank turn.
Comparison: The Pinion’s lowest gear is easier to pedal, which can be helpful on steep hills or when using low motor assistance.
Highest Gear:
Pinion: The hardest gear moves the bike 10.3 meters per crank turn.
Rohloff: The hardest gear moves the bike 10.4 meters per crank turn.
Comparison: The Rohloff’s highest gear is slightly harder to pedal, giving you a bit more speed in high gear.
In summary – The Rohloff system offers 14 gears with a slightly narrower gear range of 540% (The Pinion MGU is 600%). It has slightly closer gear spacing, which can make transitions slightly smoother, particularly in varying terrains. However, the Rohloff requires more frequent maintenance compared to the Pinion MGU (5,000km vs 10,000).
Pinion vs. ENviolo Comparison
- Gear Range: The Enviolo Provides a 380% continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth, stepless transitions between gears vs Pinion which offers a wide 600% gear range with 12 distinct gears, making it highly versatile for different terrains and riding styles.
- Shifting: The CVT system allows for infinite gear ratios within its range, which means there’s no distinct shift between gears, providing a smooth and intuitive riding experience. The Enviolo requires a lift in load applied through the drivetrain in order to shift well. The Pinion uses electronic shifting, which is quick and precise, allowing for seamless gear changes even under load.
Overall Usage Comparison:
- Pinion is better suited for riders who need a wide gear range and precise control, such as those who ride on varied terrains or require high performance.
- Enviolo is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth, low-maintenance experience, particularly in urban environments or for casual riding.
Pinion vs. Chain & Cassette Comparison
Gear Range:
- The Chain & Cassette system (Shimano 11-speed LinkGlide) provides a 453% gear range with 11 distinct gears, offering a decent range for most cycling needs. This system is effective for a wide variety of riding styles, from road cycling to moderate off-roading.
- The Pinion system, on the other hand, offers a much wider 600% gear range with 12 distinct gears. This broader range makes it highly versatile and capable of handling more challenging terrains and a variety of riding styles, from steep climbs to high-speed descents.
Shifting:
- The Chain & Cassette system uses mechanical shifting, which involves moving the chain between different-sized sprockets on the cassette. This method requires more physical effort and precise timing, especially under load, and is more prone to wear and tear, necessitating regular maintenance such as chain lubrication and replacement.
- The Pinion system uses electronic shifting, which is quick, precise, and allows for seamless gear changes even under load. This modern approach reduces the need for frequent maintenance and provides a more reliable and consistent shifting experience, especially in demanding conditions.
Overall Usage Comparison:
- Pinion is better suited for riders who need a wide gear range and precise control, making it ideal for varied terrains, high performance, and those who prefer low-maintenance, reliable systems.
- Chain & Cassette is a solid choice for traditionalists or those who prefer the mechanical feel of shifting. It’s suitable for a broad range of cycling activities but requires more regular maintenance and doesn’t offer as wide a gear range or the precision of electronic shifting.
What Servicing and Maintenance does the Pinion MGU require?
The Pinion MGU requires an oil change every 10,000 kilometres.
Cost and Availability
The Pinion MGU will be available on the Riese and Muller Delite5 and Homage5.
The Delite5 Pinion and the Homage5 Pinion start at £7,889 and £8,259 for the HS version.
Our test bikes are due at the end of 2024, please contact us to find out more.
Want to know more? Why not get in touch to start building your dream electric bike, download our free buyer’s guide or browse our best selling Riese & Müller bikes.