Pinkbike Poll - What's Your Dream Gearbox Bike?

Jan 6, 2017 at 13:19
by AJ Barlas  
It always seems as if gearbox bikes are close to being the next big thing, with a few manufacturers executing some promising looking designs. As exciting as the bikes appear and the concept sounds, the gearbox has yet to gain traction. Whether it's the added weight, drag, and cost, or something else, there are a number of elements that keep some riders leery, even if others are raving about the benefits. Regardless, there's a distinct fascination surrounding these things, and given that we went over some of this in Levy's recent '1 Question' article that investigated what's holding the idea back, it seemed fitting to see what gearbox bike you'd choose.

Below is a lineup of mostly new offerings (as well as a few classics thrown in) for you to choose from. Which gearbox bike would you pick to have in your garage?


<Deleted photo>
Nicolai Ion GPI


Cavalerie Anakin bike review. www.thomasgaffneyphotography.com
Cavalerie Anakin


Ghost Bikes H AMR X
Ghost Bikes H AMR X


Dan s Zerode Taniwha Wheelworks FLITE wide carbon wheels Push elevensix shock Nomad tune DVO Diamond Boost 170mm fork Onyx racing hubs Renthal fatbar Carbon bars
Zerode Taniwha


Cavalerie Anakin First Ride
Cavalerie Falcon


Nicolai Ion 20 Effigear
Nicolai Ion 20


Nucleon Evo - Past Bike Bauer team bike

Nucleon Evo


n a

Honda RN-01


Alutech Sennes DH Pinion gearbox bike

Alutech Sennes

2013 Zerode G2 Sick Build

Zerode G2



What Gear Box Bike Do You Lust Over Most?

Maybe it's purely the appearance of the bike, the ride qualities you've read about, or maybe you even swung a leg over one of these bad boys and can't stop thinking about it? Let us know, which one tickles your fancy the most?


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Author Info:
AJBarlas avatar

Member since May 8, 2011
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273 Comments
  • 309 5
 It's pretty much a game of "Pick the Most Normal Looking Bike."
  • 89 3
 I just picked the one which actually did well on the world cup....And probably cost over a million dollars to develop....The Honda.
  • 26 8
 Or pick the least ugly looking one.
  • 17 5
 Yeah, I can't wait for this to become mainstream.
  • 152 0
 All these gearbox articles. Can't help thinking we're been groomed for a major announcement. Probably SRAM is entering the market, they were hiring gearbox engineers a few years back. We got the same grooming treatment right before Eagle was announced :/
  • 12 25
flag cauboi (Jan 6, 2017 at 15:55) (Below Threshold)
 @takeiteasyridehard: Millions of dollars for a hidden derailleur and cassette in a biscuits box dusty proof and waterproof (simply and genial).RN01 it's not a gearbox bike.
  • 11 27
flag Pnwdak (Jan 6, 2017 at 17:01) (Below Threshold)
 Honda RN-01 please GTFO
  • 44 7
 You guys are all full of shit, bitching about how no one makes a gear box bike, and as soon as someone makes one you're all over it. Well, it looks like there are quite a few put there, but now you Nancies are hung up on looks? The Ghost, Nicolai, and Taniwha look pretty good to me. As soon as someone makes a DW link one, then things will get even more interesting.
  • 31 1
 I'm more confused about the blind poll with a complete lack of backstory on each bike, especially considering the rather in-depth article the other day about gear-box development and industry-insider opinions on where the technology is going for consumer products.
  • 35 17
 The poll is missing a "Don't want a gearbox bike" option. I'm not dreaming about one.
  • 39 7
 @vikb: That's called not answering the poll...
  • 25 2
 @SlodownU: Pretty much. Everyone always complaining about how derailleurs suck and gearboxes can't come fast enough...guess what pansies, they're here! Now put your money where your mouth is if you want more companies to make gearbox bikes.
  • 2 0
 @unconvinced: true that, feels kind of deceptive really. Mental games! I'll hild my judgement till I try a gearbox bike though, but if it's going to make every bike cost more then they currently already do... I don't know what to say about where the market is trying to go.
  • 2 1
 @mattsavage: Problem is that conflates "I don't care about stupid PB polls" with "I don't care about stupid gearbox bikes". Those are different numbers.
  • 3 4
 @SlodownU: kind of like pinkbike users and thinking e-bikes are bad
  • 1 0
 @vikb: So true!
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: haha yes!
  • 1 0
 Carbon fiber gear boxes.
  • 8 3
 @SlodownU: What are you talking about? The looks matter and you know it. Have you even ridden a gearbox bike? It's hard enough to get a conventional bike right, let alone a relatively "new" type of drive train with different kinematic effects. Bikes at this point look awesome and perform amazingly. The bar has been set. Ferraris and Lamborghinis only. No Yugos. No Nissans.
  • 1 0
 @mnorris122: Right on. Bitching n Buying is different here at PB.
  • 3 1
 @SlodownU:

they all look darn good, and a long way from when I saw gearbox bikes last time around - that scary GT with the "always on chain", I remember it tearing Chris Smith's pants when he rode at Esher Shore for MBUK

the Zerode looks amazing! so clean, I would actually buy one if in the market for a full suspension bike
  • 2 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: totally agree. The suspension front and rear would probably be better than anything even now.
  • 2 0
 @cauboi: gears in a box... it sounds like a gearbox to me
  • 4 1
 I actually think we have a wicker basket situation with our derailleurs and I think they will still be around for a very long time even if it's only on bikes from certain disciplines. We may see a split where gravity bikes go gearbox and pedal bikes stay derailleur?
But I believe that the derailleur is so good that
If a gearbox is gonna take over then it better do away with ALL associated 'issues' of the derailleur not just a few of them. For me effigear does this the best, especially for gravity use (which is where is see gearboxes going). There are new issues with the linkage design to deal with but the other designs require a tensioner and that's a big thing in my opinion. As our suspension gets better and better the idea of having an untuned, unpredictable chain tensioner and clutch added to the mix will seem more and more ridiculous.
  • 1 2
 @unconvinced:Good news that means load of cheap quality bikes for us while the sheep pay development costs so the manufacturers break even and can reduce costs.
  • 3 2
 @takeiteasyridehard: Of course the Honda is the best! Honda doesn't know how to make crappy things
  • 3 1
 @DonkeyTeeth: Yes they do Early VF750 chocolate camshafts, CX 500 cam tensioner bolt snapping I could go on they've had plenty of F**k ups.
  • 4 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: me to it was the first i saw and it was 10 years ago
we all want what we can't have ;-)
  • 3 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: Was doing the Norba circuit when Minnnaar was pinned on the Honda, was something to witness!
  • 1 0
 @SlodownU: Triggered
  • 2 0
 @chappers998: yup, don't even start on the issues with the Honda Pilot (buggy) and Big Red (quad), things did get rectified eventually, but it also allowed a aftermarket to develop

I worked 2 summers for a corporate event fleet that had 12 Pilots and 16 Big Reds...those vehicles got worked hard

as a total aside, if you ever get the chance to drive a Pilot (long out of production) take it up. one of the best off-road vehicles I've ever driven - especially when tuned, seen the racing Pilots running near 100mph off-road Smile
  • 1 0
 @vikb: hit the nail on the head!
  • 1 0
 @jaame: ok.. so @jaame don't buy ''clip-less'' pedals! it's a trap!
  • 1 0
 @cauboi: haha you've got me!
  • 91 2
 That Zerode with the push shock looks so mean.
  • 21 1
 everything about that build is beautiful. if i recall from vital (bike of the day) it has onyx hubs on it too.
  • 18 2
 i thought it was a Nomad at first. looks the exact same until you get to the bottom bracket area. still, really clean lines on that bike
  • 11 0
 Gonna go stare at one at the LBS its all I can afford to do
  • 5 2
 Lel, I saw the photo and since it's murdered out my first thought was "Oh hey Santacruz made a gearbox Nomad" but then I read it was a zerode...
  • 1 0
 @fatduke: Stif maybe?
  • 1 0
 Seen it in yellow from that last gearbox article? Sexy af!
  • 2 3
 @sooner518: word has it they stole Santa Cruz's old mould from behind the factory and glued a different bb on
  • 3 8
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 7, 2017 at 3:00) (Below Threshold)
 @jaame: if you are not just joking Smile then please send my regards to the person spreading that rumor that by most standards, he is not only an idiot but also an a*shole who doesn't even bother to look at two pictures of the same bike using google image search before he acuses anyone of something that shitty. You'll be doing yourself a favor by not talking to him anymore.
  • 4 1
 @WAKIdesigns: It is most unlike you to suffer a sense of humor failure Waki.
  • 70 12
 My derailleur is like my girlfriend. She can be a pain in the ass and our relationship is a little weird sometimes, but she's pretty cool 90% of the time. I think I'll keep her.
  • 1 0
 Which one does the washing up and the beer shopping ?
  • 59 11
 I would trade my dog, my van, and both big toes for the Honda.
  • 22 2
 I will also trade your dog, van, and toes for the RN01. And the shorter travel slalom frame as well.
  • 68 0
 downvote, not the dog bro.
  • 6 0
 I second that!
  • 27 7
 @TopperharleyPT1: She's getting pretty old anyway, man.
  • 12 7
 I raise by giving the tongue of my mother
  • 11 0
 @mikelevy: brutal
  • 15 2
 @mikelevy I've lost all respect for anyone that has voted for anything BUT the Honda. It's the most beautiful thing ever. And the history behind it is incredible.

On a side note I'd take the zerode g2 DH rig over all of those.
  • 7 0
 @mikelevy: ...poor dog
  • 2 0
 @robaussie99: What do you think of the Arbr Saker? It's like a carbon version of the Honda as an enduro bike. Everyone hated it in here, but I love it. Just wondering since you like the Honda. BTW: The Honda 4x bike was super awesome. What was the deal with that? It got no press at all.
  • 3 0
 @robaussie99: this is exactly precisely totally completely my take on it as well. i click baited on this article just to see another honda picture or read more about it, but goddamn i do love those zerode bikes.
  • 3 0
 @eurojuice: I thought it was a nice looking frame, but theres still something about the Honda that does it for me, the proportions are just perfect, and the history man!
  • 2 2
 @robaussie99: how much is your respect worth? Like Honda or like cracked Canyon?
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: what hub spacing on the pooch? I might be interested...
  • 6 0
 @WAKIdesigns: your moms tongue and I have a long history, don't underestimate it value
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I raise by giving the tongue of my mother, my mother-in-law, and my wife! Wait, that kind of mostly benefits me.
  • 46 6
 A gearbox bike falls into the same camp as a fat bike for me. If someone dropped one on my doorstep, I would ride the absolute hell out of it. But I'm not going to pony up the cash for one myself.
  • 1 0
 In regards to the fat bike... You must live somewhere warm....
  • 17 0
 There is obviously a lot of mis information and lack of understanding out there when it comes to gearboxes as a concept. The truth is that in reality when paired with a well thought out frame most of these perceived negatives are just not relevant. I'm one of the early adopters of the new zerode and the transition has been nothing but positive. If there is a decrease in pedalling efficiency it's so minute that I can't notice it. The gearshifting is precise and instant. The gripshift works fine. But the biggest improvement is the one I think most people are missing. The reduction of weight at the rear wheel (unsprung weight) allows the suspension function so much better. It's a traction monster and holds its line better than anything else I've ridden. This perception of your buddies having to wait at the top for you while you haul you gearbox up the hill just isn't the reality, and on the way down this bike is so much faster. I understand that at this stage the cost could be prohibitive but I ask you all to keep an open mind and throw a leg over one of you get chance. In my opinion the more common these things become the better off we'll all be.
  • 1 6
flag bankz (Jan 7, 2017 at 19:49) (Below Threshold)
 i find the best comparison is when you ride with a friend on a regular bike you both know well (and know each other skills well)
then he leaves you in the dust on uphills and you've a slight edge on downhills.. add the price of the gearbox, and you don't buy gearbox, at the end of the day Blank Stare

that's how i select most of my bikes in fact, makes it much easier to see the differences rather than just "feels".
The other day i felt the ibis mojo wasnt all that much slower than my HT uphill, then we did the test.. dear god of derailleurs, the HT is so much faster uphill (yes both being regular bikes, no gb, i sadly rarely get to try gb's)
  • 7 0
 Love my Zerode as well, way less drag than I thought there would be with the Pinion - Literally none to speak of, and the centralising of mass is so impressive when smashing rock gardens, railing ruts and gapping things bigger and smoother than before (DH speeds) because it seriously generates speed like no other trail/enduro bike I have ridden before. The geo is so right.
  • 19 0
 I picked the honda, because its a collector's item. and a piece of MTB history IMO. .. but if i was going to ride it, I would have gone with the Zerode
  • 1 0
 Which Zerode?
  • 16 0
 Soooooooo.....Since these websites are advertising and marketing business models, I think it is safe to say that reading between the lines based on recent Pinkbike postings, we can expect to start seeing the gearbox transition from some bigger OEMs......
  • 2 0
 love that rumour. let's spread it!
  • 17 1
 The Zerode Taniwha for trails and the Nicolai Ion 20 for DH, they both look amazing!! I'm loving the simplicity in the lines of both.
  • 3 1
 The set up on the Zerode G2 looks like something that was meant to raise a drawbridge.
  • 15 1
 Interesting that there is no Hardtail. Gorgeous Zerode gets my vote anyway.
  • 14 1
 Im surprised there is no Zerode G1 or G2 in there either.
  • 9 1
 @Dodgysam: Woops. It was supposed to be there. Adding it now.
  • 2 1
 @ardor: the G2 was on my short list when putting together a new DH. Bike a couple of years ago.. unfortunately they do not make an extra large frame.
  • 4 1
 @BeerGuzlinFool: Surprised no Lahar either - first full carbon bike to win a DH world champs! 06 Juniors with Cam Cole. Legendary bike and rider!
  • 2 0
 @Lahar72: taken the family to Coromandel for a holiday today. First thing we saw when we rolled into town was a dude on a Lahar Softtail.
  • 1 0
 @KiwiXC: I've seen that guy at 440, such a nice bike.
  • 1 0
 @Lahar72: you have one?
  • 1 0
 @xy9ine: yeah got two - have a M9 DH and a soft tail.
  • 1 0
 @KiwiXC: cheers - they always still get the looks and questions! Taking my Lahar DH to the new bike park in Ch Ch today.
  • 1 0
 @Lahar72: rad. I've got an m9, but it gathers dust most of the time in favor of pedally bikes.
  • 14 0
 Which one has 26" wheels?
  • 12 1
 Duuuude that Honda RN-01 - I wish SHOWA made DH forks.. or KAYABA..they would slay Fox
  • 4 0
 Kayaba all day. That would be the best
  • 1 0
 @WayneParsons: Why doesn't Showa, Kayaba, or WP get in the mtb game. I am sure they would slay in the reliability department and also just longevity in general.
  • 1 0
 @Crf150fpnw: My friend Matt worked at Showa just after the end of Honda deal he started there the year after they where running. I asked a few times he said the cost of making the forks wouldn't be high as far as parts but the ROI because the cycling industry is "small" would not make it worth their time. that was his view not sure what they think now...
  • 6 0
 i would walk over 30 nomads for one zerode. bout the same cash too.One of them wont have a mud and use ruined cassette and chian after six months.of riding and a cassette that cosst a quarter the price of the gearbox.. if you havnt had a look at the pinion site. then do . five year garanty and a good animatick so you can get your head around whats in it. not the best gearbox bike..the best mtb bike on the market.. and yes i have riddin both. good on the little guys showing us the way to make a mtb for just that. .o and to the i would buy one types that think a fsr link or dw or any of those band aids would help ..they are just to help the drive train we know and hate pedal .not for better suspension. its not a bike for dirt roadies but for those who ride u and down mountians all year round .cough endruo.. so good
  • 11 4
 Santa Cruz should look at that Zerode and see that they could easily drop a gearbox in the nomad chassis with minimal layout tweaks and basically bring the gearbox to the masses.
  • 16 3
 easily? yeah, sure.
  • 6 2
 I've been envisioning this since the pinion gearbox arrived a couple of years ago, a gearbox 'standard' that manufacturers then incorporate into their existing frame designs. It's engineering willpower and of course a healthy dose financial commitment too. You'd "plug in" your gearbox of choice into a Nomad/Reign/Slayer/other brand bike that has been redesigned to run a GB around the bottom bracket area. The current crop of bikes with them are a leap in the right direction. Market forces have a bigger say right now than any glaring engineering problems.

The Zerode feels like a 'proof of concept', kind of like a Tesla car. They're both immaculately crafted dream machines that tick most of the of boxes. There's a healthy price tag to match though.
  • 7 2
 Why? Zerode has already done it.
  • 4 6
 @rideonjon: Dont get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with Zerode. Its beautiful and i bet it rides great. However they are the epitome of boutique right now. They dont have the proven history, haven't had an elite race program, aren't nearly as known as Santa Cruz and dont have the resources like SC. They certainly cannot bring it (the gearbox) to the masses like SC, Spec, or another well known and proven company could.

I only mention SC because, well, the front triangle is practically a mirror image of the nomad with both pivots in the right locations.
  • 3 7
flag torero (Jan 6, 2017 at 16:31) (Below Threshold)
 Hi guys, I'm a new SC Nomad, I'm selling $ 20,000 ...
  • 4 1
 @miff: my Zerode Taniwha is well specced - Fox sus and ROAM carbon wheels etc - and cost the same as any high-end carbon fibre bike from Santa Cruz, Yeti etc. The Pinion gearboxes have been thrashed in Zerode G2s plus pre-production mules and 2 x production prototypes and just last.
Love the 'proof of concept' comment, mate. Perfect!
  • 9 1
 No Peregrine?

www.pinkbike.com/u/Peregrinebikes/album/Peregrine-bikes
  • 3 14
flag parallaxid (Jan 6, 2017 at 14:28) (Below Threshold)
 no one wants 26" wheels
  • 6 1
 @parallaxid: I forgot this is Pinkbike.
  • 4 0
 Good call. Cromo forever.
  • 1 0
 Looks like flex city. Some people like frames like that, but I like the responsiveness of a stiff frame so I can pop quick and put the bike where I want. That flexy, delayed diving board effect is good for people who like to plow through the rough rather than float over it.
  • 3 0
 Hell yeah! @pinkbike get it all together and add the Peregrines!
  • 4 0
 Pick one that works best work hard on it when SRAM or shimano are interested we can all get one .And a few big bike companies are on side which in a few year may not be Spec and Trek but YT ,Canyon ,radon, .Some off the fore manteioned manage to stick batteries in their bikes when it suit .It may be the direct boys that get the jump .
  • 3 0
 Honda RN 01 is the missing link in mountain bike history . the best bike?... We will never know . was world champion 2005 , i think it was the most expensive of the mountain bike ?...Yes !!! She´s 12 years old, that´s why she´s the bike of my dreans
  • 4 0
 I'm a old dog not gonna be changing away from my derailleur & cassette anytime soon they work without much thought so I'm not changing to a gearbox bike anytime in the foreseeable future.
  • 3 0
 If it works they wouldn't be showing the things off all over the place get on with it bike industry and bring it to market once we see one getting a canning at a world cup where nerealy there ,I'm a weirdo who rides a jekyll with a dyad that works well all common speak is they are crap mojo serviced kept that up to date even short travel is plush once you warm it up trick is to ride fast .My point is this gearbox thing is not a dyad it's not just for one manufacturer it could be common place Christ it's 2017 they put a man on the moon in the sixties a gearbox ?
  • 2 0
 The Zerode is realy nice, and the more fashion carbon bike. But I have voted Anakin, just because I have one, and really happy with it. 13,8kg (30lb 6.7oz), efficient, that's all I need to trail, see some photos at: www.pinkbike.com/u/aurech/album/Anakin
  • 7 1
 Zerode!!! Looks lovely—
  • 5 0
 Hmmm, maybe the one I've actually ridden or seen in real life? Wait a second, never even seen one...
  • 4 0
 I'm currently saving for a Cavalerie Falcon... Now i can afford half the right chainstay. Hope I'll have the money for a new bike someday.
  • 4 0
 I'd love a Honda RN01, I'd hang it above my fireplace. lol. Cut outs for every gearbox would have been nice. But nice one anyway. That Zerode as sick as it gets.
  • 2 0
 Of these options my favorite is the Honda because nostalgia for the good ole' days - the gearbox bike that i really want doesn't exist at this point but the zerode is getting pretty close (just not a fan of the required grip shift or the fact that it looks like a nomad)

i pretty much just want a high pivot all carbon gearbox bike with everything low in the frame - if Arbr made a gearbox Saker with a proper thumb shifter and geometry a little closer to the mojo geometron then i would be in bicycle heaven and would be obligated to give up all my money - until then ill stick with my evil insurgent
  • 4 2
 None of them. I too feel like all these article are inoculating us to receive with open arms the new tech in gearing, Ill be sloooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww to adapt. My gear systems work so damn good......cannot keep up with new tech anyway, gets pricey....
  • 2 0
 The Effigear doesn't appear to be used on anything other than single-pivots, while the Pinion is on Horst Link and single-pivots. Saying that, the Effigear does look "better" in my vision.

My vote would be for a Mojo ION GPI and an updated Zerode G2.
  • 2 0
 Honda is the best they came out and showed the world what they can do and kick ass. Same company builds VFRs CBRs Africa Twins and a ton of other wicked motorcycles many of which I've owned . Honda the power of dreams, yeah HRC!
  • 3 0
 It would save so much cleaning and shit I know you'll still have a chain and some wheels but most of the weight is backward middle.Woud love to try one can't afford one but it would be good to try!
  • 6 1
 Hmmm tough selection...sorry il see myself out.
  • 5 1
 I'd only get a gear box on a downhill. Seems to be the proper application there.
  • 1 1
 I'd tend towards a gearbox on a six inch travel bike. Seems like you'd have to do a lot of engineering and get a lot of things right to be competitive racing a downhill bike with a gearbox. Kind of like trying to build a motoGP bike with shaft drive or oval pistons. If I was building up a DH bike for the park, I'd build it up singlespeed. A gearbox bike minus the gearbox, so to speak. I see a lot of them set up that way when I'm at the local venues.
  • 9 8
 I am a mechanical engineer - can someone please enlighten me on why a gearbox on a bike is better then the current chain derailleur system? What is everybody trying to achieve by going to a gearbox? The chain system is the most efficient means to power something. Is everybody such an aggressive rider that they are breaking derailleurs all of the time? I am not trolling, just genuinely confused.
  • 13 2
 There's quite a few really. Mass is low in central in the frame, unsprung mass is far less, rotational mass is less, service intervals are minimal, replacement is far less frequent than traditional roller chain systems, you only have to clean the casing as opposed to the gears, potentially zero chain growth and the horrendous effects that has on suspension.
  • 6 11
flag Scoutty (Jan 6, 2017 at 15:54) (Below Threshold)
 Basically it's a combination of its new and shiny and that people think that there is no chain growth.... look at the amount of tensionwrs in the pics though
  • 2 1
 @Scoutty: thats down to the design, yes pinions need a tensioner, but the effigears dont. If theyre like that theres no chain growth.
  • 3 3
 The main reason that's long been touted for wanting a gearbox bike is to get rid of the rear derailleur which can get bashed into a rock or ripped off and ruin your ride. It also has a bunch of other perks as thestigmk1 pointed out, but there are also a bunch of drawbacks that currently still outweigh the positives for most people- namely weight, loss of efficiency, price, lack of options, and looks. Add to that the fact that rear derailleurs really don't get ripped off that often if you are a good rider, and gearboxes are basically an expensive solution to a problem that doesn't really exist.
  • 2 1
 It has nothing to do with engineering, but the current system is difficult to clean and keep clean. I've never broken a derailleur in my life and I'd still prefer a gearbox (with carbon belt drive, like Nicolai uses).
  • 2 1
 @thestigmk1: Glad you posed this question. It's unclear what problem this solves and it seems to create new problems as well. I have beaten up some rear mech, maybe five times in 16 years across as many bikes. Not a big deal really. The narrow wide rings and low profile clutch mechs work awesome now, too.

It also had a GT IT1. It was pretty radical at the time and you could shift anytime. The whole swing arm got sawed up by the chain when that thing cocked up. And it had tons of drag. So maybe bad execution. In any case, that bike was a pain.

I also look back on Hammerschmidt. That was like a 2 speed gearbox in a way. The system worked great, but still had drag and definitely affected suspension negatively. And it wasn't built into the frame. Maybe something like that with fewer gears in back and more compact rear mech?
  • 2 0
 @eurojuice: I liked the Hammerschmidt so much that I had three bikes with it. Drag in first gear was pretty much non-existent, second gear (1.6X) was a small amount of drag. Now where I live in the mountains you go up in granny (negligible drag) and come down in second, I don't know how much you pedal down but it was pretty much a non issue for me, and also due to the instant shifting of the system I used it more than the rear derailleur. it really was an awesome system, I don't know why they didn't ever refine it. as for negatively affecting the suspension, I didn't have any issue with it at all. Bikes I had it on were 08 Reign X0 (old design), Niner WFO, and a trek remedy which my brother still uses.
  • 1 4
 @thestigmk1: @thestigmk1: Is the bike supposed to ride us, or are we supposed to ride the bike? Why have the bike do the work instead of us building skills?
  • 1 4
 @thestigmk1: @thestigmk1: Is the bike supposed to ride us, or are we supposed to ride the bike? Why have the bike do the work instead of us building skills?
  • 1 4
 @thestigmk1: @thestigmk1: Is the bike supposed to ride us, or are we supposed to ride the bike? Why have the bike do the work instead of us building skills?
  • 1 0
 @steelpolish: if you're a mechanical engineer, you should be able to discern the pros and cons better than most posters here. *should* being the operative word.
  • 1 0
 @brownstone: Wow!!! You REALLY liked it. It's strange how it didn't really take, but I could also see how it would be a little odd, strategically, in SRAM's drive train product road map. The system was damn good, but may have confused consumers considering the upcoming 1x set ups coming out at the time. Now, in terms of affecting suspension, i could really feel it pull on my Commencal Meta which is a single pivot. I think I could have tuned that out though. Even more so today with how good the shocks are. Cool stuff to discuss! Cheers.
  • 3 0
 The previous article mentioned how no big players were down with gearboxes, yet there's a Ghost in this list, which I wouldn't call boutique.
  • 1 0
 This is precisely why I voted Ghost. And I don't even have a thing for Ghost.
Nicolais and Zerodes are great but way too exotic to contribute to popularization on actual trails.
Popularization will do a great deal for the further development and cutting of costs.

I definitely do not like the current trend of f*ckhuge cassettes.
  • 3 0
 @Thema: yeah, it's absurd. 50T? We have no idea how that'll function long term on hubs. 2x set ups just aren't that bad if your trails demand a bailout gear of that magnitude. I understand why companies aren't investing hugely into gearboxes (they are profit driven entities), but I will never accept that the MTB world should have drivetrains exposed mud. It only works cause we live in a world where it's ok to just throw out stuff and ignore the place we threw it. You'd think Eagle cassette buyers would be the first to push for gear boxes. Imagine replacing a 500$ cassette every year or so??

Why was hammerschmidt such a flop??
  • 1 0
 When one comes out mainstream it will be one of the big two, ks started the better seatpost some people think they still are but most think of another one er what's it called again revamp or something like that .Pinion if they get sorted will clog it ,who owns mrp ,
  • 1 0
 I used to work with chris porter's brother back in the day and was told mojo were in talks to be the eu distributer of the honda and it was going to be over £10k back when £3k was about all you could spend on a top end bike!
  • 3 0
 No love for something in the 120-140mm range? "Everyday bikes" should benefit more from a maintenance free drive train, shouldn't they?
  • 1 0
 Wait a little, and Cavalerie should annonce something like that.
  • 1 0
 Are these all super cool? Absolutely, especially the Honda RN-01, which holds a special place in my heart for glorious things that never truly were in the bike world. Ultimately, though I would love a choice of a gearbox bike, none of them fulfill a need I have in mountain bikes, as I would get fairly little use out of a downhill bike or all-mountain bike. In a shorter-travel guise, 120-140mm range, then yes, I'd take a gander!
  • 3 0
 My Zerode G2 is amazing. Period. 3 years in a row top WC DH privateer. Its a proven design. Looking forward to buying a Taniwha in a couple years.
  • 3 0
 It will get lighter more efficient just like forks, one day but not today calm down.it is a good idea not having your gears get covered in muck and shit!
  • 1 0
 First of all, any box bike with a tensioner on it is dumb. That's one of the best parts of a box, no need for any more of that junk if the pivot is put in the right spot. So, despite the supposed inefficiencies of the Effigear, The cleanliness of the Ion 20 wins it for me, but the Taniwha, all blacked with that silver Push in the middle is so clean & mean lookin', I can't help but stare at it. What a thing of beauty. The only thing ruining it is the needlessly large sprockets which add weight & compromise ground clearance & the stupid tensioner due to the pivot being in the wrong place. Fix that & you just sold me one.
  • 1 0
 seriously if my pocket could afford the hit i would buy a gearbox bike right now!!!!! id take the Zerode G2 the Taniwha the ghost the honda... okay i biased cuz i bent another freaking derauiller this weekend and am running out of money replacing them! GRRRRRRR....
  • 3 0
 When are they going to come out with a singlespeed hardtail version? Then I'm in
  • 2 0
 En español!!!! como tan rehueonessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! lejos la mas ricaaaa y legendaria es la Hondaaa!!!!!!!! son puros pavosss
  • 5 4
 Zerode g2 with Nicolai geometry, nitrogen shock (like the nitro brew one or whatever it's called, or the one off the millyard bike) and split pivot. That's my dream gearbox bike.
  • 1 1
 Anything with nicolai geometry and a gearbox will do me.
  • 3 0
 @fartymarty: So a Nicolai then?
  • 4 3
 Why is this gearbox-thing keep coming up? is that the new stuff the industry will try and talk us into for 2017?
i mean i really love Pinkbike and all but where this is all coming from???
  • 2 2
 There paid by the bike industry to talk shit about possible ways to take more money from the people who keep it alive.
  • 1 1
 Amanda batty has a good story to research.
  • 5 1
 @Imnukepf: You're onto us!
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: I knew it!
  • 4 2
 Is this a trick question? There's nothing to think about. It's Zerode. Everything else looks like it got beaten with an ugly stick.
  • 1 1
 For me, I see ergonomic design issues with all of these bikes. it looks like the center of axis of crank on these bikes appears to be behind the seat tube. For seated and standing climbing this will put undo stress on the knee cap (patella). If all gear box bikes are to be strictly dh then disregard but I don't think that's the intent.
  • 2 0
 Future, what we have now with the rear mech is lop sided like a vespa ,roll on gearboxes that are light and sequential!Which i think they are any how ?
  • 1 0
 Also I'm looking close and xerode doesn't look any thing like a nomad? If your goung to be so critical pay a little more attentionSmile
  • 6 3
 I'll take the Zerode Nomad
  • 4 1
 Not yet it's time one day like disc brakes!
  • 5 2
 none I don't like heavy shit
  • 3 1
 Wow pinkbike is really pushing gear boxes. There must be a lot of advertising money coming in from it.
  • 3 0
 Their just running out of things to write about e-bikes..
  • 2 0
 This will never work for bike you actually have to pedal. Or at least it does not work now. For dh bike just run singlespeed
  • 2 0
 I really like the Nicolai, although Honda does know how to build fast great handling 2 wheeled bikes.
  • 1 2
 So what's the deal with the gearbox when it breaks down trailside? Easy fix as a rear mech, can I still pedal if the gearbox dies? My rear mech will leave me in a sh!?tty gear but I can still get some where or bodch it till I'm home. Bcse to me (a very simpleton) the gearbox seems complex and hassle when trying to sort it. As a quote said on here before "any monkey can sort rear mech and gears". Sorry didn't vote. I don't want things the change to the gear box, I like it the way it is
  • 2 1
 Nicolai is the most evolved and refined from the group but its between the ion16 and the zerode. That new zerode is simply amazing. All these bikes rock.
  • 1 0
 Did you know Studley Archer are SunRace .Now there was a tasty three speed gear box thingy . Once that chain on the side busted you were stuck in third !
  • 2 0
 Anyone else think that if Zerode dropped the Taniwha or the G1/2 with a standard drivetrain they'd sell insane numbers of?
  • 5 2
 One word - MILLYARD!
  • 2 1
 I know right?! The most ground breaking, forward thinking gearbox bike of them all!
  • 1 1
 I stick to my Rohloff gear hub - riding it since 2003 and I will put it in all of my bikes step by step as it it now also fitting into newer bikes!
  • 4 2
 Guess the weight of the Honda , ?
The closest wins a Merida 160 !!
  • 4 2
 41 pounds... I will pm you my address so you can send my prize.
  • 2 1
 No one knows, right.
  • 3 1
 seeing a Nicolai Ion 20 in person was neato
  • 2 4
 This could be an absolute burden for the consumer. More expensive bikes, can't transfer the drivetrain. Heavier and less efficient. Pinion can not shift gear under load. I am not sure if other options are better. However it is going against 100 years of bicycle development where the main goal has been making the bike lighter and drivetrain more efficient. The product does not seem ready to me... and it seems a desperate attempt of the bike industry to push something "new" as e-mtb are not getting the public response they wished for.
  • 3 3
 All the Pinion's bolt up the exact same way. So buying frame only vs a frame and gearbox. The box will be transferable between brands. Right now it is a 1.5lbs versus Eagle. The new C line Pinion cuts it down to 1lbs. The only other negative may be the upshifting under power but its not bad from the people i have spoken to and going into harder gears it can do under max power. Also THUMB SHIFTER for the win......
  • 3 2
 @downhillnews: upshofting under power is everythjng in competition. What about drag? To me it seems the advantages are less tangible than disavantages.
  • 4 2
 Great post pinkbike. We should be discussing these more!!!!
  • 3 2
 Zerode Taniwha and Nicolai Ion 20 Effi are the best looking bikes on earth!!! Smile
  • 1 1
 I was trying to hit the up vote cause I agree with you, but I missed. Oops
  • 1 0
 I picked the Zerode because the parts spec looked incredible. I'm not alone obviously.
  • 2 0
 Nicolai. They know what they are doing.
  • 2 1
 Played on the tahiwah at 'Ard rock last year, and was sold from that moment on.
  • 1 1
 They all look a bit odd, The Zerode trail bike is the best looking out of that bunch.

Am I the only person who has absolutely no issues with a rear detailer?
  • 3 0
 yes
  • 4 2
 Noah's Nicolai Ion 20
  • 1 0
 The grip shift is gone and it now runs a modified SRAM XO trigger shifter.
  • 1 1
 It would be interesting to know the weights but still that zerode taniwha looks soo good
  • 4 2
 The one that works.
  • 4 3
 That Zerode Nomad looks sick!
  • 1 1
 As a rider on the shorter side, I'll take whichever one has the shortest stays and slackest head angle.
  • 2 2
 Nicolai Ion GPI has the Geometron numbers? Im sold, possibly with shorter chainstays tho!
  • 1 1
 Ya. If you're going to pick a radical gearbox bike may as well go radical with everything else. Extreme geometry. A pully tensioned belt drive (first time i've seen that). And as far as i can tell its the only one doing a horst link. Got my vote.
  • 4 2
 single speed
  • 3 2
 The one I can shift while pedaling.....
  • 2 1
 If it has as many chainrings as my 1x do I really want one?
  • 1 1
 Any of them that don't have the half derailleur chain tension thing-a-mabob.
  • 1 0
 never really had a gearbox bike dream
  • 1 1
 Since the Zerode is based in NZ, do they pronounce the Taniwha as 'Tah-nee-fa' or 'Tah-nee-wah'?
  • 2 0
 Tan ee fa
  • 2 1
 Honda for history. Zerode for reality.
  • 1 0
 The one that earned it's stripes..
  • 1 1
 I'd love a Nicolai, beautiful machines, but the Taniwha is where I'm focusing at the moment.
  • 1 1
 I sort of hoped and expected there'd be an all mountain singlespeed in the running.
  • 1 0
 The Honda frame looks like it's from a crf 250 motorcross bike
  • 2 1
 The one that doesn't drag more than a derailleur driven bike.
  • 1 0
 This is a trick question right? Jedi mind trick?
  • 1 0
 If it ain't broke don't fix it!
  • 1 0
 The tanihwa looks quite small.
  • 2 2
 all of them have gripshift, so; none of them.
  • 2 2
 The Zerode G2 looks MEAN!
  • 1 2
 Alutech Sennes!!!!!!! bad ass looking and clean chain design, looks a bit like a moto. that what the People want
  • 4 4
 What's up with all these gear box articles. No thanks. My pick: NONE
  • 2 1
 Your post is like throwing Peaty under the bus...
  • 2 3
 Am I the only one who thinks if you have a gearbox on your bike, you should also have an engine..
  • 2 2
 Holy those are all pretty ugly!
  • 2 2
 Zerode, both of them, hands down.
  • 1 1
 My next bike will be a ht with a pinion, sliding dropouts.
  • 1 1
 Flog it clog it it's how they bust
  • 1 0
 Whatain
  • 1 1
 Dream gearbox bike ? NCR500
  • 1 0
 Zerode peachy !!!!
  • 1 1
 If you did not pick the HONDA you are no geared up right
  • 1 1
 the nicolai darkside!
  • 4 5
 Surely the Honda isn't technically a gearbox?
Overly anal? Hahaha, sorry
  • 39 1
 It's gears are in a box.
  • 17 0
 @mikelevy: Technically correct, which as we all know, is the best kind of correct.
  • 2 12
flag IllestT (Jan 6, 2017 at 14:48) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy: mmmm, well by that definition all bikes have gearboxes being as a mech is a box.
Lolzz
  • 1 0
 @IllestT: I thing you may have missed the actual concept of a "gearbox"
  • 1 0
 @randybadger: enlighten me, please?
  • 1 0
 @IllestT: it's called a gear box because it's a box that contains all the gears
  • 2 3
 I guess I'll just have to go with the nomad.....oh wait.
  • 5 6
 as long as it doesnt have Sram or Shimano in it, im good
  • 4 2
 How is running microshift working out for you?
  • 2 1
 @randybadger: he's running on after hours box components
  • 4 5
 That Honda is missing an engine.
  • 3 3
 hammerschmidt
  • 1 2
 Pretty much anything Cavalerie.
  • 1 2
 someone has to copy the other side of the world... SRAM
  • 1 2
 Well my former G2 my the list!!!
  • 1 1
 The SC Nomad.
  • 1 0
 Join the club of those negative-propped for pointing out the striking similarity...
  • 1 2
 Wheres th Millyard?!?! You can't have this pole without the true poineer
  • 1 2
 I have mine already, a GT IT-1
  • 1 4
 None of them are my dream bikes. Only a nightmare where all bikes are gearbox bikes. Peddling up a hill, exhausted, thinking what I did in life to deserve such hell.
  • 2 3
 Zerode because Nomad
  • 1 3
 "Dream" gear box bike? What? Sorry?
  • 2 4
 None.
  • 1 4
 Whichever one is a 29er, that one, if none, then none.
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