"We want to start delivering the Alutech Fanes with Pinion gearbox in spring 2012. We expect the boxes to arrive in April," reports Jürgen Schlender from Alutech. "The Swiss like our geared bikes, we have already pre-sold three Fanes with Pinion in Switzerland. We deliver directly to the end customer and to specialist dealers." Nicolai's affinity for gears is traditionally already very high. For the 2012 season, Nicolai also has a bike on offer with the Pinion gearbox.

E-bike motor including gearbox shifting in planning
However, the engineers and Pinion makers Christoph Lermen and Michael Schmitt are not satisfied with what they have achieved so far. At the 2011 Eurobike, Pinion is presenting the "E1.8" concept study, the first fully integrated motor and gearbox unit for e-bikes and pedelecs.

For the first time, the "E1.8" combines all drive-relevant components well protected in a compact, lightweight unit. With a total weight of less than 4.6 kilograms, this unit should weigh less than many e-bike motors alone. The built-in sensors are designed to measure torque and speed precisely and in real time. The complete system integration and the fact that all drive-relevant components come from a single source will enable the ideal coordination and design of all components.