Here’s how to be disruptive: Less than three months after unveiling the new M2 platform, the Chinese drivetrain manufacturer is already following up with the MG Concept, its very first concept product. The new drivetrain was developed in collaboration with Canyon, Commencal, Forbidden, Mondraker, and Megamo.

At the heart of the system is a fully integrated transmission system designed to enable gear shifts in less than 0.1 seconds—without any interruption in traction. According to Avinox, shifting is possible even under heavy load or while stationary. In addition to traditional manual shifting, automatic shifting modes are also planned, including a cadence-based mode and an AI-supported AI+ mode. Particularly striking: The MG Concept does away with a traditional rear derailleur and cassette. Instead, Avinox relies on an internal gear unit combined with a single-speed chain or a belt drive. The transmission unit itself is designed to be maintenance-free throughout its entire service life.

However, the idea isn’t entirely new. With its Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU), Pinion has been offering a system for several years now that combines the motor and transmission into a single unit and also completely eliminates the need for an external rear derailleur. The fact that Avinox is now also adopting this concept, however, shows that integrated drivetrains could become increasingly important.

In addition to the new drivetrain concept, Avinox promises a more compact and lightweight platform that can be used in a wide variety of bicycle categories—from eMTBs to eSUVs to gravel bikes. Even with high system weights exceeding 150 kilograms, the riding experience is said to remain natural and direct, according to the manufacturer.

In addition, Avinox is integrating new safety features. For example, the motor will be lockable in real time in the future—even when the system is not powered. Avinox is also unveiling the new SmoothShift system for the first time—specifically designed for derailleur gear systems on e-bikes. The drive unit automatically detects gear shifts and selectively reduces motor torque to make shifting smoother, protect the chain, and reduce drive system wear. The system is making its debut on the new Amflow TL SUV e-bike.

With the MG Concept, Avinox clearly demonstrates the direction in which development in the e-bike sector could be heading: toward fully integrated, enclosed, and low-maintenance drive systems. It’s long past time to retire the rear derailleur on e-bikes, as wear on the drive system is far too high.

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