Pinion focuses on the middle class

Low centre of gravity, wide gear range, extremely durable - such attributes characterize the previous Pinion gearbox line. However, this shifting system has one disadvantage: the high price. But this will soon change - with the C-Line, Pinion is presenting a mid-range gearbox that should enable attractively priced complete bikes.

Pinion has left the inner values - i.e. the gearbox - as they are, but the housing is completely new for the new C-Line. The gearbox housing is now made of magnesium and powder-coated in gray with a protective film. While the scales for the familiar P-Line gearbox versions remain between 2700 and 2200 grams, the C gearboxes are significantly lighter at between 2100 and 1800 grams. However, the final weights from the series production weight have not yet been determined.

The C-Line is available in three versions. The 12-speed C1.12 transmission offers a gear ratio of 600 percent and is intended for touring bikes. The C1.9XR transmission shifts over a range of 568 percent and is predestined for use on fast e-bikes up to 45 km/h. The C1.6 transmission is best used on e-bikes with 25 km/h assistance and offers a bandwidth of 295 percent.

A striking feature of the C-Line is its more compact design - the magnesium housing is a good bit smaller than its P-Line counterparts. Also new is the chain line of 50 millimetres and the Q-factor, which is now 166 millimetres, compared to 174 millimetres for the P-Line. Another new feature is that the angle of the gear cable outlets can be adjusted. The new housings are also compatible with internally routed cables.

As Pinion announces, Swiss bike manufacturers are already on board to build 2017 bikes with the C-gearbox: TDS Velos, Cresta and MTB Cycletech have all opted for the innovative technology.