The "P1.18" is a spur gear transmission consisting of two sub-gears connected in series and 18 evenly spaced gears. The gearbox has an integrated bottom bracket and is mounted centrally in the frame - using a "Pinion bridge" - between the down tube, seat tube and chainstays.

When consulting the company's website, numerous advantages of the gearbox can be found: low, central center of gravity, no inertial masses on the rear wheel, optimal operation of the rear suspension, more ground clearance, no risk of damaged derailleurs. On top of that: wide gear range, even gear steps, low maintenance, fast shifting, low wear and tear and shifting when stationary. These are all points that conventional derailleur or hub gears cannot claim in unison.

Getting to know Porsche
Christoph Lermen and Michael Schmitz, the two Managing Directors of Pinion GmbH based in Denkendorf near Stuttgart, met at the beginning of 2006 while studying at the Porsche Development Center for Engines and Transmissions. The years from 2006 to 2009 are characterized by designs, prototypes, patent applications, founding a company and a time-consuming search for investors.

Testing in the high mountains
The year 2010 turned out to be a milestone in the history of the young company. Extreme biker Felix Fröhlich crosses the Himalayas in the summer with a Pinion prototype. The gearbox withstood the test and the spare gearbox in Fröhlich's rucksack was not used. This successful test run gives Lermen and Schmitz the motivation they need to press ahead with their project.

Overwhelming response
At Eurobike 2010, Lermen and Schmitz show a further developed prototype called P1 on a small area at the stand of bicycle manufacturer Endorfin. The product caused a sensation at the world's largest bicycle trade fair and catapulted the two young companies into the focus of the media and bicycle manufacturers.

New frame standard
In spring 2011, the first bicycle manufacturers start developing frames for the transmission. A new standard is launched, as a bridge is required between the down tube, seat tube and chainstays to mount the transmission unit. At the 2011 Eurobike, several bicycle manufacturers show pre-series bikes and Pinion itself looks to the future with a concept study for an electric motor gear unit.

First delivery
In November 2011, the manufacturer brings the "P1.18" transmission to series standard and series production is launched. Deliveries of the first gearboxes are delayed until July 2012, as a supplier from the automotive industry fails to meet its deadline promise.

Swiss manufacturers get involved
Pinion is currently cooperating with 20 bicycle and frame manufacturers. In Switzerland, the manufacturers MTB Cycletech and Hilite on board. MTB Cycletech equips its classic touring bike Papalagi with the "P1.18". The geared road bike from Hilite is attracting attention in the trade press; the manufacturer from Basel also builds touring bikes, hardtails and fullies with the gearbox.

More manufacturers are interested
Since the summer of 2012, new, interested bicycle manufacturers have received the first sample series gearboxes for their own model development.

In part 2 of "The future of shifting", Christoph Lermen talks in an interview about the development and launch of the gearbox and ventures an outlook on the future of Pionion.

pinion.eu