8 Gearbox Mountain Bikes Spotted at Eurobike 2016

Nicolai Helius GPI-techline The Nicolai Helius GPI-techline is a pretty sleek-looking full suspension design that utilizes a Pinion Gearbox and a second pulley to tension the belt drive. Unlike some other designs, this tensioner is tucked up high, above the lowest point of the front chainring, which should prevent any ground clearance issues. The bike …

By Greg Heil
September 5, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

6 comments

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Nicolai Helius GPI-techline

The Nicolai Helius GPI-techline is a pretty sleek-looking full suspension design that utilizes a Pinion Gearbox and a second pulley to tension the belt drive. Unlike some other designs, this tensioner is tucked up high, above the lowest point of the front chainring, which should prevent any ground clearance issues.

The bike I spotted was spec’ed with a RockShox fork, shock, and Reverb dropper. It comes with 27.5″ wheels and 140mm of travel.

The Helius starts at 6,699 Euros ($7,484 USD) and goes up from there.

While I didn’t spot it at the show, Nicolai also offers the a gearbox rig in a longer-travel package: the ION GPI-techline pro, with 155mm of travel. This bike begins at 7,399 Euros ($8,267 USD) and goes up from there.

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6 Comments

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Bike Nerd Colorado // 2017
Sep 4, 2018

Back in the days of 3x drivetrains with their less than reliable shifting on the front chainrings, a gearbox drivetrain seemed like a good idea. Now, with modern wide-range 1x drivetrains like the Sram Eagle, gearbox drivetrains are solving a problem I just don't have anymore. The fact that they weigh more, cost more, and are likely to be difficult to repair makes them even less favorable.

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triton189 2015
Sep 7, 2016

Can only imagine how much more these systems cost relative to chain / derailleur types.

Joel DH
Sep 15, 2016

I agree with stumpyfsr. I like the fact that the drivetrain weight will be transferred to the b/b and help with the center of gravity. It makes the more whippy, so to speak. However, what do these thing run for? I'll bet they ain't cheap. So the question is: are they really worth the extra weight? Are they actually easier and more maintenance free than a regular shifter set-up? What happens if it breaks? Do bike shops have the tools needed to fix one of these gearboxes? Just some questions to consider. I'm sticking with a normal set-up until internal gearboxes become more common. Then we'll see if they are worth it....

Kirk Fromm Pennsylvania // 2019
Dec 17, 2019

If and when they get the balance right - low enough weight, reasonable cost, etc, then these will become real game-changers. The advantages for the average rider are not there yet. But in certain applications, they might make sense. From my understanding, the units are fully sealed, and there's little to no maintenance required for thousands of miles. So for someone doing a long bike-packing trip one of these gearboxes might make sense. If you price out the cost of an Eagle drivetrain, along with all the chains and cassettes you'll need over the course of a few years, the additional upfront cost of a gearbox might start to seem less onerous.

mgringle Washington // 2014
Sep 15, 2016

Like the idea, and maybe on an adventure bike, DH, or even an enduro rig the weight penalty is acceptable. Any idea what the weight penalty actually is?

stumpyfsr Minnesota // 2011
Sep 6, 2016

Looks like a good idea to me. I think it's (gearbox) similar to Alfine internal hub but with benefit of weight being transferred from rear wheel to the center of the bike.

Nicolai Helius GPI-techline

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