While the promise of gearboxes has been on the horizon for seemingly forever, Pinion has taken one realistic step closer to this becoming reality with its frame-mounted P1.12. Sitting between the cranks, it claims a huge gear range, less maintenance and better efficiency than any internally geared system before it.
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Pinion offers a range of gearboxes, two 9-speed versions, a 12-speed version, and a massive 18-speed internal gearbox. I tested the 12-speed version powered by a Gates Carbon belt drive on a Reeb Cycles 27.5+ hardtail.
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Pinion P1.12 gearbox spec overview
- 12-speeds
- 17.7% spacing between gears
- 600% overall ratio
- Gearbox weight: 2,350g
- Q-factor: 174mm
- Made in Germany
Pinion P1.12 gearbox ride impression
The Pinion requires a unique frame, and the frame connection is called the "Pinion Standard" — thankfully all of Pinions gearboxes use the same standard.
As far as placement on the bike, I think it's ideal. The weight is between the cranks, centered and low. Gear changes happen via a Pinion rotary shifter (think gripshift), with two cables exiting and working their way down the down tube to the gearbox.
Riding the gearbox
Pinion P1.12 gearbox vs. the competition
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