Pinion Bikes for Bikepacking

By Miles

PUBLISHED Jul 12, 2024

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Whether you’re running the latest wireless drivetrain or a mechanical one, derailleur-based drivetrains have some obvious shortcomings. They require regular maintenance and cleaning to function correctly, the parts wear out, the rear derailleur is one of the most vulnerable parts on a bicycle, and replacement components are becoming more and more expensive. When applied to bikepacking, we’re especially aware of these issues, as a busted derailleur could easily become a trip-ending situation. That’s where Pinion bikes come in.

Gearboxes seek to address these flaws by replacing the derailleur and cassette with a fully enclosed, internally geared system. Gearboxes aren’t nearly as widely used, but they were invented around the same time as the derailleur, with internally geared two-speed hubs dating back to 1896. By the early 1900s, more internal hub systems were popping up, including the world’s first three-speed hub by Sturmey-Archer. It wasn’t until the 1930s that Adler, a German bicycle, automobile, and motorcycle manufacturer, produced the first three-speed gearbox, positioned near the bottom bracket instead of in the rear hub. Over the next decade, designers increased the overall gear range of the hubs. The first 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub was released in 1996 with a massive 526% gear range and a design suitable for mountain biking. At Interbike in 2003, Nicolai debuted their G-Boxx, blending Rohloff tech with a design that tucked the entire system against the bottom bracket.

Enter Pinion

In 2006, Christoph Lermen and Michael Schmitz proposed a gearbox-based bicycle shifting system at Porsche’s development center in Weissach, Germany. Within just a few years, prototypes were being tested, and in 2011, Pinion shared their Pinion P1.18 gearbox at Eurobike, touting a 600% range and 18 gears. By 2013, 30 bicycle manufacturers offered the P1.18 gearbox in production models. In 2016, they released the Pinion C-Line, which reduced the system’s overall weight considerably thanks to a magnesium gearbox casing. In 2022, Pinion Smart.Shift was released, promising nearly instantaneous shifts, both while under load and stationary. Today, over 100 bicycle manufacturers offer Pinion bicycles and e-bikes. Those include cargo bikes, commuters, enduro rigs, and adventure-oriented bikes.

Pinion vs. Derailleur

No maintenance and exceptional durability almost make it sound like derailleurs are obsolete, but it’s not quite that simple. For starters, there are far fewer Pinion-compatible frames available, and once you switch to a Pinion frame, you have no option to change to a derailleur. You’re locked in to the Pinion system. The added weight of the Pinion is also worth considering. For example, the standard Panorama Boreal complete (size medium) weighs in at about 29.5 pounds (13.4 kilograms), and the Pinion-equipped model is closer to 34 pounds (15.4 kilograms), a 4.5-pound (2-kilogram) difference. The Pinion P1.12 gearbox and cranks weigh nearly double that of a SRAM Eagle GX drivetrain (derailleur/cassette/crankset w/32T ring), which might be a little hard to swallow if you’re planning to load your bike up with bikepacking gear too.

Besides availability and weight, the price of switching to a Pinion bike is also worth considering. All of that German design and manufacturing adds up. We’ll use Panorama Cycles again as a comparison. The standard Boreal frameset costs $1,099 USD and the Pinion frameset is $3,599 USD. Granted, the latter includes the Pinion gearbox, so you have to consider the cost of a derailleur drivetrain in the comparison. But still, there are plenty of affordable steel frames and even complete builds that cost less than a Pinion system alone. For the record, Priority Cycles offers some of the most affordable Pinion bikes, starting at $3,500 for a complete build with an aluminum frame.

Pinion Bikes for Bikepacking

Since Pinion gearboxes are frame-specific, meaning the frame must be designed specifically to accommodate the gearbox, there’s no way to integrate a Pinion into a non-Pinion frame. With that said, there is a growing list of production bikes designed around Pinion transmissions, including a good selection of bikes that are ideal candidates for derailleur-free bikepacking. There are also several bespoke framebuilders offering the Pinion system, but for this Gear Index, we’ve chosen not to include them here; you can scroll down to find a list of builders that offer it.

• $3999
  

  Priority 600HXT

  • Frame: Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110MM / 12 x 148mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Priority 600HXT is based around a 6061 alloy frame, 140mm travel fork, internally routed dropper post, Pinion’s Smart.Shift C1.12 gearbox, and a well-rounded build kit. The 600HXT comes in three sizes, all based around a slack 65° head tube angle, long reach, and somewhat long chainstays at 445mm in the stock position. Each size comes equipped with a 180mm travel dropper post and chunky 29 x 2.6/2.5″ tires.

  The frame has triple pack top tube mounts, triple pack down tube mounts, and standard bottle mounts under the downtube. There are rear rack mounts, kickstand mounts, and the frame uses boost hub spacing and sliding rear dropouts. The complete build weighs in at around 34 pounds. Read our full review here.

  Highlights

  • Modern trail geometry that’s suited for trail riding and loaded bikepacking
  • First production hardtail in the US equipped with Pinion Smart.Shift, a huge upgrade over the standard grip shift version
  • Low and stable, plenty of traction and control on steep climbs, and capable on technical descents
  • Rear rack mounts, top tube mounts, and downtube bosses for additional cargo
  • Thoughtfully curated build kit
  • Among the most affordable complete Pinion bikes available
  • Smart.Shift battery life is impressive
  • Shifting and gearbox feel improves with time

  Drawbacks

  • Very heavy at over 37 pounds for the extra-large complete
  • Smart.Shift has its limitations, particularly for bigger riders on singletrack and steep climbs
  • Belt drive Pinion transmissions have resistance at low speeds
  • Stiff rear end and chunky construction isn’t forgiving for long, seated rides
  • Awkward downtube mount position

  • Weight: 15.42 kg (34 lbs)
  • Price: $3999 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $4199
  

  Surly Moonlander

  • Frame: Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 24 x 6.2"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 197mm / 12 x 197mm
  • BB Drop: 45mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Moonlander is an absolute beast. Just take a look at those colossal 6.2-inch tires on 24-inch rims! While 24-inch rims aren’t entirely new (they’ve been used on kids’ fat bikes), the 6.2-inch tires are a game-changer. This setup creates an enormous footprint while sticking to the standard 197mm hub spacing commonly found on fat bikes. However, in a unique twist, Surly has applied this spacing to both the front and rear hubs (more on that later). The bike is also designed around a Pinion gearbox, which is a smart choice and a significant departure for Surly and any brand under QBP.

  Highlights

  • 6.2″ tires are a game-changer for making rough terrain rideable
  • Surly went with a Pinion gearbox!
  • Midtail design and mounts make a great platform for carrying gear
  • Can be equipped with 29+ or other fat wheel/tire combinations
  • No new hub standard
  • Will take you to areas most humans avoid
  • Practical machine for impractical terrain

  Drawbacks

  • No other tire options in this size
  • No mounts on back of seat tube
  • Could use stronger brakes
  • Takes more time to deflate and inflate tires
  • Only comes in one color
  • Heavy

  • Weight: 21.14 kg (46.61 lbs)
  • Price: $4199 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $5500
  

  Tout Terrain Outback

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3” / 29 x 2.6”
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 142mm
  • BB drop: 65mm
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded

  See Our Full Review

  Hailing from Germany, Tout Terrain’s frames are made in Taiwan but painted and assembled in Germany. Veterans of the traditional bike touring world and well-versed in a variety of enclosed drivetrains, Tout Terrain have embraced the long-distance durability of the Pinion C12 system for the Outback, their first foray into the bikepacking realm. Having had some time with this bike in the French Alps, we can vouch for its singletrack prowess and its build quality. We love the geometry too; it’s a little slacker than some, so it suits big-mountain descents, and it sports a steepish seat angle that really helps with climbing. Each bike is built to spec from a choice of high end components. As such, it can be purchased with both a rigid carbon fork (complete with triple boss cargo/water bottle eyelets) or with a 120mm suspension fork for more dedicated trail use. The Outback was updated in 2024, and you can read about that here.

  Highlights

  • 29 x 2.6″ and 27.5 x 3.0″ tire clearance
  • Modern steel frame with loads of mounting points
  • Stable geometry for off-road riding

  Drawbacks

  • Pricey

  • Price: $5500
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $4795
  

  Viral Dérive

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.5"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 47mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Viral Derive is a do it all, bikepacking, backcountry, all-country bike made for everything from a rigid fork to a 120mm travel front fork. Multiple mounting points for fenders and racks and mounting for three water bottles on all sizes, including a triple pack mount on the underside of the downtube, and top tube mounts.

  From Neil’s review: “The Dérive frame has a very comfortable, stable, and playful ride. It put me in a nice, ready position, allowing me to stay comfortably seated for technical and steep climbs yet instantly positioned to be on my game when the riding trended downhill. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it managed technical descents. I don’t often say I love a bike I review, but there is not much to hate about the Viral Dérive.”

  Highlights

  • Excellent, versatile trail and bikepacking-ready geometry that’s very grounded
  • Loads of mounts and gear carrying options
  • Good ride quality that’s even better when loaded
  • Clearance for 27.5+ and 29 x 2.5″ tires

  Drawbacks

  • Very expensive
  • Changing the chainstay length is complex

  • Weight: 1.93 kg (4.25 lbs)
  • Price: $4795 (Frame Kit)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $3500
  

  Viral Skeptic

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 45mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Viral Skeptic is a rowdy titanium hardtail designed around a 150-160mm travel front fork, a boost-spaced rear triangle, and a Pinion drivetrain that effectively puts an end to poor shifting performance and drivetrain maintenance. The Viral Bikes Skeptic frame kit comes stock with their C1.12 12-speed internal gearbox transmission. It has clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ tires, uses a 31.6mm seat post with internal dropper post routing, and the medium frame weighs 4.25 pounds.

  Highlights

  • Clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ tires
  • Light titanium frame helps offset the extra pound and a half from the Pinion

  Drawbacks

  • No mounts for racks or gear
  • 65.5° head tube angle and 150-160mm fork might be a bit much for bikepacking
  • Expensive

  • Weight: 1.93 kg (4.25 lbs)
  • Price: $3500 (Frame Kit)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €5399
  

  Böttcher Evolution

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Dropouts (F/R): TBD
  • BB Drop: 73mm

  The Böttcher Evolution is a versatile Pinion-equipped touring bike designed around a Reynolds steel frame, matching steel fork, and clearance for 29 x 2.4″ tires. It has three-pack mounts on the fork legs, two bottle mounts, and additional bosses under the downtube, and the cables are externally routed for ease of service. Böttcher has three complete Pinion build options, which start at €5,399 and come complete with fenders, dynamo-powered lights, and more. If Pinion isn’t your thing, they also offered standard derailleur-equipped versions and as a Rohloff build.

  Highlights

  • Clean-looking Reynolds steel frame and fork
  • Several complete builds to choose from, including derailleur- and Pinion-equipped
  • Good selection of mounting points

  Drawbacks

  • Only three sizes to pick from
  • Pricey

  • Price: €5399 (Pinion Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1999
  

  Carver Ti Pinion All-Road

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 700 x 45mm / 650b x 50mm
  • Dropout (R): 12 x 142mm
  • BB Drop: 71mm

  According to Carver, the Ti Pinion All-Road is designed for long days in the saddle with stable, relaxed geometry. It has clearance for 45mm tires, can accommodate a range of wheel and fork options, and comes in 11 sizes from 44cm to 64cm. The frame is made from 3/2.5 seamless titanium with a cradle to accept any Pinion or Effigear Gearbox. It has rack and fender mounts, and everything is completely customizable upon request.

  Highlights

  • 11 frame sizes to choose from
  • Customizable upon request
  • $2,000 for a Ti Pinion frame isn’t bad

  Drawbacks

  • Limited tire clearance

  • Weight: 2 kg (4.41 lbs)
  • Price: $1999 (frame-only)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €4737
  

  Chiru Divider Pinion

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.8"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 5 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  Designed and developed for the French Divide back in 2017, the Chiru Divider Pinion is a titanium ultra-endurance mountain bike that’s optimized for gear capacity and comfort on long rides. It features a flexible 27.2mm seatpost, clearance for plus-sized tires, and it can be set up with a 100 or 120mm suspension fork if things get rough. The Divider Pinion can be purchased as a frame-only or a partial build, with prices starting at €4,737.

  • Price: €4737 (frame only)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2875
  

  Co-Motion Cycles Divide

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.35"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110 x 15mm / 12 x 148mm

  The Co-Motion Divide is one of the first bikes created to tackle the GDMBR bikepacking route. The Divide frame is made of Reynolds 725 steel tubing with an integrated chainstay yoke and features plenty of mounts and options. The bike is available with a Rohloff, 2×10, or Pinion gearbox. It’s offered in three sizes, there are custom paint options, and the frame can be customized with custom geometry, stainless steel S+S couplers, and more.

  The Divide frameset (frame + fork) designed specifically for the Pinion gear box and Gates belt drivetrain starts at $2,875. This includes stock sizing, made-to-order, and a choice of 30 colors. Custom sizing is available for $395 extra.

  Highlights

  • Classic aesthetic and Reynolds 725 tubing
  • Available with a Rohloff, 2×10, or Pinion gearbox
  • Lots of upgrades, including custom sizing, available
  • Made in USA

  Drawbacks

  • Limited tire clearance
  • Three stock sizes

  • Price: $2875 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2875
  

  Co-Motion Cycles Siskiyou

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.2"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110 X 15MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB drop: 74mm

  The Co-Motion Cycles Siskiyou is similar to their Divide bike but is designed around 27.5″ wheels and 35-55mm tires. It’s made from Reynolds 725 tubing, a matching steel unicrown touring fork, it has fender and rack mounts, and like most of their bikes, is offered with a derailleur setup, Rohloff, or Pinion transmission. The Pinion-equipped frameset starts at $2,875.

  Highlights

  • 8 different frame sizes to pick from
  • Handmade in USA with options for custom geometry and add-ons
  • Several drivetrain/transmission options
  • Lots of mounting points

  Drawbacks

  • 27.5 x 2.2″ tire clearance is limiting

  • Price: $2875 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €6750
  

  Instinctiv Kodiak

  • Frame: Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm

  While not quite a traditional bikepacking bike, the Instinctiv Kodiak is an eye-catching, high-performance, full-suspension mountain bike designed around a Pinion gearbox, their patented PUMA suspension platform, and suspension options ranging from 130mm to 150mm. The raw carbon components are made in Asia, but the majority of Instinctiv’s production steps are done in the EU. Complete builds start at €6,750, and frames are also available starting at €3,610 (no gearbox).

  Highlights

  • Stunning carbon frame
  • Complete builds start at ~32lbs (14.6kg)
  • Lots of room for a custom frame bag

  Drawbacks

  • Very expensive

  • Price: €6750
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €5400
  

  Nicolai Argon GX Pinion

  • Frame: Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 700C x 45mm / 650B x 50mm
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 X 100MM / 12 X 142MM
  • BB Drop: 72.5mm

  The Argon GX Pinion has the same geometry and features as the Argon GX, but with sliding dropouts, a Pinion/Gates drivetrain, and rack and fender mounts, it’s geared more toward touring, trekking, and bikepacking. NICOLAI offers two versions of the PINION gearbox for the Argon GX Pinion: the 18-speed variant, P1.18, and the 12-speed variant, C1.12. The P1.18 has a total gear ratio of 636% with constant gear steps of 11.5% and weighs 2,700 grams. The C1.12 variant offers 600% total gearing with 17.7% gear increments and weighs 2280 grams.

  Highlights

  • Made in Germany
  • Good selection of bosses and mounts
  • Six frame sizes

  Drawbacks

  • Limited tire clearance
  • Pricey

  • Price: €5400 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €2999
  

  Nordest Txixarro Ti

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0" / 29 x 2.6"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  The TXIXARRO Ti is based around a Pinion C1.12 gearbox with a 600% gear range and 12 finely stepped gears. It’s constructed from TiAl2.5V double-butted tubing, has clearance for 27.5″+ (up to 3″) or 29″ (up to 2.6″) tires, rear rack mounts, top tube mounts, and three-pack mounts under the downtube. The TXIXARRO Ti has sliding dropouts, boost hub spacing, the shifting cables are internally routed, and while Nordest recommends pairing the frame with a suitable carbon fork, it can also handle a suspension fork with 100-120mm of travel.

  The weight for the M/L size is 11.7 pounds (5.3 kilograms), which includes the frame, Gearbox C1.12, Crank arms, and Gates front sprocket. The frame is offered in just three sizes, and a quick glance at the geometry chart shows a 67° head tube angle, 74.5º seat tube, 430mm chainstays, and 60mm bottom bracket drop. In short, it appears it’s a Pinion version of the Sardinha 2 that Logan reviewed here, and it looks like it should make a super capable and stable off-road touring rig.

  Highlights

  • Clearance for 27.5+ and 29 x 2.6″ tires
  • Lots of mounting points
  • Compatible with rigid forks or 100-120mm suspension forks
  • Custom geo available

  Drawbacks

  • Just three sizes

  • Weight: 53 kg (116.84 lbs)
  • Price: €2999 (Frame-Only)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $4899
  

  Panorama Boreal Pinion

  • Frame: Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.8"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 65mm

  The Panorama Boreal Pinion is an all-terrain touring bike designed around a Pinion internal gearbox, Reynolds 525 steel frame with a matching rigid fork, and a low-maintenance build kit. It has clearance for 29 x 2.8″ tires, but according to Panorama, it has been designed with two personalities in mind: 29 x 2.0″ for a mix of road/off-road or 27.5 x 2.6″ for off-road riding. The frame has all the mounts you could need, including top tube bosses, multiple bottle mounts, downtube mounts, rack/fender mounts, and three-pack mounts on the fork. Panorama opted for the 600% gear range of the C1.12 Pinion gearbox and a Gates Carbon belt drive for all complete builds, but other models are available upon request.

  The frame has internal dropper post routing, external brake and shifter cables, sliding rear dropouts, boost hub spacing, and a 27.2mm diameter seat post. The fork is made from 4130 Chromoly steel, uses post-mount brakes, and has dynamo cable routing. At first glance, its geometry looks spot on for its intended purpose: a long wheelbase, slack-ish headtube angle, a generous 62mm fork offset, and a 65mm bottom bracket drop. It is offered as a complete build or as a frameset.

  Highlights

  • Reynolds 525 steel frame and fork
  • Lots of mounting points
  • Competitively priced
  • Pinion and non-Pinion frames/complete builds

  Drawbacks

  • All-terrain geometry could be limiting and/or overkill for some

  • Weight: 15.42 kg (34 lbs)
  • Price: $4899 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2499
  

  Priority 600

  • Frame: Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 650b x 50mm
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100/135MM QR

  While more of an all-weather commuter and light-duty gravel bike, the Priority 600 shows a lot of promise for mixed-terrain rambles and everyday rides. At the heart is the Pinion 12-speed C1.12 gear box, with a 600% gear range equivalent to a traditional 30-speed drivetrain but with less maintenance and no derailleur. It comes kitted out with fenders, high-volume 650b x 47mm tires, Tektro hydraulic brakes, a kickstand, and the rust- and grease-free Carbon Drive belt.

  Highlights

  • One of the most affordable complete Pinion bikes available
  • Lots of mounting points

  Drawbacks

  • Quick-release hubs
  • More of a light-duty tourer than an expedition rig

  • Price: $2499 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $3500
  

  Priority 600ADX

  • Frame: Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM

  Like the 600HXT, the Priority 600ADX is a Pinion-equipped 29″ hardtail with a Gates CDX carbon belt drive system. While the 600HXT is more of a rowdy trail bike, the 600ADX has a more upright stance, faster-rolling tires, a lighter suspension fork, and more braze-ons. The frame has 19 braze-ons, to be exact, including five pairs for bottles, rack mounts, and mounts under the downtube and on the top tube.

  The 600ADX comes in one well-rounded build kit that features a 100mm travel Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork, WTB Ranger 29 x 2.4” tires, WTB KOM Trail rims, a 12-speed Pinion C1.12 gearbox, symmetrical hubs for balanced spokes on both sides, and TRP Slate T4 quad piston hydraulic disc brakes. The 6061 aluminum frame has internal dropper post routing, a mix of internal and external cable routing, and a kickstand mount. It comes in four sizes (S-XL) and has a 300-pound weight limit (including rider, bike, and cargo). Priority claims the complete bike weighs 34 pounds.

  Highlights

  • 19 braze-ons for gear and bags
  • Designed and tested for the Tour Divide
  • Comfortable, upright geometry

  Drawbacks

  • 29 x 2.4″ tire clearance could be limiting

  • Weight: 1.54 kg (3.4 lbs)
  • Price: $3500 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $3499
  

  Priority Gemini

  • Frame: Aluminum or Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 700 x 50mm
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 X 100MM / 12 X 142MM

  Priority Gemini is a titanium or aluminum gravel bike centered around a Pinion Smart.Shift internal gearbox. Unlike traditional Pinion drivetrains, Smart.Shift combines its mostly maintenance-free gearbox with the advantages of push-button electronic shifting. With Smart.Shift, you can shift while riding, stationary, and under load, changing gears in 0.2 seconds, regardless of conditions or drivetrain load.

  The Priority Gemini is available with an aluminum or titanium frame in a single complete build kit. It’s built up around TRP hydraulic brakes, a lightly flared drop bar, WTB Vulpine 700 x 40mm tires, and a carbon seatpost. Both models come equipped with a mountless carbon fork, and the frame is dropper compatible. There are rear rack mounts, two standard bottle mounts, and additional mounts under the downtube and on the top tube. A complete medium aluminum build weighs 26.5 pounds (12 kilograms), and the titanium weighs 25.5 pounds (11.6 kilograms).

  Highlights

  • Available with aluminum or titanium frame
  • Rack and fender mounts
  • Reasonably priced complete builds

  Drawbacks

  • No mounts on fork legs
  • Somewhat limited tire clearance

  • Weight: 12 kg (26.46 lbs)
  • Price: $3499 (Aluminum Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €7265
  

  Santos Adventure Lite

  • Frame/Fork: Aluminum/Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.25"
  • Dropouts (F/R): TBD

  Described as a multifunctional adventure bike, the Santos Adventure Lite originally started as one of the first Dutch 29ers on the market. Over the years, the Santos 4.29 evolved from a mountain bike with a derailleur and a suspension fork to a versatile adventure bike: the Adventure Lite. It’s a sporty touring bike built up around an aluminum frame, your choice of a Rohloff rear hub or Pinion gearbox, and several different fork options.

  Highlights

  • Lightweight aluminum frame and fork
  • Lots of build options
  • External cable routing

  Drawbacks

  • Limited tire clearance
  • Expensive

  • Price: €7265 (Base Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Netherlands
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €4595
  

  Schindelhauer Wilhelm Gravel

  • Frame/Fork: Aluminum/Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 700 x 42mm

  The Schindelhauer Wilhelm Gravel bike comes in four different models, two finishing kits (silver or black), and has two frame options designed to accommodate Pinion gearbox setups, Rohloff hubs, or a Shimano Alfine Di2. It has rack and fender mounts, clearance for 42mm tires, and can be purchased directly through Schindelhauer or one of their dealers.

  Highlights

  • Lots of options and build kits available
  • Optional carbon fork, front rack, and more
  • Five frame sizes

  Drawbacks

  • Aluminum frame lacks mounting points
  • Limited tire clearance
  • Expensive

  • Price: €4595
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $6000
  

  Solace Cycles OM-2P

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.8"
  • Bottom Bracket: Pinion
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  Designed around a Pinion gearbox, the Solace OM-2P is built for trouble-free exploration. As Solace explains, “This drive system answers the call for a single speed chainline and a maintenance-free drivetrain suited to muddy and winter conditions, while adding nearly 200% range of a traditional 1x drivetrain.” It’s compatible with both 27.5 x 3.0″ and 29 x 2.8″ tires, and built up around a 3A/2.5V titanium frame. The frame features numerous braze-ons for cages, cargo, and bags, including three-pack cargo cage mounts on both seat stays. The geometry of the OM-2P is close to that of the more trail-oriented OM-1 but is slightly more upright for long-distance tours and cruising trails.

  Highlights

  • Three-pack mounts on the seat stays
  • Option for frame couplers for travelling
  • Work with a small US-based company

  Drawbacks

  • Unknown availability

  • Price: $6000
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $4399
  

  Sonder Broken Road Ti Pinion

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6" / 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  Described as a multi-day expedition mountain bike, the Sonder Broken Road Ti Pinion is a Pinion-equipped version of Sonder’s titanium hardtail. It’s available as both a frameset and complete build, with the latter equipped with a Pinion C1.12 gearbox, 100mm travel RockShox Reba RL fork, hydraulic SRAM brakes, and 29 x 2.4″ Goodyear Peak tires. The complete build costs $4,399, and the frameset is available for $3,799.

  Highlights

  • Comfortable expedition-ready geometry and titanium frame
  • Clearance for 29 x 2.6″ tires
  • Complete build prices aren’t cheap, but more affordable than some

  Drawbacks

  • Internal cable routing

  • Weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs)
  • Price: $4399 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $4800
  

  Sonder Signal Ti Pinion

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 65mm

  The Sonder Signal Ti Pinion is an aggressive titanium hardtail with a Pinion C1.12 gearbox, 130mm travel Cane Creek Helm MK2 Air fork, and chunky 29 x 2.5/2.4″ tires. While the Signal Ti doesn’t have rack bosses or many additional bottle mounts, it offers 29 x 2.6″ tire clearance, clean internal cable routing, and can be customized upon request.

  Highlights

  • Clearance for 29 x 2.6″ tires
  • Options to customize

  Drawbacks

  • Rowdy geometry and 66° head tube angle might be too aggressive for some

  • Weight: 2 kg (4.41 lbs)
  • Price: $4800 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $5600
  

  Tout Terrain Scrambler

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 700 x 50mm
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm

  The Tout Terrain Scrambler is a Pinion-equipped drop bar gravel bike. Designed to be equally suitable for after-work gravel rides and multi-week tours, the Scrambler features a steel frame, carbon fork, a Pinion C1.12 gearbox, and a huge selection of mounts and bosses for cages, bolt-on bags, and more. It has clearance for up to 700 x 50mm or 650b x 54mm tires but comes stock with 700 x 44mm rubber.

  Highlights

  • Sub-30 pound complete build weight is nice to see
  • Lots of mounting points
  • Modern, upright geometry

  Drawbacks

  • 700 x 50mm tire clearance could be limiting
  • Pre-order only and 5-7 week wait time

  • Weight: 13 kg (28.66 lbs)
  • Price: $5600 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $5600
  

  Tout Terrain Silkroad Xplore

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.0"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm

  The Silk Road is one of Tout Terrain’s longest-running models. It’s their take on a classic expedition bike, featuring a 4130 Chromoly steel frame, an integrated stainless steel rear rack, 27.5 x 2.0″ tires (with clearance for fenders), and a full suite of bottle mounts and bosses. The base build comes with a steel fork, Pinion C1.12 gearbox, and Busch + Müller light set powered by a Shutter PL-7 dynamo hub. If Pinions aren’t your thing, they also offer a Rohloff-equipped version.

  Highlights

  • Well-rounded complete build kits
  • Quality steel frame and fork
  • Lots of mounting points

  Drawbacks

  • 27.5 x 2.0″ tire specs seem a little outdated
  • Pricey for a complete build

  • Weight: 14 kg (30.86 lbs)
  • Price: $5600 (Xplore II Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $5600
  

  Tout Terrain Tanami

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.0"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm

  The Tout Terrain Tanami is a versatile and seemingly quite capable Pinion-powered expedition bike. It has Tout Terrain’s integrated stainless steel Expedition-Rack, clearance for 29 x 2.0″ tires with fenders, complete builds start at 30 pounds (14 kilograms), and it comes complete with a dynamo-powered light setup. The matching steel fork has three-pack mounts, and the frame has a number of bottle mounts as well.

  Highlights

  • Steel frame and fork
  • Lots of mounting points
  • Lightweight, even with a Pinion setup

  Drawbacks

  • 29 x 2.0″ tire clearance is limiting
  • Just three sizes

  • Weight: 14 kg (30.86 lbs)
  • Price: $5600 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €4380
  

  Velotraum Finder

  • Frame/Fork: Aluminum/Aluminum
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8"

  The Finder from Germany-based Velotraum is what they call part of “a new generation of touring and everyday bikes.” Available with a traditional drivetrain, Rohloff, or Pinion gearbox, the Velotraum Finder is designed around 27.5+ tires (up to 2.8″ wide), has mounts for fenders, racks, and lights, thru-axles, sliding dropouts, and comes in a wide range of sizes from S to XXXL.

  Highlights

  • Clearance for 27.5 x 2.8″ tires
  • External cable routing
  • Lots of mounting points

  Drawbacks

  • Heavy
  • Less progressive geometry

  • Weight: 16.9 kg (37.26 lbs)
  • Price: €4380 (Finder F6)
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $8500
  

  Viral Wanderer

  • Frame: Titanium
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB Drop: 70mm

  The Wanderer is Viral’s first drop-bar bike and was specifically made for long off-road endeavors and bikepacking rides. It’s built around a 100mm travel mountain bike suspension fork and Boost spacing and, similar to the other two bikes in their lineup, a Pinion gear box and belt drive. More interesting, the Wanderer is built specifically around Smart.Shift, Pinion’s electronically shifted gearbox.

  Similar to the Skeptic and Derive, the Viral Wanderer also pushes the boundaries of gravel/adventure geometry. It was designed with a relatively slack 67.5-degree head tube angle and long front center that extends the wheelbase and reach of the Wanderer for more stability and confidence-inspiring descending, whether loaded or not. In addition, the Viral Wander features size-specific geometry with a twist; the seat tube angle changes for each size instead of the chainstay length. Read more about it here.

  Highlights

  • Rack mounts and five sets of bottle mounts
  • Long enough geometry that it could be run with flat bars if you’re in between sizes
  • Sharp-looking frame
  • More progressive geometry for a drop-bar bike

  Drawbacks

  • Very expensive
  • Only clears 2.4″ tires

  • Weight: 1.93 kg (4.25 lbs)
  • Price: $8500 (Frame Kit)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close

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Pinion Gearboxes Compared

As mentioned above, there are two Pinion lines: the P-Line and C-Line. The P-Line is their original design, with an aluminum housing and two gearing options: P1.18 or P1.12. The P1.18 offers 18 gears, a 636% gear range, and weighs 2,700 grams. The P1.12 has 12 gears, a 600% gear range, and weighs 2,350 grams—compared to the 526% gear range in a Rohloff Speedhub and the 520% range of the SRAM Eagle 1×12. The C-Line uses a lighter and more compact magnesium housing, a narrower Q-factor (distance between the cranks), and three gearing options: C1.12, C1.9, and C1.6. They offer 12, 9, and 6-speeds, respectively, and weigh between 2,100 grams and 1,800 grams.

All Pinion gearboxes can be configured with a belt or chain but require different cogs and setups. The gear ratio can be customized by switching the chainring and rear sprocket size, and Pinion has a helpful online ratio calculator to assist with that process. While picking a specific Pinion gearbox ultimately comes down to personal preference and gearing needs, the lighter-weight C1.12 is a safe bet for most off-road riding needs.

Bespoke Pinion Bikes

Many custom framebuilders also offer Pinion gearboxes as an upgrade and, in some cases, even base their bike models around the Pinion unit. We left these builders out of the main Gear Index but decided to list some of the options that are our favorites here. We’re sure we missed a few, so let us know if there’s a bespoke Pinion bike that you’ve been impressed by in the conversation below.

• Corvid Cycles Sojourner (USA)
• Clandestine Carrier Pinion (UK)
• NUA Drac and Roure (Spain)
• Olsen Bikes Swan (UK)
• Olsen Bikes Lamb (UK)
• Wildwood Cycles Hardtail (Canada)
• Firefly Bicycles ATB (USA)
• Firefly Bicycles Utility (USA)
• English Cycles “Mark’s Bike” (USA)
• Pilot Cycles Duro (The Netherlands)
• Ted James Hardtail (UK)
• Drust Cycles Cargo Bike (Germany)
• Curve GMX+ Titanium (Australia)

As with our other Gear Indexes, we took quite a bit of time to collate a comprehensive list of Pinion bikes that are suitable for bikepacking and off-road touring. However, there are probably a few that we missed. If you know of a bike you think will make a solid addition to this list—preferably one you have first-hand experience with and can recommend—please let us know in the conversation below.