slickrock
Well-known member
This was the copy I wrote two days ago for Eurobike 2026 and was planning to post it and then the explosion of MGU wares hit the scene (I'll post an major revision when I get the chance), which changed everything :
While I have no intention of visiting Eurobike this year, as it’s not in my neck of the woods like Sea Otter, I see this event is the Euro counterpart where arguably EMTB has better footing, access, variety, and mindshare than over here the States. Yet, Eurobike as of late has seen a drop off in big name exhibitor attendance (Bosch, anyone?) and there’s been mutterings of its decline, similarly to what happened to Interbike a over a decade ago, but for all I know this is probably too soon to call. Still, there are nuggets of interest in the EMTB space and I’m sure some folks on this forum will be in attendance. This thread is meant to surface those who will go as well as list out the things to look for and report on at the event for those who won’t.
Last year it was sea of Avinox bikes at the event, but I’m finding it bit more difficult to find a theme this go around. I was hoping for breakout in MGU tech finally, or even a raft of competitive motor systems, but things are looking a bit thin. Just the same, here is my list and others free free to pile on:
- Intradrive: A true motor-gearbox alternative to Pinion, probably still trying to get suiters much like their attempts a Sea Otter earlier. Perhaps this time they can offer test rides this time around.
- Decathlon: I’m not seeing Owuru/E2 in the exhibitor list which is really a drag because they were one of the bright spots for ECVT motor transmission unit to square off against gearbox tech. Decathlon is the only maker that uses their city-bound version of the E2 motor, but any intel on the full EMTB version has been silence for a year now. Hopefully their both might have something to show.
- Pinion: Maybe, just maybe they show an updated version of their 2-year old MGU, which it’s in need of. At least do something about that spring belt tensioner of theirs.
- Niche: The only other Pedal-by-Wire mid-drive solution besides Rivian/ALSO that can be used for EMTB. Really want to hear more about this motor, as they both share cool features like battery regen, zero pedal kickback, auto and virtual manual shifting, cadence independent of motor speed, obviated mechanical shifting, etc. If they offer ride demos, please throw a leg over one and report back.
- Revolute: Not an MGU, but rather this company has a new IGH with automatic and manual wireless shifting. For those interested in converting their mid-drive EMTBs to belt-drive and ditch their derailleurs, this may be of interest.
- Valeo Cyclee: The Effigear gearbox answer for the MGU space. Earlier incarnations have been ungainly, but perhaps improvements have been made. I just wish they would have a layout like the original Effigear, with separated drive and pedal spindles to allow high concentric pivot suspensions.
- Amflow: Definitely the premier both at Sea Otter where Avinox dropped their drawers for all to see, but maybe this time they have some small tidbits of new stuff. Anyone going, please interrogate them regarding M2S motor rattle, battery updates, custom firmware upgrades outside of Orbed RS, seat post integrations, etc.
- TQ: Really, really hoping that they showcase a more powerful motor that is so desperately needed to counterbalance the high power onslaught of Avinox.
- Maxon-Equiped bikes: Don’t see Maxon listed, but perhaps other bike makers will be showing their wares using this motor.
- Universal Transmissions: This small company makes a number of spring belt tensioners for MGU and gearbox bikes and I would like to see if they have any lightweight, more compact improvements
