Pinion & Gates Belt Drive: A Revolution Starting In 2025?
The world of mountain biking is seeing a gradual but fascinating shift as alternative drivetrain solutions emerge to challenge traditional derailleur-based systems. Two of the most talked-about innovations are the Pinion gearbox and the Gates belt drive—a combination that offers unparalleled durability, efficiency, and low maintenance. While this setup has been successfully adopted in adventure and commuter bikes, its application in downhill and enduro riding is now gaining serious traction, especially with the recent Downhill Reward innovation that brings these technologies to gravity-focused riding.
But how do these systems work, and what advantages do they offer over conventional drivetrains? Let’s take a deep dive into Pinion gearboxes, Gates belt drives, and their future in aggressive downhill riding.
What is the Pinion Gearbox?
The Pinion gearbox is a sealed transmission system that replaces a traditional derailleur and cassette setup. Instead of an external derailleur shifting across sprockets, the Pinion system houses all the gears inside a central gearbox, usually mounted at the bike’s bottom bracket.
Developed by former Porsche engineers, this system mimics the gear-shifting mechanism found in high-performance automobiles, offering smooth, sequential shifting with a wider gear range than conventional drivetrains.
Key Features of the Pinion Gearbox:
- Enclosed System – No exposed parts means fewer mechanical failures due to mud, rocks, or impacts.
- Mass Centralization – The weight is positioned low and centrally on the bike, improving handling and stability.
- Huge Gear Range – Some models offer up to 600% gear range, rivalling or even exceeding high-end derailleur setups.
- Low Maintenance – Sealed away from dirt and grime, requiring only occasional oil changes instead of frequent adjustments.
- Instant, Sequential Shifting – No chain skipping or misalignment—just smooth, predictable gear changes.
What is the Gates Belt Drive?
The Gates Carbon Drive belt is a belt-driven alternative to traditional chains. It’s made from carbon fiber-reinforced polyurethane and is designed to work seamlessly with Pinion gearboxes (or internally geared hubs). Unlike metal chains, a belt drive is completely grease-free, quiet, and virtually maintenance-free.
Key Features of the Gates Belt Drive:
- No Chain Slap – No more loud, rattling chains over rough terrain. The belt runs silently and smoothly.
- No Lubrication Needed – No oil, no grease—just ride and forget about constant drivetrain maintenance.
- Super Durable – The belt lasts at least 2-3 times longer than a traditional chain, even under heavy use.
- No Stretching or Wear Issues – Unlike chains, belts don’t suffer from elongation or “chain suck” over time.
- More Efficient Power Transfer – A properly tensioned belt delivers consistent and reliable power without skipping.
The Downhill Reward – Bringing Pinion & Gates to Gravity Riding
Historically, gearbox and belt-drive setups were considered too heavy and inefficient for aggressive downhill and enduro riding. The Downhill Reward is an initiative launched by Gates Corporation to promote the adoption of belt-driven systems in high-performance mountain biking, particularly in downhill racing. In the summer of 2024, Gates introduced the €100,000 Belted Purse, a substantial incentive designed to reward the first elite racer, male or female, who secures a victory in a UCI Mountain Bike Downhill event using a Gates belt-driven bike.
As of early 2025, several elite race teams have committed to integrating Gates belt drive technology into their downhill bikes, signalling a potential shift in drivetrain preferences at the highest levels of the sport. The €100,000 reward remains unclaimed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming UCI Mountain Bike Downhill events, as riders vie not only for victory but also for the substantial financial incentive tied to this technological advancement.
Current contenders for the reward:
The Athertons A.200.G
This bike is a 3d Printed and carbon tubed dream The A.200.G is the culmination of years of dreaming and testing with the Atherton siblings, Atherton Bikes CEO Dan Brown, the suspension wizard Dave Weagle, and a team of engineers. It’s what Atherton Bikes refers to as “The Ultimate Downhill Bike,” although outside of that circle it will be known as the A.200.G.
INTENSE M1
The Intense M1 is one of the most iconic downhill bikes ever made, helping shape modern downhill racing during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Ridden by legends like Shaun Palmer, Chris Kovarik, and Sam Hill, the M1 became famous for its progressive suspension design, aggressive geometry, and raw speed.
A Look Back: The Original M1
- Revolutionary for its time, the M1 featured an aluminum monocoque frame, a high-pivot suspension system, and adjustable geometry.
- It became one of the most successful DH bikes in history, winning multiple World Cups and influencing modern downhill bike design.
A 2025 Comeback?
Rumors are swirling about a new Intense M1 returning in 2025. While details are scarce, spy shots suggest:
- A high-pivot suspension design for improved traction and small bump sensitivity.
- Modern carbon frame construction for a lighter, stiffer ride.
- Mixed-wheel (mullet) setup with a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear for better cornering and stability.
- Possible integration of a Pinion gearbox, as Intense has been testing gearbox-equipped prototypes.
If the M1 returns, it could be a game-changer in the downhill scene, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. Keep an eye out—this could be one of the most exciting DH releases of 2025!
ZERODE G3 DH Bike
The Zerode G3 is the latest evolution of gearbox-driven downhill bikes, pushing boundaries with its low-maintenance, high-performance design. Zerode, known for pioneering gearbox technology in mountain biking, has refined its G-series to create a downhill machine that’s silent, efficient, and built for the toughest tracks.
Why Pinion & Gates are Perfect for Downhill:
- Bombproof Durability – No derailleur to snap off or clog with mud.
- Mass Centralization = Better Handling – Weight is centred for improved stability and bike balance.
- No Chain Breaks or Skipping Under Load – Belts don’t snap like chains and maintain smooth power delivery.
- Reduced Drivetrain Drag – Pinion’s latest models are more efficient, reducing resistance while coasting.
- Consistent Performance in All Conditions – Whether it’s rain, snow, mud, or dust, the system remains unaffected by external elements.
Potential Downsides & Challenges
As promising as this system sounds, it’s not without challenges:
- Weight: Pinion gearboxes are heavier than a traditional derailleur system. However, the centralized weight improves handling, and newer models are getting lighter.
- Limited Adoption: As of now, only a handful of brands (like Nicolai, Zerode, and Deviate) are embracing gearboxes for downhill and enduro bikes.
- Belt Tensioning Requirements: Unlike a chain, a belt drive requires a perfectly aligned frame with a specific belt tension to function optimally.
- Cost: A Pinion gearbox and Gates belt setup is more expensive upfront than a derailleur-based drivetrain.
The Future: Will Gearboxes Replace Derailleurs in MTB?
As technology advances, Pinion and Gates’ systems become lighter, more efficient, and better suited to aggressive riding. While it may take time for widespread adoption, many riders (especially downhill racers and bike-packers) are beginning to see the huge advantages of ditching fragile derailleur systems.
With the Downhill Reward project pushing innovation and brands like Nicolai and Zerode leading the charge, we may soon see a shift where gearboxes and belts become a common sight on gravity bikes.
This could be the future of mountain biking for riders tired of snapping chains, smashing derailleurs, and dealing with drivetrain maintenance.
Would you try a Pinion gearbox & Gates belt setup on your next downhill or enduro bike?
