Introducing: The New Moustache Clutch Pinion
The Future of eMTBs: Moustache Clutch with Pinion MGU
What if you could redesign an eMTB from scratch? You wouldn’t put 12 cogs and a gear mechanism on the back wheel. Instead, you’d build the gearbox into the middle of the bike, just like motorcycles do. This is the future of eMTBs, and it’s already here with the Pinion MGU (Motor Gearbox Unit).
Introducing the Pinion MGU and Moustache Clutch
German gear manufacturer Pinion made headlines with the first combined e-bike motor and gearbox system, the MGU. Around 10 brands are now making bikes with this system, though most are only available in Europe where eMTB markets are more advanced. In the UK, the Moustache Clutch is set to be the first widely available model with dealer support.
Moustache first revealed this bike in a stealth launch at the Pinion stand during the Eurobike trade show in Germany last summer. Codenamed Box46, it sported a black-and-white striped paint job, grabbing media attention and sparking conversations in the bike world.
Our Test Ride Experience
We got a quick car park test ride while visiting Moustache HQ in France during summer 2024. We were also fortunate to have the UK’s only current test bike for a week ahead of its launch. Here’s what we discovered about the Pinion MGU system and the Moustache Clutch.
11 Advantages of the Pinion MGU Gearbox System
1. Change Gears Without Pedalling: Stopped in the wrong gear? No problem. You can even change gears while coasting downhill. With five electronic gear select modes (some fully auto), Moustache explains this feature well on their website. My favourite is Pre-Select: set your pedal cadence in the app, and the bike automatically lines up the perfect gear as you descend. You won’t hear or feel the change—it’s seamless.
2. Improved Centre of Gravity: The motor is positioned slightly tilted, allowing the battery to slide in from underneath. This keeps the centre of gravity low, making the bike feel lighter and more agile than its weight suggests.
3. Enhanced Suspension Performance: By removing the gear mechanism from the rear wheel, the suspension becomes more responsive. The fork offers 170mm of travel, and the rear provides 160mm on most models, reducing unsprung weight for better control.
4. Silent Gates Carbon Belt: The Gates Carbon Belt, made by a leading US supplier for the motor industry, is amazingly quiet. When going downhill, all you hear are the tyres—no mechanical noise.
5. Low Wear: eMTBs often wear out chains and cassettes quickly, but these belts can last 10,000 to 20,000 miles, making them highly durable.
6. Low Maintenance: Pinion recommends a gearbox oil change every 10,000 km. The belt only needs a rinse with water—no other maintenance required.
7. UK Winter Ready: Harsh UK winter conditions often deter riders due to gear wear. This system is one of the most winter-ready options out there, keeping you riding year-round.
8. Cleaner Bike: With no chain oil to attract grime, the bike stays remarkably clean. After five days of riding, there was no oil residue in the nooks and crannies.
9. Wide-Range Gear Ratio: Shimano and SRAM systems offer a 520% gear range, but the Pinion provides 600%. The extra range feels most noticeable in the easier gears, giving you about two additional climbing gears.
10. Lightning-Fast Gear Changes: This is the fastest and most accurate gear change I’ve ever tested. The gearbox has three sequences (gears 1-4, 5-8, 9-12). Moving between sequences is slightly slower with a noticeable clunk, but you adapt quickly.
11. Boost Button: The “Node” controller near the left handlebar grip has a boost button. Press it in any mode to instantly access the top-power FLY mode for a quick burst of speed.
Other Notable Features
Mullet Design: Moustache pioneered the eMTB mullet design a decade ago, with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The smaller rear wheel allows for shorter chainstays, making the front wheel easier to lift for a lively, nimble ride. The trade-off is slightly more front-wheel lift on steep climbs, ideal for riders pushing their limits.
Clever Charging: The 780Wh battery charges to 80% at normal speed by default to maximise battery life. Using the app, you can toggle to 100% charge or enable fast charging when needed.
Noise Levels: The 85Nm motor is slightly noisier in gears 5-12 compared to the Bosch system. Gears 1-4 deliver 160Nm of torque and are understandably louder, but you won’t stay in those gears long with that much power.
Model Options: There are four models, all sharing the same Pinion MGU and battery but with varying suspension and brakes. There’s also an SUV adventure version with mudguards and a stealth rack. Choose between two colours: Matt Dune or Gloss Grey.
Verdict and Demo Availability
The Moustache Clutch is a special bike. Regardless of the drive system, it’s a great-handling eMTB that’s fun to ride. The Pinion MGU isn’t as smooth or refined as the latest Bosch system in the Moustache Game, but its numerous advantages make it my favourite system to ride and live with.
Fully Charged will have demo bikes available for test rides, from May/June if you’d like to experience the benefits yourself. Please give us a call ahead of time to get booked on!
