We heard rumors that the next new Avinox ebike motor was going to be even more advanced than their recent gen 2 power upgrade, and the MG Concept motor gearbox certainly doesn’t disappoint. I’ve been enamored by the potential for combining ebike power and drivetrain into a single smart unit since Pinion debuted their MGU, coming from their gearbox expertise side. Now, Avinox builds on the DJI lightweight, power-dense motor background to solve the same issue – why not combine gearing and electric motor support into a single smart ebike powertrain system!
Avinox MG Concept combined ebike motor and gearbox
Avinox made their name very quickly in the ebike segment – combining almost unparalleled power & torque, light total system weight, a natural (if sometimes overpowered) ride feel that the end user could easily customize to their desired experience, and smart connectivity.
Now, their MG Concept takes it a step further, combining that same ebike motor power with an integrated gearbox offering the same 520% gearing range as SRAM’s leading Eagle transmissions. Plus, the user can pick the number of intermediate gearing steps that they prefer, thanks to what Avinox describes as an infinitely variable transmission inside.
All that, and it fits in a case that’s not much bigger than Avinox’s motor-only solution.
What do we know?
What we know about the MG Concept at the moment is very vague.
Avinox has not yet shared an official press kit, nor have they answered all of our more technical questions about the new combined ebike motor and gearbox powertrain system.
But their top-level features are outlined in the display at the center of their booth.
Tech Details
Natural ride feel is a hallmark of the more premium and refined ebike drive systems on the market. The Avinox MG Concept graphics suggest better torque smoothing of rider input vs. the competition.
Since one unit is managing shifts and power, the MG Concept promises much faster shifts, so changing gears feels smoother and more seamless than conventional derailleur drivetrains.
Avinox wouldn’t confirm if the MG Concept used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) inside, but did explain that riders could customize how many gearing steps they preferred – singling out options like 4 or 13 gears evenly dividing up the wide 520% gearing range. They did explain that the motor gearbox did not require any special internal belts that could wear out, suggesting some other solution than a traditional CVT.
Low maintenance is a key concept of the Avinox MG Concept. By replacing external derailleurs and cassettes, you keep a more efficient, more durable straight chainline. But also, a combined ebike motor and gearbox keeps all the critical drivetrain components inside protected from outside contaminants, in a reliable oil bath for smooth, long-term operation.
Plus, combining shifting and pedal-assist in one allows for advanced smart functioning like mechanical security locking mechanisms, the possibility of e-assist reverse gears for backing up, and smart internal speed & power sensors. Plus, Avinox claims some form of regenerative energy capture while descending to extend battery life, possibly from regenerative braking?
All in all, the Avinox MG combined motor and gearbox is said to be suitable for all types of ebikes, from city commuter applications to road/gravel and performance eMTBs.
Key specs
- 520% gear range
- same 45dB operation as Avinox M2S & M2 motors, suggesting similar power
- nearly instant <0.1 second shifts
- gearbox still shifts gears with no motor assist
- shifts under load up to 300Nm or at a standstill when not moving or pedaling
- customizable shifting, including auto shift mode
- more durable, lower maintenance straight chainline
- rated for riders up to 150kg/330lb
- suitable for all types of ebike applications
Coming soon?
We did ask Avinox when the MG Concept would be a real product that consumers can buy, and they answered that it wasn’t quite ready yet. Pressed a bit harder, they confirmed it likely won’t come to market in this calendar year. But the motor gearbox project is moving ahead quickly.
As to which bike company will be first to feature the Avinox combined ebike motor and gearbox, we can’t say at the moment. But Commencal has teased us with this image, showing the new MG Concept powertrain neatly integrated into a next-gen Meta Power SX prototype eMTB frameset.
On hand at the show were also prototype and mockup frames from Canyon, Forbidden & Mondraker, too.
Commencal’s own concept of building tough, trail-capable aluminum bikes makes them a logical choice for early development on any new drive system. It’s much simpler to create alloy prototype frames as opposed to carbon. Plus, all the gearbox benefits like more central weight, reduced unsprung mass & more suspension kinematics design freedom fit well with a brand with such a gravity pedigree like Commencal.
Maybe Commencal could be a logical choice to first bring the new Avinox MG Concept motor gearbox to consumer mountain bikers. We’ll certainly be on the lookout to ride one as soon as possible!
