As much open argument exists about e-bikes, they are perfect for a city bike where getting to work without getting sweaty is a barrier for many people. This new Desiknio Pinion Classic even drops all of the stigma of being powered, by neatly tucking a custom battery inside a surprisingly-small downtube to power the small rear hub motor, then giving a choice of wider hill climbing range with 6-12 speed Pinion internal gearboxes.
Desiknio Pinion compact, wide ranging commuter e-bike
The heart of this Pinion model (and other variations Desiknio builds) is a double-butted, hydroformed 6061 aluminum frame with an oversized downtube. Inside that is a long, narrow 36V, 250Wh custom Panasonic battery that Desiknio worked to develop with industry powerhouse Ebikemotion, as well as the motor controller, then the integrated charging port in the small bridge between seat & down tubes.
The idea from the start was to build functional lightweight e-bikes offering enough pedal-assist range to get around town, while maintaining more classic aesthetics. It wasn’t about hiding the fact that this was an e-bike, but rather creating good looking lightweight bikes that looked as good as they are fun to ride.
Simplicity is the core of the Desiknio setup, so just one button controls pedal-assist output. The iWoc One button turn the assist on & off, then cycles through assist levels, and even controls the e-bike’s integrated lights through various press combinations. The small light-colored ring is actually a RGB LED that indicates power mode, wireless connection, and battery level & warnings.
What sets this newest model apart (and makes it the first of its kind) is the addition of a Pinion gearbox to boosts the e-bike’s versatility across more varied terrain. Designed for the latest, lighter, more compact C-Line gearboxes, the standard Desiknio Pinion gets a six speed C1.6, but nine- & twelve-speed gearboxes are also available that drop into the same footprint.
The addition of the Pinion is quite seamless here, balancing its weight well, between the downtube battery & the rear hub motor. Interestingly, the charging port can also be used to plug in a water bottle-sized auxiliary battery to double your assist range.
Besides your pedal input through the Pinion, a compact 250W Ebikemotion M1 hub motor propels the Desiknio forward. Since that is the max output allowed for any 25km/h limited pedal-assist bike, it seems even the small format of the hub is plenty to drag you up steep hills. A Gates Carbon Drive belt makes for an easy to maintain drivetrain together with the gearbox.
And of course sliding dropouts tension it up, then post mount disc brakes bring you back to a stop.
More sneaky, discrete braze on mounts are hidden throughout to offer full fender & rear rack compatibility as well. The bikes also include integrated lighting like this tiny Supernova E3 taillight & the matching V521s on the bar.
The final e-bike output of the Desiknio claims 50km of strong assist in hilly terrain or over 100km at lower power in flat terrain, all in a bike with a claimed weight of 15.5kg like it is here with lights (not counting pedals or that saddle bag). They obviously were looking at what type of riding this kind of bike might do day in and day out, which is also why this will get a full charge in just 2-3 hours so you can even pop out for a spin at lunch to add to your commutes to and from the office.
The Desiknio Pinion Classic urban e-bike is the most expensive starting point in Desiknio’s catalog at 4990€ (with a single speed version stating at 3590€). The Pinion bike is available in three sizes – a small Comfort size with a step-through configuration, and traditional style in M & L. Their other bikes also add a fourth S size with conventional frame design.
The Single Speed, 11sp Derailleur & Pinion models all are offered in modern ‘urban’ looks, or more retro ‘classic’ looks like this one. Then it is simply up to you to decide how to customize your commuter.
