There’s hardly any shame about riding an ebike these days, but it looks pretty slick when a company can hide the electronics and craft a stealthy bike that provides pedal assist. Desiknio fits this description, preferring minimalist aesthetics and lean overall looks for their electric bikes.
Desiknio is a Spanish company who make premium, lightweight ebikes. Bikerumor checked out the Pinion back in 2019, and now they’re bringing two of their newer models to North America. After securing a ‘strategic alliance’ with fellow ebike brand Stromer, Desiknio’s bikes will be available through Stromer’s website.
Mahle X20 Motor and Electronics:
As their model names hint towards, Desiknio equipped the X20 bikes with Mahle X20 Smartbike technology. Both models feature Mahle X20 250W rear hub motors, which use torque sensors to offer smooth power delivery. The motor provides assist up to 20mph, putting these bikes in the Class 1 ebike category. Mahle’s AMC (Automatic Motor Connection) system enables wireless Bluetooth communication with the motor, so there are no cables running to the rear hub.
The batteries provide 250Wh/7Ah, but with the addition of a Range Extender water-bottle style battery, that can be doubled to 500Wh/14Ah. The integrated batteries are neatly hidden inside the frames, and their charge time is 2-3 hours.
Range for both models is listed at 31-62 miles depending on assist level, terrain, etc. Again, that range can be doubled by adding the X20 Range Extender.
The X20 Smart System control unit is integrated into the bikes’ top tubes, and the My SmartBike app by Mahle allows riders to make adjustments, follow GPS navigation, and monitor speed, battery power, range, and assist level.
Desiknio X20 Gravel:
The X20 Gravel is built around a handcrafted monocoque carbon fiber frame and fork. The frame features internal cable routing and an integrated seat clamp. The fork features internal cable routing, fender, and light mounts, and runs a 15mm thru axle.
Two complete builds of the X20 Gravel are available with different drivetrain options. Buyers can choose between Shimano GRX 600 or Campagnolo’s EKAR 135 13-speed drivetrain. Drivetrain aside, there are several common components listed for the X20 Gravel…
Both models get Campagnolo EKAR brakes, a Ritchey Ergo Comp drop handlebar, and a Brooks C13 Carved saddle. Stock models come with DSK Black aluminum wheels wrapped with Pirelli Black 45 tires. Desiknio says you can upgrade to carbon wheels, but you’ll have to get in touch with Desiknio if that option interests you.
One nice touch on the X20 gravel is its integrated lighting. Out back you get a MINI 2 Black E3 tail light, which sits above the left dropout. Up front Desiknio has included a Supernova V521S headlight, which is controlled by the bike’s X20 control system.
Geometry:
The X20 Gravel is limited to one frame size, which is suitable for riders from 165-185cm. Desiknio doesn’t provide full geometry online, but they’ve listed a few figures. Seat-to-bar length is 640-660mm, standover height is 790mm, and seat height ranges from 595-780mm (measured from the bottom bracket).
The X20 Gravel’s claimed weight is 26.5lbs, and the frame comes in one ‘Sunlight Magic’ color. MSRP starts at $5995 (GRX 600 build). The X20 Gravel is now available in North America.
Desiknio X20 Pinion:
The X20 Pinion is an urban commuter ebike that features a Pinion gearbox and a Gates belt-drive system. The X20 Pinion’s heat-treated T6 6061 aluminum frame offers the option of standard or comfort styles. The comfort frame has a dropped top tube, and that model gets a swept-back handlebar. The frames include internal cable routing plus water bottle, fender, and rear rack mounts.
The base model X20 Pinion comes with an aluminum fork, but there are two models that offer a carbon fork. Both forks run a 15mm thru-axle, include fender and light mounts, and feature internal cable routing.
Accompanying the 9-speed Pinion C1.9 XR gearbox is a Gates Carbon Drive CDX drivetrain with a 46t front chainring and a 30t rear sprocket. The X20 Pinion rolls on DSK Black aluminum wheels, and TRP’s C1.8 Clean Cockpit brakes bring you to a halt.
Other components include Ritchey Ergo Comp handlebars, Brooks Ergonomic grips, and a set of aluminum pedals. The standard frame models get a Brooks C17 Carved saddle, while the comfort model gets a Brooks C67.
The X20 Pinions also come with front and rear fenders (on aluminum fork and comfort frame models, not included on carbon fork builds). Lighting is included too, with a MINI 2 Black rear light and Supernova V521S headlight controlled by the bike’s iWOC ONE controller.
Geometry:
The standard frame X20 Pinion is available in two frame sizes (medium and large), and the comfort frame comes in one size. The large has a seat-to-bar measurement of 685-705mm, a standover height of 810mm, and a seat height range of 615-800mm (measured from the BB). It is recommended for riders 180-195cm tall. The medium frame is 640-660mm from seat-to-bar, has a standover height of 790mm, and a seat height range of 595-780mm. This size is ideal for riders from 165-185cms. The comfort frame offers shorter 615mm seat-to-bar, a much lower 620mm standover height, and a set height range of 565-750mm. This model is suitable for riders from 155-175cm.
The X20 Pinion’s weight is listed at 30.1lbs. Standard frame color options are Granada Red or Polar Blue (with carbon fork), or Jade Green or Dark Grey (with aluminum fork). The comfort frame is only available in Dark Grey.
MSRP for the X20 Pinion starts at $5995. This model will be available in North America sometime this winter.
