Steve Jones from EMBN got an exclusive first ride on the GD8-equipped Alutech eFanes in the wet, rooty trails of the Forest of Dean.

EMBN is the world's leading digital media network for electric mountain biking, reaching a global community of over 1.2 million followers with expert videos on bike technology, riding skills, and trail culture.

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The goal? Ride it in real conditions and give an honest verdict. The focus was on the GD8’s super-compact gearbox, the near-instant feel of electronic shifting, and how reduced unsprung mass influences downhill handling.

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EMBN even borrowed Ed’s term “wash and go” to describe the low-maintenance experience our system delivers for mountain bike riders

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For decades, the humble derailleur has been the undisputed king of bicycle gearing. That intricate dance of chain and cogs, with a flimsy cage hanging precariously in the breeze, has been the standard for everything from road bikes to mountain bikes. But what if there was a better way?

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Enter the gearbox. A technology once reserved for high-end automotive and industrial applications is now making its way to the world of two wheels, and it's set to revolutionize how we ride. While the traditional derailleur system has its place, new gearbox technology offers a range of compelling advantages that are hard to ignore.

So, why are gearboxes on bikes gaining traction? Let's break it down.

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1. Durability and Protection

The most obvious weakness of a traditional derailleur system is its vulnerability. The rear derailleur, cassette, and chain are all exposed to the elements. Mud, grit, rocks, and sticks—they all conspire to wear down your components, clog up your shifting, and, in the worst-case scenario, snap your derailleur right off.

A gearbox, however, encloses all the gears and shifting mechanisms in a sealed, weather-proof unit, usually located at the bottom bracket. This means the sensitive moving parts are protected from all the abuse the trail or road can throw at them. The result? Far less maintenance, longer service intervals, and a system that performs flawlessly in all conditions, from a dusty trail to a muddy slog.

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2. A Cleaner, Quieter Ride

If you've ever ridden a bike with a gearbox, one of the first things you'll notice is the silence. Gone is the chain slap and the rattling of the derailleur. With the chainline staying perfectly straight and the entire transmission encased, your ride becomes noticeably quieter.

Gearboxes also allow for the use of a belt drive instead of a chain. These carbon-reinforced belts are incredibly clean, durable, and don't require lubrication, so you can say goodbye to greasy trouser legs and constant chain cleaning.

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3. Shift on the Spot, Any Time

With a derailleur system, you have to be pedaling to shift gears. This can be a major disadvantage, especially in technical terrain or stop-and-go city riding. Ever come to a stop at a red light in a hard gear and struggle to get going again? A gearbox solves this problem entirely. Because the freewheel mechanism is inside the gearbox itself, you can shift gears even when you're coasting or at a complete standstill. This means you can drop multiple gears in an instant as you approach a sudden climb, or find the perfect gear before the light turns green. It's a game-changer for maintaining momentum and control.

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4. Improved Weight Distribution and Suspension Performance

On a traditional bike, a significant amount of weight—the derailleur, cassette, and part of the chain—is located on the rear wheel, a part of the bike known as the "unsprung mass." Reducing this weight is a key goal for high-performance bikes because it allows the suspension to react more quickly and effectively to bumps.

By moving the gearing into a gearbox at the bottom bracket, the weight is centralized and lowered on the frame. This not only improves the bike's balance and handling but also significantly reduces the unsprung mass on the rear wheel. The result is a more sensitive suspension system, which translates to better traction, more grip, and a smoother ride over rough terrain.

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‍Are Gearboxes for Everyone?

While the benefits are clear, gearbox technology isn't without its tradeoffs. The systems are currently more expensive than a traditional derailleur setup, and they can add a bit of weight, though it's located in a more advantageous place. Additionally, a bike frame needs to be specifically designed to accommodate a gearbox, limiting your options.

However, as the technology becomes more popular, we can expect to see prices come down and more frame builders offering compatible models. For riders who prioritize reliability, low maintenance, and a superior riding experience, the new generation of gearbox technology is an exciting and logical step forward. It's a testament to how even the most established technology can be improved, proving that the bicycle, a machine over 200 years old, is still capable of evolution.

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