Gearbox Facts

Zerode's G1 downhill bike first appeared in 2010, and the refined G2 version was one of the first to bring a super slack 62.5º head angle to production. It doesn't look like the Taniwha has missed the contemporary geometry boat, with a 65º head angle, a 74.5º seat angle, and with chainstays tucked in tight, at 430mm. The 445mm reach for the large frame isn't huge, but the XL jumps to a roomy 475mm. Medium and large frames will be the first out of the mold, landing around July-, with an XL and maybe a small size following shortly afterwards.The Taniwha's carbon frame is molded to bolt directly to the aluminum housing of its 12-speed Pinion transmission. The constant-mesh type gearbox promises years between service and, unlike a chain-drive transmission, the Pinion's matched gearsets make it possible to deliver equal steps between shifts, and a massive, 600% spread between low and high selections.Pinion also make an 18-speed version of their gearbox, but Rob Metz upholds that it isn't necessary for AM/enduro, and stated that it also would add an extra 350 grams. Interesting to note, that Zerode have gone with a standard chain over the belt-drive found on other gearbox bikes like the Cavalerie Anakin and the Nicolai ION-GPI.A derailleur-style chain tensioner is installed behind the chainring to compensate for chain growth from the suspension. No gears at the rear means a lower unsprung mass for better suspension response, ensures a perfect chain line, and makes it possible to build a zero-dish rear wheel to boot.