Seen at Sea Otter 2013 - Zerode G2 Gearbox Bike
I came across a beautifully decked out Zerode G2 at the Otter. Zerode took 300 grams off the original G1, reduced the G2's travel from 9.25 to 8.3 inches and relaxed its head angle to 63.4 degrees. A lot of chassis improvements have also been made. Most visible is the new rectangular down tube, but the rockers have been beefed up, the tire clearance has been improved and there is a better bash guard to protect the chainring. Zerode G2 frames are available in small, medium or large sizes, and in a number of anodized colors for $3500 USD. A number of graphics options allow customers to further customize their G2s.
![Zerode G2 side shot]()
Zerode gearboxes are modified Shimano Alfine planetary hub transmissions. The crankset drives the hub transmission, which then in turn, drives a single sprocket at the rear wheel. The G2's high-pivot swingarm would normally create massive amounts of chain growth, but the frame's jack-shaft arrangement allows Zerode to use the placement of the gearbox hub to all but eliminate it. There is a chain tensioner near the rear sprocket that handles the small amount of slack created by the suspension. Another benefit of the gearbox is that the chain-line remains straight as an arrow - which takes stress off of the drivetrain and prevents mid-course derailments.
![Zerode G2 frame details]()
The big-bump and square-edge impact advantage of the G2's high-pivot swingarm design is almost impossible to duplicate with a conventional rear suspension. The wheel-path and strike-angle of a high-pivot swingarm requires an anti-chain-growth strategy - one that the G2 shares with a handful of DH designs that are based upon the Balfa BB7.
![Zerode G2 Alfine gearbox]()
Zerode offers two shifting systems: the stock Shimano Alfine system and a modified SRAM shifter. Both are included with a frame purchase so the customer can choose which works best. Zerode recommends the 2012/13 Fox DHX or Cane Creek Double Barrel shocks for the G2, saying that the G2's very linear suspension curve does not seem to work well with Fox's new 2014 DHX RC4 damper. All things considered, the Zerode looks to be a frontrunner for DH riders who don't want to wait for the first big-name bike brand to enter a 12-step program and end its addiction to the rear derailleur.
Visit Zerode USA to see more of the G2
Zerode's G2 cuts a stunning profile. A number of anodized colors are available with contrasting graphics kits.
Zerode gearboxes are modified Shimano Alfine planetary hub transmissions. The crankset drives the hub transmission, which then in turn, drives a single sprocket at the rear wheel. The G2's high-pivot swingarm would normally create massive amounts of chain growth, but the frame's jack-shaft arrangement allows Zerode to use the placement of the gearbox hub to all but eliminate it. There is a chain tensioner near the rear sprocket that handles the small amount of slack created by the suspension. Another benefit of the gearbox is that the chain-line remains straight as an arrow - which takes stress off of the drivetrain and prevents mid-course derailments.
The location of the Shimano Alfine gearbox redirects chain tension where it won't interfere with the Zerode G2's suspension action. A look at the new rectangular down tube that tucks nicely beneath the hydro-formed top tube structure.
The big-bump and square-edge impact advantage of the G2's high-pivot swingarm design is almost impossible to duplicate with a conventional rear suspension. The wheel-path and strike-angle of a high-pivot swingarm requires an anti-chain-growth strategy - one that the G2 shares with a handful of DH designs that are based upon the Balfa BB7.
Two views of the G2's gearbox placement, showing the chain tension device for the primary drive.
Zerode offers two shifting systems: the stock Shimano Alfine system and a modified SRAM shifter. Both are included with a frame purchase so the customer can choose which works best. Zerode recommends the 2012/13 Fox DHX or Cane Creek Double Barrel shocks for the G2, saying that the G2's very linear suspension curve does not seem to work well with Fox's new 2014 DHX RC4 damper. All things considered, the Zerode looks to be a frontrunner for DH riders who don't want to wait for the first big-name bike brand to enter a 12-step program and end its addiction to the rear derailleur.
Visit Zerode USA to see more of the G2
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also, it obviously doesn't look like a Trek Session.
It actually doesn't look like anything I've seen before. Curious how much it weighs. I'm gonna guess 40lbs, because besides the gearbox stuff, which I know almost nothing about but that it's known to be heavy, the rest looks pretty light.
Alfine hubs do weigh a bit, more so then a derailleur and cassette, but you're talking a few hundred grams...
Also you get a totally silent (depending on your hub choice of course) ride, they only noise it makes is the tires on the track and noise from your shocks, they are SO cool.
learn to humor
gp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9476893/p4pb9476893.jpg
depending on where you're from, it might be colour or humour.
Wherever you're from, you should learn to english, because everyone speaks it and it's da best language hence America is #1
SHUT YOUR MOTHERF*CKING MOUTH. NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR WHAT YOU SAY.
A Zerode will be no probs to get hold of here in NZ.
Ha - lets get Protour to come over and have a ride on all of the different bikes and have his post ride post! that would be interesting.
This would make a great article for Pinkbike to do.
Sorry America
I'll stick with the Zerode, but will definatly be getting both a Pinion and Effigear gearboxed hardtail and all MTN bike, both probably 27"ers.
To hell with the big Ss and the perishable parts, and marketing. DH bikes should be tough as, not delicate.
The weight is centered. Ride one, see if you're faster, happier, more confident and doing jumps, smashing rocks, doing drops, cornering, then come back with an opinion based on experience.
Yes lighter is good, but it doesn't outweigh the benefits the Zerode offers for most.
Because a company has been around longer means nothing. All the science is there, any brand can pick a leverage curve, axle path, etc and build a bike around it. Some older companies limit themselves to designs based on their history, like Kona, Norco, doesn't mean they've chosen the best system for performance.
The Norco and Trek pretty much have the axle path of low single pivots with a semi floating brake. Great for All MTN bikes or lesser travelled bikes. For DH, it's more important that the suspension absorbs bumps, and the bike keeps speed, a higher pivot is better for this, with less chance of damage. Some people prefer the feel of low pivot bikes, you may be one of them. I'd be very interested to see what you're faster on, and how much you actually rode the Zerode. A Zerode statistically would be a lot more durable drivetrain wise than your Norco or Trek, with less down time from mechanicals. The Zerode has a chain running straight, obviously going to last much longer, with less chance of failure, sealed in gears with lubrication that you can shift unloaded so there's less wear, as most shifts will be done unloaded with gearbox bike. Less rim and flat damage to suspension that absorbs square edge hits better(most common cause for rim damage and flats), and no derailleur to rip off, get bent, or get out of tune easier. Alfine can be adjusted in seconds if gears are out, happens maybe once or twice a year. I know of 1 Alfine out of about 50 Zerodes, that has actually been serviced. I know of NO failures at all. NONE. Then there's frame failures. Pretty sure statistically Trek would be having a much higher failure rate=downtime than Zerode. If you're happy with your bike, that's fine, but don't write misleading inaccurate stuff about another bike to make yourself feel better about the one you're on.
AMAZING!
All the cliches are true- although mine (with a heavy DH build) weights over 40lbs it really does ride like a lighter bike- it changes direction quickly for such a stable bike.
The rearward axle path is ace- it squats a bit under braking at the rear keeping you more level going into corners.
Only downside is getting used to the shifter- the Alfine shifter works the "wrong" way round and takes some getting used to.
Any questions, just ask....................
Especially in this case is probably is the first though of everyone how heavy is it. They said "300g lighter then g1" This is probably most un-useful information ever! Thanks to sicklines you can at least try to have some idea about some bikes/ frames and components, but there are lately very few products and they are not updated.
malcs1999@ Trail bike maybe. I am expecting my big rig to fly, hit big hips and maneuver through tight corners and steep technical sections. On these things weight of the bike makes a BIG difference .
I like the Zerode, I just wanted to point out, what I am experiencing when looking for a new frame
"it actually exists!"
"wow"
"great idea"
"beautiful bike"
"someone finally did it"
"well thought out"
"good to see a new idea just not slight alterations to decade old designs"
does zerode have demos at any of the major resorts in north america?
This replaces mech, shifter, cassette, and chain guide. And that's not counting the times you might need a new mech, or the fact the chain is running straight at all times, not bent and rammed into the next gear, so chain and sprockets last way way longer too.
Your cable lasts longer too, as most of your shifting on a Zerode gets done when you're not pedalling, as you can shift any time.
So i repeat the question - Anyone know if zerode does demos?
China Peak was looking at being a West Coast demo center with 3 sizes built up. I have not heard what is going on with this I need to email Evan Turpen and see if that is still in the works. Also we will have a bike or two at the Mammoth Pro GRT if you are making it out for that?
About the box it actually looks like a shimano alfine 8 gears internal hub, even under the brake line you can see the center lock cap, and the "Richierocket "nuts on the sides. I m doing something like that with a dj, put a the Hammersmith in front and a shimano 3 spd internal gear in rear, so no lose chain, 6 speeds, but about 10 pounds more heavy.
As for the 'too complicated to work on' argument, if you think thats the case, then leave it to your dealer.
What Zerode would need to do is have a 48 hour swap in case of any failure. Let the dealer send in the serial nr of the broken one, they immediately send out a replacement (doesn't even have to be new, just a working one).
Once the broken part is in, they give a quote on repair costs.
With the serial numbers in a database, they can keep track which gearbox had what service done. Add some electronics, and you know the mileage too.
www.pinkbike.com/news/Pinion-Gearbox-First-Ride.html
WTF does that even mean?
RC knows what's up:
With some books, patience, effort, and a very large white sheet on your workbench, hub gears aren't impossible.
EDIT: That said, will Zerode disclose what modifications they've made to the hub? Wouldn't want anyone to crack it open and watch all sorts of weird parts fall out that aren't 'supposed' to be there.
Im wondering how can people design an expensive bike what is totally unpractical?
For example look at Nukeproof Pulse. Finally people realized, that gears and suspensions are not happy with mud...