The motor that eliminates the rear derailleur and cassette is now a reality: Intra Drive GD8 arrives on its first e-MTBs

After several years showcasing prototypes, Intra Drive begins production of its GD8, a system that combines an electric motor and an 8-speed gearbox in a single unit. The first series bicycles that will use it are already here, including the new Obscur Enyx and a specific version of the Alutech ePelmo.

The system is particularly interesting because it uses the same frame mounting pattern as the Shimano EP8, something that since its presentation opened the door to consider possible conversions of existing bicycles. However, that does not seem to be Intra Drive's strategy for now, as they are working directly with manufacturers to develop new e-MTBs around their unit.

Intra Drive GD8: motor and 8-speed gearbox at 4.5 kg

Manufactured by Intra Drive in Edinburgh, the GD8 eliminates a good part of the conventional transmission of an e-MTB by integrating both the motor and a 8-speed gearbox with a 480% range within the same casing.

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The motor offers 700 W of maximum power and 80 Nm of torque, while the gearbox operates electronically via a wireless Bluetooth controller. Intra Drive estimates the time needed to shift gears at around 0.1 seconds.

Here are its main features:

• Integrated motor and gearbox
• 700 W of maximum power
• 80 Nm of torque
• 8 speeds
• 480% development range
• Total weight of 4.5 kg
• Wireless electronic shifting
• Gear changes in about 0.1 seconds
• Compatible with chain or belt transmission
• Mounting interface equivalent to Shimano EP8
• Recommended oil change every 10,000 km
• Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom

The weight may seem high compared to a conventional motor. As a reference, the unit weighs about 1.8 kg more than a current Bosch unit, although the comparison changes when considering that with the GD8, the cassette and rear derailleur disappear. Just a SRAM GX derailleur and its cassette together weigh around 900 grams, so a significant part of that difference ends up being compensated.

Moreover, concentrating the transmission around the bottom bracket allows for a reduction in the unsprung mass of the rear wheel and eliminates two of the components most exposed to impacts and dirt on any MTB: the derailleur and cassette.

Obscur Enyx, a new French e-MTB built around the GD8

One of the first brands to bet on this technology is Obscur, a new French company born from Workshape, a company specialized in composite materials.

Its first bicycle will be the Obscur Enyx, an all-mountain e-MTB with a high-modulus carbon frame, mullet wheels, and 160 mm of front travel and 150 mm of rear travel.

The suspension uses a configuration referred to by the brand as MHP semi-high pivot, while in this case, the transmission between the gearbox and the rear wheel is still done via a chain.

But possibly one of the most interesting elements of the bicycle is its battery. Instead of using the usual elongated block housed within the diagonal tube, Obscur has created a removable battery that is practically triangular and is positioned very low in the frame, between the motor and the shock absorber.

The brand announces 842 Wh of capacity for only 3,150 grams, which would imply an energy density close to 267 Wh/kg. The casing is also made from recycled carbon fiber, and the battery can be removed from the front of the diagonal tube.

With this arrangement, Obscur aims to concentrate both the battery and the GD8 as close as possible to the center and the lower part of the bicycle to improve mass distribution.

The Enyx will be designed and manufactured in Drôme, France, and will initially be available in two builds, Ride and Max. For now, the brand has not announced its prices.

Alutech takes the GD8 to a 170 mm e-enduro and even does away with the chain

The second confirmed manufacturer is the German company Alutech, although their approach is different. Instead of creating an entirely new bicycle, they will incorporate the GD8 into a platform that is already part of their catalog.

The Alutech ePelmo GD8 maintains the e-enduro approach of the ePelmo family, with an aluminum frame and 170 mm of travel, as well as configurations with 29-inch or mullet wheels.

The big difference compared to the Obscur is behind the motor. Alutech takes advantage of the GD8's ability to operate with a belt and uses a Gates Carbon Drive, thus eliminating not only the derailleur and cassette but also the conventional chain. The announced price for the Alutech ePelmo GD8 is 11,499 euros, including 19% VAT.

These two bicycles are particularly important for Intra Drive because they mark the definitive step from prototypes to a mass-produced product.

But that does not mean that there is currently a kit to directly replace an EP8 with a GD8. Intra Drive is not currently considering the product as a conversion for existing bicycles, but rather as a platform for manufacturers to develop new models.

And Obscur and Alutech seem to be just the beginning. According to Intra Drive, another 12 brands are currently evaluating the GD8 under confidentiality agreements, and new bicycles equipped with this system are expected to be announced during 2027.