No Gates-Nicolai Team rider is too young to put the latest technology to the test under race conditions. So we asked the team’s junior rider Mike Schär for his impressions of Nicolai’s innovative gearbox downhill bike „ION20 Effigear“. How many time have you spent aboard the „ION20 Effigear“? Mike I‘ve competed the Swiss National Championships and the UCI Worldcup race in Leogang. Two full races with several practice runs, qualification runs and final runs. What did you find was the biggest advantage of the „ION20 Effigear“? Mike The first thing I actually noticed was that something was missing: No chain or rear derailleur clattering on the swing-arm. The ride was even better due to the larger wheels, its low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution. The „ION20 Effigear“ was a perfect fit, and I immediately felt confident about racing on it. Did you also get to ride other gearbox systems, like the G-Boxx or Pinion’s system? How did they compare? Mike I’ve been testing Pinion’s gearbox for a short time. To me, the two systems are almost identical. In order to change gear, you have to take some pressure of the pedals for a short moment. The coolest feature of the Effigear is its proprietary shifter. I like that one a lot. Are gearbox downhill bikes going to be a big thing in the future or will this always be a rare breed? Mike I’ve been crazy about the „ION20 Effigear“ since the first ride. There’s no rear derailleur to rip off, and the bike is really quiet when in motion. If you go for the Gates Carbon Drive version, you don’t even have to grease the chain, resulting in a very low-maintenance bike. As they offer so many advantages, I expect gearbox downhill bikes to become more common. Is there anything you would like to see changed about the „ION20 Effigear“? Mike I really can’t think of anything; I love the bike just the way it is! Did you get any special attention and reactions from other riders at the races when turning up with your gearbox downhill bike? Mike There was a lot of talk when I showed up at races with the „ION20 Effigear“. People were like: Where’s your rear derailleur, mate? You’re riding single speed today? What, it’s that lightweight despite that gearbox? Wow, hot ride, that thing looks proper funky! It went on like that day after day both in Anzère and in Leogang, and the response to the bike was huge. ION 20 Effi Interview Mike Schär Words by Laurens van Roojien