Delite5 GT Pinion – Full Review of this Dream E-Bike
The Delite5 GT Pinion from Riese & Müller is the kind of e-bike that gets you dreaming of long rides, big hills, and far-flung adventures. It’s the first Delite model to feature the new Pinion MGU – a combined motor and gearbox unit – and it arrives fully loaded with the most high-spec components, integrated technology, and clever design touches. We took it out on Dartmoor to put it through its paces, and it didn’t disappoint.
Key Features
- Pinion Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU) – 12-speed electronic 600% range gearbox integrated into same unit as the motor
- 800Wh battery – Up to 100 miles range in Eco mode
- Full suspension setup – Fox AWL 34 fork + Fox Float Rhythm rear shock
- Gates Carbon Belt Drive – Low maintenance, no oil
- X-Fusion Manic Dropper Seatpost – 100mm travel
- Supernova Mini 99 headlight and braking rear light
- MIK-compatible front and rear racks rated up to 27kg
- RX chip for GPS tracking and in-built alarm – included for the first year
What’s New with the Delite5 vs the Delite4
Compared with the previous generation, the Delite5 takes a clear step forward in both performance and refinement. Visually, the bike has a cleaner, more premium look thanks to Riese & Müller’s use of gravity-cast frame components. Welds are now ground down, giving the frame a seamless, sculpted appearance that adds to its sleek and integrated design.
Technically, several smart changes have been made. The chainstay has been shortened, making the ride feel more agile and responsive. The old belt tensioner sliders are gone too, replaced by a simplified and more robust boost axle system. And key upgrades that used to be optional – such as the Fox suspension and dropper seatpost – now come fitted as standard.
The biggest change, though, is in the drivetrain. The Delite5 no longer uses the Bosch motor paired with a Rohloff hub. Instead, it features the new Pinion MGU – a compact, fully integrated motor and gearbox unit that delivers a quieter, more seamless ride with electronic shifting and automatic modes.
That said, for Bosch and Rohloff purists, Riese & Müller still offer excellent options in the form of the Superdelite5 and Homage5, which continue to deliver that proven Bosch-powered experience with the world-class Rohloff gearing system.
How It Rides
Out on the road or trail, the Delite5 GT Pinion feels confident, composed, and incredibly capable. The riding position strikes a perfect balance — upright enough for all-day comfort, yet forward enough to feel in control when the terrain gets rough. The full-suspension setup smooths out bumps and uneven surfaces, making longer rides less fatiguing and more enjoyable.
What really stands out, though, is the effortless experience of riding with the Pinion MGU. In Auto or Auto Pro mode, the bike seamlessly adjusts your gears for you, keeping your cadence steady no matter the gradient — it’s a joy to climb hills without having to think about shifting. And when you do want more control, the tactile electronic shifters let you override the system instantly, giving you precise manual gear changes whenever you need them. It’s the best of both worlds: smooth, stress-free automation with sharp, rider-led control always at your fingertips.
Sizing and Colours
The Delite5 GT Pinion is available in three frame sizes:
- 47 cm (1.7m -1.8m)
- 51 cm (1.75m – 1.9m)
- 56 cm (1.8m – 2m)
We tested the 51 cm, which was a good fit for riders up to around 6’0″. At 6’1″, I’d opt for the 56 cm for a bit more space on longer rides.
There are two colour options:
- Amber (Gloss) – A deep pearlescent bronze that looks fantastic in the sun
- Stone Grey (Matt) – More understated and classic
Gearing (Pinion MGU)
The heart of this bike is the Pinion Motor.Gearbox.Unit – specifically the E1.12 (E1.125 on the HS Version), which includes 12 electronically controlled gears and 600% gear range. It delivers 85Nm of torque, with up to 160Nm at the rear wheel when geared for climbing.
Shifting is done via tactile electronic thumb buttons on the right-hand side. The system offers:
- Manual shifting with clear feedback
- Auto mode – set your cadence and let the bike shift for you
- Auto Pro – adapts to terrain and rider input, with manual overrides
Auto Pro even “learns” your temporary overrides (like prepping for a steep hill) and will maintain your new cadence until told otherwise. You can also reset it to your preferred cadence with a long press – it’s smooth, intelligent, and fast becoming a favourite feature among customers who have test ridden with us.
Motor and Batteries
Power delivery from the integrated motor is confident but controlled. You get 600W of peak power and a setup that feels just as capable as the Bosch Performance Line CX.
Battery life is excellent thanks to the 800Wh battery:
- Eco mode: ~100 miles
- Fly mode (max power): ~40 miles
Need more range? Add a second battery in your pannier and comfortably stretch to 150–160 miles in a day. You can also improve range further by locking out suspension or running slightly higher tyre pressure for road-focused riding. At the moment we do not know of any ‘range-extender’ style, smaller battery editions
Displays
The bike comes standard with the handlebar remote display. It’s intuitive, straightforward, and offers most riders need. You can also upgrade to:
- A cockpit with Comfort Display (+£187) – as in our review video
- An SP Connect mount (Multi-adaptor) for smartphone integration (+£233)
Assist levels are:
- Eco, Flow, Flex, Fly, offering up to 340% support
Each mode can be adjusted through the Fit app, allowing you to tweak power delivery, cadence response, and support curves. It’s powerful and flexible, but the default settings already feel well-balanced.
Suspension and Dropper Seatpost
The ride quality is superb, thanks to high-end components:
- Fox AWL 34 Boost fork (120mm)
- Fox Float Rhythm rear shock (45mm)
- X-Fusion Manic dropper post (100mm travel)
Combined with a slightly raised bottom bracket and shorter cranks (to reduce pedal strikes), this setup is perfect for trekking, rough lanes, and forest trails. You get comfort, control, and the confidence to explore well beyond the tarmac.
Racks and Bags
As always with Riese & Müller, luggage is taken seriously. The rear rack supports up to 27kg and includes an MIK adapter, so it’s easy to click in compatible panniers, baskets or cargo bags.
The front rack is also MIK-compatible and both are frame-mounted – meaning cargo doesn’t affect suspension performance. This design makes a huge difference on longer trips, as the bike remains stable and composed even when fully loaded.
Other Riese & Müller Alternatives
If you’re considering the Delite5 GT Pinion, you might also want to look at these alternatives:
Superdelite5 – Similar frame and styling, but includes dual batteries and the Bosch motor with Rohloff gearing or traditional chain and cassette. It’s built for even longer distances.
Homage5 – A hugely popular step-through ebike available with either the Bosch or Pinion MGU drivetrain. Perfect for riders prioritising comfort and accessibility.
If you’re open to exploring beyond Riese & Müller, the Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU is another high-end trekking bike built around the same Pinion drive system. It’s more MTB-inspired and rugged by design.
