Riese & Muller Delite5 GT Pinion vs Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU – Pinion MGU E-Bike Comparison
If you’re looking at the best e-bikes with the exciting and market-leading Pinion Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU), two standout choices emerge: the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion and the Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU.
While both share the same drive system – a powerful mid-mounted motor combined with an integrated gearbox – they’re designed for different riders. One is built for exploration and adventure in comfort, the other for speed and precision on technical terrain.
Let’s compare the two side by side.
This is intended as an overview comparison and shouldn’t be considered exhaustive. Parts and specifications are subject to change.
| Feature | Delite5 GT Pinion | Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU |
|---|---|---|
| Motor & Gearing | Pinion MGU E1.12 | Pinion MGU E1.12 |
| Battery | 800 Wh (standard) | 720 Wh or 960 Wh options |
| Frame | Aluminium, full-suspension touring frame | 7020-T6 Aluminium, enduro frame |
| Suspension Travel | 120 mm front / 110 mm rear (Fox) | 150 or 160 mm front / 150 or 160 mm rear |
| Wheel Size | 27.5" | 29" |
| Weight | Approx. 34.5 kg | Approx. 26 kg (960 Wh Battery) |
| Rear Rack | Integrated | Optional bolt-on (Explorer Kit) |
| Front Rack Option | Yes | No |
| Mudguards | Standard, full-length alloy | Included only with Explorer Kit |
| Lighting | Supernova M99 Mini Pro-25 headlight and Supernova TL3 Pro rear light with brake light as standard. | Included only with Explorer Kit (Supernova M99 Mini Pro front and Supernova E3 Tail Light 2) |
| Max Payload (rider + gear) | ~140 kg | ~125–130 kg |
| Display Options | FIT Basic, Comfort or Display XL | FIT Basic, or Comfort on Explorer model |
| Ideal Rider Style | Touring, commuting, all-weather adventure | Aggressive trail/enduro, off-grid bikepacking |
| Approx Starting Price | From £7,899 | From €11,099 |
Design & Ride Philosophy
Delite5 GT Pinion: Built for comfort and distance, the Delite5 is a refined, full-suspension touring e-bike that thrives on the open road, off-road trails, and everyday adventures. Its ergonomic design, integrated components, and customisable options make it a luxurious and practical all-rounder.
Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU: A purebred enduro eMTB, the Saturn 16 is about capability and control on steep, technical terrain. It’s lightweight (for an MGU bike), exceptionally agile, and laser-focused on performance – especially when steep, technical descents are on the menu.
Motor & Gearing – Pinion MGU E1.12 on Both
Both bikes share the Pinion MGU E1.12, a fully integrated motor and gearbox unit that offers:
- 85 Nm of torque
- 600% gear range (12-speed electronic shifting)
- Instant, wear-free shifting even under load
- Gates Belt Drive
- Almost no maintenance
The drivetrain is the same – but how it’s applied is completely different.
Carrying Capacity & Touring Readiness
Delite5 GT Pinion
Battery
The Delite5 GT Pinion comes equipped with a single 800 Wh FIT battery, neatly integrated into the downtube for a clean look and excellent range suited to long-distance touring and commuting.
The Nicolai Saturn 16 MGU offers two battery options: a 720 Wh version for lower weight and agility on the trails, and a larger 960 Wh version for those venturing into the backcountry or carrying heavy loads with the Explorer Kit. Both options are based on the Pinion MGU drive system and are designed for off-grid endurance.
For those craving maximum capacity, the Riese & Müller Superdelite5 is a worthy adversary to Nicolai’s larger battery build. It features dual Bosch PowerTube batteries with a combined 1,200 Wh of capacity. While the Superdelite5 uses the Bosch Gen 5 Performance Line CX motor, it can be configured with a Rohloff electronically shifting internal gearbox, delivering a highly capable alternative to the MGU setup, particularly for ultra-long-range touring with low-maintenance drivetrain performance.
Superdelite5 GT Rohloff
Delite5 GT Pinion
- Comes with a cleverly integrated rear rack, which is cleverly designed into the frame and allows the weight to be carried on the frame rather than the read swing arm, allowing the rear suspension to work optimally even when the rack is loaded.
- Optional front rack available.
- Full-length aluminium mudguards fitted as standard.
- Overall package is balanced for long-distance riding with luggage and poor weather.
Saturn 16 MGU (Explorer Kit)
