Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite in the test: What does the cheapest e-bike with Pinion MGU offer?

Test / E-Bike: For just under 5.000 euros, the Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite is currently the cheapest e-bike with the innovative Pinion MGU drive. Will the everyday and touring bike be convincing in practice despite some cost-cutting measures?

It's rare that a new product creates such excitement as it did last summer was the case at Pinion MGU. The combination of a powerful mid-engine and maintenance-free gear shifting in a single unit on the bottom bracket struck a chord with numerous e-bikers. However, the first euphoria followed at the presentation of the many e-bikes with Pinion MGU Disappointment in many places: The innovative drive system results in a rather hefty surcharge compared to a conventional mid-engine with standard hub or derailleur gears. The Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite, which is currently available for just under 5.000 euros and is therefore the cheapest e-bike with a Pinion MGU, is correspondingly pleasing.

As usual from Pegasus, the Estremo Evo 9 Lite is primarily aimed at everyday, touring and trekking use. This is supported by the comfortable seating position, which can be adapted to your own needs using the adjustable stem, as well as the three frame shapes (men's and trapeze frames as well as low entry). The color of the Estremo Evo 9 Lite remains classic and is available either in glossy white like our test bike or in dark blue.

Pinion MGU: 9 gears and lots of power on the Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite

The affordable Estremo Evo is one of only a few Pinion e-bikes that comes with the 9-speed version of the integrated circuit. Compared to the 12-speed model, the range is slightly smaller (568% vs. 600%), but it is around 100 g lighter and probably a little cheaper. For an everyday bike like the Pegasus, we think the 9-speed gearbox is the better choice anyway, as the development is more than sufficient and the larger gear jumps reduce frequent gear changes.

The engine, on the other hand, is just as powerful and is stated by Pinion itself to have a comparable torque of 85 Nm. On paper, this would put it on the same level as Bosch CX, Shimano EP8(01) and co. However, our test bench measurements show that the Pinion engine is even a little ahead here - the Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite is not lacking in performance. The motor is powered by a 700 Wh battery integrated in the down tube. Since the energy consumption of the system is slightly higher than that of comparably powerful drives, you can expect ranges that are roughly on a par with a Bosch CX with a 625 Wh battery.

By the way: Even if the battery is “empty”, switching operations are still possible without any problems. Pedaling is also pleasantly easy when the drive is switched off, although the Pegasus Estremo Evo 25 Lite's weight of over 9 kg can of course be felt all the more clearly.

Classic chain instead of carbon straps

Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Pinion MGU compared to classic drive systems or circuits is its low maintenance. The southern German manufacturer promises virtually wear-free operation over the entire lifespan of the bike. Of course, the combination with a carbon belt instead of a chain is an option; Unfortunately, this has probably fallen victim to the low price on the Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite. Instead, the traditional manufacturer relies on a classic, but very wide chain. In terms of lifespan, this shouldn't be that far behind a carbon belt, but appropriate care is of course necessary.

Good features with a painful compromise

After the bike was initially announced for a price of 5.499 euros, it will probably start with a discount of 500 euros these days, at least that's what it says on the official website. For this you get a solid equipment package that is suitable for everyday use, although here and there the red pencil has definitely been noticeable. In addition to the aforementioned lack of a belt drive, this is particularly noticeable in the brakes. The built-in Shimano stoppers are reliable, but require significantly higher hand strength than you would expect from a high-quality e-bike in this price range today.

However, the air suspension fork from SR Suntour, the high-quality add-on parts such as mudguards, luggage rack and stem including handlebars offer little cause for criticism. The voluminous, slightly profiled tires from Schwalbe also suit the area of ​​use well and even allow smaller trips to forest and forestry paths.

If you like the Estremo but are bothered by the drive chain and braking, you should take a look at the Estremo Evo 500 Lite, which is 12 euros more expensive. Here you get a carbon belt, powerful XT brakes, a significantly brighter headlight with high beam and the 12-speed version of the integrated gearshift.

The Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite in practice

In practice, the Pegasus Estremo Evo 9 Lite is just as inconspicuous and serious as you would hope for from a bike like this. The sitting position is upright, and thanks to the comfortable, wide saddle and the ergonomic handles from Ergon, it remains comfortable even during longer rides. The suspension fork, which can be adjusted to the driver's weight, as well as the wide tires help on rough surfaces - even if a full-suspension E-SUV, for example, absorbs noticeably more impacts.

The drive knows how to please once again. In terms of power, the motor offers more than you would ever really need for a bike like this; even in difficult gear, the Pinion MGU bike and rider still pull powerfully up the mountain. However, when pedaling faster and in lighter gears, the Pinion MGU is one of the louder drives on the market - we would therefore recommend a test drive for sensitive people.

Great display, comprehensive control panel

The successful color display also contributes to the positive overall impression of the drive. It is very easy to read even in direct sunlight and provides all the necessary information. In conjunction with the free FIT E-Bike Control app, navigation instructions can also be displayed here. It is controlled via the control panel on the left side of the handlebar, which can also be used to change the gear engaged. A real gear lever is therefore unnecessary; This means your right hand can always remain firmly on the handlebars. The many buttons on the control panel take some getting used to at first, but after a few minutes the controls become second nature.

Switch comfortably

In any case, the shifting behavior is wonderfully intuitive: since you can easily change gear both under load and when stationary, you no longer have to worry about it. If you want, you can even activate the Start.select function, which automatically switches to a predetermined gear when you stop. For example, in the city's stop-and-go traffic, you always go straight into the correct, usual gear at the traffic lights.

The only real reason for criticism is the built-in Shimano MT200 brakes. Although these bikes always bring the bike and rider to a stop reliably, you have to pull the brake lever boldly, especially at higher speeds and/or on longer descents. In 2024, this should no longer be necessary on an e-bike for just under 5.000 euros – Pinion MGU or not.